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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Cataract and second cancer

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
want to share a little update about my journey. Recently I went for a CT scan of my lungs, and today the doctor explained the results to me. They found some changes in my left lung compared to before. There are areas where the lung lining looks thicker, and a small mass in the lower part of the left lung has grown a bit since my last scan. Because of these changes, the doctors want to do another test called a bronchoscopy, where they use a small camera to look inside the airways and take samples to understand it better. Hearing all this was not easy for me. It made me emotional because it feels like one thing after another. But at the same time, I am thankful that I am already under medical care and the doctors are taking steps to find out exactly what

I having eye surgery appt and new blood test on Friday 25 sept because previous blood test result which the white blood count was 2.7 and platelets are 64 very low
So before the eyes cataract surgery confirmed the blood test results must be back to stable range and Heatomology and oncology doctor will have to approve first

I am writing this is to get answers or advice if all members myeloma team that who have 2 illnesses cancer and diabetes, cancer and kidney disease ir any 2 cancer team have… read more

2 days ago
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Mohammad, I have had similar issues with multiple problems (diabetes, two stents, kidney disease, blood thinners, an enlarged prostate and anemia) and needed cataract surgery. All of my doctors (hematologist, oncologist, GP, nephrologist, and cardiologist) advised: 1) that I wait for my blood to stabilize 2) stop taking blood thinners three days before surgery 3) do not take Tamsulosin for a week before surgery (if taking).

Your doctors will probably recommend similar actions. My first cataract surgery right eye was perfect, my second cataract surgery left eye went terribly wrong and took months to get it fixed due to doctor error.

You are going through a lot and I pray for our Lord to aid you through all of this. Best wishes and prayers!

2 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

It depends on how bad your cataracts are. Is this optional? Infection can result and make things worse. Being off blood thinner with stents is risking blood clots, bleeding or stroke. Know the risks. My mother-in-law went blind in her eye. I’ve noticed that doctors don’t understand MM, cancer and other medical issues and how it can impact a decision, so they tell you there is little risk. Unfortunately, they don’t see the whole picture.
Paula🌹

2 days ago
MyMyelomaTeam

Mohammad, it sounds like you're carrying a lot right now, and it makes complete sense to have mixed feelings. Your medical team is already doing the right thing by requiring stable blood results before proceeding — that's exactly the kind of careful approach your situation calls for.

With myeloma, low platelets (like your Show Full Answer

Mohammad, it sounds like you're carrying a lot right now, and it makes complete sense to have mixed feelings. Your medical team is already doing the right thing by requiring stable blood results before proceeding — that's exactly the kind of careful approach your situation calls for.

With myeloma, low platelets (like your 64) and low white blood cell counts are important concerns before any surgery, including cataract surgery. Low platelets can mean even small injuries may cause more bleeding than usual, and low white cells can increase infection risk. Being on aspirin as a blood thinner adds another layer to consider. Some general precautions relevant to myeloma patients include:

- Bleeding risk — low platelets combined with blood thinners can increase bleeding, even from minor procedures
- Infection risk — myeloma and its treatments can lower your ability to fight infections, including eye infections
- Medical team approval — both your hematologist and oncologist need to sign off, which is already your plan ✓

The good news is that myeloma itself can actually raise the risk of cataracts, so your doctors are very familiar with this situation. As for a yes or no — that truly belongs with your hematology and oncology team, who know your full picture. What other MyMyelomaTeam members have shared is that waiting for stable blood counts before surgery, while frustrating, is the safest path forward.

You are asking exactly the right questions and are in the right hands. Wishing you strength on Friday. 🙏

2 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Take heart, by God's grace all is going to be well. Nothing is harder than your maker to do and he will perfect everything for you. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

2 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

All my beloved brothers and sisters myeloma team
First l am very grateful to have all the members in this team share and advice viewing my question
Thank you so much 🙏
I have 3 brothers and l ask them , all reply NO and l will be with them
I did ask scholars about this matter and they said if brothers and friends already said no means it’s just as what you think

Thank you
Tabarakalah

2 days ago (edited)

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