Hi Chezza24 I have just joined this forum and read your post, I too have Multiple Myleloma and I also have 2 collapsed vertebrae. Since this happened, my stomach has been massive, everyone says it’s due to the collapsed vertebrae as your organs inside have to go somewhere, it is very uncomfortable and I struggle to find clothes to wear to cover it up, I’m interested to know if you have suffered the same problem? 

Hi Denann, yes I have a big belly, I just thought it was due to not being very active. I haven't  heard about the fact that it could be linked to the collapsed vertebra,  that is very interesting.  How long have you been diagnosed and how did you find out about it. Where are you based.  Because our cancer is a rare one I am trying to find out about others who have it.  I have met 1 other person who has myeloma and another lady who has mgus the smouldering start to myeloma. Great to hear from you. Please keep in touch.

Hi Chezza24, I was diagnosed on 31st May this year, it just started with a bad back the previous October, that I put down to sciatica, but it was not going away and getting worse, I’d never heard of it when they told me. I am based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, I see you are in Camebridgeshire, The belly thing, it’s not like a normal overweight belly, it’s more like a pregnant belly where it starts under the bust and is uncomfortable, I lost 4 inches in height when the vertebrae collapsed and became slightly hunched, so that’s why the doctors have said that it’s possibly because your internal organs are more squashed and have got to go somewhere. Can you tell me more about how you felt after the Strm Cell Transplant, as mine is coming up in a few weeks. Looking forward to hearing from you x

Hi Denann,  the stem cell treatment was hard, one of the main side effects is the runs, so take old underwear with or I bought a new set of black ones about 6 or so, and when I got home I threw them away..  The support during the transplant was great,  Take books or IPad etc with to keep you occupied,   the worst for me was when my hair started falling out, I have such thick hair and it seemed to go on for even, so I asked my daughter to bring the hair cutters and she took it all off for me,  I slept alot and relaxed, I did struggle with keeping food down,  but that's how my body reacts to lots of the meds.  Are you going to use your own stem cells or donated ones?  I was lucky enough to use my own, my sister did offer to be a donor if she was a match.  Have they set a temporary date yet for your stem cell transplant.  Have you gone to the free look good Feel good courses they offer. They have them for cancer patients, they give you a make up demonstration and free make up.  It's really good.

Hi Denann,  the stem cell treatment was hard, one of the main side effects is the runs, so take old underwear with or I bought a new set of black ones about 6 or so, and when I got home I threw them away..  The support during the transplant was great,  Take books or IPad etc with to keep you occupied,   the worst for me was when my hair started falling out, I have such thick hair and it seemed to go on for even, so I asked my daughter to bring the hair cutters and she took it all off for me,  I slept alot and relaxed, I did struggle with keeping food down,  but that's how my body reacts to lots of the meds.  Are you going to use your own stem cells or donated ones?  I was lucky enough to use my own, my sister did offer to be a donor if she was a match.  Have they set a temporary date yet for your stem cell transplant.  Have you gone to the free look good Feel good courses they offer. They have them for cancer patients, they give you a make up demonstration and free make up.  It's really good.