Multiple Myeloma
04-20-2019, 08:21 AM
#2
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,501
Never say never but generally the medications recommended/required for initial treatment include high dose steroids that the FAA would be reluctant to waiver because of their own side effects. And the course of the disease with this treatment is labile enough that they would also be reluctant to grant waivers.
Barring successful bone marrow transplant, I think it's unlikely, but like I said, never say never.
The thing to do is get the best treatment for the illness you possibly can, somewhere like MD Anderson, the Mayo Clinic, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, etc. then see how it goes.
You will have to convince the FAA that you are stable after treatment and not on high dose steroids or other disqualifying meds. That won't happen quick but nothing is impossible. Good luck.
Barring successful bone marrow transplant, I think it's unlikely, but like I said, never say never.
The thing to do is get the best treatment for the illness you possibly can, somewhere like MD Anderson, the Mayo Clinic, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, etc. then see how it goes.
You will have to convince the FAA that you are stable after treatment and not on high dose steroids or other disqualifying meds. That won't happen quick but nothing is impossible. Good luck.
04-20-2019, 09:35 AM
#3
Permanent Reserve
Joined APC: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,677
I know it is in pilot's DNA to want to get back to the cockpit, but you need to focus 100% of your thoughts and energy on getting well.
You can worry about the FAA later. Hopefully you have good disability insurance.
That said, I do know several pilots that came back after various cancers, but not the one you mentioned specifically.
Previous poster said it best: you have to be stable and not on any disqualifying medications.
good luck.
You can worry about the FAA later. Hopefully you have good disability insurance.
That said, I do know several pilots that came back after various cancers, but not the one you mentioned specifically.
Previous poster said it best: you have to be stable and not on any disqualifying medications.
good luck.
04-20-2019, 09:43 AM
#4
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2013
Position: MD-11 Capt
Posts: 13
Thanks for the reply. I did have a stem cell transplant last fall and am in a good state of remission. The denial letter from the FAA that I got back stated it was because of "Multiple Myeloma treated with Ninlaro". I knew the two main medications used to treat MM, Revlimid & Velcade, were on AMAS's unapproved list but was hoping Ninlaro would be okay. I'm just on a low dose for maintenance. I guess if the FAA denies the appeal I'll have to decide to either go off the medication or try to find something that the FAA will approve. It would be great to find someone who has been successful dealing with this.
06-26-2022, 12:56 AM
#5
New Hire
Joined APC: Jun 2022
Posts: 2
Any Update on Getting Your Medical Back
NightShip1129 I see this thread is three years old. Did you have any luck getting your medical back after the stem cell transplant. I am only 2 months out from mine and am wondering the same question you asked. Any word would be a great comfort. I am only a private pilot but am young enough to have many years of flying if the FAA will allow. I have a 3rd Class at this time but will certainly loose my special issuance in a couple of months.
06-26-2022, 08:37 AM
#6
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,501
11-16-2022, 09:55 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Standing in front of the tank with a shopping bag
Posts: 918
I know of 2 pilots that are back flying..
Originally Posted by jmgarris1
Thank you for this article. It was spot on. Blessings to you for posting!
I know of 2 pilots that are back flying after multiple myeloma, and they both used the same AME. PM me and I can get you in touch with one of them…
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