M (68) 36 days post sct. I’ve got pain in both feet, comes and goes. I don’t believe it’s neuropathy which I’ve had bouts of in the past year, feels more like gout which I had years ago. The pain seems to be in the area of old athletic injuries and sends me to the use of a walker Anybody else experience this and if so, did you find relief? Thanks much!

Exciting Update: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Now on SSDI Compassionate Allowances List Just a couple of weeks ago, when I last checked, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation was not yet on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowances list. Today—December 11, 2025—it has been officially added as a qualifying condition, marked as “(New).” This is a game-changer for individuals with multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis who have undergone (or are scheduled for) an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant, as it automatically qualifies for fast-tracked Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) approval. Many have been taking advantage of this for months, but it is now officially listed in the SSDI web site. Key benefits of this new Compassionate Allowance designation: • Applications are expedited—decisions are often made in weeks rather than months. • No five-month SSDI waiting period—benefits can begin immediately upon approval. • Eligibility for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement (even if under age 65). This applies regardless of whether the transplant is for multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, or both conditions concurrently. As long as medical records confirm that a hematopoietic stem cell transplant has been performed or is medically necessary and scheduled, the condition qualifies for this expedited processing. If you or a loved one with multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis have had a stem cell transplant (or are on the transplant list) and are finding it difficult or impossible to continue working, SSDI through the Compassionate Allowances program can provide critical financial relief. Official SSA Compassionate Allowances List (see “Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation” under the “H” section): https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm I’m a HealthTree Financial Coach living with multiple myeloma and cardiac-involved AL amyloidosis, and I went through autologous stem cell transplant myself. If you’d like to talk through the SSDI application process, timing, or how this has worked for others in our community, feel free to reach out. You can find me on the HealthTree website under Community > Coaches—just search my name. Wishing you strength on this journey—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Exciting Update: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Now on SSDI Compassionate Allowances List Just a couple of weeks ago, when I last checked, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation was not yet on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowances list. Today—December 11, 2025—it has been officially added as a qualifying condition, marked as “(New).” This is a game-changer for individuals with multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis who have undergone (or are scheduled for) an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant, as it automatically qualifies for fast-tracked Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) approval. Key benefits of this new Compassionate Allowance designation: • Applications are expedited—decisions are often made in weeks rather than months. • No five-month SSDI waiting period—benefits can begin immediately upon approval. • Eligibility for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement (even if under age 65). This applies regardless of whether the transplant is for multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, or both conditions concurrently. As long as medical records confirm that a hematopoietic stem cell transplant has been performed or is medically necessary and scheduled, the condition qualifies for this expedited processing. If you or a loved one with multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis have had a stem cell transplant (or are on the transplant list) and are finding it difficult or impossible to continue working, SSDI through the Compassionate Allowances program can provide critical financial relief. Official SSA Compassionate Allowances List (see “Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation” under the “H” section): https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm I’m a HealthTree Financial Coach living with multiple myeloma and cardiac-involved AL amyloidosis, and I went through autologous stem cell transplant myself. If you’d like to talk through the SSDI application process, timing, or how this has worked for others in our community, feel free to reach out. You can find me on the HealthTree website under Community > Coaches—just search my name. Wishing you strength on this journey—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Exciting Update: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Now on SSDI Compassionate Allowances List Just a couple of weeks ago, when I last checked, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation was not yet on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowances list. Today—December 11, 2025—it has been officially added as a qualifying condition, marked as “(New).” This is a game-changer for individuals with multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis who have undergone (or are scheduled for) an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant, as it automatically qualifies for fast-tracked Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) approval. Key benefits of this new Compassionate Allowance designation: • Applications are expedited—decisions are often made in weeks rather than months. • No five-month SSDI waiting period—benefits can begin immediately upon approval. • Eligibility for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement (even if under age 65). This applies regardless of whether the transplant is for multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, or both conditions concurrently. As long as medical records confirm that a hematopoietic stem cell transplant has been performed or is medically necessary and scheduled, the condition qualifies for this expedited processing. If you or a loved one with multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis have had a stem cell transplant (or are on the transplant list) and are finding it difficult or impossible to continue working, SSDI through the Compassionate Allowances program can provide critical financial relief. Official SSA Compassionate Allowances List (see “Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation” under the “H” section): https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm I’m a HealthTree Financial Coach living with multiple myeloma and cardiac-involved AL amyloidosis, and I went through autologous stem cell transplant myself. If you’d like to talk through the SSDI application process, timing, or how this has worked for others in our community, feel free to reach out. You can find me on the HealthTree website under Community > Coaches—just search my name. Wishing you strength on this journey—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Important Update: Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis Now Eligible for SSDI Compassionate Allowances The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances list to include Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis as a qualifying condition for expedited Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) approval. This is a significant development for patients facing this challenging diagnosis. Previously, individuals with Cardiac AL Amyloidosis or Renal AL Amyloidosis were eligible under the Compassionate Allowances program. Now, Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis joins these, making it easier for affected patients to access benefits without the standard five-month waiting period. Applications for these conditions are pre-approved for fast-tracking, often resulting in decisions within weeks. Once approved for SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicare coverage after 24 months of entitlement. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Cardiac, Renal, or Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis and are struggling to maintain employment, SSDI could provide critical financial support. We encourage you to review the full list of qualifying conditions to see if you may be eligible. Official SSA Compassionate Allowances List: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm For personalized guidance or additional resources, please contact the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances Team directly. I’m one of the HealthTree Financial Coaches, living with Multiple Myeloma and Cardiac-Involved AL Amyloidosis. Feel free to connect with me on the HealthTree website: Navigate to Community > Coaches and search for my name. I’d be happy to discuss your options and share insights from my own journey. Wishing you strength and clarity as you navigate this—reach out anytime.

Important Update: Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis Now Eligible for SSDI Compassionate Allowances The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances list to include Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis as a qualifying condition for expedited Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) approval. This is a significant development for patients facing this challenging diagnosis. Previously, individuals with Cardiac AL Amyloidosis or Renal AL Amyloidosis were eligible under the Compassionate Allowances program. Now, Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis joins these, making it easier for affected patients to access benefits without the standard five-month waiting period. Applications for these conditions are pre-approved for fast-tracking, often resulting in decisions within weeks. Once approved for SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicare coverage after 24 months of entitlement. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Cardiac, Renal, or Pulmonary AL Amyloidosis and are struggling to maintain employment, SSDI could provide critical financial support. We encourage you to review the full list of qualifying conditions to see if you may be eligible. Official SSA Compassionate Allowances List: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm For personalized guidance or additional resources, please contact the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances Team directly. I’m one of the HealthTree Financial Coaches, living with Multiple Myeloma and Cardiac-Involved AL Amyloidosis. Feel free to connect with me on the HealthTree website: Navigate to Community > Coaches and search for my name. I’d be happy to discuss your options and share insights from my own journey. Wishing you strength and clarity as you navigate this—reach out anytime.

Today we are honored to share a beautiful submission from Tim Bullerdick, a multiple myeloma survivor since 2019, who chose to join our Why I Give campaign with a powerful message: “I give because there is hope.” Tim’s words remind us that hope is not just a feeling; it's something we build together through community, support, research, and compassion. 💜 Thank you, Tim, for sharing your heart and for inspiring all of us at HealthTree. Would you like to be part of this movement? Print your sign, write your reason, and share your photo with us. 📩 Email us at socialmedia@healthtree.org Download your sign here: https://healthtree.org/blood-cancer/community/why-i-give-campaign Your voice has the power to lift others. Together We Care. Together We Cure. #WhyIGive #WeCareWeCure #HealthTreeGives #HopeInAction

As noted here: https://healthtree.org/myeloma/community/articles/25-daratumumab-darzalex-faspro-hrsmm. It appears to be effective. I wonder if it improves quality of life.

My husband is going to start taking the pill for chemo for MSD ON Monday. Anyone been on this pill? And with what results? Any bad side effects? Thank you

Join us for a discussion with PAN foundation regarding their Financial Assistance programs. January 6th at 1:00pm ET

You have until January 15th to sign up for a ACA Obama Healthcare plan. The subsidies are still set to expire on Dec. 31st however.

Goodness, still waiting for Fish Test results after 3 weeks of waiting. The hematologist’s nurse practitioner called to explain that doctor wants to me to begin treatment for MM regardless of not having fish results; Nurse said doctor’s decision is based on free light chain ratio of 101 and kappa level of 89. Pet scan is normal but igm is below normal at 18; iga is low normal at 76 as is igg at 660. Plasma cells at 8-10%. (Also, no CRAB or other symptoms.) I still haven’t met the doctor because nurse practitioner has been handling everything. I am not sure if treatment is necessary at this point based on the above info. I have a previously scheduled appt with doctor but not till February (apparently this is a very busy doctor) but shouldn’t doctor have called me to set up an appointment now to discuss all this instead of Nurse practitioner calling me to tell me? I am getting a second opinion at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center but I am thinking I should not treat with this first hematologist even though he is a cancer oncologist hematologist. I am obviously new to all this so any guidance anyone can provide would be great.