Cancer Survivors Network

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma with amyloidosis in 2002. I had a stem cell transplant on 08/07 with was only 40% successful. The amyloidosis has affect vital organ, my kidney (now I am a dialysis patient), it is in my liver but my liver it working okay at this time. I have had fluid drained from around my heart and lungs due to amyloidosis. Is there anyone who has the same diagnosis? I have not talk to anyone with my diagnosis.

The medicine I was given is not affective. Now I am going to Boston University Medical Center, Amyloid Treatment and Research Center, Boston, MA on March 22 for a second opinion.

Does a person have a very good chance if they go into remmission and don't have a SCT? I was just wonder because I may not have one. I hope to get into remission. Has any one done this? I really like to hear from someone. Thanks

My mother was diagnosed with MM 10 years ago. She underwent chemo, intravenous and oral. She last year( April 09) went through a stem cell transplant and as of this December her counts were on the rise. She is about to endure Velcade!
I am wondering, has anyone prepared their body for chemo??? And please share what you have done! My mother has done a series of colonics, lymph drainage therapy, taken wholefood supplements- we cant possibly survive on burger king and micro-waved foods!), used therapeutic grade essential oils, CUT OUT SUGAR- cancer's good friend. She is alive and prepping her body by cleansing her colon , intestines and liver. We all know a brand new car purrs like a kitten, so does our bodies. She uses Essential Oils of high quality- not the aromatherapy you purchase in stores, please understand there is a difference.

HI my name is karen i was dx nov 08 stage 1a no bone problem i am a light chain I live in South carolina..i started meds feb 09 velcade & rev & dex. did that till june 08 then they did a repeat pet/ct scan they found lung cancer small cell large cell it was only 1/4cm i had my left upper lube taken out it had not gone anywhere so i was told i am free and clear of that. if you have to get lung cancer this one is to have, Ok..
so back on chemo after 6 weeks i was off chemo for 3 months my number stay the same and some drop...i go to Duke getting ready for a stem cell transplant. i saw the dr in Nov 09 she had me stop REV. cause it can make it hard to collect stem cell. so she changed my chemo to doixl and dex i just finish my 4 round and i have doxil rash under both of my arms....and my feet get red if i do too much walking..so i will see what they will do this coming tuesday when i start back, i get velcade & dex then friday velcade dex doxil.

Dr. Tan, who was on call for my mom's regular GP, Dr. Whitaker, called our home on 16th of January. He provided information that her bloodwork from 15 January indicated a concern on his part that her platelet count was 25. On 4 January her count was 71. This caused concern for Dr. Tan and he said we should relay this information to oncologist's wire service for consideration on my mother's Tuesday’s next chemo that is scheduled. He also mentioned that the other numbers were Hemoglobin 9.1 and Hematocrit 25.8. I can't tell how bad 25 is or what this means. Anyone help?

My mother was recently diagnosed with MM at age 72. She has had 8 out of 10 radiation treatments, and will begin chemotherapy in two - three weeks.

On December 15th she began radiation therapy on three areas of her back to shrink tumors. On December 16th she had a bone marrow biopsy. When she went in for the biopsy, she was told her potassium was too low to do the procedure, and they gave her two bags of potassium intravenously, which was very painful, and then performed the biopsy.

Ever since this day, the 16th, she has had severe leg pain, which is increasing in intensity. She can not sleep. Originally it was thought it was due to low potassium. She was given a prescription for potassium, but the pain continues to worsen.

Is there anyone that has had re-occurring plasmacytoma in a different location. This is my second bout. First was in my back (2002)and now I start treatment in my hip. My doctor says it is very unique specimen to have another singular tumor in a different location. The hope is way eliminating the tumor will also eliminate the neuropathy that has developed over the last several months in my legs, arms and back.

I have many questions but I know that they can not be answered by the medical field but may somone out there knows or has had re-ocurring plasmacytoma.

Hi im Rory from the philippines, I was diagnosed with a Solitary Plasmacytoma tumor in my right maxillary region 2 years ago and I underwent surgery and radiotherapy, lately I was diagnosed with a recurrence. The spot where it recurred was from one of my salivary gland and lymph node on my left submandibular region, I just want to know if anyone shares the same story as i had, this will definitely help me a lot to know that there are others just like me.

My mother had breast cancer 7 years ago and that was very hard to go through. Then 2 years ago they found out that she has multiple myeloma, she was in stage 4. Her body at that time was doing good with the medication then her body rejected it. Luckyly her counts where up and she could have the stem cell transplant. In Feb she did the stem cell transplant an barely made it also the chemo messed up her brain, she has no short term memory anymore. Going through this was very hard for us. Then things were looking up and her counts where going up and everything was looking good for her. After 7 months of the stem cell transplant,it came back. Now she has decided not to do anymore treatment, which is hard for my dad and I but we support her choice. Now they say she has about 4-10 months to live,but she is declining quickly. My mother is only 58 which is too young to die. My mother and my father are celebrating their 38 years of marrage on Nov 21st. This is hard for me to deal with. My mother is my best friend and my mother. We have been through 2 cancers together and I will be there till the end. This is so hard, I feel mad,sad,crying,yelling, and ask God why my mom. I hope this group can help me through this.

I have been diagnosed and treated for skin and prostate cancer and am undergoing tests for multiple myeloma. I served 3 tours in SE Asia (aka, Vietnam) and wonder if anyone out there has experienced the same illnesses (as they are called). I am 66 years old and getting a little tired of having to fight the VA for recognition. And I am really worried about our folks that have served in Iraq near those burn pits! What is in store for them?