70% plasma cell displacement ??

ChrisT8365 · New User Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 3

Has anyone ever heard of such a high number and the person just being diagnosed?? That was my mother's (68 y.o.) bone marrow biopsy. They started chemo (Velcade and Doxcil) on her immediately of course. She is having her 7th treatment today. It was kind of a surprise that her plasma number was that high considering all her other numbers weren't completely "out there" compared to this one... not to mention her only presenting symptom that started the investigation was foamy urine about 3 month ago. She was showing few signs of MM. DOn't get me wrong, her 'number's' did indicate a problem but 70% plasma???.... how was she still walking?!! First questions: Has anyone ever reached that number? Can this improve with treatment?

As I mentioned she is on her 7th treatment. At last check (about a week ago) her blood calcium, kidney function and RBC were improved. She is to be evaluated again in about 2 weeks. She's hoping to be done with chemo and put on maintenance drugs. Is that possible?? Second question: How long do rounds of chemo usually go in first diagnosed MM cases?

Thank you - Chris

brainman

Hi Chris. I am very sorry about your mother's Multiple Myeloma. I do not know what the "average" plasma displacement at diagnosis is, but 70% is not that unusual. My father in law had MM but I cannot remember much about it since I was dealing with my own cancer during that time and we did not live close (14 hour drive).

You and your mother are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jashlin · New User Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Florida

Hello
when I was diganosed with MM in 1/07 I had 65%, and was told that is not any kind of indicator of what may or may not be down the road. I was on an oral chemo, revlamid, dex and coumadin for 14 months prior to having a stem cell bone marrow transplant. Like your mom, I also tend to have Urinary tract infections when the MM decides to get nasty, but they are usually gone with a round of antibiotics. Your last 2 questions, can only be answered by her doctor and her care plan. May I suggest you write done every question that comes up between doctor visits and be sure to take them with you and do not leave until your are satisfied you understand the care plan for your mom. Fortunately, I have a wonderful doctor that NEVER is rushed and answers every question I ask (even to the point of drawing pictures sometimes!).....I hope this has been of some help and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask. We need to stick together in this battle with MM and there is strength in numbers. You can read about my MM journey from the beginning at www.janscancerjourney.blogspot.com and maybe gain some insight into this disease from what I have written.

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