Personal stories of myeloma

My 1st year anniversary post stem cellThe basic unit of any living organism. transplant!I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancerA term for diseases in which malignant cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. in July 2019, 7 months after many investigations and a lot of acuteA sudden onset of symptoms or disease. pain. I was closely followed by my hematologistA doctor who specializes in the problems of blood and bone marrow., Dr Arleigh McCurdy and the

For several months, I noticed that I was feeling very tired. My appetite had reduced, and I was losing weight. I was having night sweats and bone pain. I thought this was due to stress at work or menopause. My family doctor ordered blood tests, which indi

As a multiple myeloma patient diagnosed in 2009, I have been involved with Myeloma Canada for the last eleven years. I have followed their growth and development with interest in all of that time.

Drs McCurdy and Mian, how and when did Myeloma Canada come into your life? Dr McCurdy: I trained in Halifax with Darrell White, who is a well-known myeloma physician and researcher in Canada, and then went to the USA for some additional training. On my re

Drs Roy and Leblanc, how and when did Myeloma Canada come into your lives? Dr Roy: I arrived at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont in1998 specifically to do transplants and I quickly realized that myeloma patients did not have access to the best treatment optio

I came down with myeloma when I was 69 years old and started looking for others in the same circumstances. I wanted to start a support group here in the Okanagan Valley, so with the help of Myeloma Canada we held a support group meeting in Kelowna. That a

My husband Ken was diagnosed with myeloma in March of 2010, and at that time we knew nothing about the disease. He fell through all the cracks in the medical system and unfortunately died shortly thereafter. He was diagnosed on March 31st and two months l

Richard, when did you first learn about Myeloma Canada? It was the year Myeloma Canada was founded, 2005. Our [Janssen] Community Relations group was working with Aldo [Del Col, late Co-founder of Myeloma Canada] this time and we were part of a cross-fun

It has impacted all aspects of my life. I am a lawyer. Prior to my diagnosisThe process of identifying a disease by its signs and symptoms. I travelled extensively, working with partners in developing countries and countries in transition, supporting justice reform and access to justice initiatives. Although I was p

I was diagnosed with myeloma in 2016 when I was 64 years old. I had feelings of solitude and that I was alone. I reached out to Myeloma Canada in April 2018 and we discussed the need for a support group in Winnipeg. Myeloma Canada has a wonderful guide fo