I'm new here. My mom is 78 and was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma after having an abnormal result from an urinalysis (protein in urine). Last month her dr. started her on a course of Thalidomide and a steroid, telling her that the cancer is not curable, but the symptoms (pain, bone weakness, kidney failure) are treatable. She also has a blood condition, von Willenbrand's Disease. Because of her age and the stage of her cancer, her dr. feels that other chemo drugs or any kind of transplant are not options. She had pneumonia right before Christmas, but is okay now. While she was in the hospital her doctor started her on a 72 hr. morphine patch for pain w/breakthrough meds as well. Her pain level is down considerably and she says she feels better than she's felt over the past year (she had significant bone pain in her shoulder and back before being diagnosed with MM). So far she's responding well to the current treatment.
Does anyone here have any experience, knowledge, or input about this diagnosis? Any suggestions for ways to help and support her through the treatment as well as the cancer? I've already read through some of the messages and have taken some notes so I can pass the info on to her. Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks so much,
JJ