Often doctors are asked; "How long do I have?" "What is my prognosis?" Although this is a difficult question and most doctors avoid giving a direct answer, hopefully I can shed some light on this question regarding Jodi.
Multiple Myeloma for many years has been considered a chronic yet terminal illness. Most of what you read on the internet is outdated and not up to speed with the current rapidly progressing and changing treatment strategies of MM. Many oncologists will discuss amongst other doctors and state that in fact MM can be cured and has been cured for many patients. However there is not enough data with these newer aggressive treatments to officially call this cancer a "curable" cancer.
Many people live 10+, even 15 years or longer and ultimately die of other causes. Geraldine Ferraro recently passed away after living with MM for 12 years. I have seen many patients with 10+ years and these patients were treated with inferior and older medications. So the future looks bright and we suspect to have Jodi at Ivy's wedding and Ivy will not be allowed to get married prior to 23 and she is only 12 years old now.
Jodi has been blessed to be included in a couple of the most advanced cutting edge treatment strategies for MM and will certainly benefit from these treatments.
Did I skillfully avoid answering the question?
thanks for the helpful information!
ReplyDeleteWe are very grateful for the creation of this blog so that we can follow Jodi's progress. We send our love and positive energy to one of the brightest spirits on the planet!
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Burts
Italy Rome Mission