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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.
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XimenaG • Admin
Multiple Myeloma Discussion • January 26
Managing Side Effects With Soothing Foods
💛 Soothing foods can help when treatment side effects make eating harder. Soft, easy-to-digest options like soups, smoothies, gentle fruits, and well-cooked vegetables may feel more tolerable during nausea, low appetite, or digestive discomfort. Always listen to your body and speak with your doctor before making changes. 🎉 Join the fun. Download Nutrition tips. 👉 https://healthtree.org/myeloma/community/january-nutrition-guide