About Alpesh
This website has been set up to keep our family and friends abreast of our life with myeloma
Summary:
On October 6th 2008, Alpesh was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. MM is a cancer of the plasma cells. In Alpesh’s particular case, he has two large plasmacytomas (one near his lung and one near his sacrum) that are more worrying than the myeloma itself. For more information on this particular cancer please click here.
Click here for Alpesh’s current treatment protocol
What lead us to the diagnosis?
From a young age, Alpesh always has had back problems. It’s almost been an ongoing battle with this pain which came and went without warning. About 5 years ago, a chiropractor told him that this was all due to his flat feet and that he needed insoles which he got and believe it or not, his back problems were fixed!! If only it was that easy right??
About four months ago the pain came back and this time the lower back pain was causing him to limp. The pain would move from lower back to right shoulder blade – a sharp, stabbing pain that throbbed. Alpesh was amazing because he lived with that pain without really complaining – he took pain medication occasionally but otherwise pretty much led a normal life, playing soccer/football with the children, swimming, volleyball, biking and traveling. Unfortunately since we all thought that he was aging prematurely, he was subject of many jokes which we all want to forget now!! Alpesh being the carefree guy he is, didn’t care and in fact contributed to many of the jokes himself – saying that this was a sign that he had worked too hard in his younger years and he needed to take it easy now.
Unfortunately the limp was starting to hinder his lifestyle so he went to the doctor. After numerous visits to the doctor, chiropractor, physiotherapist, orthopedic surgeon nothing could be found. This does not include all the vials of blood that had been collected on the way and all the x-rays that were taken during the four months. The doctor concluded that there was nothing wrong with him! The chiropractor told him his periformis muscle was weak. The Orthopedic surgeon said his back was perfectly fine and that he had a misaligned hip and that he would probably limp forever. The physiotherapist exercised his periformis and hip muscles so much that the poor guy had the toughest performis than any athelete (!) but the limp was still there All experts kept revolving around a sciatica nerve issue.
After much persuasion, the orthopedic surgeon agreed to an MRI. The MRI was done on Monday, September 29th and on Wednesday October 1st, we discovered that what we had all along believed was a pinched nerve, was indeed a pinched nerved but the cause of this was due to two large tumors – one near his lungs (10cmx4cm) (they thought it might be in his lung at that time) and the other near the sacrum (5cmx4cm). It all finally made sense … the pain in his right shoulder blade/the limp. What a shock! Our world came tumbling down. We couldn’t even think straight but we were sent to an oncologist, Dr Lee Zehngebot to get further tests done. He hospitalized Alpesh immediately so that they could do more tests to determine next steps. At this stage, we all prayed that these tumors would be benign. After 3 days in hospital, Alpesh came home having been through blood work, a CT scan, a bone scan and a bone marrow biopsy, and a CT biopsy on the tumor near the lung. He was told to go home over the weekend and enjoy the time with the family. We would know his diagnosis at 3pm on Monday, October 6th.
The whole weekend, we tried to think positively, prayed, hoped that we would have good news on Monday. Monday 3pm arrived and Dr Z told us the devastating news that Alpesh has Multiple Myeloma. For more details on this particular type of cancer, please click here .
Did I say earlier that our world came tumbling down? Well, the world crashed and burned at this stage.. Disbelief, anger and numbness are the only words I can use to explain how we felt. The question of why? How? When? kept looming and we kept trying to answer these questions.
Alpesh’s first words to me were “Don’t worry … we have time – God didn’t take me in a car accident or heart attack, he gave us time”. Time is now a ticking bomb but he’s right – we are able to put all our affairs in order so that whatever the future brings, we will be able to face it prepared. That first week we spent researching Multiple Myeloma as knowledge is definitely our best armor. Of course the mere fact that Alpesh does not fit any of the characteristics of a typical myeloma patient did not help (just kept making us think “why us?”) but it gave us hope.
At age 40 Alpesh is one of the younger diagnosed patients so has good health and age on his side. He is also a strong, stubborn and determined person so we firmly believe that all those factors will help conquer the fight. We are truly hopeful that during Alpesh’s lifetime, a cure will be found and our task now is to find a way to put him into remission until that cure is found.
[By Sima]
alexfl
November 30th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Alpesh and Family,
Prayers and thoughts to you as you wage this battle. I know if anyone can do it, Alpesh can!
You are in my thoughts.
God Bless
Kim
December 1st, 2008 at 1:19 am
Alpesh & Family:
If anyone can look this cancer straight on in the eye and stand against it, it is Alpesh! Alpesh is a very strong and determined individual!
Our household is thinking of you all and will be sending extremely positive thoughts, prayers and energy your way!
Best,
Candice
December 1st, 2008 at 9:35 am
Alpesh and Sima, our dear Brit:
Yet again, I am taught – in a different form and fashion – what true courage and determination is all about. As I read, I feel the determination and faith and positive energy which is carrying you like a tank through this battleground. Unbeknownst (don’t you love that word?) to you, your candid openness to Alpesh’s challenge also served to help me remember to never give up, give in, or say never. This is what life is all about. I will continue to pray for you both even as I become myself encouraged by your strength.
Love,
J.
December 1st, 2008 at 10:15 am
Alpesh,
I could not agree more with the comments above. Courage is not acting without fear but acting inspite of it. I don’t know of any other man more qualified than you to lead this fight. Cindy and I will pray for your peace, faith and hope!
Regards,
Skip
December 1st, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Alpesh and Sima,
I have to say Myeloma picked the wrong guy to mess with. Alpesh we know you are a tough competitor and Myeloma doesn’t have a chance against you. Wish there was something I could do to help other then to continue to pray for you and your family. You both rock and cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Thanks for sharing your journey it is awe inspiring. HUGS!!!
Sue
December 1st, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Wow you guys! That blog is REALLY INFORMATIVE. I think you both should be Oncologists and probably public speakers on the subject when this stupid “interference” passes. Its very impressive….SERIOUSLY!
Thanks for including me. I am praying and you guys are on my mind daily.
Kathy
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
Jai Jalaram…
Alpesh and Sima, our thougths and prayers are with you and the boys.
If there’s anyone who can overcome such a daunting life changing event, it is you Alpesh. You’ve given others strength when they needed it because you’re a fountain of optimism. We are looking forward to your speedy recovery so that we can come down and visit. If there’s anything we can do, please, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re just a phone call away.
Thank you for your blog. It keeps us current and makes us feel a part of your journey.
Piyush
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Alpesh & Family,
I just want to say thank you for setting up the blog…it’s very informative and detailed.
Alpesh I love your optimism and know that you will come out of this stronger than before. You are always in our prayers and thoughts!
Lots of Love,
Priyanka,Sean, & Misha
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Dear Sima
Thanks so much, for including me in your progress. I’m thrilled to hear Alpesh is doing well. What an outstanding story he wrote about the visit your Parents made on his behalf. Faith can move mountains!!! I applaud your strength and will continue to keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.
If I can do ANYTHING at all for you, please let me know. I’m here for you, day or night!! Take care!!
Love
Sheri
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Dear Sima
The website is great! You really worked hard and it shows! I am so glad that Alpesh is handling his chemo with few side effects!
Keep up the good work and positive spirits – I’m so proud of you!
Keeping ya’ll in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Susan
December 4th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Dear Sima,
Thank you for sharing your news. You shouldn’t have to go through it by yourselves. Alpesh is a fighter and I am so pleased to hear that he is responding well to treatment. Keep up the good work Alpesh and know that we are thinking if you.
I will keep upto date with news from your webiste. It is a really good site and very informative.
Give my love to the boys
lots of love
Gita
December 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hi Simes, I’m so very sorry, but I know how much medicine has moved on in the last few years so am confident he will get better. I will pray for Alpesh but know that with you behind him he can only get better. I have tears in my eyes because I do so care and am sending you all my love.
Take good care of Alpesh, yourself and the boys,
loads of love
Gill xx
December 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Dear Sima… Just finished reading the blog. You guys are amazing people!!! Your faith will carry you far… I’m so sorry Alpesh has to go thru any of this… and YOU TOO!!! It is sooooo hard watching those you love hurt. You both are in my prayers.
Please let me know if I can do anything from this end to help you… now or later, I am here for you guys!
Only love and peace,
Mary
December 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Alpesh,
It has been a long time since we talked and I am saying my prayers and thinking of you often. You are a fighter and a survivor and I just know in my heart you are going to get through this with flying colors. I read what Candice said and I could not agree more. We love you and hang in there. Warm regards and happy holidays. Roslyn
December 15th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Alpesh and Sima –
I am saddened to read about this journey you are on and so encouraged that you are handling it with courage and strength. My prayers for you are for the wisdom to make the right decisions at the right time. As you are discovering, God will guide you. Continue to seek his wisdom, grace, and mercy.
Many blessings,
Muriel
December 19th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I also was misdiagnosed for 6+ months. My doctor thought I was just trying to get narcotics. MM is not curable, but it is treatable. I have been fortunate to find an excellent doctor, and a wonderful support group. Best wishes.
December 19th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Alpesh and Seema:
I am so glad to read about your progress. When I first spoke to you I was amazed with your positive outlook and your trust in God which is exactly what is going to make the difference. Our prayers are with you all along as you traverse through this journey. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to call upon me. I have been keeping myself updated via this blog (which by the way is a great idea) on a weekly basis. We love you. Happy holidays and may God bring you joy in the New Year. Jai Shree Krishna
January 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Hmmm the results sound interesting to say the least. I wish you both strengh and faith that you will know what to do at each crossroads. Praying that the scans show the plasmacytomas are gone and that all your goals are met. A wise oncologist once said “that you take all the data and make the best decision and then look forward to the next step and you will go nuts if you look back and second guess your decisions.” I also know that one of the hardest things is waiting for test results. Wishing you joy, peace and good health in the new year.
January 10th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Hi Alpesh/Sima,
We are glad to see that the treament is going good and that you are holding your spirits high.God sends challenges in mysterious ways and we are certain that you will pull through your challenge.This site helps us all keep upto date with whats going on,and we will keep praying for you throughout your fight against MM;If there is anything we can do,please do not hesitate.
January 15th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Hi Alpesh and Sima
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. we are looking forward to your speedy recovery, and we can visit you. we talked to your mum and she said you are doing well. that was very good to hear. god bless you
January 26th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hi Sima & Alpesh;
I just discovered your site via Margaret’s Corner. From what I’ve read Alpesh, you have reason to be hopeful for a long life. I am 150 post transplant, drug free, in remission, and beginning to feel I’m getting my mojo back.
Best wishes to you going forward.
John
January 26th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hi Sima & Alpesh;
I just discovered your site via Margaret’s Corner. From what I’ve read Alpesh, you have reason to be hopeful for a long life. I am 150 days post transplant, drug free, in remission, and beginning to feel I’m getting my mojo back.
Best wishes to you going forward.
John
January 28th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Alpesh & Sima,
Good luck with the Cytoxan treatment tomorrow-hope that all goes well.Our prayers are with you for the best possible results.You both have shown true courage,determination, and tenacity throughout this journey.You are an inspiration to us all and are shining examples of how to face and overcome adversity with humor,dignity and grace.May God guide you and give you the fortitude to overcome this.You are truly special,we love you and our thoughts and prayers are always with you.We have faith that all will be well soon.May God bless you and take care of you.
Diptesh & Ushma.
February 1st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Alpesh:
It was great to see you last weekend at Wallyball – you haven’t lost a step! You are one of a kind and a true inspiration for all of us. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Eric
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:56 am
Alpesh, I am checking here regularly and think of you often. Just like Lance Armstrong, I expect you to win the Tour de France when you get over this.
Gene and Susie
February 6th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Hi Alpesh, I’m Sam Davda’s youngest son. When my dad told me about your cancer I was totally stunned and saddened. Although I last saw you when I was only 10, I always thought you were one of those lucky people who could always see the bright side of everything. I’m glad to see that hasn’t changed. When my Dad visited you recently, he told me about how strong you were being and how the cancer didn’t seem to phase you. It was no surprise to me. I know that you will be strong no matter what happens to you and that is how we all should be. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and I know you will be strong as that is what you are naturally.
Bhavesh
February 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Alpesh & Sima,
We bumped into your brother last night while we were having a meal. Needless to say the conversation took us to places we would rather not think about.
Although its been many years since we have spoken Im sure you guys will tackle this head on and come out on top – as was the case with any other situation I remember you being involved in.
Our thoughts and hopes are with you and your family…
Rahul, Leena, Rishi & Ria
February 27th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hi Alpesh,
Was in Heathrow this week and heard this news for the first time. Anger, confusion, and sadness gives way to promise and resolve as I read your blog, and of the good wishes of your friends and family. They are many. Like Champions League Final 1999, you’ll pull this out and raise the trophy. We’re cheering you on, mate.
Mark
April 6th, 2009 at 1:29 am
hi alpesh and sima,
as u have discribed for cancer treatment ,and also mantioned about maadi,so i would say u did not made it clear maadi ,if maadi is from kheda than i can say u boldly that no one can treat u more than maadi in the world to day this is my personal experience ..maadi has also established TB hospital in kheda..for ur kind information. if u want to know more about maadi u r most wellcome anytime…
jai maadi jai maadi jai maadi,,,,,,,./…….
June 24th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Alpesh
I will hold both you and your family in my prayers daily…
Your friend,
Chris