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A Long-Term Myeloma Survivor: I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now

I went under the knife and woke up eight hours later. My pathologist, Dr. Makely gently explained that I had multiple myeloma (MM).  A week later my oncologist Dr. Berger told me I had a single plasmacytoma of bone (SPB). Two “experts” two different diagnoses. Wait, what?

Both pre-myeloma (SPB, MGUS, SMM) and full multiple myeloma (stage I,II,III) are rare, complicated blood cancers. At the time of my diagnoses, diagnostic testing was not what it has become today. There were many fewer chemotherapy regimens than there are now. Many oncologists specialize in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

My diagnoses of single plasmacytoma of bone vs. multiple myeloma was not discussed. I simply did what my oncologist told me to do.

When I reached end-stage myeloma, my oncologist told me “there is nothing more we can do for you.”

Dr. Rassiga actually did me a favor. By kicking me out the door, she forced me to stop relying on conventional oncology.

I learned the hard way that the key is to treat both your myeloma as well as your health when you are diagnosed with cancer.

Learn more from my experience. Send me an email and I will send you a copy of my e-book-

David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

If you have been diagnosed with Pre-Myeloma (SBP, MGUS, SMM) or full Multiple Myeloma (stage I,II,III) research shows that you will live a better, longer life and make better treatment decisions about your care by learning about your own prognosis,  diagnostic criteria and therapy plan including your:

  • Symptoms – Bone, nerve, joint pain- kidney involvement, thick blood, etc 
  • Prognosis- Understand the basics of your blood cancer-
  • Staging – Pre-myeloma, Early Myeloma, Average Newly Diagnosed Myeloma, Elderly Myeloma
  • Diagnostic Criteria – C.R.A.B, SLiM, CBC, BMB, M-spike, Immunoglobulins, Freelight Chains, Genetics, etc. 
  • Standard-of-Care Conventional Myeloma Therapies – Chemotherapy, Radiation, Surgery- Induction, Auto SCT-Maintenance Therapy
  • Evidence-based Non-Conventional, Non-Toxic Therapies – Anti-MM Nutrition, Supplements, Lifestyle-

Conventional oncology is excellent at what it does. But conventional therapies are one small piece of the total Myeloma Puzzle- if you want to be a long-term myeloma survivor. The cancer coaching courses outline the strengths and weaknesses of conventional oncology. Evidence-based information that will help you make better decisions to reach your own treatment goals.

Unsure about your next steps? Schedule a coaching call with me to discuss your diagnosis, drill down your concerns, and start to build a management plan. Schedule a call here.

I learned how evidence-based, non-toxic therapies must be a part of your therapy plan.

Since undergoing a controversial non-conventional cancer therapy and achieving complete remission in early 1999, I’ve learned that there are dozens of evidence-based, complementary and integrative therapies that research has shown can both reduce toxicity while enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation and/or can kill Multiple Myeloma.

This is what I mean when I say to treat your myeloma while you treat your health.

I’ve utilized these evidence-based non-conventional, non-toxic therapies to remain in complete remission from my incurable blood cancer. Anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory/anti-angiogenic nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle therapies can kill myeloma as well as help us myeloma survivors strong before, during and after therapy.

My myeloma experience illustrates why conventional Multiple Myeloma oncology is only a small piece of the cancer care picture.

Newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma patients and long-term cancer survivors must use the best of both conventional evidence-based and non-conventional therapies.

Learning about your multiple myeloma will help you reduce your risk of the short, long-term and late stage side effects that I now live with.

Side effects such as:

  1. Chemo-Radiation-Induced Short-Term Side Effects
  2. Chemotherapy-induced Aging
  3. Chronic Non-Cancer  Pain
  4. Chemotherapy-induced Relapse
  5. Treatment-related Secondary Cancer
  6. Corticosteroid-induced Avascular Necrosis
  7. Chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction-Chemobrain
  8. Chemotherapy & Radiation-induced Nerve damage-CIPN and RILP
  9. Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy-heart damage
  10. Chemotherapy-induced Atrial Fibrillation- Afib
  11. Chemo-induced hypertension –High blood pressure
  12. Chemotherapy-induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis-Irritible bladder
  13. Radiation-induced Dysphagia-Difficulty Swallowing
  14. Radiation-induced Xerostomia- Dry Mouth
  15. Chemotherapy-induced Deep Vein Thrombosis- blood clot
  16. Managing Mental Health as a Cancer Survivor-

If you have any questions or comments, please send me your questions here.

David Emerson

  • Cancer Survivor
  • Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

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