New here, Brother has Multiple Myeloma

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
New here, Brother has Multiple Myeloma
9
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 9:06pm

He was diagnosed about a year ago, he is 53.  He has been being treated at City of Hope, apparently one of the best cancer hospitals around.  He has had chemo, had his blood (or bone marrow?) taken out, cleansed, radiated and put back.  He was apparently doing better until about a week ago.  Was going to start radiation on Monday, ended up having to be taken in on Sunday because he was so weak and could not quit throwing up.  It has all gone downhill since, and my sisters tell me i need to get there asap.  They live about 12 hrs away from me, i am leaving on Friday am.  They just drained 1 pint of fluid from one lung, and 1/2 pint from the other and my sis' tell me that he is breathing better.  Still on the respirator with a tube in his neck and had one in his stomach as they were thinking he had an infection.  His oncologist spoke with the Dr. treating him now and they have determined that there is no infection, the Myeloma has invaded his pelvic area.  He is unresponsive other than squeezing a hand when asked, and is on dialysis, he has not peed at all.  The Dr.s say that if he makes it through this, that by the time his body will be strong enough for chemo again, the cancer will have already taken him.  It is not good and i am beyond sad.  He is the best guy, always the 'life of the party' type, outdoorsy, etc.  I know he would not want to live like this.  When he was DX with this, i thought for sure he'd be fine, that they would "maintain" it as it is not curable but maintainable.  It seems he is going downhill fast. 


Anyone else ever dealt with this disease?  I had never heard of it before him.


Thanks for reading if you still are, this got lengthy.

dani2.jpg

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 02-22-2007 - 9:14am

Welcome to the board Dani.

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2006
Thu, 03-08-2007 - 11:35pm
Dani, I hope that his condition has improved since this post. Please know I am thinking of you and your brother.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 03-09-2007 - 12:02am

Welcome to the board.

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Mon, 03-12-2007 - 2:35am
Ernie
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2006
Fri, 03-16-2007 - 11:09am
oh love, super hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. Cancer is a horrid disease that I will never understand. It's okay to be angry, just remember he isn't in any pain and he knew you loved him! Keep his memory alive with your love and joyful memories. Hugs


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-2007
Fri, 03-16-2007 - 12:34pm

hello my name is karen
my sister who is 47 was just diongst with the same kind as ur brother, i am sickend by this news i am looking to talk to someone who is going through & feeling the same as i am , she lives in washington i flew there just last week when she was put on a venterlater for 2 days, she started treatmet a few days ago.

i was wondering how long has your brother been going through this if you dont mind me asking.
.
thanks for any info u can give

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 12:24am

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


I am truly sorry for your loss Dani,


I want you to know we will be here for


you if you need to talk.


If you need to reach out even more, here's a

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2003
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 3:48pm
I am so sorry to read about your brother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 4:39pm

I'm sorry its taken so long to get back to you.

Photobucket