“Overall, there is a statistically significant advantage to early stem cell transplantation in patients under the age of 65… ” – Dr. Siegel
Another great article at The Myeloma Beacon. There is still much analysis to do on this issue, but its good to see that it is going on, vigorously, so that newly diagnosed patients have a clearer path out of the muck, should transplant be a realistic and viable option for them.
**UPDATE**
And remember, this is important, for those of you who have chosen a particular path, don’t second guess yourself or your decision. You made the right decision for you and your family at the time you made it, with the information & advice given to you. Its really important to not read these articles and think you did something wrong, “blew it”, whatever. I don’t even like seeing them to be honest, but I understand clearly it is part of the ongoing research needed for finding better treatment options for those newly diagnosed. And trust me, there are just as many that say Dave and I were brilliant to do what we did as there are that say what SUCKERS we were to take the path we chose! So try to keep yourself grounded on such matters. Besides, this article states more analysis needs to be done and it does. It won’t matter one way or the other for those of us who have already been diagnosed, treated, and are on our particular treatment path. As Dave is fond of saying:
“The Horse has Left the Barn!”
Working on the mental aspect of an incurable disease is indeed challenging Jean. Dave and I work very hard not to worry about the “what will happen” scenario. Its endless and typically the bad outcomes are what come into focus most. I can only encourage you and and your daughter to work at not doing that as best you can. Enjoy your days worry free if possible. Especially since she is being so closely monitored. She can let her doctor worry about it. I fully understand it is easier said than done. Dave and I have our moments, but we really make a sincere effort to not spend much time in the worrying frame of mind. I hope that your daughter continues to have a long remission.
As a caregiver and a Mom, whats next? Dr. s. gave us these stats last year and thankfully my daughter is alive and well…..but she still has myeloma. What are the stats for living with this disease as she is. She is seeing her doc every 8-10 weeks and is being monitored. The mental stress is always there….”.what will happen?”