Latest health update…

[bazookaman]

Apologies if this read like a cut and paste. I’ve passed this same message on to friends and family today and this was the easiest way to do it.

So it’s as I feared. I have Multiple Myeloma. It’s a rare blood cancer and it starts in your bone marrow. I am starting treatment next Monday. I got an earful of “stuff” that I couldn’t recite back if my life depended on it. Lots of appointments. Lots of drugs. Lots of side effects. LOTS of money. For 12 weeks. Then after that it’s a different plan. It’s not a death sentence. It has a higher survivor rate than other cancers you get and you’re gone in two years. And it’s only improving. But it’s still cancer. It’s not genetic. Just random. It’s more common in African Americans. That’s all I know now. I’ll have more to report after I start treatment next Monday. I am also going to start some radiation which they think will reduce the back pain.

Edit: title change. The other one was a bit…fatalistic in hindsight.

[hal]

yikes! Keep up the good attitude and know that the gang is here for ya.

[rich in distress]

Good you are aware it’s not all said.
Best wishes for a fast and full recovery.
Meanwhile, hang in there!

[rgG]

Thanks for the update.
I was hoping it wasn’t this, but now you know what the problem is and can get to kicking it’s sorry butt.
Sounds like you have a plan.
If you need support or to vent, or whatever, please post.

[Wags]

Thank you for trusting us with this. I’m a cancer survivor, 4 years out. I had chemo and radiation treatments for throat cancer, likely caused by the HPV virus. Certainly not fun, I won’t lie, but I got through it with the help of family and friends plus a great medical team from Kaiser Permanente. You will, too. Sending good vibes.

[wurm]

Nice that you were comfortable sharing with us. As others have said, this a place full of good thoughts for you, even if that's all we can provide. You seem to have the right attitude. Best of luck!

[Ombligo]

We are here for anything - and that includes sounding off in ways your family wouldn't appreciate.

Just remember - one day at a time.

[lost in space]

Dang. Sorry you have to go through this. It's a rough road ahead, but I suspect you'll be in good hands. Medical pros in cancer treatment are fiercely devoted, from what I've seen.

[mrbigstuff]

Sending good karma y vibes your way.

[vicrock]

Sending positive energy!