Yes, Emo he has multiple myeloma. There can be tumors involved, the first sign was a massive tumor in his back. We thought after treatment we had it beat, the last place it came up was in his left arm top bone near the shoulder.
The gammaglobin produces the cancer protiens that cause the blood cells to go nuts.I think thats why we found it earlier on because of the tumor. There is a type that is a single instance of the cancer that is what we had first hoped, when it progresses and recures it is concidered multiple myeloma. with high protien counts the cancer begins showing in soft bone tissue like ribs and such. then begins in the harder bone areas in the marrow. It effects the immune system as it progresses. There is an artical in March Family Circle, it's not very encouraging, as they predict the cure to be 5 years out.
Dad kind of started to bottom out yesterday after the chemo, began to get weak and tired started to lose his appetite, knew that would happen just hoped to take longer. We've discussed Thalimide(I think it's called) the drug that they gave women in the late fifties and early sixties for morning sickness.
It caused lots of birth defects. It's shown to work to a degree with this type of cancer. Cost of this treatment is about $2k per month and runs about 3 months. Like they got anything in it since it was developed in the 50's. Two of the warnings with this drug are, no unprotected sex and can't have kids, hell of a warning for a man that's 72.Dad says he isn't to worried about that anyway. I think maybe there are about 14,000 new cases a year, it was concidered a rare form of cancer. That don't sound to rare to me.
I guess I get carried away at times, don't get the chance to talk about this to much with someone else, hell my brother don't hardly call to see what's happening. Guess he talks to Mom, but I hardly hear from him. These forums about Z's help to get my interest back up in things, since I joined the local Z club, I've started to get going again with other things. Then when your thread came up I couldn't help but to answer.
I'll have to agree with the guy that spoke of death and dealing with it, I've dealt with death in every way imaginable, but as it comes closer to home it becomes harder to handle and deal with.
Regards.
tnkrstoyco

 

From someone who has lost his had to deal with loosing a father, you and your family have my condolences, and everything will get better. Ive learned to think about with the "things happen for a reason" perspective. Alot of really good things have happened in my life that wouldnt have happened if I hadnt had lost him.

 

I didn't know that about multiple myloma. my dad's been on thalidimide a bunch. Has your dad taken decadron yet? That's nasty stuff. It usually comes after chemo. It's a steroid and it makes roid rage very real. I hate this disease...and I'm sure you feel the same way. your right, 14000 a year sure doesn't sound rare to me. and why can't the "top" doctors seem to come up with a cure? I know it's complicated, but it sucks nonetheless. I mean, my dad goes to stanford for all the bigger treatments and he goes to UC berkely for everything else. He's had to drive up to berkely (4 hours round trip) every other day to get blood transfusions and get some platletes. He's pretty close to passing away. It sucks having to be here. I'll be going home for Spring break and it'll probably be the last time I see him. I know it's hard. If you need anything, I can relate pretty well to your situation as you can to mine. Email me at skaman9525@aol.com .

 

No on the drug you asked about, I'm sure it'll be forthcoming at some point. Have only had to do one transfusion 2 weeks ago. He's getting procrit and an IV something right now. The IV is something for bone strength. Procrit is for blood building.

 

something you might want to ask his doctor about is revamid. It's an experimental drug for multiple myloma. It's an experiment so you have to apply to get in. But it worked the best out of every other drug that my dad has taken, and he's taken them all. That's why we're at the end of the rope...the cancer cells are immune to all the drugs available.

 

Thanks I'll bring it up, Think maybe we did discuss it once before.

 

That strong person that you described is without a doubt, my mom. She's been so strong and has persevered so much through this all.

 

Or sometimes the clay is in a hurry to be formed so quickly and it needs to be slowed down or it'll look all runny in the end.

 

my dad passed away at 320 AM this morning. Just thought I'd let everyone know.

 

Very, very sorry to read this, man
Please accept my most sincere condolences. Diego.

 

I am sorry to hear that Emo...deepest condolences. If there is anything i can do please let me know

 

I am very sorry to hear that your father has passed away you have my deepest sympathies.

 

Ah, crap. I'm sorry to hear that Emo.