Hi Mary,
I just signed onto this site looking for information and saw your message. I am 51 and was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in Oct 2001 and because mine is a resistant Myeloma I was given only 6 months without the stem cell transplant. After 12 months of 96 hours of continuous chemo which none worked I was unable to have the transplant. The treatments almost killed me twice. I also have Multiple Sclerosis, which didn't help. As a last resort my doctor tried Thalomid (thalidomide), which had almost an immediate effect. Most patients on Thalomid are taking 300-400 mgs per day but due to my Multiple Sclerosis I requested a lower dose (I am an RN also). My doctor agreed to let me try the lower dose (50mg every other day) and it has worked for the past 8 months. However my counts started to rise again and we increased my dose to 50mg every day.
I have gone back to work but not as a floor nurse and just part time out of choice, I detest not working. I have a 21-year-old son and when I was given 6 months I almost lost it. I was preparing for the end. I gave many things away, sold my car and wanted to make sure no one had much to take care of. Do I regret some of the things I did? The things I gave away…no problem but the papers I shredded I could kick my self in the behind. I shredded many things that pertained to my job and when I go to look for them they are gone. I hope this can give you some comfort to know that even if the current treatment doesn't work out Thalomid really works. However it is costly. My monthly cost for the Thalomid is $450.00 and if you don't get your medicine paid for by your insurance can be difficult. But the manufacturer has a plan that can help.
Best to you and yours,
Darlene