I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple myeloma

**BigTyla** · 09-30-2011, 11:56 AM

Great news!

**Ninja Performance** · 09-30-2011, 02:55 PM

Just an FYI

M spike measures a protein in the blood that only MM cancer cells make. 0-3 is stage 1, 3-5 is stage 2, 5+ is stage 3. I was 8.9 at diagnosis which is a very high cancer tumor load so that put me in the highest stage, that and my bone marrow biopsy showed 80% cancer cells versus only 20% normal cells. Also stage3. But in only 4 weeks of chemo (and 2 off weeks) it is down to 2.2. 0 is what non MM people have. I need to get a little lower to allow for stem cell transplant but that aint gonna be a problem!

-Chris

**Ninja Performance** · 09-30-2011, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by AdamVR4

Fuck yeah. Any progress on the transplant funding front?

It's crazy. We have been getting a lot of donations from friends, family, 3S owners on both boards etc. Emily and hans donating 10% of used parts sales etc. All in all it's been great. But honestly is a drop in an ocean compared to the about $150,000-$300,000 or so I will need (depends if it ends up being single or tandem transplant). SSD won't make a decision for many months now, and after that I can't get medicaid for 24 months. It's all fubar. I am one of those that can fall thru the cracks. PCIP may be the only option but with all the other bills we can't afford the monthly payments on that and they have a cap on coverage of $100,000 on stem cell unless you go with their chosen hospital which at this point I like other options available.

Something will happen. Worse case I will go on a maintenance level of chemo drugs until I can transplant. Can't do that too long or harvest will be affected. And chemo ain't great for the body.

So many options, plans, things going on. Something will work out. So far we are beating it so that's one down! many don't respond to treatment or are slow to respond. So I am happy at this point. I still can't do much. My back is killing me as are a few ribs. If I try to lift anything over 5 pounds...OUCH. But I am much better than 1 month ago!

-Chris

**mb3000** · 09-30-2011, 04:20 PM

Kick ass!

**Bob** · 10-02-2011, 03:12 AM

That's great news, Chris!

**Ninja Performance** · 10-03-2011, 08:52 AM

Week 7 Of chemo starts.......NOW. Take that Cancer....you big cry baby. After my office visit for my Velcade shot and blood tests I am going to the pool for some exercise!

-Chris

**OhioSpyderman** · 10-03-2011, 09:01 AM

Kick it's ASS, seabass!!!!

Keep it up Chris

Bob.

**Ninja Performance** · 10-03-2011, 07:39 PM

Blood test for today at the start of Chemo Week 7. HGB (hemoglobin) up to 14.7 (from 13.3) WBC (white blood cell) up to 8600 (from 6100) HCT (hematocrit) up to 42.3 (up from 38) and Platlettes up to 231,000 (up from 160,000). Not only is the chemo killing the cancer, but my body isn't allowing it to kill the good blood like it normally would on chemo.

All these numbers are perfect for a healthy person!

-Chris