Myeloma Mondays #12: Deborah from Tiburon, CA

Where were you born and raised?

• Cleveland Ohio

Where do you currently live?

• Tiburon, California

When were you diagnosed and how old were you? (example: 8/8/08 - age 28, IGG Kappa)

• October 31st, 2009. 58 years young

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• No.

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No...I think my mother may have had it.

What led to your diagnosis?

• I had been sick for over a year. I went to every doctor I could think of, but everyone turned me away or passed me on to someone else. My Obgyn finally gave me the right test, and told me I would have to see one more doctor to see what was wrong with me. She knew.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• At least 7 times.

Where have you received treatment?

• Kaiser Hopsital in San Rafael, Ca.

Explain your treatment history

• 11/2009 Velcade 2x weekly.
• 11/2009 Orivia (sp?) 1x monthly
• Starting Autologous transplant 5/2010

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• Because I have chromosome damage.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• Dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dirrarhea, loss of appetite, weight loss (yay).

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• Having to go to the hospital 3x a week. It's like a job!

What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about?

• Stay positive, find out what works for you, and accept the help you need!

How have you been able to stay positive a.d encouraged in your MM journey?

• Support from loved ones.

After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?

• That people who don't find an answer, should go back and find one!

Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?

• Besides being raised in a smoke-filled home, no.

What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?

• This one!

***To add your story to Myeloma Mondays copy and paste this questionnaire (click here) and send it in an email to cancerkicker at gmail dot com. I would love to share your story! -Phil