Am I Being Too Optimistic?

My dad was diagnosed with multiple meyloma in April. He is at the University of Arkansas Medical Center, which is supposed to be one of the best mm clinics in the world. He has had one round of chemo and is on thalidomide, among other things. He met with his doctor yesterday and said that one of his cancer markers was down 90%, and the others were down significantly. He will have 2 stem cell transplants this fall with his own cells. Am I naive that he will be in remission following the transplants? I know there is no guarantee, but I'm wondering how this sounds to others. He was in great physical shape prior to the onset of symptoms and has only had 1 lesion (on his hip bone).

Alls I can say is that you have to remain optomistic. I was throughout my mother's battle with multiple myeloma. Unfortunately it wasn't enough, my mother never made it to her second transplant as scheduled. She passed away in April of this year. However, her passing was due to complications of cancer, she had contracted pnuemonia and she was receiving radiation and chemo and transfusions so her body was too weak to fight anymore. But my mom was the pesimist (spelling). She was being treated at the Mayo clinic which specializes in this type of cancer and her doctors never once told her it was fatal. They kept telling her that with all of the technology and advances in medicine now days that a patient could be in remission for a long, long time. I bought it. So I kept pushing her and that's what you have to do for your dad. Regardless if he was in good physical shape before, he's gonna get a whole lot sicker before he ever gets better and he's gonna need all the help he can get. And being an optimist is only gonna help him. Don't dwell on the fact that he may die someday... we all die someday. But you don't think about it each and every day. So you have to remain strong and supportive because there will be days when your dad thinks that he can't do it, that it's too tough, but you'll be there telling him that he is gonna make it and that he will get through this. You have to believe, you just have to. I did and I am happy that I did. I was just devestated that my mom died cuz I wasn't expecting it. I never thought that she was going to die to be honest. And that is why I kept going like it was never going to be the end. Of course everyone is different like you said, all outcomes are different and prognosis are different. But for your dad's sake believe that he is different and that he is going to beat it. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best.

My husband was diagnose two years ago with MM stage 3B It damaged his kidneys so we are on dialzysis and he has leasions in his spine,ribs,pelvis, legs. We went through the stem cells using his own. You have to be strong. I am telling you that if it wasn't for our 15 year old son and myself my husband wouldn't be here today. Also the good Lord wasn't ready for him. You need to keep a log of everyday events because your father won't remember anything about what all happened. My husband was deathly sick. You are lucky your father gets to have two transplants. We are on medicare and they will only pay for one. We don't have any other insurance except a supplement. and we can't afford to pay for one. But right now my husband is in remission. We took the velcade chemo and that helped him also. The main thing is keep God with you. You are not in this alone he is there with you. I know sometimes it doesn't seem like it but he is. I wish you and your father luck Brenda

Optimism is sometimes the only thing you have when you are waiting for test results, doctors, and procedures. My brother has MM, his back is broken in several places. He has never had any treatments. We are waiting to hear what can be done for him. It has been a long struggle so far and it is just getting started. Remember that each person is an individual. Each responds differently to treatments. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Be optimistic, say prayers, trust your faith, and confide in others about your fears. You are human. Take care of yourself so you can be strong for your dad. I wish you both success with this terrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

That is a hard thing to answer.
I am 66 years old now.
My family doctor was concerned about my high sed rate and thought I had arthritis. After seeing a rheumotologist, he sent me to the cancer center.
I had some fractures and spinal stenosis surgeries shortly before I was diagnosed with MM.
My oncologist upon my first visit said he was pretty sure I had MM. The next visit he said he was 99% sure but would have to perform a bone marrow biopsy to make sure. On December 26,2003 I got my diagnosis of MM. He told me that without treatment I had 1 year to live and with treatment 3 years.
I was originally supposed to have a regular bone marrow transplant but because I had very severe bad reactions to my chemo (Vincristine and Doxil did nothing to bring down my protein levels for the transplant) Velcade brought them down very quickly. I had what they call a mini bone marrow transplant that consisted of 3 days of high chemo followed by full body radiation. They took stem cells from my brother and gave them to me via IV. Since the first rounds of chemo, I've had very severe nerve damange in my hands and feet. The palms of my hands actually turned white and blistered. I have constant pain in my feet and hands. Standing on my feet gives a slight relief but only increases the pain in my back.
I had my transplant on October 16, 2004. So far they won't say that I'm in remission. I am waiting for that day, but sometimes itt seems like such a hopless situation.
In hindsight, I'm not sure I would have gone through the transplant since my quality of life isn't so good. There is so much I can no longer do and I get very depressed with too many hours of being alone during the day. I was used to being a very active person who enjoyed walking, doing crafts and going to craft shows and selling my items. I can no longer to all that which is depressing.
I would appreciate hearing from others who have gone through this.

Hi,


Hi, Your expectations are real good. I had two stem cell tramsplansts at UAMS and have been in 100 % remisssion ( 0%) plasma cells in biopsy) for two years. UAMS is the very best in the world and outcomes are usually much better than what you hear on these boards. Sorry bout any type o's I have pretty bad tremeors still. Good Luck

My wife was diagnosed with MM in early November 2006. She had undergone a kyphoplasty to correct a stress fracture of her t-4 vert, which revealed a tumor and finally the diagnosis. She's 67 and in relatively good health; she gets around on her own...driving, walking, etc.

Her plasma count was 1 point above what was required for the diagnosis. Her Oncologist has her taking Zometa on a monthly basis with the corresponding blood tests. She has completed radiation treatments for the tumor and will see the Oncologist again on February 20 to determine where to go next.

I'm I also being too optimistic at this point? Based on this message thread, it looks like there should be a more aggressive treatment. Also think maybe a second opinion would be in order too.

What do you think? Can anyone offer any advice? You know it will be greatly appreciated.

John