Multiple Myeloma Support Group
Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of cancer of plasma cells, immune system cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Its prognosis, despite therapy, is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. It is part of the broad group of diseases called...
Hi out there. Please can anyone tell me where to get advice. Dad who has dementia, so does not realise he has cancer, which I am grateful for, The hospital Doctor said he was to old at 91yrs to have treatment, so my fear is how long have I got him with me. I do not know how long he will live. What happens in the stages of the cancer. All these questions are difficult whilst he is always with me, I am his carer. I need to know really how to help him.
I am a worrier and fearful for him.
Hope you all have a great Christmas and a Healthy new year. love Ann.
I am a worrier and fearful for him.
Hope you all have a great Christmas and a Healthy new year. love Ann.
Sorry to hear of your Dad's condition. I do not know all that happens at end of life for a MM person. For a typical MM person some or all of the following: anemic, hypercalcemic (thickening of blood with calcium), confusion, restlessness, problems with vision, bone pain, possible broken bones, compromised immune system, night sweats, and fevers.
If anyone has anything to add, please do. I am told many MM people end up getting pneumonia and passing.
Has he been to a cancer center that is very knowledgeable about MM? Have you gone for a 2nd opinion on options?
There are a lot of postings from folks when doing a search on Yahoo "End of life multiple myeloma"
I have found this article and link below helpful.
http://endoflifecare.co.uk/journal/0101_myeloma.pdf
Ann, I have MM, this last year have experienced difficulties because of refractory (chemos not working) My heart goes out to you and your Dad. I am reminded everyday that God loves, He is watching over me and wants the best for me. He does for You and your Dad too. When I was first diagnosed our pastor gave us a book called "When God and Cancer Meet" by Lynn Eib. It was so encouraging and gave me much Hope.
Ed
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Agree a second opinion is a good idea. Also lots of info and a support hotline can be found on myeloma.org
Hoping everyone here has a bright and blessed 2014.
Kris xx
In the end, hypercalcemic twice causing him much confusion. Seemingly snored through everything but he was listening because he would pop up and make some sort of response with his motions/face that we knew he understood what was going on. He did have mild pneumonia because he could not move. Eventually his kidneys failed and he no longer could eat/drink/speak/swallow. He became very dehydrated and no longer urinated. We tried to swab his mouth to keep him from getting dry...in vain. Eventually unconcious, heart raced for a few days, high temps/sweating, then heart slowed as did breaths. My sweet dad died December 8th in hospice age 64.
I am extremely sympathetic for what you are going through.