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Husband is 74 and he was diagnosed with MM stage 3. He has lesions and broken femur and a tumor. I am concerned about his health.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Long Lane, MO

When my husband had his bone marrow biopsy his plasma cells value was 49. Normal is 0-1%

January 11
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Reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Michelle2
He only has one kidney also.
He started out in Nov with CyBord, velcade ,cytoxin, dexamethasone and now on darzalex for 8 weeks. We are 4 weeks in with darzalex. His white count is low and so two days a week he gets zarxio.

January 12
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Judy,
Some people have 80% bad plasma cells and now are doing well after treatment. Make sure your husband’s Hematologist/Oncologist is a MM Specialist. I feel for you and him. This cancer is so rude! It comes out of nowhere and upsets our lives. Not to mention painful! The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation can be very informative and they have Counselors you can talk to. They also have a list of MM Specialists. HTTPS://www.themmrf.org/
I highly recommend Dr Brandy’s book “Beat Back Cancer Naturally.” @A MyMyelomaTeam Member consulted with him when he had 80% plasma. Larry is now cancer free. He totally embraced taking supplements and changing his diet.
Paula🌹

The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
https://www.themmrf.org/
January 12
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I'm so sorry to hear this! I can definitely understand why you are worried! It sounds like you both have a lot on your plate. May I ask when your husband was diagnosed and what treatments he is on or has been on? As if what he (and you!) aren't going through isn't enough, does he have any comorbidities i.e. diabetes, heart or lung problems, asthma? I also hope your specialist has given you an idea of next steps. If you have any questions that we can help you with, we will all do our very best - we are a pretty knowledgeable and compassionate group having all had experience with MM. Feel free to call on us. In the meantime, take care of yourselves! There will likely be therapist support through your specialist and I encourage you to take advantage of it as soon as possible. They can help you deal with this and other emotional issues. I'm sending you my best wishes, and have added you to my team. ❤️ and 🫂

January 11 (edited)
MyMyelomaTeam

What should you know about your husband's Stage 3 myeloma diagnosis with lesions, a broken femur, and elevated plasma cells?

It's completely understandable to be concerned. Stage 3 myeloma with bone involvement is serious, but treatment options are available. The high plasma cell count (49% compared to normal 0-1%) Show Full Answer

What should you know about your husband's Stage 3 myeloma diagnosis with lesions, a broken femur, and elevated plasma cells?

It's completely understandable to be concerned. Stage 3 myeloma with bone involvement is serious, but treatment options are available. The high plasma cell count (49% compared to normal 0-1%) confirms active disease, and the bone damage you're describing—lesions, a broken femur, and tumor—is unfortunately common, as about 80-85% of myeloma patients experience bone disease.

Stage 3 myeloma means the disease is more advanced, with higher levels of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood and possibly other concerning markers. The five-year survival rate for Stage 3 is around 40%, though this varies based on several factors.

Factors that can affect his outlook include:
- Overall health and activity level
- Kidney function
- Specific genetic characteristics of the myeloma cells
- Response to treatment
- Access to specialized care

His age (74) and the bone complications do present challenges, but many people in similar situations respond well to treatment combinations designed for Stage 3 myeloma.

The broken femur and lesions indicate the myeloma is affecting his bones significantly. These fractures can happen even without major trauma because myeloma weakens bone structure.

It's important to work with an oncologist who specializes in myeloma, as treatment at specialized centers is associated with better outcomes. They'll create a personalized treatment plan that may include combinations of therapies to target the cancer while managing bone health and other symptoms.

January 11

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