So sorry about your situation, but don't give up hope yet! My dad (a living, breathing saint, if there ever was one) - has MM, Stage III. I am new to all this and he was diagnosed in October/November of 2007. It was ROUGH at first... he has several lytic lesions in his hip/pelvic area (this means tumors/holes in your bones, from the cancer) and he also got a severe compression fracture of the spine, which was killing him. He was in constant, excrutiating pain... and the doctors were surprised at first that nothing seemed to be relieving his pain. He started treatment in early november and although the first month or two were rough, he is SOOO much better now than he was... But it took some time and happened gradually.
His treatment is Velcade [at the doctor's office] and about 3 weeks into it, the doctor said his cancer was responding to it 'beautifully'. His IGA numbers shot down drastically (which is good). The other part of his treatment, he also takes steriod pills (Decadron) just for 4 days, every other week, along with some other medicines/pain pills, etc. Remember, everyone is different but so far, the Velcade treatments are really not that hard on him, considering. Worst thing that has occured from it so far it occasional diarreah. He used to get the Velcade twice a week (which is standard) but now just gets it once a week b/c i thought two times was a little too much for him. Now, 4 months into this, he is no longer using the walker, and uses a cane - walking much better/faster. His spine fracture has healed [gradually] - and that was huge factor for his pain relief. In November/December, he could not even sleep in a bed.
Today, 4 months into treatment, his blood/cancer levels remain excellent and the Velcade is still working. And believe me, upon diagnosis, from seeing his pain & then hearing 'Stage III' - i really thought he was near the end but he's not! So try to keep positive (i know its hard). I know this isn't going to work forever, but it's working for now, better than i ever thought or dared to hope it might -- so be strong and have faith. And learn everything you can about this cancer, the internet can be so helpful. Good luck -- and i'm sure your mom will be fine for years to come.