Hello Paul_F and welcome on board our forum!

I hope you will connect with others here who have been through the process of getting diagnosed with myeloma. I had a quick look for you using our forum search facility and thought you might want to have a look at this thread where others have shared their experiences dealing with myeloma. I have noticed you have already been in touch with [@Taff]‍ in another thread, who has been in remission for myeloma and is a great person for you to talk to about this!

We have some information on our website on myeloma here . It includes a section on getting diagnosed which may well answer some of the questions you are asking yourself about the diagnosis process and the different tests to diagnose myeloma which includes the bone marrow biopsy you mentioned. Should you have any questions on any of this, don't hesitate to ask our nurses on this free number if you live in the UK 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. You can also get in touch with them via the Ask the Nurses topic area.

Let us know what you find out when you get a chance.

Our best wishes to you and your mum in law during this difficult wait for tests and results,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi again Paul,

After a routine blood test, to investigate possible anaemia, my doctor phoned and told me he thought I had myeloma and had been put on the two week pathway.

Initially had an appointment for the last day of the two weeks but various calls managed to get me seen sooner. I saw a consultant haemotologist who specialised in myeloma who organised further blood tests, scans and a bone marrow biopsy.

As I undeerstand it, a 'normal' blood test/urine test will show excess proteins, possibly paraprotein, which is the nasty but the further tests, scans etc are to enable staging of the myeloma, what type it is, whether there's any bone lesions and various stuff.

The results of these tests will point to a treatment plan, which will have been discussed in a multi disciplinary meeting.

The induction treatment lasts for a number of 3 or 4 week cycles, usually about 6, sometimes with a week off between cycles, though not in my case. Some patients will be on a reduced chemo regime. As well as the chemo, there's other drugs that are given to try and counter side-effects and help prevent viruses and other stuff. Possibly blood thinning injections as well.

After chemo, there may be a need for radiotherapy to any plasmacytomas.

If my experience is anything to go by, there may be a period or periods when your MiL may become very ill but it won't necessarily be a permanent thing.

She will likely see her consultant on at least a monthly basis until she goes into remission, if indeed she manages to achieve that.

All the above is an outline based on my experience. Myeloma is a very individual disease. In fact some consider it to be a range of diseases.

As such, your MiL's experience may differ but I think it will probably be similar in nature.

Hope this helps

Taff

thanks for the info Taff...