Recent Diagnosis

May 28, 2002

Hi,

My name is Barb Stanley and my 75 year old dad has just been diagnosed with MSA.

Based on his current symptoms and medical history, it is believed he has has MSA

for about 6 years. That's about the time his first fainting spells began, along

with the shuffling of his feet and constipation. And now that he's been

diagnosed, we're (my mom and I) reasonably sure all his many other symptoms must

surely be MSA related. Complicating matters is the fact that he also has

multiple myloma which was being treated with Chemo. We kept attributing his

weakened condition to the Chemo, but have since learned otherwise. His

oncologist was the first to suspect MSA. Since 1 May, he has gone from walking

with a cane to being unable to work at all, and has trouble even sitting up by

himself. Because the Chemo does make him sick, we are with holding those

treatments at least for the time being. Mom and I just don't know what to

expect, and since his doctor has not treated a lot of MSA patients, he doesn't

know for sure either. He told us that " it's just a matter of time, " but can't

say how much time. Can anyone tell us what we can expect as far as progression

of the MSA. While it progressed very slowly over the first 6 years,we're

concerned that if it progresses as rapidly as it has over the last month we may

lose him fairly soon. Any info " you " can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Barb Stanley

--------------------------------------------------------------------

mail2web - Check your email from the web at

http://mail2web.com/ .

May 28, 2002

Hi Barb,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. I am relatively new to the list

myself, my husband has MSA. The people here are wonderful and know

much more than I and they will share their knowledge I am sure.

Sounds like the chemo combined with MSA will be very difficult for

your Dad. I had chemo years ago and it totally wipes you out,

combine that with the other symptoms and life will be very difficult.

One day at a time is my motto. I also look for at least one positive

moment and always find a reason to laugh a little. My love to you

and your family.

Jan (Arizona)

> Hi,

> My name is Barb Stanley and my 75 year old dad has just been

diagnosed with MSA. Based on his current symptoms and medical

history, it is believed he has has MSA for about 6 years. That's

about the time his first fainting spells began, along with the

shuffling of his feet and constipation. And now that he's been

diagnosed, we're (my mom and I) reasonably sure all his many other

symptoms must surely be MSA related. Complicating matters is the

fact that he also has multiple myloma which was being treated with

Chemo. We kept attributing his weakened condition to the Chemo, but

have since learned otherwise. His oncologist was the first to

suspect MSA. Since 1 May, he has gone from walking with a cane to

being unable to work at all, and has trouble even sitting up by

himself. Because the Chemo does make him sick, we are with holding

those treatments at least for the time being. Mom and I just don't

know what to expect, and since his doctor has not treated a lot of

MSA patients, he doesn't know for sure either. He told us that " it's

just a matter of time, " but can't say how much time. Can anyone tell

us what we can expect as far as progression of the MSA. While it

progressed very slowly over the first 6 years,we're concerned that if

it progresses as rapidly as it has over the last month we may lose

him fairly soon. Any info " you " can provide would be greatly

appreciated.

> Thanks

> Barb Stanley

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

> mail2web - Check your email from the web at

> http://mail2web.com/ .

May 28, 2002