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Treatment for slumbering myeloma

seamar
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Diagnosed with slumbering myeloma in Nov 2014. Prognosis was that it would develop into active myeloma within 18-24 months. Told by my consultant in the UK that treatment could only begin when full blown myeloma develops, and at that time would include chemotherapy.

Ten days ago I was ill in Beirut and anemia was diagnosed. Saw a hematologist who said (a) treatment for slumbering myeloma could begin now and (b) would involve three drugs – velcade, revalmid and dexamethasone – but no chemo.

Who is right???

  • Online

    Hello seamar,

    It must be very confusing for you to be presented with those different treatment options. I just wanted to let you know that I have shown your post to our cancer nurses, but as it is the weekend they will get back to you in the next few days and will respond to your thread.

    In the meantime, you might want to read our page on myeloma here and I hope it will be useful to you.

    I also hope others with experience of myeloma will pick up your post and share their own experience with you.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • Hello Seamar,

     

    Thank you for your post.

     

    You explained about your situation. Smouldering myeloma is when there is no active disease. Anaemia does suggest that the disease is symptomatic and is now active myeloma so treatment will be required. Regarding your two doctors, both have suggested appropriate treatment plans. Myeloma can be treated with biological therapy such as Thalidomide, Velcade, Revlamid, with steroids, given with or without chemotherapy as well. Your current condition will be re-assessed again by a specialist prior to a discussion about how exactly to treat your myeloma. Treatments will also depend on someone’s overall condition including their kidney function etc.

     

    There is good information about myeloma treatments on the Myeloma UK website on this link,

    www.myeloma.org.uk/.../

     

    I hope that this reply is helpful.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Vanda

     

    Cancer Information Nurse

    Cancer Research UK

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