I was diagnosed in 2010 and have had 2 transplants, one in 2011 and the other in 2017. The only way I would choose to die is if I was bedridden, had to be hand fed, had to have a sponge bath, someone has to wipe my butt and I was in pain. As long as I can get out and do something, I would do whatever it takes to stay alive.

Mine started 15 years ago. They said I had 2-5 years. Ha, what did they know! The docs that ignored my back pain (which turned out to be 7 compression fractures) also ignored my blood work which showed I was heading for type 2 diabetes. So I have some complicating factors also, not to mention my age! But giving up isn't an option for me until I think there is no hope. I believe we all have a job to do on earth and if you haven't finished it yet, you shouldn't just decide to give it all up. I know someone who had the same issues as your mother and made the same choices. It is between those women and God. But I for one think you hang on until you feel strongly it is time to let go. I have gone through some really awful times here and there, but then I come out of the valley and end up on a mountain top for awhile. And it is worth fighting the disease for the mountain top experiences and the time with my family.Don't ever give up hope.

I did induction therapy from June-September, 2020. I had a Stem Cell Transplant September 29, 2020. Because I have Minimal Residual Disease ( MRD ) I will be in treatment ( Revlimid and Velcade) for the rest of my life. I am 73 and the fatigue and diarrhea I experience because of MM and the medications my lifestyle has definitely changed. BUT, I wouldn’t change anything, and if my MM came back I would do the Stem Cell Transplant again. I am still able to enjoy being with family and friends, I walk the dog, help my wife in the garden as the fatigue allows and golf, and still enjoy life.

I would definitely take the treatments over again and will continue with my monthly chemo until I die because the treatments have given me 21yrs. of extra life. It hasn’t all been easy but still worth it. I will refuse too give up too the very end and lots of MM suffers die of something else.

I would for sure go with treatment as long as I am able to care for myself and make my own decisions. I prefer immunotherapy treatments like Darzalex. I don't care for the side effects of the immunomodulators like Revlimid and Pomalyst, but I wouldn't be here without them. I don't want anymore alklating agents like Melphalan and Cytoxan if I can help it💕