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?

I was diagnosed with MGUS 12 years ago, and with SMM 1.5 years ago. I have been on a gluten free diet for 7 years and for the past two have also reduced cow dairy, grains, legumes (irritants for me). This did a tremendous job of reducing auto-immune issues I was having. I have been on curcumin, quercitin, vitamin D and K and other supps, plus delayed morning fasting, and low carb (to achieve level blood sugar) for years as well . All under the direction of a functional oncologic medical doctor/nutritionist (used while being under the care of an MM specialist, and the day I start treatment, I will do whatever the MM specialist says!). My SMM has been stable with M protein of 1.4, and I get checked every 6 months. What I found funny is that six months after I had hip replacement surgery (trauma and inflammation), a viral illness that inflamed my liver, and much worse eating habits (bad, I know-- I was using food as comfort)--I had totally stable, if not better, blood markers! I am not going to give up on healthy eating, because I truly believe that if and when my SMM turns to MM, I will be in better health to endure treatments that might be toxic to my liver and kidneys. The healthy eating will also keep me (I pray) from unrelated diseases like diabetes, which might complicate MM treatment. Plus, I just feel better when I eat healthy and practice other stress reduction lifestyle elements. But it makes me wonder what healthy eating's connection to MM progression really is, and I wish more studies could be done on food's effect on SMM.

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.