October 22, 2025

Francis Monize

Everything happens for a reason 

In July 2020, my life changed forever. I was 68, retired from my career as an electrical engineer, and living in Mississauga, Ontario. I am originally from Guyana, South America, but I moved to Canada 55 years ago.  

I had always been pretty active. I used to play a lot of sports. Cricket was my passion, and I loved traveling with my spouse, Olney. But a freak accident — a two-year old jumping into my lap — led to a fractured collarbone and, eventually, a diagnosis I never expected: multiple myeloma. 

My diagnosis 

At first, I didn’t even realize my collar bone was fractured. The pain was serious, and I couldn’t do anything with my right hand. I didn’t know what was going on.  

At that time, it was the COVID-19 pandemic, so my doctor’s office was closed. The only places I figured I could go to were the emergency room or a walk-in clinic. I went to a walk-in clinic because I didn’t want to be around COVID in the ER. 

Unfortunately, my first oncologist didn’t appreciate my questions and dropped me. Thankfully, my second oncologist was and still is excellent, compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive. I’m much more confident with this oncologist, so everything worked out for the best. 

Treatment, side effects, and sharing knowledge 

I underwent a stem cell transplant in January 2021 at Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton. After that I was prescribed various treatments. Some worked for a while, others didn’t help at all. Eventually, I was blessed with an offer of bispecific antibody therapy at Credit Valley Hospital (also in Mississauga, ON), in January of 2025. I was maybe the fifth patient to receive this antibody therapy at Credit Valley. I’m still on it now and it’s been working well for the myeloma. 

The side effects are tough – joint pain, muscle aches, site reactions – but I manage them the best I can. Antihistamines help, and I use primrose oil to soothe the injection site. It’s not easy, but it’s better than the pain myeloma used to cause. 

I do a lot of research online through the International Myeloma Foundation and other resources. I’ve learned a lot, especially about managing side effects. Through Myeloma Canada I found and joined a support group in Brampton. I joined the group to share knowledge, especially about side effects. I believe that’s an area where more guidance is needed. 

I had a cousin in New York who had myeloma too. Unfortunately, he passed away in April of 2025. We used to compare notes and support each other. He had neuropathy that made it so he couldn’t walk properly. I still struggle with neuropathy, but I keep trying new things like B12, massage, creams, heating pads… anything that might help. Nothing is straightforward when it comes to treatment and side effects, so it’s good to exchange ideas in support groups. Together, we ask, “What did you try?”, “What did you not try?”. 

Keeping busy with charity work 

I first heard about Myeloma Canada through my oncologist, who gave me some booklets. Since then, I’ve been part of the Brampton support group.  

While I haven’t had the chance to be part of any of the big events, I’ve supported Myeloma Canada through my own fundraising. I am part of a group called the Peel-Guyanese Association. We did a lot of charity work, like sending seven 40-foot containers of medical and educational supplies to Guyana. In 2024, we had some extra funds available and were looking for places in our region to support. Myeloma Canada was a good candidate, so we donated. 

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