I think that driving will depend on the side effects of your particular drug regime . Perhaps ask your nurse specialist. I know of some people who drive themselves to treatment. I never do, I rely on lifts. Sometimes I walk home if the weather is nice.
I personally didn’t drive for seven months following diagnosis. Initially I was in a back brace as I had ‘bony destruction’ throughout my spine. This overlapped with starting chemo. I lost my confidence and went out on quiet roads with my husband at first.
Nobody can predict how long. I was diagnosed almost 14 years ago . Doctors talk about median survival, but as individuals we all respond differently to treatment
Hi April, thanks for your message. It’s a worrying time as I’m in the investigation phase but I’m being told that I have Myleoma. Apart from the fatigue and slight exhaustion, I’m not feeling too bad. It’s the waiting that’s the hardest part. I’m pretty sure that I will receive chemotherapy but if that extends my life then I’m happy. I’m seventy years old and quite active so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Hi again April, if you don’t mind me asking, what age are you and what stage is your Myleoma? Did you ever smoke? Are you having any kidneys problems? How long before you accepted your condition?
I’m sorry for all the questions but I’m very anxious and need any encouragement that you can give.
Hi Dexter, I understand your anxiety. It’s difficult in the beginning, when you’re in the middle of tests and don’t have a definite plan. The brain doesn’t like uncertainty. Hopefully you will feel more settled once you know exactly what the doctors have decided
I was 52 when I was diagnosed, I am now 66
I was diagnosed stage one in 2012 and haven’t received any further updates.
Kidney function ok.
Took years to accept, couldn’t even say ‘multiple myeloma’
I definitely have not accepted that since I relapsed three years ago I am on treatment until I drop cork leg
So, when you relapse, you start another line of treatment. The intention is to get you back into remission. I am not sure how many lines of treatment there are.
I attend the haematology unit once every 28 days, where I meet up with my comrades in arms . K was diagnosed 16 years ago and is on her third line of treatment. S was diagnosed 3years ago and is on his first line of treatment. We’re all in remission.
Previously , once you were in remission treatment was stopped. But trials have shown maintenance treatment results in a longer remission.
So, now I find myself on maintenance. Drop cork leg is an old saying that means to drop dead. So, basically I am on treatment until I die.
Fatigue is a major symptom with Myeloma, but your fitness will help you cope with treatment.
