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Luz42
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • February 1
Back Pain, and lack of exercise
Hello all, I've been SMM for more than 5 years. I am beginning to have reoccurring back pain. I have upcoming appointments for Bone marrow and MRI. That said, I recently threw my back out and can barely move, walk, lay, or sit (don't know how I'm going to do these tests). I walk slowly around my home and am losing all muscle in my legs, arms, abdomen. Any recommendations for any exercise that doesn't cause added pain?
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Natalya
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 31
Complementary Medicine for pain management and digestion
Hello, I am writing on behalf of my mom who just recieved her diagnosis in early January. Her Myeloma is very progressed, and she is entering into cancer treatment under weight and in a lot of pain. Would any of you be willing to share what your pain protocol is and how you have kept up your appetite?
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JFG1216
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 30
Failed biopsy -- what next?
Hello, I was newly diagnosed with lambda lightchain in June 2025. I had had the disease for some time apparently, was in kidney failure, and had many lesions and vertebral issues. I have responded very well to DRVd, with serum tests showing normal light chain numbers. At six months they did a biopsy but did not get enough material to get an accurate read on MRD. The doc's don't seem to want to do another biopsy because of the serum numbers. Does that make sense? They are continuing with quadruplet therapy for now, beginning cycle 7. They gave me a full two months with no treatment due to stem cell harvesting, shortly after the failed biopsy and other tests required for that. Thoughts??? I don't know why we wouldn't do another MRD biopsy.
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ChioOsuna
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Discussion • January 29
Join us in our next AML Webinar Event!
Menin inhibitors are a newly approved class of treatments for certain types of AML. 🧬 Join us for an AML patient webinar with Dr. Eunice Wang as she explains what menin inhibitors are, reviews recent approvals, and breaks down key differences between available options—so you can better understand where they may fit into your AML care. 🗓 February 5 ⏰ 2:00–3:00 PM EST 👉 Register to attend and learn more about this emerging treatment option. https://healthtree.org/aml/community/events/feb26-aml-menin-inhibitors?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=connect&utm_campaign=SMorganic&utm_content=general
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Couldbeworse
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 29
Beginning soon
Just looking to see how you handled the harvesting and the transplant. Anything you would do differently? Any suggestions ? I start harvesting next week followed by the transplant.
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parit09
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 28
carfilzomib
I’m wondering if anyone in this group has experience with carfilzomib, im currently using this med as part of a bridging treatment. Just wondering, Cheers
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ChioOsuna
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 28
EVENT ON FEBRUARY 03: Bi-Monthly Blood Cancer Financial Q&A!
Join us for our bi-monthly financial Q&A featuring, our amazing in-house financial expert, Diahanna Vallentine! This engaging session is your opportunity to get answers to your pressing questions about blood cancer treatment costs, insurance coverage, and financial resources available to you. Whether you have specific concerns or just want to learn more about managing your finances during treatment, Diahanna is here to provide valuable insights and guidance. Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with the information you need to navigate the financial aspects of your care! Register now: https://healthtree.org/blood-cancer/community/events/feb26-blood-cancer-financial-questions?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=connect&utm_campaign=SMorganic&utm_content=general
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SpouseOfPatient
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 28
Introduction
Hi - 'finally reaching out on this message board as a 58-yr-old wife of 63-yr-old husband diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma in Aug. 2024. He has multiple comorbidities & insists on only very locals dr's. We've been testing & consulting with 2 different dr's with whom we've not been thrilled. New dr consults scheduled for Feb. following next wk scan we requested to clarify inconclusive findings on other recent scan types. 1 dr who is soon leaving has recommended darzlex faspro even before we requested scan. We're holding off until we have test results & subsequent consultations. I work full time, trying to hold off retirement until my target of reaching 60, but often feel I'm spread too thin to be the best me for this journey.
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arangold
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 28
Daratumumab Maintenance
Hi I am in New Zealand where Daratumumab is not funded. I have paid for my induction and for monthly maintenance for 4 months. However, this is now becoming very expensive at over $10,000 per month and I wondered if any research has been done on having Dara every two months instead of monthly and if this could be worth considering? I had reactions to both Lenalidomide and Bortezomib and the Dara has taken my paraproteins down to 4.
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apricotHare
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 28
Zometta
I was on Zometta monthly following my stem cell transplant in 2011. That lasted for about 5 years at which time I was told that Zometta was not supposed to be used for long periods of time. Then in 2024 after a visit to Dana Farber institute I was told that it was ok to use Zometta again and I was started on it every three months.
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Lizliz
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
end stage kidney failure due to multiple myeloma
Good afternoon, my husband was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure and multiple myeloma on 8/2024. His kidneys failed due to cancer and is now on PD dyalisis. Anyone with similar outcome? Do kidneys get better?
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Geoffrey
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
Death and Dying
I'm on MM medication, too old for a transplant, and running out of options. I'm old and lived a great life. I'm having difficulty with death and dying issues. Ketamine is the only psychedelic-like medication available in my state. Are there any of you who have used psychedelics, and what is your experience?
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Quiltbug
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
Beginning DVR-D: What to Expect?
I was diagnosed in October, 2025 with Kappa light chain after my PCP found elevated protein in my blood during my yearly checkup. I never had any pain or symptoms although 3 bone lesions were discovered during a PET scan. I started DVR-D treatment on December 2, 2025. I feel great! I’m 74 and qualify for SCT because of overall excellent health. My oncologist thinks I should do it, but I told her I wasn’t sure I want to. I’m going to U of Michigan tomorrow to find out about the process. Any opinions? I have heard that some people have opted not to do it. Any regrets? Did you relapse without the SCT. and how long after induction was complete did you relapse. This is such a big decision.
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DIahanna • Admin
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
Tax Refunds
Make sure you have set up an account to have your refund sent to. Mailed checks are now a thing of the past.
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DIahanna • Admin
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
2025TY
Make sure your out of pocket receipts for filing with your taxes. You cannot include bills that were paid for with grants and you do not have to report the grants you received. Don;t forget to look at new tax itemization items and benefits.
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DIahanna • Admin
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
Financial Help
If you have financial questions or concerns please register for the Financial Connect group. This way the financial coaches can see and respond in a timely manner, and you may also find other responses or information that may be of use to you. Thanks Diahanna Vallentine, BCPA, Financial Advocacy Program Manager
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pconners
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
Unrelenting rib pain-my solution
I created a post about 6 months ago about an unrelenting rib pain from rib fractures that I was having after being diagnosed with MM in 2019 and it continued after my stem cell transplant and subsequent required treatments after coming out of remission. Well, I finally met with the neurologist who sent me to the interventional pain doctor in October 2025. She recommended an intercostal nerve block be performed. Steroids are injected into the space between the ribs where the nerve exists the spinal column. I was injected at three different intercostal rib spaces. This has been a life changer for me. I am no longer on daily pain meds and I feel better than ever. If needed, I can get the injections every 6 months. For those of you that have had similar rib pain, and I know there are because you responded to my earlier post, I hope that this may give you an option for relief also.
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CourtenayT
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 27
Spouse shifting to Medicare - what happens to me, the MM patient?
Hello all, My husband turns 65 this year and will shift to Medicare. He is the main policy holder for myself and our young-adult son. We are trying to find out how this will affect my coverage, since I have extremely high medical costs that our Regence Blue Cross insurance has always generously covered. I understand I will need to get a new policy, but I am extremely worried about what that policy might be and what it might cost. Has anyone else been through this and what advice do you have? Also, Regence is playing hard-ball with the hospital system that is my main provider - their contract has expired and they are telling me I may have to move doctors if they don't reach a new contract by year's end. I have been with Regence for years, but do not want to move hospital systems because it would mean losing the doctors I have worked with for years, who have kept me alive, and who are the best in the state. It's possible they will reach a contract, but should I even get a new policy with Regence or find another insurer who also contracts with my hospital? How risky is that, given my high medical expenses? What are my options? Thank you so much.