Man in the Arena is the story of Jim Bond a patient that lived until recently since 1992. Most current treatments were new and others unavailable. His case was so severe that he was given a short period to live until he started in a treatment trial at Dana Farber. The link is attached below too.

https://healthtree.org/myeloma/community/articl...

James Bond: Surviving Multiple Myeloma Since 1992 - HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma

https://healthtree.org/myeloma/community/articles/james-bond-man-in-the-arena

Hi Wendi,
There are resource articles that can help you sort out the various factors affect longevity of multiple myeloma patients depending upon their particular diagnosis. There are so many options for relapsed multiple myeloma treatments that have extended patients lives and improved outcomes. I have been in complete response for over 3 years and diagnosed over 5 years ago. There are patients who have lived extended periods up to 20 years. Relapses while common are treatable with the results of improving technologies developed by an active research and development community.
Some additional sources of information are Healthtree and The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation which can educate you and relieve the stress of the unknown.

There are 8 types of MM. There are too many factors to list but MM usually returns. I was diagnosed in early 2021. Relapsed in fall of 2023 and participating in a clinical trial since 1-2-24 & told 2-13-24 that I am in remission for the 2nd time. There are always new treatments coming out.

@A MyMyelomaTeam Member there are many factors affecting longevity with MM. The latest I’m seeing is 60% survive after 5 years. Now this is an average of those with “distant” MM. That means your MM traveled to more than one place. In my case I had it in spine, hip, shoulder and LIVER! If one has more localized disease the survival rate goes up to 70-80% in 5 years. RRMM is another factor. If you relapse meaning your therapy stops working or if you are refractory meaning your therapy didn’t work then you are more susceptible to early death.

Obesity, diabetes and other comorbidities affect longevity.

So suffice it to say that there are many therapies your oncologist can recommend as we proceed through life to prolong our journey. And more are in the pipeline!

Mentioned Users

A MyMyelo...

Yes, it always comes back. My son-in-law is an oncologist/hematologist and he says "When, not if" it comes back. My prognosis wasn't very good because of deletions, but I'm going on 5 years and doing well. I have a friend who has survived 12 years. So with today's available treatments, we have more years.