"I was going to be dead in 3 years. That was 13 years ago." Multiple Myeloma

“I was going to be dead in 3 years. That was 13 years ago.” Multiple Myeloma

Lesson#1- don’t be afraid to walk out and find another multiple myeloma oncologist…Lesson#2- don’t be afraid to call someone.

” My story may sound typical but I have learned it is not. I was diagnosed in 1999 with 96% myeloma cells in my blood and 30% in my bone marrow. I went on Google and found the two treatments, VAD and Melphalan. Both offered the same outcome, control for 9 months winding up with death in 3 years. I was 50.

I was not afraid of dying, but I didn’t like the odds. I went back to Google and looked for myeloma clinical trials.

I found a clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic using thalidomide and dexamethasone. When I visited my local oncologist he wanted me to start VAD immediately. When I asked him about the thalidomide clinical he got irritated and said maybe in 5 years.

My wife and I walked out of office never to return.

Lesson#1, don’t be afraid to walk out and find another oncologist.

The next day I called the Mayo Clinic and was immediately was put on the phone with the oncologist who has been my doctor and friend for 13 years.

Lesson#2 is don’t be afraid to call someone.

You have already been told you’re going to die. Why should you be concerned about sounding ignorant?

Of course, I fully understand those that want someone else to make all the decisions about their cancer treatment. I would at least talk to one of the Group A hospitals before moving forward. Group A hospitals are the ones with money and resources to start clinical trials first.”

Terry

If you have been diagnosed with a blood cancer called multiple myeloma you have probably been told that MM is incurable but very treatable. The brief but to-the-point story from an MMer named Terry explains how and why MMers must think for themselves. While taking personal responsibility for one’s cancer diagnosis can be difficult, Terry shows you what you must try.

I am both a long-term MM survivor and MM Cancer Coach. After aggressive high-dose chemotherapy and two relapses, I too took responsibility for my own health. The result has been complete remission from my MM since early 1999.

Have you been diagnosed with MM? Please scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.

Thank you,

David Emerson

MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

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

“I was going to be dead in 3 years. That was 13 years ago.” Multiple Myeloma

Lesson#1- don’t be afraid to walk out and find another multiple myeloma oncologist…Lesson#2- don’t be afraid to call someone.

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