It sounds as if he may have multiple myeloma. If he has, it's what I've got, although I'm in remission at this time. A very indidual cancer, it's incurable but very treatable. It all depends how your dad responds to his treatment. I was fortunate that my kidneys were not affected. But they can get better.

Some people have been in remission for over 20 years, others last only months.

If it turns out your dad does have myeloma, please feel free to ask any questions you like.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Recieving a diagnosis of cancer is always quite a shock to the system. My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer last june, coming up to one year now. At first, I couldn't get through one day without crying and I had this unimaginable weight in the pit of my stomach upon waking up. With time, it has gotten easier to manage, but there are still times where the grief and anger hit me. I also have those fears and thoughts about my dad not being able to come to my wedding and meeting my kids. My sister and I are in our mid 20's and the thought of him not being there is completely heartbreaking. I don't know a whole lot about the cancer that your dad has, but please keep us updated in how he is doing. Feel free to chat anytime!! Sending my thoughts your way.

Hi, 

My dad has recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He has come oit of hospital and is having chemo for 6 months then looking to have a bone marrow transplant/stem cell transplant. i have asked his wife if he has been given a 'stage' but she said no. i dont know how advanced it is. i know his vertabrea has fractured, just one i think. I just dont know what to think. he was so poorly but no1 knew what it was. he was o ly diagnosed when his blood became too thick to take a blood test. he has been in hosp numerous times but they treated the symptoms i.e. bleeding behind the eyes, anemia etc. My dad remains positive but im not sure what to think. 

Were u at a similar stage?

Hi KG,

Firstly, stage in multiple myeloma is not used in the same way as in other cancers and depends on blood levels and the amount of damage to bones and organs. On diagnosis in October 2016, I was stage 2/3.

I did have a bit of a kidney issue but that was sorted with lots of fluids and they were back to normal function.

I had some bone damage all over but the significant bits were - lesions in both femurs - one was about to fracture and I had a prophylactic nail put in it. I had a fractured sternum, damage to a rib, wedging fractures to a couple of vertebrae and a fist-sized plasmacytoma in my left pelvis.

My Hgb leve was 82 when the reference range is 140 - 160 (ish).

I was very weak and very ill, barely able to move. Didn't even have the strength to wash my face.

I did 4 months of chemo - cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone (CTD) and achieved a complete response, one of about 13% who do so after initial therapy. I then had 10 days of radiation to my pelvis.

I've been in remission now for almost 2 years. My last bloods had changed, such that an M spike was detectable but not measurable. At this stage it doesn't necessarily mean I'm relapsing and I won't know how things stand until I'm tested again in Feb 2019.

About 18 months ago I developed sepsis and had to have my sigmoid colon removed and have a colostomy. I've recently undergone a fourth redoing of it, as I got a stricture. It's still not functioning properly but it's only been 2 weeks.

Unlike many others, although I'm in remission, I remain frail and ill. I haven't 'felt good' in over 2 years, not even for a few minutes. I also have neuropathy in my legs and feet and need to take morphine regularly.

But I ent ded, which is nice and I can see me going on for a few years yet.

One of my ongoing issues is a cognitive impairment that means I have virtually no access to memory. I literally live in the moment and I'm not able to care or worry about having cancer or being ill. It's just the way my life is. Contentment comes easy.

I view an American site quite often - myelomabeacon - it's full of people who cycle hundreds of kms, runners and pthers doing all sorts. Having a full life, in other words.

If you can find it within yourself to just concentrate on the moment, things will be a lot easier. The next moment will be along soon enough, so pointless being concerned about it until it gets here. Harder said than done, I know, but worth it if you can.

I always suggest being as open and honest as you can, sharing your feelings with your dad, even when you're sad or scared.

But don't forget to be happy as well, whenevr you can be, Grab every chance for enjoyment/pleasure, whenever the opportunity arises.

Don't forget to live.

Please feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer to the best of my ability.

Best Regards

Taff

Hi.

I often pop on here to have a read and sorry to hear your story.

My dad has the exact thing.

What you need to do is try and get your dad on Darzalex.

You can read about it on www.darzalex.com

My dad had a reading of 30 and went on Darzalez for 1 day a week for 7hrs in the 1st cycle it went down to a reading of 10.

The 2nd cycle went down to 4 and then 2 that was once every 2 weeks.

Now he's on it one a month and his reading is 0.01.

So yes this stuff does work and i hope that i may help some of you.

Take it easy and merry christmas.

Kind regards.