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PeopleBeatingCancer

Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission

Multiple Myeloma an incurable disease, but I have spent the last 25 years in remission using a blend of conventional oncology and evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle therapies from peer-reviewed studies that your oncologist probably hasn't told you about.

Click the orange button to the right to learn more about what you can start doing today.

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Top Multiple Myeloma Hospitals, Multiple Myeloma Specialists

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This web site provided a listing of survival rates of Multiple Myeloma Specialists.  You  will find you are between 1.9 and 5.7 times more likely to die in 5 years at the average SEER facility.

Are there oncologists who specialize in treating multiple myeloma?

You’ve been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. A prognosis for multiple myeloma will depend on many factors including your age, stage, and symptoms. Conventional oncology can talk about your prognosis for multiple myeloma- at least from a standard-of-care, FDA approved perspective. 

  • Conventional oncology can talk about multiple myeloma remission criteria- partial, very good, complete, stringent…
  • Conventional oncology can talk about technical issues like what does crab stand for in multiple myeloma? 

Naturally you want the best possible outcome aka longest overall survival with great quality of life. But how do you decide how to find the best place for you and receive the best care…for you? How do you find  the best multiple myeloma-plasma cell tumor treatment near you?

The Best Cancer Hospitals are a good place to start. Keep in mind that multiple myeloma is a rare cancer accounting for only 1.8% of all annual cancer diagnoses in the United States annually. In 2022 that was about 34,000 diagnoses of multiple myeloma. Keep in mind that you can speak with/interview a mm specialist via telehealth or Zoom. You don’t have to physically SEE the person.

If you think about it, a top notch hospital can treat lots of different cancers but few, if any, cases of multiple myeloma. Trust me when I tell you that you want a hospital that has treated lots and lots of people with your same symptoms and your same type of cancer. If you are not sure, simply ask your oncologist how many autologous stem cell transplants he/she does annually.

Also keep in mind that while the actual hospital may handle lots of multiple myeloma cases annually, the oncologist him/herself should be a specialist in multiple myeloma as well. General oncologists may be extremely experience in different cancers but not multiple myeloma.

To be direct, the issue of oncology and treatment for our complicated blood cancer is complex. The more you learn about myeloma hospitals and specialists the better off you will be. I have spent years researching and writing about this myeloma centers and specialists. Here are the best blog posts highlighting the issues.

Work with a multiple myeloma specialist as a top cancer hospital. If you don’t live near either a top hospital or myeloma specialist, then consult with one. Your local board certified oncologist can handle the day-to-day stuff while you MM specialist works with you to design a therapy plan that works best for you and you specific diagnosis and specific stage.

As with all lists, the devil is in the details as they say. It is in your best interest to get a different kind of second opinion.  I am not an oncologist, I am a guy who has lived with and studied multiple myeloma for years.

Scroll down the page, post a question and I will get back to you ASAP.

Thank you,

David Emerson

  • Long-term MM Survivor,
  • MM Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Recommended Reading:

Multiple Myeloma Survival Rates and Life Expectancy by Hospital and Specialist

“Myeloma is considered to be a rare, complex, and historically believed to be an incurable cancer. 

This web site provided a listing of survival rates of Multiple Myeloma Specialists.  You  will find you are between 1.9 and 5.7 times more likely to die in 5 years at the average SEER facility (Statistics developed by the National Cancer Institute) than if under the care of one of these exceptional myeloma professionals or under the care of a doctor considered to be a myeloma specialist.

An explanation of the math is provided at the end of this home page. You will also find a more complete listing of myeloma specialists that may not have survival statistics listed here but have an excellent reputation if you click Specialists.   This site also includes a Multiple Myeloma Blog with a few of the most viewed posts listed below.  Just click on any of them to view the blog post.

Multiple Myeloma: Survival Hinges on Treatment Facility Volume

“Myeloma is considered to be a rare, complex, and historically believed to be an incurable cancer.  This web site provided a listing of survival rates of Multiple Myeloma Specialists.  You  will find you are between 1.9 and 5.7 times more likely to die in 5 years at the average SEER facility(Statistics developed by the National Cancer Institute) than if under the care of one of these exceptional myeloma professionals or under the care of a doctor considered to be a myeloma specialist. An explanation of the math is provided at the end of this home page. You will also find a more complete listing of myeloma specialists that may not have survival statistics listed here but have an excellent reputation if you click Specialists.   This site also includes a Multiple Myeloma Blog with a few of the most viewed posts listed below.  Just click on any of them to view the blog post.
according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.1

“If there is a choice, I would recommend seeking care at higher-volume facilities or being managed by higher-volume physicians,” said lead study author Ronald S. Go, MD, of the Mayo Clinic Division of Hematology in Rochester, Minnesota, in light of his team’s findings. “If that is not possible, then at least a referral to — or co-management with — a high-volume center or physician.”

Best Hospitals for Adult Cancer

How We Rank Hospitals

“You can find information here about 902 hospitals in Cancer. All treat significant numbers of difficult patients – a hospital is listed only if it treated at least 241 such inpatients in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The 50 top-scoring hospitals are ranked. The rest are listed alphabetically….”

Multiple Myeloma Patients Best Treated at Recognized Care Centers with High Volume, US Study Reports

“Multiple myeloma patients treated in their community by local oncologists have poorer survival outcomes than those receiving care at centers that see large numbers of patients or are nationally recognized, and likely to have doctors with more experience in this disease, a study reports.

Its findings were based on patient data in a statewide resource, and supported treatment at high-volume facilities like those tied to universities, and those that are National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers…”

Leave a Comment:

106 comments
JA says last week

Im in Pa at U of Penn hematology/oncology. Diagnosed with Mgus. Is this a good location should this progress?

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Janice says a couple of months ago

Looking for the closest MM specialist. I live in NE Mississippi

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    David Emerson says a couple of months ago

    Hi Janice-

    I replied to your question directly via email.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Warren Noble says a few months ago

Hi David, I was dignosed m.m. in Oct 2022. I went through inductive therepy with 5 cycles of cborgd, and then Autologus stem in April of 23, got m.r.d. positive test . Currently on 5 mg Rev. maintenance. Being treated at Upstate Syracuse Cancer Center great Hospital and Doctors. Would like to get the best of the best if and when I relapse do you have a recommendation for a specialist ? In N.Y. Thank you so much… Mr. Noble

Reply
    David Emerson says a few months ago

    Hi Warren-

    I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis though you appear to be doing well. Re your question about working with a MM specialist, you have a couple of choices. If you want to work with a true MM specialist then you will have to drive to Manhattan or to Boston for appointments.

    This may sound more difficult than it is. By this I mean that you can meet with a specialist to establish a treatment plan, decide on your chemo cocktail, etc, in Manhattan and then have your local oncologist order diagnostic testing, chemotherapy, etc. in Syracuse.

    More and more MM patients work with MM specialists long distance through telehealth.

    I have to also add that it sounds as though you are comfortable and doing well with your oncs at Upstate Syracuse Cancer Center. If you choose to pursue FDA standard-of-care therapies then your current team may be fine.

    A MM specialist at a large cancer center such as Dana-Farber, Mayo or MDAnderson will have access to clinical trials- say if you ever want to undergo CAR-T therapy. But it sounds like you are years away from that sort of decision-making.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Nancy B. says last year

Hi Mr. Emmerson,
My endocrinologist sent me an e-mail last Friday night informing me that she is giving me a referral to oncology (through Stanford) for my ‘abnormal labs’. I haven’t been staged yet but am an avid researcher so I see the writing on the wall. I am a 70 year old woman who also has a short list of other rare Dxes (Ehlers-Danlos and achalasia among them) and so skip around from U.C.S.F. , Stanford and Sutter in order to find the best care. In your opinion, for MM, is Stanford or U.C.S.F the better choice?

I’m scrambling to get educated on myeloma and now am considering joining your group. There is just so much to learn and I hate to be snookered by doctors whether by ignorance or calculation. Thank you for sharing your expertise on this!

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Nancy-

    If I understand your post you have abnormal labs but no specific diagnosis yet? If this is the case, I encourage you to meet with an oncologist, undergo thorough diagnostic testing and get a specific diagnosis. I say this because multiple myeloma is often misdiagnosed and the presence of monoclonal proteins can indicate many different types of health issues (as you’ve seen).”Abnormal labs” are quite common in people over 50.

    Both UCSF and Stanford have top notch MM specialists. My guess is that Stanford has done more autologous stem cell transplants if you go that route.

    The bottom line is that your specific diagnosis will dictate the type of specialist you see. For example, if you are pre-MM (MGUS, SMM) you don’t have cancer but can reduce your increased risk of multiple myeloma. Further, you may choose to work with a MM specialist who specializes in a low-dose approach to managing MM- Dr. James Berenson in L.A.

    It is up to you but I encourage you to get back in touch with me when you are diagnosed.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Nick Foley says last year

Hi David – recently had a scan that revealed extensive MM in several locations. Already experiencing severe back pain and want to hit the ground running. I am in Dayton, Ohio and from what I can see the some of the best MM treatment facilities and physicians near me are Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis. Please advise

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Nick-

    I am sorry to learn of your diagnosis of MM. It sounds as though you have bone involvement. Regarding myeloma specialists- the James in Columbus has several oncs. with experience with MM as does the Cleveland Clinic. You are correct in that there are several mm specialists is Chicago as well.

    If fact, these days, if you intend to stick to the standard-of-care FDA approved therapy plan, then most major metropolitan centers have mm specialists.

    https://cancer.osu.edu/find-a-doctor/search-physician-directory?ct=Multiple%20Myeloma

    In my experience, consider having a local oncologist for chemo, radiation and routine testing (blood, urine, imaging, etc.) but work with a top MM specialist via telehealth. For example, if, say, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn, prescribes a specific chemo cocktail for your induction therapy (RVD and Daratumumab), then you will actually receive the therapy locally only because you don’t want to have to drive to Rochester, Mn to receive therapy that is the same as therapy you can get in Dayton.

    If, however, you choose to have a specific procedure like an autologous stem cell transplant, you should go to a specific MM center that handles many ASCT’s annually.

    I would recommend telehealth consultations with top MM centers like Mayo, Dana-Farber, MDAnderson, Stanford, others. If you would like a different approach to your therapy plan, consider talking to Dr. James Berenson in CA.

    https://berensoncancercenter.com

    To summarize, if you have early stage MM aka stage 1, consider taking a low-dose approach. If you are advanced, stage 2,3 MM, consider more aggressive approach.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Boguslaw Wojcieszyk says last year

While it makes sense to look for the best specialists in the field, it seems to me that treatment of MM, at least the first phase i.e. RVd + stem cell therapy has become a standard. In particular, results for the best hospitals and very similar to national average. Below is the link to Cleveland Clinic MM outcome. Cleveland Clinic is ranked 6th in USA. The difficult part starts after relapse occurs. There is whole alphabet of drugs available and I have no idea what could work for me. I would appreciate some rules, if any, one should follow.
Here is the link:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/cancer/outcomes/339-multiple-myeloma

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Dee L Graham says last year

Are there any MM specialists & MM Treatment Centers near Lawrenceville, Georgia? If no, where is the nearest and best for a person with MM living in Lawrenceville, GA? Thank you!

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Kathryn Guillaum says last year

Just a coment; I’ve pretty much realized that I am in standard care. So, I must do all I can to deal with this…hopefully in a practical way. Specialists are not part of my care unless I can find one willing to take my ….insurance.
I’m not whining, I’m doing ok so far. I think you already know my circumstance.
Thank you for all you do, David! More Power to You!
( no reply necessary).

Reply
Karen Orlando says last year

Mr Emerson, I am a fairly new diagnosed MGUS patient since last June 2021. I am moving west of Boston next month about 45-60 min away. I have heard that Dana Farber and Mass General have MM specialists. My first question would be, do these MM doctors take MGUS patients? And secondly, could you recommend these specialists to me? I am single kidneyed, but also in Stage 3 renal failure. I did not know if that would make any difference in the selection process. My last appt with hematologist/ oncologist was in July. I feel I need to make an appt as soon as possible as I am sure it might take a long time to get in. I am 73 yrs old. I appreciate your taking the time to read this.

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ann gentry says last year

dx. with mgus 2009. progressed to smoltering this year based on bone marrow biopsy, 10-20% plasma cells. kappa/lambda ratio increased, but no CRAB symptoms. seeing hematologist/oncologist at university of new mexico comprehensive cancer center. she is watching and waiting, for any changes. should i get a second opinion and if so from which facility.

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Ron osipoff says last year

How do i find a hospital and dr. Who specialzes in treating multiple myeloma

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john says last year

I am a victim of Camp Lejeune contaminated water USMC and have developed Light Chain Disease and MGUS. I have stage 3 kidney disease holding stable. Oncologist has a wait and see approach? Any suggestions or should I just continue to monitor? My kidney function has remained stable for 3-4 years now but I feel just sitting around doing nothing is not proactive?

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi John-

    I replied to directly via email.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Margaret says last year

Can you give me your thoughts on New York Cancer & Blood Specialists Port Jefferson Station. NY. Thank you.

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    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Margaret-

    I have no experience with New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything either way. I don’t believe this group specializes in MM so I have little interaction with them.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Linda davidson says last year

Looking for smouldering multiple myeloma oncologists in Virginia . Thank you…

Reply
Inder Deo Singh says last year

I am 65yrs old and
digonised liht chainMM in Feb.2022.I am u der chemotherapy with Bortezomib inj 2 mg with Dexametha sone 40mg weekly and lenid cap 25 mg daily.As test result it is remission mode .Homoglobin is above 10.5 to 12.5,RBC is 4.6 to 5.25 ,WBC is vary from 80000 to 182000.Crtinine BP and sugar are normal.Component Of WBC are normal. but I have back bone till date.pl suggest .Iam under treatment of cancer hospital Jaipur Rajasthan India Sr Hematologist blood cancer specialist.As per him therapy beco continued till 8 months.

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Dear Inder Deo Singh-

    I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. However, if I read your post correctly, you have achieved remission and your blood and kidney function is normal.

    You seem to mention a problem with your spine (back bone) though I can’t understand what you are asking about. I believe you are saying that you will continue therapy.

    If you are saying that you have bone involvement in your spine, if you have a lesion in your back bone that is causing pain, your therapy options are two-

    Either undergo local radiation to the area of the lesion or
    undergo more chemotherapy.

    It sounds as though you are continuing therapy in hopes of illiminating your bone involvement.

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Joseph Bliss says last year

I have muiltible mulomla

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Joe-

    I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. Your prognosis depends largely on your stage, symptoms, age and general health.

    How old are you currently?
    How is your health otherwise?
    What are your symptoms (nerve, bone, joint pain?)
    What are your goals?

    I don’t mean to sound nosey. Just trying to understand the basics.

    let me know,

    thanks,

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Diane says last year

      I am 58, health good,back pain, live a long life. I go on Monday to get my results To see if my cancer is in remission or not I have mm just diagnosed in October of 2022

      Reply
        David Emerson says last year

        Hang in there Diane. Let me know if you have any questions.

        David Emerson

        Reply
Emily Moore says last year

Do you have an opinion about MM care through Levine Cancer Insitute at Carolinas Medical Center in CharlotteNC?

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    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Emily-

    While I have no personal experience with the Levine Center, my understanding is that Peter M. Voorhees, MD, and Saad Z. Usmani, MD are both knowledgable MM oncs. Keep in mind that they are board-certified oncologists and therefore practice only FDA approved standard-of-care therapies.

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Kathryn L Guillaum says last year

      I have suspected this but just never said anything outloud. I have an Oncologist/Hematologist, and as such, they treat all cancer patients. They pretty much go by test numbers and refer the patient to different treatments and order prescritions. They do not ” specialize” or know as much as someone trained in one certain cancer; namely Multiple Myeloma. Standard care has no specific form of cancer to concentrate on. You know, that’s not very comforting, but still, an Oncologist fights cancer……all cancers. Am I wrong in thinking there is one cancer but depending on where it’s located initially, determines the type of cancer; like lung or breast, or cervical, or MM? It’s a little late for my brain to wake up. I guess my “Incognix”, is working, even if my guess is wrong. I hope everyone gets more knowledge than me on their journey through this beast of a cancer.

      Reply
John D'Alexander says last year

Hi, I live in the Las Vegas area. Are there any Multiple Myeloma specialists in my area? Is there a hospital that treats my condition ? I have had MM for almost 2 years. Blood work is good. I am only taking Revlimid now. My oncologist isn’t certain about how I should be treated going forward. Can you give me any advice or recommend a specialist in my area? Ty so much. I am 63 yrs old

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    David Emerson says last year

    Hi John-

    Good to read that your bloodwork is good. In my experience you should be undergoing regular blood testing- say every 3-6 months. Just to keep an eye on your health.

    According to this link, these oncologist have experience with MM though nothing says that these oncologists are “specialists.”

    https://doctor.webmd.com/providers/condition/multiple-myeloma/nevada/las-vegas

    Consider an anti-mm diet as well as supplementations and lifestyle therapies.

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Patrick Victor says last year

My wife has MM. She has had a relapse in less than two years of the bone marrow transplant. She has light chain MM. We have relocated to NC. within the last year. Is there a Center of Excellence in the state or a provider that is on the cutting edge. We will travel distance is not an issue. We live in Charlotte. Thanks

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Patrick-

    I am sorry to read of your wife’s MM diagnosis as well as her recent relapse. Both Duke Cancer Institute and the UNC Lineberger Cancer center are top notch MM centers. I don’t know if either has the official Center for Excellence moniker but both are highly rated by MM patients I work with.

    https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/cancer/myeloma

    https://unclineberger.org/myeloma/what-to-expect/

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Karen Orlando says last year

I was diagnosed with MGUS in 2021. I will be having blood work again this July. We are moving outside of Boston in fall. Could you direct me to where I could best be treated in that area?

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Karen-

    A top-notch cancer center in Boston is Dana-Farber. More importantly, Dana-Farber has a staff of knowledgable MM specialists. My personal favorite is a man named Ken Anderson but not sure he is taking new patients.

    Keep in mind that D-F’s approach to MM is to treat MM aggressively. Keep in mind also that D-F will probably try to talk you into a clinical trial if you progress to SMM. But that should be well down the road.

    https://www.dana-farber.org/multiple-myeloma-program/

    Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Kelly Wyand says last year

Hi Dave,

I was just diagnosed tentatively with SM two weeks ago, sadly a week after my father passed away from MM. I am 54, exercise
5 times a week, vegetarian, outdoor enthusiast, non smoker and rarely drink alcohol.
My first bone scan is June 7th and my doctor is referring me to Sloan Kettering. I am meditating, trying to eat 90 % organic and plant based. I would appreciate any thoughts and recommendations on my situation and supplements etc.

Thank you for your time and keep on with a healthy life my friend! 💪🏼

Kelly

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Kelly-

    I just replied to your post via your email address. Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Sally says last year

Best MM doctor/hospital in Iowa. I am currently schedule for a blood cell transfusion in the next month.

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Sally-

    I sent you information directly to you via your email.

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Eddie says last year

Hello, my father-in-law’s multiple myeloma has resurfaced after 5 years of basically being in remission. He lives overseas and will be a foreign visitor seeking a consultation and treatment options with an MM specialist. Know of any great ones in the NJ/NY/CT or DC/MD/VA areas?

Thanks,

Eddie

Reply
Robin says a couple of years ago

I was diagnosed with mgus and ma being monitored every six months. My free lambda light chain is climbing over 25 points every six months and still have bence jones protein and a high igm. I am told that i do not need to worry as of yet. I am currently at MD Anderson. I would like a second opinion. Who do you recommend in the Houston area?

Reply
Stephen Kelly says a couple of years ago

Hi David, I’m looking for a MM Specialist in Philadelphia,PA ?

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Steve-

    I replied to your question directly via email. Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Gina M says a couple of years ago

I have smoldering multiply myeloma and I am looking for a specialist. My oncologist is the same one I used with my breast cancer. I live in NJ. I am willing to travel. Can the M-spike numbers drop? I was 1.89 supposedly dropped to 1.47….I find this very hard to believe.

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    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Gina-

    Yes, your m-spike and other diagnostic markers can drop. There are studies confirming the mm killing ability of several supplements such as curcumin. Further, nutrition, lifestyle, other therapies have also been cited to cause apoptosis aka kill mm. Do you have any symptoms such as nerve or bone pain? DVT?

    You live in NJ- closer to Philadelphia or New York city? A better gauge of your risk is your freelight chain ratio.

    Let me know. Hang in there.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Leona says a couple of years ago

Best MM specialist in the Pittsburgh area. Also willing to travel anywhere in the US for 2nd opinion consultation

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Leona-

    I am assuming that you are asking for MM specialists in the Pittsburgh area. As far as I can tell, there are no oncologists who specialize only in MM. There is a staff of hematologist oncologists but no specialists that I have heard of.

    https://hillman.upmc.com/mario-lemieux-center/experts

    As for a second opinion, I encourage a second opinion that will offer a board-certified oncologist yet a doctor who will offer a different perspective than the usual FDA standard-of-care perspective. This would be James Berenson M.D. MM specialist in CA. Dr. Berenson does telehealth second opinions. $1000.00.

    If you would like to have a face to face appt. I would suggest any of the MM specialists in major metropolitan areas close to you such as Chicago, NYC, Phil., Columbus, Oh.

    Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck.

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Leona says a couple of years ago

      Thank you very much for the information. Scary time, just want to have all the info I need to make a best decision

      Reply
        David Emerson says a couple of years ago

        Good luck Leona- let me know if you have any more questions-

        David

        Reply
Kathy says a couple of years ago

Thank you

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    you are welcome Kathy- let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Rita Lambert says a couple of years ago

Hello, my younger brother was just recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and is just recently undergoing Chemo. I, of course am devastated to learn this and want the best treatment options for his survival. He (my brother) also shared that he also learned that a male cousin, on my dad’s side, is also diagnosed with the same Cancer. I would appreciate any information you can share. Thank you so much. God bless you and your journey as well.

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Rita-

    I replied to your post via your direct email address.

    Thanks.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Judy Bickling says a couple of years ago

I am a 71 year old woman who was hospitalized for a week at Bayhealth Hospital in Dover DE, in October 2021 for a blood infection resulting in discitis and myelitis which was treated with antibiotics via infusion therapy. Upon discharge, an appointment was made for me to consult a hematologist (Dr. Abeer Alfaraj at Bayhealth) at end of January 2022 since blood work indicated anemia. After multiple blood and urine tests, Multiple Myeloma was determined. The PET scan showed no FDG avid osseous lesion. A bone marrow biopsy came back with plasma cell myeloma (kappa restricted) involving 50-60%of bone marrow. Dr. Alfaraj is still waiting for results for one gene. She has suggested RVD treatments to begin asap and has set me up for a consultation with an oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia (Oncologist Dr. Adam Binder) on March 30 to discuss possible stem cell replacement and/or other treatment options. I’m feeling overwhelmed in trying to decide whether I should stay with the above stated plan or to find an experienced MM Specialist and Hospital within a reasonable distance from Dover (2-3 hours drive). While I do think Dr. Alfaraj is very knowledgeable, she is in her 2nd year of fellowship at Bayhealth Hospital; I would like to know the Dr treating me has the experience to enhance my chances of a favorable outcome in managing the disease. Until the last couple of years I have been healthy and active. I have lost about 8-10 pounds since October (which is quite a bit since I now weigh about 98 lbs.) but I do try to get in exercise and/or walk every day. Any advice you can offer would be most appreciated.

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Judy-

    I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. It is totally normal to feel overwhelmed.

    Dr. Alfaraj has prescribed what is referred to as the “standard-of-care” for newly diagnosed MM patients. This is induction therapy (4-6 rounds of RVd), an autologous stem cell transplant followed by two years or more of maintenance therapy (usually revlimid).

    Depending on your stage, symptoms and personal goals at diagnosis, this treatment plan may or may not be the best treatment plan for you. If your PET scan indicated that you have no bone involvement, I think there is reason to believe that you are early stage MM, MM stage 1.

    In more concrete terms, you may prefer to undergo only 2 or 3 rounds of RVd, stabilize your MM (reach remission) and then decide if you should take a break or undergo more therapy. My point is that it is a lot to decide on six months of aggressive chemo all at the beginning.

    I agree that Dr. Alfaraj is knowledgable however because MM is a rare blood cancer (less than 2% of all cancer diagnoses, approx. 10% of blood cancer diagnoses), she probably has little if any experience treating MM.

    You are correct in thinking that a MM specialist would offer you a better chance of a positive outcome. I am happy to recommend specialists in the Phil. area.

    If you are interested in learning about evidence-based, anti-MM nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle therapies, please consider the MM cancer coaching program.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Anne Varney says a couple of years ago

My 58 year old son was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. There is no kidney involvement and no weight loss but has 63% plasma cells.He is being seen by Dr. Kathleen Beekman out of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She is a hematologist oncologist. An MRI revealed a cyst in the spinal column.. not related to the MM and he will have it removed on 2-25. Dr. Beekman says he should be able to start MM treatment about three weeks after the surgery. Should he get another opinion and where would you recommend? I lost my younger son to glioblastoma three years ago. Up till then, no history of cancer in our family.

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Anne-

    I am sorry to learn of your son’s MM diagnosis. Great to read there is no kidney involvement. 63% monoclonal proteins in your son’s bone marrow is to be expected- meaning, not a lot, not a little…

    As for your question about getting a second opinion, I would say yes. While I’m sure that Dr. Beekman is a fine hem/onc. because MM is only 10% of all blood cancer diagnoses, there is a good chance that she has relatively little MM experience.

    I will email you the fourth edition of the e-book I’ve written about MM. As a long-term survivor I have a different perspective on MM treatment.

    https://www.myelomacrowd.org/doctor-directory/university-of-michigan-rogel-cancer-center/

    https://www.myelomacrowd.org/doctor-directory/michigan-state-university-breslin-cancer/

    A MM specialist is always to be recommended.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Mary Odegard says a couple of years ago

I need to discuss with my husband

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    HI Mary-

    In order for me to say anything helpful to you I need to understand his situation. Diagnosis, stage, symptoms, any questions you may have. Etc.

    Let me know, hang in there.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Susan Ferguson says a couple of years ago

My MM diagnosis came last month. I live in southwestern Michigan, and have started chemotherapy treatments. I would love to be able to find a specialist at one of the top hospitals to add to my team and give myself the best chance. I am currently on track for stem cell transplant to possible happen in the early spring. Please let me know of some possible top institutes to look into.

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Susan-

    I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. When you say you live in SW Michican, are you able to drive to Chicago? If so, there are a number of experienced MM specialists there. I will link their names below.

    More importantly, depending on your age, MM symptoms and stage, an ASCT may bring risks to you. For example, a young (50’s or 60’s), stage 1 MM patient may enjoy a longer OS and higher quality of life with novel therapies alone.

    See the Great Lakes listing in the link below-

    https://www.myelomacrowd.org/myeloma-directory/

    Let me know if you have any questions. Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Jamis says a couple of years ago

Hi David, I was diagnosed with MM earlier this year and had gone through treatments so far so good. I’m not so sure about the next course of treatment the odds are 50/50 and Very extreme to me. I live in Tennessee what hospital do you recommend? Also I Where should I go for a second opinion?

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Jamis-

    Two considerations. First, I know of no MM specialists in Tennessee. As for your next course of therapies, I would have to understand your current state of MM (m-spike, BMB, etc.) as well as your therapy choices (chemo regimens?) to give you my opinion, outline my thinking.

    For example, an autologous stem cell transplant may be, as you say, very extreme, for your current situation. This depends on what therapy you already done and where you are currently.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Tom boyle says a couple of years ago

I am at day D+60 of autologous SCT at the Mayo Clinic under the care of Dr Craig B Reeder
So far so good but M Spike only at 1 after 60 days.
Am I at the best facility in the West in your opinion?
Thanks

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Tom-

    In a word, yes, Mayo is an excellent MM center. Impossible to say any one of the top 5 centers are “the best.” Mayo, UAMS, MDA, the top centers.

    You didn’t ask this but I will offer my thinking on this. To say “so far so good but m-spike only at 1 after 60 days” indicates the common thinking that complete remission is the goal for ASCT. While everyone wants to achieve the lowest, deepest remission post ASCT, as the study linked below explains, there is no exact correlation with remission and OS (overall survival aka length of life).

    Your goal as a MM patient, in my experience, is to balance toxicity with the long-term control of your MM.

    https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/4/2/422/440753/Long-term-outcomes-after-autologous-stem-cell

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
carmen greenstein says a couple of years ago

Which hospitals in NY or nearby are best for Multiple Myeloma treatment?

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Carmen-

    I am assuming that you are interested in MM treatment in Manhattan. Two issues. First the top two hospitals, and there will be debate on this, are Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell. The second issue is/are specific MM specialists. There are many top people and these two institutions as well as at other institutions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Riva says a couple of years ago

Thank you

Reply
Riva says a couple of years ago

My name is Riva and my brother was just diagnose with MM. We are at Northwestern Hospital downtown Chicago. They are still running test, but very certain it is MM. He is 44 yrs old never had any health issues. Does Smoke, doesn’t drink or due any drugs. 7.12.21 He took his 1st Moderna Shot and about a week later started feeling body aches. Another went by and he started to have really bad back pain and started to retain water. Trying to find the best place to start his treatment. Either we stay at Northwestern Hos. Or we are thinking of going for 2nd opinion UChicago Medicine -Comprehensive Cancer Center. location 5841 S Maryland Ave Chi. IL 60637. Thank you!!

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Riva-

    I am sorry to read of your brother’s MM diagnosis. Northwestern is a fine facility. Let me know if there is anything that PeopleBeatingCancer can do for either of you. Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Riva says a couple of years ago

      Thank you David! I will. God Willing !! He can recovery and live a long health life.
      David – I really want to take him to Mayo Clinic In MN, but i dont know what the process or cost would be. Hoping and Praying God heals him!

      Thank you David!
      Lord Bless!

      Reply
        David Emerson says a couple of years ago

        Hi Riva- I don’t know the process at Mayo either but I will say that Mayo has many top notch MM specialists for you to talk to. Good luck.

        Reply
Anita says a couple of years ago

looking for a specialist in Chicago area

Reply
Chrisy says a couple of years ago

Hello,
There is a probability that I have MM and live in the Raleigh/Durham area.
Any good socialist in this area that you know of?
They are sending me to Duke for my initial consult.

Thank you!!

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Chrissy-

    I am going to assume that you are asking about MM specialists (not socialists) in your area. Yes, Duke is a good place to start. According to the MM Crowd website, there are 3 MM specialists listed below-

    https://www.myelomacrowd.org/doctor-directory/university-of-north-carolina-chapel-hill-comprehensive-cancer-center/

    I will send possible questions to your email inbox. Let me know if you have any other questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Chrisy says a couple of years ago

      Oh my gosh, definitely meant to write specialist.

      Thank you for the information.

      Reply
melita smith says a couple of years ago

Hi my son has multy myoloma since 5 months taking alot of pills and it seams there is now too much protein in his blood .He will not listen at me or his sister to see a Cancer special Clinic. I even bought him your Book and others….I recommended to ask his Dr to get a Urin Test done and also a Ultrasound from his Spleen or even a Kappa light chain Test there is also something wrong with his plasma cells how can we get him motivated to get a second treatment opinion before his kidneys etc get demaged Thank you for your time

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Melita-

    I am sorry to learn of your son’s MM diagnosis. While you are correct on all counts, I cannot offer any advice as to how to get him to see an oncologist. Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Juliana says a couple of years ago

Hi!!! Going through the process of finding a diagnosis for my dad, highly suspicious of MM. Any good specialist in south Florida?? I have read about the Mayo clinic and the MOFFIT cancer center, any suggestions??

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Juliana-

    You are wise to be “highly suspicious” of MM. You are correct that Mayo in Jacksonville and Moffitt in Tampa both have MM specialists. However, when I read “south Florida” I think of Miame.

    In my opinion Dr. Landgren is an excellent MM specialist. Keep in mind however that Dr. Landgren is totally focused on conventional MM treatment. By this I mean that we will discuss, propose, etc. only FDA approved, standard-of-care MM therapies.

    This is fine (an as it happens, necessary) as long as you understand this going in.

    MM Specialist Miami-

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Kathryn Guillaum says a couple of years ago

Well,, I don’t have a choice so we’ll see what happens

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Kathryn- Anything I can do? David

    Reply
Juliette Allen says a couple of years ago

Please recommend the best MM Doctor in Detroit Michigan

Reply
Kathy says 3 years ago

I would like to sign up for ebook & diet info. Newly diagnosed 4/2/2021

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Kathy-

    I replied to you directly via your email address. Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Barbara says 3 years ago

What are the top and most experienced/effective hospitals in the US for treating multiple myeloma.

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Barbara-

    https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/top-multiple-myeloma-hospitals-multiple-myeloma-specialists/

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Kristi T says a couple of years ago

      I’m sorry, am I missing something. I do not see a link or list of top doctors/hospitals on this website you linked. I’m in the San Francisco Bay area. Thanks.

      Reply
        David Emerson says a couple of years ago

        Hi Kristi-

        There are several articles about MM care as you scroll down the page. I’m pretty sure that Stanford is on the list, or should be. If you are willing to travel to LA, you could see several MM specialists at Cedar-Sinai or Dr. James Berenson who has a clinic in West Hollywood.

        https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/top-multiple-myeloma-hospitals-multiple-myeloma-specialists/

        David Emerson

        Reply
Steve Angle says 3 years ago

i have mm near kansas city, mo. for about 6 months. losing my local dr. is there a good treatment center near me.

Reply
Shirley Pennebaker says 3 years ago

I had a SCT in July 2005 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Martha Lacy was my doctor along with wonderful team of doctors and nurses.
I have been very fortunate to have been in remission for almost 16 years now. My husband and I could not have been happier with the team of medical personnel. Hopefully I remain in remission but should I relapse we will definitely go back to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Shirley,

    A 16 plus year remission is a testament to both you and the Mayo Clinic. Thank you for your input.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Cathy says 3 years ago

My daughter-in-law died after 2 years of diagnosis of MM at age 52. I am 82 years old and was diagnosed 2 years ago with CLL with pt17 and p53. I am on ventoclax. I am going to Dr. Bingham at HOA in Syracuse,NY. Can you tell me if I should have a second opinion and is there such a specialist for this particular type of leukemia. I am not very computer literate. My WBC is 2.9, RBC is 3.48, HGB is 11.2, HCT is 33.9 and PLT 161. Can you help me, please. Thanks

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Cathy-

    I am sorry to read of your daughter-in-law’s MM. I know a bit about chronic myeloid leukemia but I only enough to encourage a second opinion. I do not know of a leukemia specialist in the Syracuse area.

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Jane Thomas says 3 years ago

Mm specialist in Columbus, oh

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Jane-

    The link below to the write up about the James Cancer Center at OSU talks about MM specialists (M.D.s) as well as support staff and areas of study such as CAR-T cell therapy, transplantation, etc. My point is it is not one doctor but a group of Dr.s that study MM and associated issues.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    James Cancer Ctr. Ohio State

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Kathryn Guillaum says 3 years ago

If a myeloma specialist is not available, how can a patient consult with one from a distance?

Reply
sandy says 3 years ago

Hi- can you send info on how to find a myeloma specialist in the UK? Also what kind of expenses are involved using a specialist as a patient without USA insurance? Do any specialists offer zoom meetings?

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Sandy-

    You would be able to identify MM specialists by searching online. For example, I have linked some below.

    UK MM Specialists

    David Emerson

    Reply
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