Multiple Myeloma: First Symptoms, Diagnosis & Possibility of a CURE! | The Patient Story

Cindy Chmielewski shares her experience with multiple myeloma and the delay in her diagnosis. She first started experiencing excruciating back pain in 2006 but was initially misdiagnosed with degenerative disease. After two years of unsuccessful treatment, she underwent an x-ray that revealed compression fractures in her back. She was later diagnosed her with multiple myeloma.

In this video, Cindy Chmielewski speaks with Dr. Caitlin Costello, a hematologist-oncologist at UC San Diego, and Dr. Carl Ola Landgren, a hematologist-oncologist at the University of Miami, about what multiple myeloma is, first symptoms and how close we are to a cure.

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[tracywilliams]

Same year was diagnosed with my multiple myeloma, I was 47 at the time. Happy to report I’m still here

[shan]

I'm 71 and was diagnosed last August . Just like you I broke a whole lot of bones in my back at the same time. The pain was excruciating. I couldn't even get out of bed with out my husband's help. My primary Dr sent me to an orthopedic surgeon who ordered a bone density test. It showed severe osteoporosis so he thought that was what caused it. It was actually my Rhumatoligis that caught it. She insists on blood test every 6 months and she saw it on that and sent me to a Hemotoligist, Oncologist. Currently reaching the end of chemo, and will decide if I can or want to go through bone marrow transplant. I'm currently in remission.

[christinan]

I jst turned 42. Found out I had it n kidney failure at 41. Smh. My whole life changed over night 😢

[pinkflamingo]

My hubby was just diagnosed with it in November, no pain, no fatugue, nothing. Just a bit of hair loss, probably due to anemia. He’s had 11 chemo treatments and we are going to Moffit for stem cell transplant possible. He’s 67.

[crocadoodle]

Quite frankly I am shocked that the orthopaedic doc diagnosed degenerative disease/changes with your severe back pain, yet never did any imaging. That is very poor practice. Don’t forget that these doctors have a professional board/organization that they are accountable to and they can and should be reported. When doctors are found at fault, it can and should be a learning experience and wake up call to other doctors.

[lifesforliving]

I am almost 70. I fractured my spine in October 2022, after weeks of procrastinating my doctor sent me for an X ray, found the severe fractures and then I had a bone density scan and was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis of the spine, then multiple myeloma. It wasn't until my sternum fracture that my oncologist decided I needed a stem cell transplant which I buy had last August after four months of immunotherapy. After the transplant I had two more months if immunotherapy and am now on a maintainance treatment of Revlimid. I have also had bone strengthening infusions each month and adcall tablets. My spine, despite losing a vertabra has healed and I can do a lot that I thought I would never do again. I also wear 15 micrograms if morphine patched 24/7. I feel great and have a new lease of life. So, all you out there just diagnosed, take whatever treatment is offered and always look forward, you need a very positive attitude and 🤞 you will come good 👍👊🥂

[AnneMarieBibby]

I'm so grateful for this channel and all of the warriors' stories and this beautiful community.

❤

[chriscurry]

I’m 50 just got diagnosed this year in January. Back pain still there but hopefully it will stop

[ReneeChristopher]

This is INCREDIBLE My mother, her father, and his mother all died of multiple myeloma. My mom's brother was also diagnosed with it. It is a cruel disease--excruciatingly painful. The prospect of improved, prolonged life or even a cure is absolutely wonderful!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[nationalnotes]

My brother looked fine in Dec 2023. In February, he fainted in a grocery store and was rushed to the emergency room. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and renal failure and was transferred to IC. He passed away March 9. 😢

[Jsgro]

My Dad was diagnosed jan 2022 a couple months after his wife was killed in car accident, my Mom yea. Im a wreck, I've been the one with my Dad through it but I'm probably more scared than him

[siobhanjohnson]

So happy for you that you got diagnosed and helped ❤

[chuckthebrindlepittie]

Fantastic physician . Couldn't be better.

[EaglesDontQuack]

Thank you for your voice and we are thankful for your life🫶🏾

[kking]

I have multiple myeloma and I’m in remission at this time but I am having trouble with fractures in my back what treatment did you get for your back problems and stopping the fractures and back pain

[venusserafico]

Cancer treatments should be free. 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[laniegonewild]

What about an enlarged liver
Is that a sign ?

[kittyfarkas]

Is a possible cure for CLL in works too?

[christinan]

Im on chemo n i lost too much weight. Do u have any suggestions on what to eat..water even tastes bad to me .i have a hard time to stay hydrated bc of it. I jst found out i had this in march 😢

[jasbirchandi]

Has anyone had A PARENT that also had it?