I was diagnosed in October 2020 with MGUS…then SMM month later. My symptom was a feeling of neuropathy in my feet. The neurologist determined that I didn’t have neuropathy. My BMB revealed 20%. I am considered intermediate risk with no genetic markers. I am anemic. I have a local hematologist that I see every 2 months, bloodwork every 2 months, specialist that I see every 4-6 months. I have had 2 PET scans (yearly intervals). Will have MRI instead of PET along with bone density test in April. I feel fine and am a active marathon runner. I take B Complex, Curcumin, pre and probiotics, multivitamin. My only prescription is a statin. I eat a balanced diet. My numbers rose rapidly at first but have stabilized the last 8 months. I am 70, my wife paseed January 3, 2021 after loosing her battle with Alzheimers.

My little Mystee. A great cuddler, comforter and entertainer! ❤️

I’m about a month into my diagnosis. The good is that I have my care team and I love them already. I just had my first injection treatment this week, so we’re moving right along. Trying to do all of right things (show gratitude every day, perform a mitzvah (or good deed every day), prioritize the outdoors, drink 100 ounces of water a day, wash out my mouth to clean it every time I eat, and the list goes on. So many new habits to instill. Mornings are hardest because I wake up every day remembering that I have cancer. That’s when I cry the most. I spend an hour or two trying to ramp up to positivity and then I try to get busy. I feel this urge do early spring cleaning and to organize everything that can be organized. Trying to control what I can control I guess but mostly because if something sudden happens it’s not hard to find what they need and because I want to catalog memories for my girls—the first thing I did was create a family cookbook. I’m also realizing that I need different types of people. Those that remind me that I’m a badass, those who let me cry, those who will just listen and those who give me space to be alone when I need to. But I also need a group like this which is why I joined connect both to share own experience in the event it could help someone else but also because I need people that get it. That’s what is going on today. Nice to meet all of you. Kristen

I am curious. Myeloma goes undetected so often. It tends to be when someone breaks a bone or has kidney failure that doctors start suspecting myeloma. Would a specifically myeloma oriented blood test be able to detect myeloma and should such a blood test be routinely administered to all patients 65 and older?

I was originally diagnosed in mid-2022 in the smoldering state. I have recently had a trend of being anemic and with a decreasing filtration rate <42. My physician has said that I am entering an active treatment stage - somewhat related to my "young" age (51). I am bit nervous about the thought of 4 months of drug therapies leading to a bone marrow transplant. Anyone been on this path? Any guidance to share?

About a year after diagnosis my husband and I got this cute little pup. She is a 5 year old Maltese named Hope, she quickly became a huge part of our family, and helped me through some of my toughest days. Post a picture of your furry friend, and feel free to share their name/age. How have they helped you in your myeloma journey? Let's flood this feed with our furry friends!

My husband is 71 and was diagnosed 5 months ago. He's doing well on dara, velcade, dexa and revlimid and now only every other week. Our hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Vogl at U of Penn, recommended a SCT. We're nervous about dying in the hospital from infection etc. He had a cardiac stent placed in 2015 so will need some anticoagulant added to the process. Considering that Dr. Vogl knows all this and recommends the SCT, we're inclined to go forward. Anyone have any wisdom on attitude, confidence, health tips?

Good evening to all. I was diagnosed in December 2019 with SMM. I remember being really angry and anxious at first and then Covid set in. I decided I was going to fight like hell to beat this beast. I switched to a total plant based, organic diet and exercise and meditate at least 6 days a week. Things are going so well that my doctor now only wants to talk to me once every six months. (and that's cause I insisted instead of once a year). Feeling strong and determined!!

I was dx with MGUS in 2018 with cytogenic factors like t(4:14), 1q and del 13 as well as 5-10% plasma cells. So far so good as I am staying abnormally stable with my labs. LOL! I have always been active but was in a slump with it so recently decided to up my game and exercise 5 days/wk in some form or fashion. Look forward to learning what others are doing to keep from progressing.

Hi all, and welcome to this group! Feel free to comment below and introduce yourself. My name is Audrey and I was the primary caregiver to my abuela (grandma). It's not an easy task!

How I felt before getting my catheter.

I see we don’t have many team members yet, but as you join, if you’ve had any experience with Revlimid rash / itch on your maintenance therapy I would like to hear about it. I was at 10mg. but had to drop to 5mg due to rash / itch. I’m starting week 3 on 5mg and the rash/ itch is coming back. Ughhh.

How did you get to know HealthTree? What program is your favorite and why?

I hope you are all having a great start to your weekend! Any fun plans? Feel free to share a picture! This morning we are taking it easy, and the boys are playing with LEGOs. I want to go for a run, but it's so cold!!!

I am intermediate SMM and using diet and a few good supplements in hopes of holding back the beast. Using Curcumin and Liposomal Vitamin C along with a mostly (80%) veggie diet, with nuts, fruit and yogurt.

WELCOME to Connect!! To get the conversation going, comment below your word (or phrase) for the new year. Mine is: intentional! I look forward to forging relationships, better understanding your questions and needs, and celebrating tiny and big victories with you. I'm excited for discussions, challenges, recipe and pet picture exchanges, and much more. Feel free to ask any myeloma questions and get answers from people in the same situation as you.