Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis- Survival Rates

Hi Sanda-

I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. The Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching program was created for newly diagnosed mm patients who want to learn about both conventional and evidence-based non-conventional MM therapies including complimentary, integrative and alternative therapies.
Please see the link below to learn more about the MM CC program-

https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/better-than-a-miracle-myeloma-cure/

Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson

Hi Akhlaq-

Without studying all of your diagnostic info it is difficult for me to be 100%. However several things to consider:

A bone marrow biopsy (needle in your bone to sample bone marrow) indicating 4% plasma cells is NOT full MM. Your doctor is correct. Your diagnosis is pre-Myeloma and therefore you should “watch and wait.”

If you have bock pain consider two possibilities. First, possible bone involvement. Have you undergone any imaging studies? Secondly, consider kidney involvement- please look at your creatinine, BUN and GFR levels to look at your kidney function.

My thinking regarding your fatigue in the afternoons is that your hemoglobin levels being below normal, are the cause- less hemoglobin, less oxygen, more fatigue.

Consider evidence-based but non-toxic therapies to reduce your risk of a full blown MM diagnosis- nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle

Hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Jeanne-

Myeloma patients can and do reach remission. The average MM survival is 5-7 years. The challenge is always relapsing from your remission. I believe that newly diagnosed MM patients must pursue both conventional and evidence-based non-conventional MM therapies. I was diagnosed in early 1994 more than 25 years ago.

David Emerson

Hi Ravi-
I am sorry to read about your FIL. Yes, your FIL can certainly return to remission. His oncologist should be able to navigate around your FIL’s kidney issues. For instance, Velcade can help or not using a bisphosphonate as they can damage kidney function. To learn more about MM specialists in Spain, go to the International Myeloma Foundation website. I think they have a list of international MM specialists.

Good luck,

David

Hi Rob-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. The Princess Margaret hospital is an excellent MM center. Several things. Your stage and symptoms at diagnosis will dictate your prognosis and therapy plan. For example, if you have no symptoms and your MM is early stage, you can undergo little coventional therapies (if any) and probably achieve a deep remission.

Secondly, if your stage and symptoms are more advanced, you can include evidence-based integrative therapies such as curcumin, nutrition and lifestyle therapies which can enhance your chemo while reducing its toxicity.

Lastly you can consult with a MM specialist who has built a MM practice on low-dose MM therapies. Dr. Berenson is one of the “great eight” MM specialists. My guess is that your oncologist at PMH will work with Dr. Berenson.

Do you know what your stage was when you were diagnosed (m-epike aka monoclonal protein)? Other than your low hemoglobin, were you experiencing any bone pain or damage? Any kidney damage? I don’t mean to sound nosey. I’m trying to get a handle on your situation.

Let me know, thanks.

David Emerson

Hi Linda-

I’ve learned the hard way that you and your father are better off waiting until your MD and/or hem/onc. have all the diagnostic testing complete and make a thorough diagnosis. A full body x-ray and 24 hr. urine analysis in particular are useful tests in determining what may be going on inside your dad’s body.

The fact that you are thinking, learning and asking questions indicates that you and your dad are already ahead of the curve.

Let me know if you want to talk once your MD and hem. onc. have given their diagnosis.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Mike-

The answer to your question about “successful MM physicians” has several levels. The top level, the most successful MM specialists are called the great eight. The list below offers no oncs on the list near Jacksonville Fla.

The next level of “successful” is a MM specialist. According to research, a hem/onc. who specializes in MM has a better average 5 year survival rate than a regular hem/onc. According to this Mayo listing, this oncologist specializes in MM.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/ailawadhi-sikander-m-d/bio-20087330

While the Mayo Clinic is an excellent MM hospital, I have not heard of or read about this doctor. This doesn’t mean anything. I’m just saying…

The last thing I can offer is that I read many MMers referring to Moffit in Tampa.

THE GREAT EIGHT In alphabetical order, our SUPER myeloma specialists.

Dr. Barlogie – UAMS, Little Rock AR
Dr. Berenson – IMBCR – Los Angeles,CA
Dr. Hari – Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Dr. San Miguel – University Hospital, Salamanca, Spain
Dr. Orlowski – M.D Anderson, Houston, TX
Dr. Palumbo – University of Torino, Italy
Dr. Rajkumar – Mayo, Rochester, MN
Dr. Richardson – Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA

Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson

Let me know Roy. Thanks

Hi Robert-

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. is a top notch MM and associated blood disorders, institution. Re your question about MM, do you know any of your blood or urine diagnostic work? By this I mean your monoclonal protein aka “m-protein?” The term “IGG” MM indicates where your M-protein is but it is the value of the M-protein that is the important number. For example, a small m-protein means “pre-MM” called MGUS.

Let me know, thanks.

David Emerson

Hi Nazy-

I am sorry to read of your health challenges. You are correct. The first step in managing multiple myeloma is a specific diagnosis. Let me know if you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma and what stage of diagnosis.

Hang in there,

David Emerson