My Cancer Diagnosis Came Out of Nowhere! - Tim | Multiple Myeloma | The Patient Story

My neighbor in his 80's has survived almost 20 years with multiple myeloma! I hope that this patient also has a long survivorship.

Regarding mortality I often think of healthy young men in their late teens and a bit older who lost their lives in military conflicts so making it to 60 and older is a gift. I have tried to simplify my life and relax as much as possible. Finding pleasure with a reasonable trip and gardening around home. I don't socialize like I used to and having people over for dinner became cumbersome, expensive and monotonous. Don't do as many eat outs either. Restaurants have become outlandishly expensive and quality control in the kitchen is sketchy. Waking up and looking out at the beautiful trees around my house and watching people jog by are precious to me. I enjoy little things now. Feeling up to cutting my lawn, smelling the fresh grass, working up a touch of a sweat. These are the things I love. Talking with my son about his work and ambitions and helping my wife cook a nice dinner are so special to me.

I was diagnosed with multiple myloma, in 2005 i m still here, you will be fine.

How blessed you were to have had that gallbladder attack…it saved your life.

I can fully relate to your story. Two years ago I was 54 years old, in excellent health and had never spent a night in a hospital except the day I was born. Then Multiple Myeloma broke my T-9 vertebra, I had never felt so much pain ever. Once they ran tests I was diagnosed, with a cancer I had never heard of. The nurse came to me with tears welling up in her eyes, so I knew it was bad but had no clue what Multiple Myeloma was until later. I had to do radiation to shrink the cancer that broke my T-9 vertebra from the inside out, the bone pieces were pressing into my spinal cord. After going through that and ringing the bell, we did the stem cell transplant at UCSD in La Jolla, CA. They took a second set of stem cells during aphresis so I'd have them at the University for whenever I needed a second transplant. They said around five years after the first transplant. I have done all of the same treatments you have, Revlemid, Dex, Velcade etc etc. Unfortunately my numbers shot up just four months after the transplant, so basically the transplant failed. We're two years in now and still doing treatments, back to "stable" but know the numbers will climb again eventually. All we can do is FIGHT IT💪

I've been disabled since 2015 with two autoimmune diseases and other diagnosis. It changes you. You learn to give up or change your food choices, push yourself to move, and to deal with it all in the most positive way possible. Up and down. I've thought many times, "wow, I'm not very good at that." I couldn't have done it without God. Just being honest. I've gotten much closer to Him. I'm 66 and who knows? I'm going to become a grandma for the first time in November. That's pretty wild. LOL. Blessings to you and yours.

Multiple Myeloma is a beast. I'm so sorry you're having to experience it. We weren't so lucky.

I've been fighting Multiple Myeloma for over 12 years, I'm getting ready to have a Car-T cell transplant. God bless you, this is a tough cancer!

My dad got diagnosed with MM in June of '23, he's had 7 rounds of revlimid & chemo shots & was deemed in deep remission by March of '24 then in April of '24 he had his stem cell transplant & is now at home resting & recuperating & regenerating his new stem cells. So far he's only had diarrhea & constipation & is always sleepy. Anyway positive vibes sent to this gentleman & his family!

You're a handsome dude. This stem cell transplant stuff is a great thing and I wouldn't be surprised if you live a long and healthy life because of it. Be well Tim.

My brother was also diagnosed the summer of 2022 with MM. He got the diagnosis while in the hospital on his 65th birthday. He was experiencing horrible back pain…and that’s when it started. He’s also doing well. Prayers for you both.

Kind of a blessing that your gallbladder shot craps. If that had not happened they may not have caught your cancer in time to save your life. God is so good!

My oldest brother had MM, and I was diagnosed with light chain high risk MGUS in 2022. I wish medical personnel would STOP putting an expiration date on people's lives like we're a hunk of sharp Cheddar! They told my brother 3-5 years back in 2001, he lived till 2013 but died from an abdominal aneurysm. With all the research and new treatments for MM, things have changed over the years! Thank you for sharing your inspiring and informative story! I pray you have a very long life in remission! 🕊🙏❤🕯

My friend has MM and diagnosed 7 years ago. Had stem cell transplant and dping very well and remains cancer free. Treatment has come a long way. Prayers for you. ❤🙏🙏🙏

It's quite surprising how often both chronic and acute back pain proceed a cancer diagnosis. BEST WISHES.

My brother died in 1990 at 54 with MM. He was 6’6” and 350 lbs and claustrophobic so they couldn’t do MRI. He bent over to get a drink from a water fountain and could not straighten up. By this time, it was stage 4 and not much they could do. He live only a couple of months. Dr said his back pain was an indication and no one would sedate him for MRI. Very sad loss. So glad yours was found early and pray you live a long and happy life.

My wife has MM. i feel for you and i understand what you’re going through. The hope is that they come out with long term treatments in time. In time to save my wife, you and so many others. Hang in there Sir and don’t give up.

I think most people see other people's diagnosis and think it can't happen to them .... until it does. Just a reminder to never take each day for granted and don't stress about the small stuff (just about everything is small stuff in the big picture!)

Yes, I was also at a teaching hospital. I was diagnosed with MM Nov 2023. One of the residents said I had five years. Then the supervisor doctor said decades. I fell apart in front of all of them.

Two years since being diagnosed with MM. Had all of the treatments, 2 high doses of chemo and 2 SCT. Doing ok, feel quite good. On maintenance Lenalidomide now. God bless all who are suffereing, my honest love too xxx