Listening for Cancer

Joan's mother was diagnosed yesterday. She has multiple myeloma, fourth stage. Most information sources don't specify a fourth stage because the subject usually doesn't survive beyond three. The question now is how long has she had it? We think much longer than anyone realized. Both myeloma and osteoporosis attack the bones and marrow so it is hard to distinguish. Dr. Y, the oncologist, saw her several years ago and owing to her age simply told her to "go home". She was 80 then, so the disease has probably been at her for 8 years. All considered, she's done very well. The downside is pain. There's plenty with this disease and Phyll has endured the worst. Sometime soon they will move her to a palliative unit to finish off her days. She's ready to go. She's been very up front about that, telling several family.