Wow what a story. I too have MM, been thru chemo. Has been a year and a few months. I am receiving the stem cell transplant in 5 days. I am frightened, but I know it is the right thing to do. It has been an emotional rollercoaster like no other, Wish me luck, I will pray for you.
I liked how you said ‘once we were diagnosed…’ ! It really shows that it involves everyone in the family/ friends to get you through the other side. I wish you all the best.
I was thinking that same thing, lost my wife to cancer at age 47, married 17 years, I took a leave from work and never missed a chemo appointment, never left her side, man I miss her dearly, praying for this man and wife, keep the faith. 🙏
It's seven years since my diagnosis. Had three or four different chemo courses with not huge remission. Now I'm on Daratumumab and Dexamethazone (15 months) and enjoying the best I've been in the last seven years. Treatment is every four weeks now so I have about three weeks each month when I don't have to think about Myeloma. Still low immunity so have to avoid crowds (and close physical contact with strangers! Lol!). I rely on humor, swearing and praying to keep me from going into a funk. I have some pain but not bad - I have to find the balance. Don't like the bone marrow biopsy, but it gives me a captive audience for my terrible jokes! Good luck and blessings to my fellow sufferers. MM is all part of my life's rich tapestry so it can be lived with. I have a great team here in the UK, who have supported me all the way. I feel very lucky to still be here. ❤
I have had MGUS for 21 yrs. Within the last yr I have developed severe bone pain and want to sleep constantly. Very tired. As well as some dizziness. My recent blood work was taken Dec 6th. My Hematologist Dec 18th. We will see what the results are. Prayers for healing comfort and strength that all goes well.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️
Thank you for explaining exactly what you went through. You are so young to have to go through such terrible health issues. Thank goodness you are doing well now. I feel so bad that you have to deal with insurance companies. I live in Canada. I know a lot of Americans think that our Canadian health care system is terrible. A few years ago My husband went to the hospital with a bad cough. We did wait a long time in the Emergency Dept., but once we saw the doctor, things moved quickly. They gave him an X-ray. The doctor came to see us shortly after with the results. They saw a mass on his lung. We went home and the hospital called us the next day. He went back for an MRI. Three days later we saw a team of cancer specialists. They explained everything to us. He had a very aggressive lung cancer. They gave him 3 months to live and he lived exactly 3 months. His care was amazing. He had top cancer specialists. We don’t have to find our own doctors and don’t have to worry about how much it costs, and don’t have to worry about any paperwork. Everything is done for us. I can’t imagine the stress it must put on you to be so sick and having to worry about money. And insurance companies. They sent someone to our home to set up home care for when it was needed (no cost to us). We definitely do have some problems with our health care system, but I wouldn’t trade it for yours. My neighbor just had breast cancer. She had very aggressive surgery(all free). She even had free transportation to get her chemo treatments. She received amazing care. Of course we do pay for our health care through our taxes, but we all pay and we don’t feel it as it is deducted out of our paycheques automatically. I am so happy for you that you are doing well and hope you and your family live a long and happy life. Thank you for your very informative video. ❤️🇨🇦
Our govt isn’t going after these ins company’s , or taking care of our own citizens first ! There are too many just like this man …… mine cost out of pocket $44,000 plus plus plus, Medicare gives u koolaid instead of targeted treatment ( toe fungus cure not cancer ).
@@bonniebaker6516 Did you know you can make an appointment to have all the TESTS that you have to fight with your Doctor & In surance Company for in the US, if you go to Japan. You will spend a day in the hospital and for $500 you can have everything done ! That way you will know IF you have any illnesses and IF you want to do anything about it, when you go back to the states. You will have ALL your Test results to take back home with you. I am thinking of making an appointment.
Thank you for sharing your story. My myeloma journey started in 2008 at age of 46. I remember driving to work one day (after my stem cell transplants) wondering if there will come a day where I feel normal and where I forgot I had C…. Happy to say that day came at least For a few hours. Lame insurance companies!!!
Due to neglect I was diagnosed stage 3 MM last years but due to late treatment I am wheelchair bound now and pain is constant. But luckily in my area in India the Government give us a Health Care System which provides us with the best treatment at very low cost even some medication free. I will he starting my first course of Chemotherapy by next year. The latest results shows that its near to the 4th Stage... luckily no metastasis haven't been diagnosed yet. But we have to constantly do LFT and KFT every 2 months. Except for the constant pain and immobility I am fine. I still like to think positively. I will not go out without fight.
I was diagnosed with MM on march 10 /23 suffering for back pain 5 years I’m into treatment for 4 months my oncologist wants me to get a BMT I’m in that process right now hoping my insurance cover this new treatment praying 🙏🏻 every moment .but I went yesterday for a hip biopsy it was painful in my case too😢wishing you a incredible recovery full of healing keep be strong 💪 it’s my mental state right now for the beginning of have been diagnosed it was awful 😢 took time for me to accepted this is a new day we are going to be better believe
Hi Gregory, it’s 09/24 when I watched your video. Hopefully, the MM has remained in remission. I’m 75 years old and am scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy next week as my docs suspect MM. I thought I’d soldier through the procedure with light sedation but you convinced me to be asleep throughout it. Thank you. Be well!
Thank you. You’re the first person I’ve heard that mentioned the rib, bone pain. Your story resonates with me. To help others I’ll say that my bone marrow biopsy was not as bad as yours. So others, please don’t be afraid. It might not be too bad for you. I’m now going to watch your other videos. Thanks again.
2021 my Son was out of breath weakness couldn't work went t doctor into hospital a year ..now doing kemo an now the cancer is in his arm they went into his back ..he's in so much pain.
My husband went through some of those same medications that you mentioned earlier in the video. We are on Medicare. We did speak with a lady from the Financial area and she asked IF we were interested in a Scholarship to help pay for Treatment. A BIG YES. From the time he walked into the Oncology Unit and EVERY TEST, or MRI, biopsy, anything relating to his treatment, we NEVER received one BILL. I am saddened, to hear that your Hospital was going to STOP your Treatment because of INSURANCE. Just today I was told I have to have a Biopsy. After being my husbands SOLE CARE GIVER for 2 years with Multiple Myeloma, I am not really concerned of what it may be. However, IF it is CANCER, I also need a SCHOLARSHIP, because I am now just living on his SS. Also, did you know that MM is hereditary, more likely for a male to have it, but a female can as well. Unfortunately my husband is no longer with us. So for you, you are one of the lucky few. I wish you well, my husband is in a box sitting on my Mantle until our children can get time off from work to send him off.
Well, it's not really about how many times we feel like giving up, it's about how many times we give it another try. One day at a time and enjoying the little things. I've been at this for eight years now, so feel very blessed and fortunate to have had good treatment and I feel God is on my side, so I try to be on His!
Absolutely shameful the insurance situation in the USA. Speaking from Australia, really so sad that what we used to think was a great country now makes you turn circles just trying to get your health insurance to cover what you need, it is really atrocious. You pay a fortune, then wait and fight to get your cover. I'm very sorry you need to go through this, Australia, NZ and the UK have excellent national health. It seems you have to fight for treatment even when you have expensive insurance. I hope as I write this you are getting the proper expert care you need.
National health coverage is not excellent coverage… my mother in law in England waited several YEARS to get a simple bladder repair surgery, because the waiting lists are so long. My dad had many frustrating experiences with his care for his diabetes, heart, etc. I’m not impressed. Plus wealthy people from all over the world leave those systems in the dust and come to the US to the Mayo Clinic for top notch treatment. Plus wealthy Canadians can now pay out of pocket to get better and faster care. There’s no perfect solution that I know of, but I’m thankful we don’t have socialized health care, other than Medicaid ( for the poor) and Medicare for the elderly. As an American whose husband had a good job with great health insurance, we had great health care!
@@ndgrandma1818I'm on Medicare with a free splemental insurance and i pay almost nothing for health care. I know it's not like that for everyone but if a person puts some research into it, most everyone can get free or reduced medical care in America.
@@ndgrandma1818but not everyone has great insurance and if you don't they could care less how you suffer or if you live or die !!! And that's an absolute shame !!!!!
@@thegmom7812 I don’t agree with your generalization that if you don’t have health insurance people don’t get good care. Our system is swamped by people who don’t have insurance, yet end up at the ER for care. No one is turned away, and those of us who pay for insurance end up paying the bill with increased premiums and higher prices for care. I know we have a flawed system , but so does everyone else. The truth is that health care is not a right covered in our bill of rights. We are a free country, and each person should be responsible for themselves. We have safety nets that help the poor. I still think our system is the best. You can think what you want.
3:27 I have 4 sisters and I’m the baby’s, although I’m 54yrs old. My second older sister was diagnosed August 2023 with Multiple Myeloma 3rd stage, and it was recommended that my sisters and I be tested. My older sister was negative, my 3rd older sister was positive January 2024 2nd stage and then it there was myself and my tests came back positive, I will find out what stage 3/26/2024. I am so nervous scared however be it that we are experiencing life changing situations we will be each other’s support system. Thank you for sharing! God Bless you!!
@@markm6059I didn’t know about being tested due to a sibling having blood cancer My sister had lymphoma and died four years ago I questioned my PCP about my risk for the disease but he never suggested being tested I have been seeing a nephrologist for my CKD and she ordered labs and the lab work looks like I’m being tested for blood cancer I’ve messaged her but haven’t heard back from her yet
Here in New Zealand we just don’t have to worry about the cost, if we need treatment we get sent to the appropriate Consultant, who provides the care needed. It’s bad enough being sick without having to worry about cost, it’s appalling that you have to spend hours on the phone, stressing about money, when you need to rest. To me, this sounds cruel, I just don’t understand why the American people put up with this, especially the cost of medication. My Husband is diabetic, he pays nothing for his prescription drugs, and has excellent care, including diabetic monitoring from the practice nurse, regular doctor meetings, even free Optical and Foot care. My friend gets regular treatment for skin cancer lesions, she even gets help with transport costs!
Agreed. American health care system is a nightmare. They take your homes to give you treatment that eventually kills you. What a disaster the American system has become.
Same here in Canada. My sister had cancer last year and she was able to take a year off work with full pay (her employer offers long term disability insurance), she had extensive surgery, chemo, radiation and she didn't have to pay a single dollar for anything, including all the medications! Nothing! She could focus on her recovery and the cost of all her treatments never even was on her mind. I also don't understand why Americans put up with this - It's appalling how the richest country in the world can do this to its people. Btw, my sister got the best care, is now fully in remission, back at work and doing very well.
While on vacations I’ve met with folks from England,Canada,& other European countries. They all had different experiences with the medical field . They agreed the social medicine was not good & felt if they had more cash they would have received better more advanced care in the US.
God Bless You Brother... I Recently Went Through The Same Severe Back Pain As Yourself, But Thanks God It Wasn't MM!!! I Pray For Your Continuous Healing Over Your Body In Jesus Mighty Name... Amen 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾
I’m so sorry you had to go through so much stress in dealing with insurance. Hoping you have a complete recovery and can put worry and expense behind you for good!
First they make you find your own oncologist rather than referring you to someone which is what they should have done and then they say pay or die instead of helping you fight that miserable health insurance company! After all the money we pay for health insurance this is unacceptable!!!
I have NEVER been told to find my own specialist and I have many health problems and many different doctors. I'm in America and have never had to wait for any medical test or treatment, even for a PET scan for cancer.
@@timestax You must have a very unique insurance plan. I've met ppo and hmo patients and they are all frustrated by the ever lower care they receive in their health services. Do post your insurance company so we can give them our business.
Wow. I just saw your story. First and foremost, I hope you are well and happy. The diagnosis, scary as hell. The insurance, an absolute unnecessary nightmare. I love how you speak of you and your wife. What an asset for your well being. I wish you both the very best. You both are so strong, resilient and smart. God bless both of you.
His chemotherapy medication was $22,500 per week!? In lieu of universal healthcare, the costs of medication, treatment, tests and hospital stays need to be brought down to reasonable levels!
Several members of my family, all women are living with multiple myeloma. Thank you for bravely posting this information. My dearest Mum was the first to be diagnosed. My sister and my second mum also has it. Live well daily and again thank you for sharing this information. I live in Canada. My sister was young enough to get a stem cell transplant. My Mum and a woman I adopted as my second mum were given an drug regiment. It costs between $5,000 - $15000 monthly but we have coverage through our current health system. They all had chemo as well. I get screened yearly for various forms of cancer as my Dad who is 93 now, had stomach cancer 26 years ago. I pray that you have the best possible journey as you continue to live with this change in your life. I'm happy that you have a living wife by your side. That is the strongest of medicines. Take care. I'm subscribing to your channel. Thanks again for sharing your experience
yes indeed! The system here in the USA is dollar driven, not patient driven. Its a travesty!! It takes forever to get anything done. But they sure want their money soon as you go see the doctor or specialist. I have noticed it has gotten more dysfunctional and broken over the last 3 years. Its awful! At this point we are exploring moving to another country where the medical system is actually there for the patient first and its not an ordeal.
@ThePatientStory, I think you have one of the most important channels on the internt, and i really thank you for getting all of these patients on here to talk so openly about their story and what they went through. I think that the help it gives other people is just ginormous. You are really doing A LOT of good for humankind.
Oh my gosh, terrible story but loved loved your attitude and words of encouragement for others. May God continue healing you and keeping your family safe. ❤🙏
Hi Gregory, thanks for your story. I have similar symptoms to yours. Scheduled to have an MRI and X-rays done tomorrow. My lower back and left hip pain came on slowly and has progressed over the last three weeks. I hope I don’t have MM but I appreciate you sharing your story. I’m kinda a “need to know” kinda girl. Hope you are doing well and feeling good. 🙏🏻
This is just how I experienced finding out what I had been dealing with. I started having the pain and took sick back in 2014. They told me that my blood was in a cancer state, but could not tell me exactly what it was. So for 8 years I just got worse and the pain and my mobility was shot. So I took sick November 2021 and I didn't want to go back to the same hospital I was going to. So I ended up in Gilbert Az at the Banner Gateway. Not knowing anything about a MD Anderson Cancer Center, witch was just behind the hospital. I was fully diagnosed in Feb 2022, started treatment in March. Had my SCT in October 2022. Here I am a couple months past my two yr and so far I'm doing so much better. Had a lot of compilations in 2024 dealing with my liver and having internal bleeding. Had a Stint put in in July and after that I have been doing great. I have the Dara shot once a month, other than the usual side effects. I get worried sometimes and scared that if and when it comes back I will have to go through it all over again. It's good to see people have someone by their side as they go through this thing call cancer. I went to every appointment and sat in the hospital alone, That I think was the worst part of my journey having to be my own suporter. I got through it and in the process I found out that I was never quite alone, My heavenly father was there by my side every step of the way. Thanks for sharing your story.
This story is one of many that demonstrates why we need universal health care. These insurance companies are an insatiable hydra. No one should be price gouging or gatekeeping when it comes to people's health.
My father the same thing, he was athletic but his minor back pain turned out to be a tumor on his spine, multiple myeloma, he died two years later, but that was in 1996, survival rates are much better these days
Absolutely, that's disgusting !!! Every doctor should have to accept whatever insurance someone has also ! Healthcare most definitely needs a major overhaul !!!!!
I'm so sorry about the trouble you went through with your insurance. I thought it was kind of odd also that you said the spine Dr. told you that you needed to find an oncologist asap. I thought the Dr's office would refer you to an oncologist or two and help you navigate the administrative side. It's a good thing you are an intelligent and articulate person but how stressful to have to figure out the system while trying to beat this awful disease. I wish you a very successful journey and outcome.
I researched and found my own oncologist. I don’t mind being referred but I like to dig first. For example, I chose an oncologist who also has a degree in neurobiology because I also have MS and I knew it would complicate everything.
We’d love to hear from you: what stories do you want us to cover? Leave us a comment below 👇 Want to share your story 👉 www.thepatientstory.com/share-your-story/?UA-cam&
My prayers for you, Gregory. 🙏 You were so wonderful in describing every detail of your journey so far. I am so glad you talked about the financial stress on top of being in major health crisis, because it's such a huge factor in USA. I hope you will keep us updated with a Part 2 of your journey. 💪
21:30 I'll tell you what you do!! You tell them you are going to do a pay -out-of pocket and then the clinic is obligated to give you the lowered out of pocket rates, since the scam of insurance rates are double the cost of what it should be without insurance. Then you make the installment agreement the medical collections department at your hospital. While or after you are doing that, you also have to fight for "hardship applicant" to lower the rate. Then you make the minimum payments until you find out what the insurance can still cover. In the end, you don't pay it off because it is a federal law that although that debt will eventually be transferred to debt collectors, it can not be factored into your credit score when you stop making payments!!!
Insurance is such a rip off...so sorry you had to go thru this. We need universal GOOD health care. None of us have catastrophic insurance only rich people. Crazy
Very much a waste of your precious time and money not to have an MRI Wo/W Contrast! When iI was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2021. I had to wait months to complete MRI, CT and PET SCAN! You are very brave to go through a bone marrow biopsy. How could anyone go through this w/o going under anesthesia? When you were already in severe pain. How are you doing at this time?
Thank you for sharing your story. Mine is kind of similar in terms of insurance and this is just horrible. I was pre-diagnosed in October 2024 in Dubai emergency department where I was admitted with pain in my belly and kidneyI was referred to oncologyst on the next day. My insurance refused to pay even the initial blood works despite to the doctor explanations. I travelled to Cyprus where MM was also suspected after my 2nd MRI. Bone marrow was terrible for me as well, it is just something else and was not possible to tolerate. The results of the biopsy came back negative but oncologist insisted on the bone scan and pet scan as well. I got 2 second opinions from other oncologist institute and all believe that this is MM. Pet scan showed uptake on L2 but the doctors were so confused and told me that they can’t diagnose me unless we have L2 and L3 biopsy, hence I did the spine surgery few days ago and waiting for my final results it’s just something else fearful and frustrating to know that most likely you have the blood cancer but you don’t have the final diagnosis, don’t know what is next, mobility is not the same anymore and you can’t even work. I was obliged to leave the country where I used to live for the last 10 years, doing business and living my life. 2 month of emotional roller coaster hoping for the best. I wish you keep healthy and positive dear 🙏
I've also been having extreme back pain that's now also in my right hip and shooting rib pain on left side, abdominal pain below stomach for months now, that's just getting worse. Finally went to my doctor last week for help and all I get are x rays. I'm in the US so I'll be lucky to even get a diagnosis, let alone treatment because nobody in this country is actually interested in diagnosing anyone. They just want your money. I'm a single parent whose kids don't even have a father or extended family so if something happens to me, they will be left with no one to guide them through life. Let's just hope I'm dealing with slipped discs bc otherwise we are screwed.
I was diagnosed mm in 2018. ,Firstly gave me chemotherapy 16 . Then went to a transplant of born marrow . Since then two years I was given thelidomide and after stop ed the treatment when reports S. PROTEEN ELETROPOROCISE...nomal. Thank you for explaining .
I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻 I pray for you and your family that the Lord Jesus will comfort each and every one of you at this difficult time. God bless you all in Jesus name 🙏🏻
WOW this makes me so grateful for our NHS in the UK. We all contribute through our tax deductions, it was set up after WW2 to ensure everyone had access to health care ❤ wishing you well 😘
God bless you and your family. I wish I got to see the rest of your story. It cut off at you wondering how your stem cell transplant was going to be financed. Is there a Part 2?
I wish you well. 22 yearsago my firefighter, mixed gas rescuediver husband had a nagging g backache until the day a vertebrae snapped. Thanks to the newly developed MM therapies, he lived 15 years, most of them with little to no interruption to his life. Special blessi is to Kyphoplasty.
I am currently on year 46 working in health insurance. The companies are soul sucking vats of greed. But everyone can contact the insurance commission dept in their state and lodge a complaint against the company. Also you usually get a customer service person usually based in another country who doesn't know or care. They run from a script and are annoying as hell. You need to get ahold of a case manager or the manager and deal with them. So sorry the world has to deal with them.
Hello! Gregory Proctor. He relates his health struggles, treatment, and financial burden so well. He reminds me of Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon, academic, author, and politician. Health Care. I really dont know what the best solution is to our failing system but I realize we are in a desperate need of an overhaul. Our present health care is unsustainable. The patient has to jump through hoops in order to get any care. It is like a monster that is out of control. I dont like the Canadian system either where the medical profession tries to play God deciding who is worthy of attention n who isn't.
I have had MGUS for 20 years. I am 76 yrs old and my fear is that this will flare its head up and my insurance won’t cover me due to my age s this affects more elderly than young.
2003 physical showed anemic. I didn't follow through, neither did PCP. Sept 2004 anemic worse. Once again no follow up. July 2004 turned 67. I WAS very physically active then fatigue & right side rib & back pain started. Bed ridden at home most of Aug & my wife finally called 911 in Sept. ER doc asked if i eat a lot of Tums cuz my calicum level was very high. After about 2 weeks in this small hospital in NM, where there's no Oncologist, & several tests, the attending MD, his PA & a kidney MD came into the room & said we THINK you have cancer. Its called Multiple Myeloma.
I have stage 3 multiple myeloma 2 years now with 3 tumors on my spine from the cancer. I decided to do the shots in my stomach instead of the port. And I also take revlimid pills 3 times a week.
I have severe pain in my low back exactly where you did. It won't subside. Nothing helps, stretching or physical therapy. I have pain at the right low back/right hip or buttocks, inner groin, and it feels like the bony area where I sit on my right cheek is tender. Sitting makes it severe. Moving seems to help it for a while. I have lost weight to the tune of 30 pounds since last april. My bowels have been different ... hard to evacuate or fully go. I am all out of whack. Any suggestions? TY for your story!! God Bless.
My husband also passed away from MM. June 2022. He was 66 years young. His Doctor kept telling us, he was going to go into remission and would have 5 to 10 more years.
My brain doc did an mri in april. Went to back doctor and he asked me if i. had cancer. . Got. report From hospital. I have 3 legions. on my back. Still no word from brain doctor. Been. anemic most of my life. Oncologist. Was of no help. Now. waiting for blood work. My husband has mm from Camp Lejeune , he chose the chemo route and doing very. well. Ichoose not to go . that way and hope keto. will. help. I am 75. i. thought my back and hips were hurting ftom the stroke i had and eventually seuzures. The doctors. Are practically worthless . I. thank God for my. wonderful back doctor. Im glad the drug max next year. Is 2000. Hubby. Paid 3_4000 a month oct and nov. Im glad you. Are. doing good..
It becomes a very real issue of paying for Private Health when on an Aged Pension. The premiums have double since we retired, we are holding in there but for how long I don't really know. Considering I personally havehad private health insurance since birth, without fail over my 70 years.
I'm waiting for my test results from a bone marrow biopsy my chart keeps sending notifications and it's driving me nuts. I see the words relapse, but the bone marrow biopsy was only supposed to confirm if didn't need to continue to be on Revlimid. Today 10/16/2024, is my 4th rebirthday and I'm so worried. 😪
Damn insurance, that's why if I ever become terminally ill or whatever, just give me something for pain and let me go. I'm not gonna pay them thousands of dollars to live. I'm gonna get Jesus' life assurance.
Sorry the radiologist presented this to you. Indeed the possible malignancy should have been shared, but the conversations needed to be with the primary, an appointment set up with a cancer center if possible and primary can get you into an oncologist asap. Any health issue requiring long term treatments is financial devastating. I am experiencing cancer number two. Discussing your experience is really helpful for folks going through this; there are hard decisions to be made, and one just has to put on the warrior suit and just do it.
By the way, the health care in the states is financially devastating and the quality varies, depending who you are and how much money one has. It is a sad situation😢.
Wow what a story. I too have MM, been thru chemo. Has been a year and a few months. I am receiving the stem cell transplant in 5 days. I am frightened, but I know it is the right thing to do. It has been an emotional rollercoaster like no other, Wish me luck, I will pray for you.
how you doing now after your transplant?
Yes, it is a bit of a roller coaster ride. I did my best to deal with only one day at a time.
What are your symptoms?
I'm thinking that mm is a cash cow for big pharma and doctors.
Is it real?
I liked how you said ‘once we were diagnosed…’ ! It really shows that it involves everyone in the family/ friends to get you through the other side. I wish you all the best.
I was thinking that same thing, lost my wife to cancer at age 47, married 17 years, I took a leave from work and never missed a chemo appointment, never left her side, man I miss her dearly, praying for this man and wife, keep the faith. 🙏
My late fiance started with back pain, too! He had 13 lesions! I'm praying for a recovery..
I hope you have a full and complete remission of your cancer…you and your wife have certainly proven you’re fighters! ✨
I wish people would say who their ins companies are. This is so important!
I agree
It's seven years since my diagnosis. Had three or four different chemo courses with not huge remission. Now I'm on Daratumumab and Dexamethazone (15 months) and enjoying the best I've been in the last seven years. Treatment is every four weeks now so I have about three weeks each month when I don't have to think about Myeloma. Still low immunity so have to avoid crowds (and close physical contact with strangers! Lol!). I rely on humor, swearing and praying to keep me from going into a funk. I have some pain but not bad - I have to find the balance. Don't like the bone marrow biopsy, but it gives me a captive audience for my terrible jokes! Good luck and blessings to my fellow sufferers. MM is all part of my life's rich tapestry so it can be lived with. I have a great team here in the UK, who have supported me all the way. I feel very lucky to still be here. ❤
Ps. Age 76 so I am feeling my age a bit anyway.
Where in the UK are you getting that good treatment from?
@@CarolBaker-c8v Somerset.
I’m praying for you Brenna. Keep fighting. Sending hugs. ❤
@@Sedgies Thanks. I trust in the power of Almighty God and my life is in His Hands. ❤
I have had MGUS for 21 yrs. Within the last yr I have developed severe bone pain and want to sleep constantly. Very tired. As well as some dizziness. My recent blood work was taken Dec 6th. My Hematologist Dec 18th. We will see what the results are. Prayers for healing comfort and strength that all goes well.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️
he is such a likeable guy, i hope he is doing well.
Thank you for explaining exactly what you went through. You are so young to have to go through such terrible health issues. Thank goodness you are doing well now. I feel so bad that you have to deal with insurance companies. I live in Canada. I know a lot of Americans think that our Canadian health care system is terrible. A few years ago My husband went to the hospital with a bad cough. We did wait a long time in the Emergency Dept., but once we saw the doctor, things moved quickly. They gave him an X-ray. The doctor came to see us shortly after with the results. They saw a mass on his lung. We went home and the hospital called us the next day. He went back for an MRI. Three days later we saw a team of cancer specialists. They explained everything to us. He had a very aggressive lung cancer. They gave him 3 months to live and he lived exactly 3 months. His care was amazing. He had top cancer specialists. We don’t have to find our own doctors and don’t have to worry about how much it costs, and don’t have to worry about any paperwork. Everything is done for us. I can’t imagine the stress it must put on you to be so sick and having to worry about money. And insurance companies. They sent someone to our home to set up home care for when it was needed (no cost to us). We definitely do have some problems with our health care system, but I wouldn’t trade it for yours. My neighbor just had breast cancer. She had very aggressive surgery(all free). She even had free transportation to get her chemo treatments. She received amazing care. Of course we do pay for our health care through our taxes, but we all pay and we don’t feel it as it is deducted out of our paycheques automatically. I am so happy for you that you are doing well and hope you and your family live a long and happy life. Thank you for your very informative video. ❤️🇨🇦
This patient is very detail orientated. You've breaking it down in segments, God. Blessing.
Thank you for talking in detail about how insurance REALLY works.
Our govt isn’t going after these ins company’s , or taking care of our own citizens first ! There are too many just like this man …… mine cost out of pocket $44,000 plus plus plus, Medicare gives u koolaid instead of targeted treatment ( toe fungus cure not cancer ).
@@bonniebaker6516 Did you know you can make an appointment to have all the TESTS that you have to fight with your Doctor & In surance Company for in the US, if you go to Japan. You will spend a day in the hospital and for $500 you can have everything done ! That way you will know IF you have any illnesses and IF you want to do anything about it, when you go back to the states. You will have ALL your Test results to take back home with you.
I am thinking of making an appointment.
Thank you for sharing your story. My myeloma journey started in 2008 at age of 46. I remember driving to work one day (after my stem cell transplants) wondering if there will come a day where I feel normal and where I forgot I had C…. Happy to say that day came at least For a few hours. Lame insurance companies!!!
Due to neglect I was diagnosed stage 3 MM last years but due to late treatment I am wheelchair bound now and pain is constant. But luckily in my area in India the Government give us a Health Care System which provides us with the best treatment at very low cost even some medication free. I will he starting my first course of Chemotherapy by next year. The latest results shows that its near to the 4th Stage... luckily no metastasis haven't been diagnosed yet. But we have to constantly do LFT and KFT every 2 months. Except for the constant pain and immobility I am fine. I still like to think positively. I will not go out without fight.
I was diagnosed with MM on march 10 /23 suffering for back pain 5 years I’m into treatment for 4 months my oncologist wants me to get a BMT I’m in that process right now hoping my insurance cover this new treatment praying 🙏🏻 every moment .but I went yesterday for a hip biopsy it was painful in my case too😢wishing you a incredible recovery full of healing keep be strong 💪 it’s my mental state right now for the beginning of have been diagnosed it was awful 😢 took time for me to accepted this is a new day we are going to be better believe
Praying for your emotion & physical health. Healing prayers.🙏🏽
I pray in Jesus name that you are better at this time.
I have a question, did you ever have spine pain?
Pelvis pain?
Hi Gregory, it’s 09/24 when I watched your video. Hopefully, the MM has remained in remission. I’m 75 years old and am scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy next week as my docs suspect MM. I thought I’d soldier through the procedure with light sedation but you convinced me to be asleep throughout it. Thank you. Be well!
Thank you. You’re the first person I’ve heard that mentioned the rib, bone pain. Your story resonates with me. To help others I’ll say that my bone marrow biopsy was not as bad as yours. So others, please don’t be afraid. It might not be too bad for you. I’m now going to watch your other videos. Thanks again.
I found talking about something else was a good distraction. Not quite as bad as the dentist.
2021 my Son was out of breath weakness couldn't work went t doctor into hospital a year ..now doing kemo an now the cancer is in his arm they went into his back ..he's in so much pain.
My husband went through some of those same medications that you mentioned earlier in the video. We are on Medicare. We did speak with a lady from the Financial area and she asked IF we were interested in a Scholarship to help pay for Treatment. A BIG YES. From the time he walked into the Oncology Unit and EVERY TEST, or MRI, biopsy, anything relating to his treatment, we NEVER received one BILL. I am saddened, to hear that your Hospital was going to STOP your Treatment because of INSURANCE. Just today I was told I have to have a Biopsy. After being my husbands SOLE CARE GIVER for 2 years with Multiple Myeloma, I am not really concerned of what it may be. However, IF it is CANCER, I also need a SCHOLARSHIP, because I am now just living on his SS. Also, did you know that MM is hereditary, more likely for a male to have it, but a female can as well. Unfortunately my husband is no longer with us. So for you, you are one of the lucky few. I wish you well, my husband is in a box sitting on my Mantle until our children can get time off from work to send him off.
Your husband is in paradise, in heaven, not in a box; he has no more pain
It is hereditary? But as per the google rarely it will become hereditary?
@@venusserafico1161 His Father had it. Then he got it. I just pray my children a spared from the pain & aghony.
excellent presentation. Very well explained. May God be with you.
In Emerg with severe back pain and suddenly this video popped up. Wsitingbfor bloodwork. Was suicidal off and on since Sunday.
Well, it's not really about how many times we feel like giving up, it's about how many times we give it another try. One day at a time and enjoying the little things. I've been at this for eight years now, so feel very blessed and fortunate to have had good treatment and I feel God is on my side, so I try to be on His!
Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed with MM IgM kappa June/July 2022 at the age of 40. I have a very similar story. Bless you!
Also diagnosed at an age of 40, March 2023..
Absolutely shameful the insurance situation in the USA. Speaking from Australia, really so sad that what we used to think was a great country now makes you turn circles just trying to get your health insurance to cover what you need, it is really atrocious. You pay a fortune, then wait and fight to get your cover. I'm very sorry you need to go through this, Australia, NZ and the UK have excellent national health. It seems you have to fight for treatment even when you have expensive insurance. I hope as I write this you are getting the proper expert care you need.
National health coverage is not excellent coverage… my mother in law in England waited several YEARS to get a simple bladder repair surgery, because the waiting lists are so long. My dad had many frustrating experiences with his care for his diabetes, heart, etc. I’m not impressed. Plus wealthy people from all over the world leave those systems in the dust and come to the US to the Mayo Clinic for top notch treatment. Plus wealthy Canadians can now pay out of pocket to get better and faster care. There’s no perfect solution that I know of, but I’m thankful we don’t have socialized health care, other than Medicaid ( for the poor) and Medicare for the elderly. As an American whose husband had a good job with great health insurance, we had great health care!
@@ndgrandma1818I'm on Medicare with a free splemental insurance and i pay almost nothing for health care.
I know it's not like that for everyone but if a person puts some research into it, most everyone can get free or reduced medical care in America.
@@ndgrandma1818Not through the ACA. Obamacare sucks from everything I have heard.
@@ndgrandma1818but not everyone has great insurance and if you don't they could care less how you suffer or if you live or die !!! And that's an absolute shame !!!!!
@@thegmom7812 I don’t agree with your generalization that if you don’t have health insurance people don’t get good care. Our system is swamped by people who don’t have insurance, yet end up at the ER for care. No one is turned away, and those of us who pay for insurance end up paying the bill with increased premiums and higher prices for care. I know we have a flawed system , but so does everyone else. The truth is that health care is not a right covered in our bill of rights. We are a free country, and each person should be responsible for themselves. We have safety nets that help the poor. I still think our system is the best. You can think what you want.
Wow, so sorry you had to endure so much pain and frustration. Praying for complete healing. May God bless you and your wife.🙏🏽
My grandfather suffered
Multiple myeloma in his elderly years. Watching him suffer was painful.
You have given a very specific presentation!! God Bless you and prayers for a full recovery
3:27 I have 4 sisters and I’m the baby’s, although I’m 54yrs old. My second older sister was diagnosed August 2023 with Multiple Myeloma 3rd stage, and it was recommended that my sisters and I be tested. My older sister was negative, my 3rd older sister was positive January 2024 2nd stage and then it there was myself and my tests came back positive, I will find out what stage 3/26/2024. I am so nervous scared however be it that we are experiencing life changing situations we will be each other’s support system. Thank you for sharing! God Bless you!!
That’s crazy I didn’t know it ran in families like that. I’m sorry to hear thsgy
@@markm6059I didn’t know about being tested due to a sibling having blood cancer
My sister had lymphoma and died four years ago I questioned my PCP about my risk for the disease but he never suggested being tested
I have been seeing a nephrologist for my CKD and she ordered labs and the lab work looks like I’m being tested for blood cancer I’ve messaged her but haven’t heard back from her yet
Here in New Zealand we just don’t have to worry about the cost, if we need treatment we get sent to the appropriate Consultant, who provides the care needed. It’s bad enough being sick without having to worry about cost, it’s appalling that you have to spend hours on the phone, stressing about money, when you need to rest. To me, this sounds cruel, I just don’t understand why the American people put up with this, especially the cost of medication. My Husband is diabetic, he pays nothing for his prescription drugs, and has excellent care, including diabetic monitoring from the practice nurse, regular doctor meetings, even free Optical and Foot care. My friend gets regular treatment for skin cancer lesions, she even gets help with transport costs!
Agreed. American health care system is a nightmare. They take your homes to give you treatment that eventually kills you. What a disaster the American system has become.
Same here in Canada. My sister had cancer last year and she was able to take a year off work with full pay (her employer offers long term disability insurance), she had extensive surgery, chemo, radiation and she didn't have to pay a single dollar for anything, including all the medications! Nothing! She could focus on her recovery and the cost of all her treatments never even was on her mind. I also don't understand why Americans put up with this - It's appalling how the richest country in the world can do this to its people. Btw, my sister got the best care, is now fully in remission, back at work and doing very well.
Because you have socialized medicine. Also not all that great
While on vacations I’ve met with folks from England,Canada,& other European countries. They all had different experiences with the medical field . They agreed the social medicine was not good & felt if they had more cash they would have received better more advanced care in the US.
@@vickyblaskovich9265that's why so many with socialized medicine pay extra for private insurance.
What a wonderful smile! Blessings and long healthy life to you and yours!
God Bless You Brother... I Recently Went Through The Same Severe Back Pain As Yourself, But Thanks God It Wasn't MM!!!
I Pray For Your Continuous Healing Over Your Body In Jesus Mighty Name... Amen 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾
I’m so sorry you had to go through so much stress in dealing with insurance. Hoping you have a complete recovery and can put worry and expense behind you for good!
So grateful and very thankful for your story Mr. Proctor!! God bless and stay golden :)
Insurance companies suck. One day they will have to answer to God for these things.
Big pharma too....
not likely. it would be better if they answered to someone in this life
@@mistressmozart but they won’t so it will be God that deals with it.
@@lisathacker5313 nope
First they make you find your own oncologist rather than referring you to someone which is what they should have done and then they say pay or die instead of helping you fight that miserable health insurance company! After all the money we pay for health insurance this is unacceptable!!!
I have NEVER been told to find my own specialist and I have many health problems and many different doctors. I'm in America and have never had to wait for any medical test or treatment, even for a PET scan for cancer.
@@timestax
You must have a very unique insurance plan. I've met ppo and hmo patients and they are all frustrated by the ever lower care they receive in their health services. Do post your insurance company so we can give them our business.
Wow. I just saw your story. First and foremost, I hope you are well and happy. The diagnosis, scary as hell. The insurance, an absolute unnecessary nightmare. I love how you speak of you and your wife. What an asset for your well being. I wish you both the very best. You both are so strong, resilient and smart. God bless both of you.
His chemotherapy medication was $22,500 per week!? In lieu of universal healthcare, the costs of medication, treatment, tests and hospital stays need to be brought down to reasonable levels!
Several members of my family, all women are living with multiple myeloma. Thank you for bravely posting this information. My dearest Mum was the first to be diagnosed. My sister and my second mum also has it.
Live well daily and again thank you for sharing this information.
I live in Canada. My sister was young enough to get a stem cell transplant. My Mum and a woman I adopted as my second mum were given an drug regiment. It costs between $5,000 - $15000 monthly but we have coverage through our current health system. They all had chemo as well.
I get screened yearly for various forms of cancer as my Dad who is 93 now, had stomach cancer 26 years ago.
I pray that you have the best possible journey as you continue to live with this change in your life. I'm happy that you have a living wife by your side. That is the strongest of medicines.
Take care.
I'm subscribing to your channel. Thanks again for sharing your experience
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Blessings to you and your wife! ❤
God bless you. 🙏💕
Thank you so much for sharing your myeloma story.
Yes! Health insurance in the U.S sucks!!!
yes indeed! The system here in the USA is dollar driven, not patient driven. Its a travesty!! It takes forever to get anything done. But they sure want their money soon as you go see the doctor or specialist. I have noticed it has gotten more dysfunctional and broken over the last 3 years. Its awful! At this point we are exploring moving to another country where the medical system is actually there for the patient first and its not an ordeal.
I thank God for our medical that is mostly covered by our Federal Government, which I am ssssooooo grateful for !!!
@ThePatientStory, I think you have one of the most important channels on the internt, and i really thank you for getting all of these patients on here to talk so openly about their story and what they went through. I think that the help it gives other people is just ginormous. You are really doing A LOT of good for humankind.
Oh my gosh, terrible story but loved loved your attitude and words of encouragement for others. May God continue healing you and keeping your family safe. ❤🙏
Thank you, brother, for this video my sister has that same cancer.
Your story mimics mine .................... Ty sooo much for posting your story ....
Hi Gregory, thanks for your story. I have similar symptoms to yours. Scheduled to have an MRI and X-rays done tomorrow. My lower back and left hip pain came on slowly and has progressed over the last three weeks. I hope I don’t have MM but I appreciate you sharing your story. I’m kinda a “need to know” kinda girl. Hope you are doing well and feeling good. 🙏🏻
Oh man I having been pain on and off my pcp didn't do any tests and said to just go chiropractor. I hope you are doing well and getting answers
This is just how I experienced finding out what I had been dealing with. I started having the pain and took sick back in 2014. They told me that my blood was in a cancer state, but could not tell me exactly what it was. So for 8 years I just got worse and the pain and my mobility was shot. So I took sick November 2021 and I didn't want to go back to the same hospital I was going to. So I ended up in Gilbert Az at the Banner Gateway. Not knowing anything about a MD Anderson Cancer Center, witch was just behind the hospital. I was fully diagnosed in Feb 2022, started treatment in March. Had my SCT in October 2022. Here I am a couple months past my two yr and so far I'm doing so much better. Had a lot of compilations in 2024 dealing with my liver and having internal bleeding. Had a Stint put in in July and after that I have been doing great. I have the Dara shot once a month, other than the usual side effects. I get worried sometimes and scared that if and when it comes back I will have to go through it all over again. It's good to see people have someone by their side as they go through this thing call cancer. I went to every appointment and sat in the hospital alone, That I think was the worst part of my journey having to be my own suporter. I got through it and in the process I found out that I was never quite alone, My heavenly father was there by my side every step of the way. Thanks for sharing your story.
This story is one of many that demonstrates why we need universal health care. These insurance companies are an insatiable hydra. No one should be price gouging or gatekeeping when it comes to people's health.
Couldn't agree more. ❤
@@brennadickinson2920 No way
@@annmarie1689 "No way," what?
Thank you for watching!
Then we will be forced to allow the government to tell us what we have to do with our bodies !!
thanks for sharing your story. I love being in nature too! 🌲🌳🌲🌳
really glad you're not in pain and recovered, nice job w/ the trials & tribulations.
My father the same thing, he was athletic but his minor back pain turned out to be a tumor on his spine, multiple myeloma, he died two years later, but that was in 1996, survival rates are much better these days
Hard to imagine the doctor threatening to stop treatment without more money. It’s like Pay more or just die. Cruel and greedy.
What about their Hippocratic oath?!
Absolutely, that's disgusting !!! Every doctor should have to accept whatever insurance someone has also ! Healthcare most definitely needs a major overhaul !!!!!
I'm so sorry about the trouble you went through with your insurance. I thought it was kind of odd also that you said the spine Dr. told you that you needed to find an oncologist asap. I thought the Dr's office would refer you to an oncologist or two and help you navigate the administrative side. It's a good thing you are an intelligent and articulate person but how stressful to have to figure out the system while trying to beat this awful disease. I wish you a very successful journey and outcome.
I researched and found my own oncologist. I don’t mind being referred but I like to dig first. For example, I chose an oncologist who also has a degree in neurobiology because I also have MS and I knew it would complicate everything.
We’d love to hear from you: what stories do you want us to cover? Leave us a comment below 👇
Want to share your story 👉 www.thepatientstory.com/share-your-story/?UA-cam&
My prayers for you, Gregory. 🙏 You were so wonderful in describing every detail of your journey so far. I am so glad you talked about the financial stress on top of being in major health crisis, because it's such a huge factor in USA. I hope you will keep us updated with a Part 2 of your journey. 💪
Personally, I feel like the video ended at a halfway point. What’s the rest of his story??
Just read the description, and it says part 2 July 10. Maybe mention part 1 of 2 in the title? That would be helpful 😊
Recent Cholangiocarcinoma Pt stories I was diagnosed with this very rare liver cancer April 10, 2023
Thank you
He is an inspiration
21:30 I'll tell you what you do!! You tell them you are going to do a pay -out-of pocket and then the clinic is obligated to give you the lowered out of pocket rates, since the scam of insurance rates are double the cost of what it should be without insurance. Then you make the installment agreement the medical collections department at your hospital. While or after you are doing that, you also have to fight for "hardship applicant" to lower the rate. Then you make the minimum payments until you find out what the insurance can still cover. In the end, you don't pay it off because it is a federal law that although that debt will eventually be transferred to debt collectors, it can not be factored into your credit score when you stop making payments!!!
I had no symptoms. Mine was found on an MRI for abdominal pain (non related). Bless you.
Insurance is such a rip off...so sorry you had to go thru this. We need universal GOOD health care. None of us have catastrophic insurance only rich people. Crazy
Very much a waste of your precious time and money not to have an
MRI Wo/W Contrast!
When iI was diagnosed with
Breast Cancer in 2021. I had to wait months to complete
MRI, CT and PET SCAN!
You are very brave to go through a bone marrow biopsy. How could anyone go through this w/o going under
anesthesia? When you were already in severe pain.
How are you doing at this time?
Thank you for sharing your story. Mine is kind of similar in terms of insurance and this is just horrible. I was pre-diagnosed in October 2024 in Dubai emergency department where I was admitted with pain in my belly and kidneyI was referred to oncologyst on the next day. My insurance refused to pay even the initial blood works despite to the doctor explanations. I travelled to Cyprus where MM was also suspected after my 2nd MRI. Bone marrow was terrible for me as well, it is just something else and was not possible to tolerate. The results of the biopsy came back negative but oncologist insisted on the bone scan and pet scan as well. I got 2 second opinions from other oncologist institute and all believe that this is MM.
Pet scan showed uptake on L2 but the doctors were so confused and told me that they can’t diagnose me unless we have L2 and L3 biopsy, hence I did the spine surgery few days ago and waiting for my final results it’s just something else fearful and frustrating to know that most likely you have the blood cancer but you don’t have the final diagnosis, don’t know what is next, mobility is not the same anymore and you can’t even work. I was obliged to leave the country where I used to live for the last 10 years, doing business and living my life. 2 month of emotional roller coaster hoping for the best. I wish you keep healthy and positive dear 🙏
OMG! WISHING YOU THE BEST. AND HOPING I DONT HAVE THAT ALTHOUGH THE SYMPTOMS SEEM TO BE SIMULAR.
I've also been having extreme back pain that's now also in my right hip and shooting rib pain on left side, abdominal pain below stomach for months now, that's just getting worse. Finally went to my doctor last week for help and all I get are x rays. I'm in the US so I'll be lucky to even get a diagnosis, let alone treatment because nobody in this country is actually interested in diagnosing anyone. They just want your money. I'm a single parent whose kids don't even have a father or extended family so if something happens to me, they will be left with no one to guide them through life. Let's just hope I'm dealing with slipped discs bc otherwise we are screwed.
I was diagnosed mm in 2018. ,Firstly gave me chemotherapy 16 . Then went to a transplant of born marrow . Since then two years I was given thelidomide and after stop ed the treatment when reports S. PROTEEN ELETROPOROCISE...nomal. Thank you for explaining .
THANK YOU FOR SHARING
That pain was crazy.. I was Sleep the first time, but the second time I was awake. And it's unbelievable
XXXXXXXXX
My Cousin passed on today, he fought so hard. He was only 37 , it's do sad. He was still working in April.
I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
I pray for you and your family that the Lord Jesus will comfort each and every one of you at this difficult time.
God bless you all in Jesus name 🙏🏻
Was he vaccinated?
Thank you for sharing God bless you and yours.. Dr's really don't care. I'm dealing with alot and seems like I don't have a voice..
WOW this makes me so grateful for our NHS in the UK. We all contribute through our tax deductions, it was set up after WW2 to ensure everyone had access to health care ❤ wishing you well 😘
God bless you and your family. I wish I got to see the rest of your story. It cut off at you wondering how your stem cell transplant was going to be financed. Is there a Part 2?
Hope you're going well
Your doctor should have given you the referral.
I wish you well. 22 yearsago my firefighter, mixed gas rescuediver husband had a nagging g backache until the day a vertebrae snapped.
Thanks to the newly developed MM therapies, he lived 15 years, most of them with little to no interruption to his life. Special blessi is to Kyphoplasty.
I am currently on year 46 working in health insurance. The companies are soul sucking vats of greed. But everyone can contact the insurance commission dept in their state and lodge a complaint against the company. Also you usually get a customer service person usually based in another country who doesn't know or care. They run from a script and are annoying as hell. You need to get ahold of a case manager or the manager and deal with them. So sorry the world has to deal with them.
Hello! Gregory Proctor. He relates his health struggles, treatment, and financial burden so well. He reminds me of Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon, academic, author, and politician.
Health Care. I really dont know what the best solution is to our failing system but I realize we are in a desperate need of an overhaul. Our present health care is unsustainable. The patient has to jump through hoops in order to get any care. It is like a monster that is out of control. I dont like the Canadian system either where the medical profession tries to play God deciding who is worthy of attention n who isn't.
Universal free, healthcare should be a guaranteed right EVERYWHERE!
Absolutely 💯 !!!!!!!!
I have had MGUS for 20 years. I am 76 yrs old and my fear is that this will flare its head up and my insurance won’t cover me due to my age s this affects more elderly than young.
2003 physical showed anemic. I didn't follow through, neither did PCP. Sept 2004 anemic worse. Once again no follow up. July 2004 turned 67. I WAS very physically active then fatigue & right side rib & back pain started. Bed ridden at home most of Aug & my wife finally called 911 in Sept. ER doc asked if i eat a lot of Tums cuz my calicum level was very high. After about 2 weeks in this small hospital in NM, where there's no Oncologist, & several tests, the attending MD, his PA & a kidney MD came into the room & said we THINK you have cancer. Its called Multiple Myeloma.
Insurance is ridiculous and unacceptable.
Only thing sure about it is that you pay.
I have stage 3 multiple myeloma 2 years now with 3 tumors on my spine from the cancer. I decided to do the shots in my stomach instead of the port. And I also take revlimid pills 3 times a week.
Dang, your symptoms and location are exactly like mine..I haven't gone in yet.
The oncologist cared about money more than this poor gentleman suffering because of MM.
It is the insurance system that is the problem.
I appreciate your video. Thank you.
I have severe pain in my low back exactly where you did. It won't subside. Nothing helps, stretching or physical therapy. I have pain at the right low back/right hip or buttocks, inner groin, and it feels like the bony area where I sit on my right cheek is tender. Sitting makes it severe. Moving seems to help it for a while. I have lost weight to the tune of 30 pounds since last april. My bowels have been different ... hard to evacuate or fully go. I am all out of whack. Any suggestions? TY for your story!! God Bless.
My sister also had MM. Unfortunately she passed away on the 23May 2023😢
My husband also passed away from MM. June 2022. He was 66 years young. His Doctor kept telling us, he was going to go into remission and would have 5 to 10 more years.
@@barbaradw9969 what was his treatment ?
Good luck to you and good health
Totally agree with the bone marrow biopsy OUCH
Do you mind sharing where you were treated and if you recommend them? I’m in San Antonio as well. Thank you!
I have back pain too , its not severe . I can walk freely right now but its been 2 years since i have that . I am quite obese too
My brain doc did an mri in april. Went to back doctor and he asked me if i. had cancer. . Got. report
From hospital. I have 3 legions. on my back. Still no word from brain doctor. Been. anemic most of my life. Oncologist. Was of no help. Now. waiting for blood work. My husband has mm from Camp Lejeune , he chose the chemo route and doing very. well. Ichoose not to go . that
way and hope keto. will. help. I am 75. i. thought my back and hips were hurting ftom the stroke i had and eventually seuzures. The doctors. Are practically worthless . I. thank God for my. wonderful back doctor. Im glad the drug max next year. Is 2000. Hubby. Paid 3_4000 a month oct and nov. Im glad you. Are. doing good..
It becomes a very real issue of paying for Private Health when on an Aged Pension. The premiums have double since we retired, we are holding in there but for how long I don't really know. Considering I personally havehad private health insurance since birth, without fail over my 70 years.
They started doing epidurals on me my lower back, I was diagnosed Multiple MYELOMA on 1-12-2024 from a bone marrow biopsy
I lost my beloved doctor to this sneaky disease. Hang tight and blessings ❤🙏🙏🙏
I'm waiting for my test results from a bone marrow biopsy my chart keeps sending notifications and it's driving me nuts. I see the words relapse, but the bone marrow biopsy was only supposed to confirm if didn't need to continue to be on Revlimid. Today 10/16/2024, is my 4th rebirthday and I'm so worried. 😪
Exactly how my son in laws symptoms started.
We are supporting several wars at the same time we cannot afford all these medical expenses!!
Thank you lord 🙌
Wait, wait, wait, isn't illegal to refuse medical treatment because of lack of payment?
You dont need fruits and sugars.
Prlong fasting and kito, what you need.
What did you eat and herbs did you take. My dad has neuropathy BAD. IT'S so depressing. He can't sleep barely eat.
I too have multipl myeloma. It seems to me that the variant of multiple myeloma that has afflicted Greg is particularly virulent.
How was your experience with the bone marrow biopsy?
Damn insurance, that's why if I ever become terminally ill or whatever, just give me something for pain and let me go. I'm not gonna pay them thousands of dollars to live. I'm gonna get Jesus' life assurance.
Sorry the radiologist presented this to you. Indeed the possible malignancy should have been shared, but the conversations needed to be with the primary, an appointment set up with a cancer center if possible and primary can get you into an oncologist asap. Any health issue requiring long term treatments is financial devastating. I am experiencing cancer number two.
Discussing your experience is really helpful for folks going through this; there are hard decisions to be made, and one just has to put on the warrior suit and just do it.
By the way, the health care in the states is financially devastating and the quality varies, depending who you are and how much money one has. It is a sad situation😢.