In honor of great inspiration.

From Cassie: Hamada passed from this life last week after his journey with myeloma. You can read about this wonderful man and his incredible wife, Susie, at her blog here. Susie's published book of poems can be found here.

Susie, our hearts ache for your loss and you remain in our thoughts and prayers.

From Phil: I finally braved reading your recent blog post and was brought to tears. The picture you posted (see above) was nothing short of beautiful. It brought up so many emotions in me given I am still in the trenches to live for the day and not worry about tomorrow. Thanks for being an open book...or better yet, an open poem.

Much love coming from Ann Arbor, MI today.

Michigan Men Dominating Cancer

Since my diagnosis in 2008, I have been made aware of other Michigan Football players that have been given the cancer card as well and it is always devastating to me when I get the news. I remain hopeful though, because from my own personal experience, the support of the Michigan Family goes deep and wide for these brothers which has been huge in my journey with Multiple Myeloma.

For example, when I was going through my second transplant, Troy Nienberg (PK, 01-04) would visit me every night in the hospital; sacrificing his evening. Although we competed at practice to be the starting kicker up until the day before the Washington game, we have been there for some serious and often tragic ups and downs. That's what it means to be Michigan. It includes things like integrity, consistency and reaches into the area of love and support for your brother and sister...because we are the Michgian faMily...Maize and Blue...through and through...till the end.

Vada Murray #27 - Lung Cancer

Jim Mandich #88 - Bile Duct Cancer

As someone in the fight, it also comforting to know that there are many Michigan Men who have already won the battle after being in the trenches a number of years ago. One of those people is none other than the new Athletic Director and former CEO of Dominoes, David Brandon. Dave has provided me with some encouraging words and just knowing that his family has been through a similar scare and come out the other side is comforting.

David Brandon #85 - Prostate Cancer

This week someone asked how long it took me to go public with my diagnosis. Honestly, there was a little fear that I would perceived as incapable of dominating my work with the new information, but I stopped the thought right there. If there is anything I have learned through dealing with Multiple Myeloma over the last two years is that opening up about what I am thinking and feeling to those around me has allowed me to make sense of this disease and come up with a plan to dominate each day. This may not work for everyone, but it has made a big difference for me. Living in fear is not an option; Dominating with faith, hope and love is.

Dominate another Day,

Phil

Myeloma Monday #33: Cherish Garcia from Dubai, UAE

Cherish is another 30 Something taking on Multiple Myeloma. We need to continue to build awareness and education about Multiple Myeloma.

***To add your story to Myeloma Mondays copy and paste this questionnaire (click here) and send it in an email to phil at cancerkicker dot org

Where were you born and raised?

• I was born and raised in the Philippines.

Where do you currently live?

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• 2/21/08 – age 35, IGG Kappa MM DS II/III

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• No idea at all. Its just that when I try press the enter in Google search bar and found it was cancer, I was so depressed.

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No one.

What led to your diagnosis?

• Ribs fracture and very low Hemoglabin

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Twice

Where have you received treatment?

• Here in UAE.

Explain your treatment history::

• 02/2008: Started Induction Theraphy of 4mg dexamethasone in 4 days.
• 2/2008: Start on Tal/Velcade/Dex/Doxil/Zometa. However, Velcade was omitted during the first cycle due to severe allergic reaction.
• 8/2008: Received 7 cycles of Tal/Dex/Doxil/Zometa and the last evaluation shows extremely good response.
• 12/2009: Stem cell Harvesting, Manila Philippines.

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• From the day we started the treatment they already put in my mind that I need to have a transplant after the chemo session. But God make a miracle in my life, He did not allow me to have one. The M-band isn’t detectable anymore and the repeat BM shows 1% plasma cells. According to them, taking this into account an ASCT at this stage isn’t likely to improve the situation further and taking the recommendation given in the publication in JCO June 1, 2008 pp 2761-2766 by San Miguel et al.
• My onco suggest to have a stem cell harvest as planned but postpone the ASCT to later when needed.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• For velcade – severe allergic reaction, pain in gums
• For Thalidomie, Doxil, Dexa…Skin rashes but tolerable, numbness, dizziness, vomiting

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• At first acceptance, its really hard. I even keep this to my family, I told this only to my husband and selected friends. I don’t want my parents to be affected by this bad news. But once I’ve known what God want’s to happen in my life, everything was fine…it runs smoothly. Though there are still humps, but easily taken care of. I don’t mind side effects. Because I know God make this very light for me.

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

• Pray hard. Never stop praying, giving thanks, honor and praise to His name even in our time darkness. He will be our light. Put God in everything. Doctors and medicines are just instruments of God. Don’t call to anyone else, only to Him.

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• I always dwell on God presence. I joined church group, I share my testimonies for some people to be inspired. That those simple problems should not be embraced that much.

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

• My Faith , Llifestyle, and my point of view in Life.

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

• No. Nothing.

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

• http://www.themmrf.org/
• http://www.cancercompass.com/
• http://myeloma.org/Main.action

Here is my own blog:

• http://cherishsg.multiply.com/

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

Super Thankful Thursdays #5: Boxes, Roads, People

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy this time with your family and pray for my Lions as they take on Tom Brady and the Pats.

Be on the look out for Zoltan Mesko who has been dominating for Cancer Kicker over the last year. Not sure if he'll be sporting the burgundy dominate bracelet on the field, but he has certainly been a cheerleader through this journey. Have a great game Zoltan and as a Lions fan I hope you are on the field A TON!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Off Week, but it's the Buckeyes!

Cycle #4 is now behind me! Wow, that was a heck-of-a-lot-of-therapy. I am getting used to the cadence of two weeks on and one week off. I am seeing no side affects and my labs are showing strong signs that my bone marrow is staying strong (i.e. platelets, RBC, WBC, ANC are at good levels). My M-spike is still holding at a 0.2 and we want to knock it down to 0.0.

We think a couple additional cycles and/or the maintenance therapy will get us there. I remain confident; especially with all the stories I am hearing from others that are hitting CR (Complete Response). Many thanks to Nick for teaching me the significance of CR and keeping it there. He is a big reason I am going for this "game winning field goal" approach to therapy. And I will be honest, aggressive treatment fits my dominate personality. Everyone should really work with a MM specialist to determine the best approach for them and know all their options and what the leading research is saying. In a lot of ways, I am still a "MM Dummy", although a little more educated thanks to the last year.

I have learned to love and appreciate the "off week". Typical and minor side affects (if any at the time) I am having will subside during this period and by the last day of my off week, I begin to feel normal again; meaning Sexy Dexy is no longer on the loose....or not as much. Okay, Cassie should verify that last sentence.

But let's be real people...this is truly NO OFF WEEK! This week is Michigan vs. Ohio State! It's actually the most intense week of the year! Not to mention we decided to cram in Thanksgiving as well. This is one of the greatest rivalries of all time! Back in 2002 I witnessed this rivalry as a player and now I see it a little differently. Both schools make each other better. I now view the tension between the two schools as something that brings us together for the better, not worse. And....

...Then there is Barb. Barb connected with me when her mom was first diagnosed in August of 2009. Barb is a Buckeye and lives down near Columbus of all places! She reached out to a Wolverine....so she gets the gold sticker. Barb has really taken a passion for dominating MM for everyone's benefit. Even a year ago she was throwing ideas at me on how we could work together to raise money to get research going faster. Barb put her words to work and this week she is hosting the 1st Annual UM/OSU DomiNation event, which is in Columbus this year. I will be there and so will another young MM Dominator who graduated from OSU, Matt Hare. Matt is also a great example of a person who has gone beyond the call to personally dominate MM, by raising money to help us Kick Cancer for good.

Here are the details for this Saturday's event if you live near Columbus and want to go!

Myeloma Mondays #32: Chris from Plainfield, NJ

Another very young person (Age 31) dominating Multiple Myeloma. I have become friends with Chris via Facebook and I can tell you that there aren't many people who are taking on such a diagnosis and treatment like Chris. He has made me laugh and increase my drive to dominate through all my treatment. The guy his hilarious and a true Dominator. Just last week he got the 60 day post-auto transplant news that he has achieved Complete Response! You deserve it man and keep dominating. -Phil

Where were you born and raised?

• North Plainfield NJ
  

Where do you currently live?

• North Plainfield, NJ
  

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• I was diagnosed on 4/13/10 at the age of 31. Just goes to proves MM is affecting younger patients nowadays
  

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• I never heard of it before I was diagnosed. Matter of fact, I thought it had something to do with Melanoma
  

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No
  

What led to your diagnosis?

• I went for my yearly physical and after a blood test, it was mentioned that I had elevated calcium and protein in my body. Initially, the doctors believed it was possibly a thyroid issue but after rounds of testing, it was determined I had MM
  

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• I would say within a month, my condition was determined
  

Where have you received treatment?

• Hackensack University Medical Center under the care of Dr.Siegel and Dr. Donato

Explain your treatment history:

• 5/2010: Started RVD
• 8/2010: Completed 4 rounds of RVD
• 9/2010: Collected over 16 million stem cells in two days!
• 9/2010: Auto Transplant #1, made it out on day +10
• Going forward- Either a 2^nd auto transplant in the spring(tandem transplant), or we will play the waiting game and pray for a complete remission and that I do not fall out of it. If I do, we always have the option of going with a 2^nd transplant
  

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• My doctor wanted to be proactive with treatment because other than high calcium, I had no other symptoms. Honestly, I felt perfectly fine when I was diagnosed and did even throughout treatment.
  

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• Maybe I’m just extremely lucky, but I’ve had really no issues or side effects with Revlimid, Dex or Velcade. No neuropathy, no GI issues, nothing. Even the stem cell transplant was cake it seems. Other than some acid reflux, I sailed thru the transplant. The nurses would laugh at me because whereas most of the newly transplanted patients were sick or sleeping all day, I was fully awake and working on my laptop or doing schoolwork throughout my hospital stay
  

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• The hardest thing have been the emotional ups and downs I think. I feel extremely lucky and try to be positive how well I am doing, and my health and the way I feel plays a big part in that. I do have my days though when I get down about what I’m going through but I have a great support system of my wife, family and friends that get me through.
  

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

• The biggest thing is DO NOT GOOGLE OR SEARCH THE INTERNET for length of survival, etc. This was the very first thing I did when I was diagnosed and all I can remember is finding info talking about the longest I would survive was 3-5 years. I didn’t understand why I would want to bother going on treatment when I would die in such a short amount of time. I quickly found out this information was outdated, along with majority of the studies being centered around people double my age.
  

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• The best piece of advice is just to stay busy and try not to think about it too often. Like I said, I am one of the few who have had no side effects, but even while on RVD, I mountain biked, exercised, worked on the house, and just lived a normal life. There is no reason not to.
  

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

• The perspective that has changed the most is to take things day by day. Too many of us worry about “where I will be in 20 years” or situations which are so far down the road. We can get hit by a bus tomorrow.
  

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

• No
  

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

• Multiple Myeloma for Dummies
• Myeloma Beacon

Speaking at the Ann Arbor Vineyard Church Today! (Watch Live Online)

Although I am pretty physically beat down (tired and weak) by all the treatment and still struggling with a cold, I committed a few months ago to speaking at the Ann Arbor Vineyard Church on my journey to Dominate Life.

I took some Dex last night as I push through Cycle #4 of consolidation treatment; so I think even if my body says no, my brain will say yes and I should be able to deliver something this morning during my presentation. What it actually will be...you'll have to tune in to find out but we should all be aware that Sexy Dexy is on the loose. (Here's the recorded presentation, Fast Forward to the 30 minute mark: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11003299)

If you are in the area I will be giving my presentation at both the 9:30am and 11:00am (EST). The building is the old Ann Arbor Civic Center located on 2275 Platt Road. Dress attire is typically jeans or whatever you feel comfortable with. There's free coffee when you walk in, which I will be certainly dominating.

P.S. Happy Birthday to my Little Rainbow who is 3 Today! What a joy to see this day after being diagnosed two years ago with this disease.

Thankful Thursdays #4: My Little Rainbow

So I am cheating a little because my first Thankful Thursday I called out all my three little kids, but then singled out Ruby. This time I am singling out Iris, which is Greek for rainbow and why she got the name. Below is a picture of the two of us right before I was diagnosed.

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and sobbing over the potential of leaving my family in a few years, I'll be honest; my pain stricken heart and soul cried out over the potential that this cancer would force me to leave behind Ocean sooner than I ever thought. I knew that Cassie is such a strong rock that she would weather this or any storm and Iris was still all into mommy and we hadn't bonded yet like I had with my first born son.

But now over two years have passed and my little rainbow is older than what Ocean was at diagnosis. This Sunday she will be turning 3; although her personality makes me feel like she is closer to 17. Due to the circumstance caused by aggressive treatment, I have been able to spend a lot more time with Iris over the last six months. In that time I have been able to really grow close to this girl who proudly sports Lightening McQueen underwear every day and would rather skin both knees running with the boys than pick up a doll. She is a tough one. I keep saying that she is going to be the first woman president of this country, and without a first man.

I am so proud and thankful to be her daddy and she is really starting to melt my heart. She still will only let me kiss her on the top of her head and it must be on her terms, but yesterday for the first time she came up to me and shouted out, "I love you Daddy!" and barraged me with kisses on my shirt. I slipped her a quick $20 and said go by 25 gallons of chocolate ice cream all for yourself... and there is plenty more where that came from, my little rainbow.....

So much to live for...and this is why I choose to Dominate and remain Thankful.

Myeloma Mondays #31: Samantha from Auburn Township, Ohio

Below is Samantha, Age 38. This picture was taken at her Birthday party, just one week after her diagnosis!



Where were you born and raised?

• Chagrin Falls, Ohio
• Southern California in the summer-with my Dad( 1978-1988)
  

Where do you currently live?

• Auburn Township, Ohio

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• Diagnosed June 28, 2010- One week before my 38th birthday! (Stage 1- Non-symptomatic)
  

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Nope

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• I hope not!

What led to your diagnosis?

• I slipped on the top stair while carrying my 21/2 year old daughter. I held onto her instead of bracing myself. I fell hard onto my tailbone and sprained the muscles along the right side of my neck. I called an ambulance for fear I may have broken something. Ironically- at the end of the day- LONG day! The ER Doctor came back with my CAT scan results and told me I had nothing more than a bad sprain but they had what they call 'inccidental' findings. Tiny little holes that looked like capers through the vertabra in my neck. I had an appointment with an oncologist and an MRI the next day. By the end of the week I had my results. Bone marrow biopsy showed 10% plasma cells. The lesions were all through my ribs/spine/neck and the 10% gave me my diagnosis. The fact that I didn't fracture anything is a good sign that my bone damage is still minimal.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Just once

Where have you received treatment?

• University Hospitals- Ireland Cancer Center-Dr. Judah Freidman
• Second opinion Doctor- Kenneth Anderson- Dana Farbor
• Both Doctors recomended RVD followed by Autologous BMT

Explain your treatment history:

• 07/26/10: Started RVD
• I just completed 2nd round of RVD
• After the first round my protein level dropped 60%( they say this is great!)
• I have no chromisome abnormalities
• ASCT planned for 11/10
• I just met my transplant Doctors last week and see them again on 10/06/10,
• They want me to only do 4 rounds- I assume they think it will be effective but they stressed that Revlimid prohibits stemcell collection.

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• I never considered NOT having a transplant due to my age and good health. I have a 2 year old daughter, a 4 year old daughter and an almost 6 year old son. I must aim for longevity. I am a stay at home Mom so obviously this has thrown a monkey wrench into our life!

• The transplant Doctors mentioned they may decide to do tandem transplants- I have been thinking about having a third opinion in Arkansas to hear what they have to say, etc.
  

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• Dex turns me back into a grumpy, brooding 16 year old. I have a bit of psychological distress looking at the 350$$$ pill I take at night (our amazing luck that insurance paid it does not make it any easier to swallow!)

• The dex also keeps me up late at night.

• I haven't had any bad effects from the velcade or Revlimid-
• I started taking acyclovir and it has given me a terrible taste in my mouth-ruins the taste of food and drink.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• The absolute torture of my possible mortality with my three small kids. They are too little to understand what's going on so we have just kept it from them. I must look to complete remission and just MOVE forward.

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

• Be positive-be real. Let out how you feel to someone. Find your support system and use them! It is an absolute mess in the begining, finding out the different ways everyone copes in these situations. It is so isolating to be diagnosed. Even the people closest to you can't imagine what it's like. Sometimes people say the dumbest things- just let it go!

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• I have read so many encouraging stories. So many survivors! I swear the stats don't match all the survivor stories I've read. Everyone is more symptomatic than me but yet even more positive! It has been encouraging!

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

• I have often thought about what I was doing/planning/thinking/feeling before my fall and it's funny that although this has been the biggest and scariest trial, it has changed my life in some of the most positive ways. I have no choice but to cherish every moment with my kids and my husband. I have no idea how I will make it through being separated from them during the transplants-but if it means years to come with them- so be it.

• I have met the greatest people during this time. The nurses and doctors and staff. All awesome. I'd like to find a place for me in there somewhere when this is all said and done. God got my attention, that's for sure. No more complaining about the laundry!

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

• My dad was diagnosed with early onset of Parkinson's 2 1/2 years ago. He told me that his doctors mentioned Malathion that was sprayed over southern California to get rid of fruit flies in 81',82'83'84'. I remember it, in 1982, the fruit flies were so bad that summer. They sprayed overnight without telling the residents and everyone woke the next day to paint melted off their cars and the paint chipping off their houses. I have googled it and there are many class actions and trials connecting that pesticide with Parkinson's and MM.

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

• I have literaly combed hundreds! I LOVE the ones with hope and positivity. I have no reason to doubt my luck in seeing the Myeloma so early. Who knows how long it would have been, or how much damage would have been done if I hadn't been pushed down the stairs by GOD himself?

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

Thankful Thursdays #3: Multiple Myeloma Specialists

One thing I have noticed from the Multiple Myeloma Mondays, is that MM Survivors/Patients all share the attitude that it is very important to see a MM specialist when you are diagnosed. I'll be honest with you, I did not know that Dr. J was a MM specialist until a year after my diagnosis, let alone did I realize that non-MM specialists (i.e. general oncologists) were treating patients. Let me just be very honest, I didn't now there was such thing as a MM Specialist all together!

So today I am thankful that my ignorance was overwritten by the fact I live two miles from a world-renown MM specialist who is passionately pursing targeted treatment therapy for MM patients. Dr. J is not only very well educated with the latest in clinical trials, but he has been leading some, including the one that I took on this last fall/winter. The landscape of drugs and research data (i.e. hope) is changing so rapidly these days, it really pays to have a MM specialist who is plugged into the beat of all this. I have also been made aware that there is a growing number of MM Specialists all over the country and I hope to see this number continue head upward!

I am not sure what it takes to be considered a MM Specialist, but a good start is to look at the list of Centers of Excellence if someone can remind me where online this list exists.

Continue to grow that Thankful heart every Thursday by posting your gratitude or sharing it with others you are close to.

P.S. By the way, I am also thankful for my mom who's birthday is today! Happy Birthday mom, love you!

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

"Round 4" or what the doctor calls Cycle #4 is now underway. There's talk of staying in the ring with my Multiple Myeloma for two more additional cycles after this one to ensure that we give it our best shot. I was looking forward to being done, but when taking on cancer you need to dominate it, and that means you need to be agile, mobile, flexible and maybe a little hostile at times to give you that extra energy to stay in the ring and make sure you knocked it down and out!

On a side note, thank you everyone for the growing participation in Thankful Thursdays. Amidst the twist and turns of this cancer journey that started over two years ago, being thankful and hopeful have been two key ingredients to keep me on the path of domination which is producing in me much optimism. Every week I encourage everyone to post something new that they are thankful for. Why wait till Thanksgiving to get started?

Myeloma Mondays #30: Lovely Beth from Houston, TX

**Share your MM journey or that of a loved one and be a future Myeloma Monday by [clicking here].

Where were you born and raised?

• Born in Rochester, Minnesota (parents were both on staff at Mayo Clinic) and raised all over the world.

Where do you currently live?

• Houston, Texas

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• July 25, 2008 – age 61

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Yes, unfortunately, I did.

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• My mother was diagnosed with MM at the the age of 85. It was in the early “smoldering” stage and didn’t slow her down a bit. She visited her oncologist each month for blood/urine work and led her active, amazing life. A year later she was killed instantly in an automobile accident. As terrible as that was, I’m so grateful that she didn’t have to endure even a fraction of what I have gone through.

What led to your diagnosis?

• Kidney failure and broken vertebra and ribs.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Once

Where have you received treatment?

• M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Explain your treatment history:

• 7/2008: Plasmapheresis, Dialysis, started Velcade, Dex, Thalidomide
• 8/2008: Kyphoplasty for fractured T6, T7, T9
• 9/2008 : Scans showed 7 fractured ribs
• 9/2008: Hurricane Ike hit Houston – without electricity for 15 days
• 1/2009: Began testing to see if candidate for ASCT
• 2/2009: Kyphoplasty for fractured T8
• 2/2009: Began Zometa infusion each month
• 3/2009: Apheresis for collection of 15 million stem cells – I was participant in clinical trial in which I received 10 million cells at transplant rather than the standard 5 million cells – thus 15 million needed so I could bank 5 million for future use.
• 4/2009: ASCT – hospitalized at MDA for three and a half weeks.
• 10/2009: Began Revlimid as maintainance therapy – have been on and off a couple of times because of low blood counts.
• 2/2010: Stopped Zometa because of damage to kidneys. My kidney function is always of concern.
• 4/2010: One year out from transplant and things are looking good with exception of impaired kidneys. I receive Procrit when Hemoglobin count drops below 10.

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• I was diagnosed at Stage IIIB with 75% infiltration. I knew I was in a dismal state and wanted aggressive treatment so I could live for awhile. Previous to MM I was in superb health.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• All of the usual suspects - terrible nausea and vomiting (lost 40 pounds), Dex made me crazy, neuropathy in hands and feet (tried acupuncture but didn’t help), constipation, bone pain, hair loss, unrelenting fatigue. I think the single worst incident was the bone pain during the time I was giving myself the injections of Neupogen twice a day for stem cell collection. The pain in my sternum was akin to the cliché of having an elephant stomp on your chest during a heart attack. Thank God I had been forewarned by all the paperwork I had signed.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• How it has frightened my family. I hate that they worry about me all the time. My husband and I had always assumed we’d grow old together. Now I’m not so sure. I try to find happiness in every day; however, it’s easier said than done sometimes.

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

• Go to a TOP cancer center for treatment , where your physicians and their staff have untold years of experience in treating MM and they can anticipate your needs. Even though you feel so out of control, you can take charge in some aspects. Remember that it is YOUR body and YOUR health insurance paying the hundreds of thousands of dollars, so speak up! For example, I found my first bone marrow biopsy excruciatingly painful. I realized that I would have many more in the future. From then on I had the biopsies done under anesthetic – I’m out for a few minutes, don’t feel a thing, and I’m on my way. Ditto for MRI until just recently. Now my fractures are healed enough that I can get through it without any sedation. I would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to realize that he/she must ask for help. Friends desperately want to help you, but they might not know how. Tell them! One of my friends recently commented that she had always been terrified of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and now she feels as though she could give tours of the place because she’s spent so much time with me there!

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• It’s difficult. I’m always waiting for the next shoe to fall. My husband is a phenomenal caretaker. I literally owe him my life. My children, grandchildren and sisters are so loving and supportive, but I feel tremendous guilt putting them through this. My adored Tony (90 pound black Lab) is always right by my side or curled up on my feet. My transplant oncologist was concerned that I was depressed and suggested a psychiatric consult. I take the antidepressant Lexapro and see a therapist at MDA every month. This has helped me so much. I do believe that God doesn’t give us a burden greater than we can bear. I know that there are millions of people in far worse shape than I. I am extremely grateful to be at MDA. People come from all over the world, and here I am just a few miles away. When I feel a bit stronger and pulled together, I’d like to volunteer at MDA.

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

• I truly no longer sweat the small stuff. I keep any negative people out of my life (and that includes physicians and nurses.) I indulge myself in what I love (being with my grandkids, talking frequently with my sons and daughter, planning future trips with my beloved husband, staying close and speaking often with my few close friends, keeping my herb garden in decent shape, playing the piano and knitting when the neuropathy in my hands allows, eating chocolate cake if I feel the inclination.) When I hear of a friend or just an acquaintance who has been diagnosed with cancer I call them right away, and I tell them that I will keep calling (or e-mailing, whichever they prefer) to keep tabs on them. I offer to take them to chemo and stay with them or be with them when they have their port inserted. I am in the unique position to be able to calm their fears.

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

• I spent part of my childhood living in North Africa (Morocco.) I recall having to wash all food in a solution that tasted like Clorox. When we would visit European countries or the U.S. my dad would joke that it was odd to eat fresh food and water that didn’t taste like Clorox! Also, there was a paper factory nearby where we lived that emitted an awful odor and a few times each year the heavy sirocco winds would blow in and you couldn’t even go outside because the odor was so horrible. I lived on the Exxon Refinery compound in San Nicholas, Aruba for three years in my mid twenties.

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

• Ohhh……you need to be so careful here as there is so much terrifying and outdated info out there. I think the sites that connect with MM patients are the most useful.

****Read the stories of other Multiple Myeloma survivors by going [here]!

Thankful Thursdays #2

What a great success Thankful Thursdays was last week! Let's see if we can build on the momentum and continue to grow thankful hearts that put us on a positive path towards a cure and overall better quality of life as we take on cancer and the rest of life's worries and struggles.

Today I am thankful for Midland. It has taken me 30 years to say that. Every kid that grows up in Midland says the same thing, "I can't wait to get out of this place"...and I can't blame them. There is not a whole of exciting things to do there if you are a kid, unless you really, really like the mall and eating at Ruby Tuesdays. Things are a little better today now that they have the Loons which is where Cassie and I are at in the above picture.

Now that I have three kids and I am focused on raising a healthy family, I can now see why Midland would the perfect petri dish for my kids growing up. There is no crime other than the teenagers who are bored out of their gored so they take to vandalism and steeling street signs. Although I am not leaving Ann Arbor any time soon, I can see where Midland is a great option for families.

So in short, I am thankful for my homeland and the great childhood experiences and relationships it provided me (see two pictures above from my class reunion). I am very much who I am today because of the blessings this town provided me as a youth (travel soccer, good math teachers, friends, etc). So it is very timely that today I am actually driving my family back to Midland to spend some time there. My high school football team is 9-1 and I am very proud to be coming back to root them on.

Okay....now tell me what you are thankful for!!!!

P.S. Thanks to the Midland Daily News for always covering my story whether it was when I was an athlete at Dow High or today while I am trying to raise awareness for Multiple Myeloma. Here's the last article they did.

DomiNation in Philly

Another individual steps up to join the charge to Dominate Multiple Myeloma. This time it is Tom from Philadelphia/Ann Arbor who had never heard of Multiple Myeloma prior to my diagnosis. He has heard of it now and he is using the Philadelphia Marathon as his platform to grow awareness for Multiple Myeloma and raise $2,000 that will go directly to MM Research towards a cure.

I met Tom at the University of Michigan through Athletes in Action. Tom was an awesome guy back then and is an awesome guy now. He knows what it takes to succeed on and off the field having been a former U of M Soccer player....what out Myeloma!

Follow Tom Gritter's journey training for the Philadelphia Marathon and Domination of MM on Facebook.

Learn how to join the domination by going here.

Brainwash them while they are young!

Check out this pic of Barb's newest niece sporting the Dominate Wristband. She gives my new girl Ruby a run for her money in terms of volume of sweet goodness that I just want to gobble up!

I think it is so important that we encourage our young ones to dominate the things they enjoy (excluding things like biting siblings of course). To be transparent, I am getting a little sick of superheros right now and I just wish my son would be passionate about scoring goals on the soccer field, but the reality is that he is not me and he is unique to who he was created to be.

I am trying hard, and often failing, to focus on just being a catalyst in Ocean's life that spurs him on and that of my other little ones so that they can dominate the passions and treasures stored in their hearts. Cassie and I will forever aim to protect these hearts and provide the love needed to foster their own domination. Which may unfortunately not involve Ocean wearing the Winged Helmet on Saturdays starting in 2024. As long as he routes for the Wolverines though...we are okay :P

More about Barb.....Barb lives down in Columbus and her mother his battling MM. Barb has been a fund raising beast and and has been inspired by the call to dominate by the Cancer Kicker Foundation. She is coordinating the Columbus Domination event which will take place the day of the UM/OSU game. The event is going to be off the hook and both Matt Hare and I will be the guests of honor as we seek to tell or stories to the world that young people in their twenties are being hit by this terrible disease. Above is a picture of Barb with her son and standout Buckeye Goalie and Cancer Kicker (beat Lymphoma!).

Myeloma Mondays #29: NY Fan from Southeastern PA

**Share your MM journey or that of a loved one and be a future Myeloma Monday by [clicking here].

Where were you born and raised?

• North Jersey, Exit 135 – that’s how we do geography in New Jersey

Where do you currently live?

• Southeastern PA

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• January, 2009 – 55 years old.

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Actually yes, an acquaintance had it for 7 years and I heard his story, broken bones, etc. However he does not have the blood marker so he needs to get semi-annual PET scans to see if there is any progression. He’s become one of my best friends. We are on the same meds and also talk on Dex days.

Is there anyone else in your family with MM?

• Not that I know of.

What led to your diagnosis? (example: broken vertebra)

• Normal CBC for cholesterol and sugar screening. Revealed a high total protein, more tests and the M Protein was 3.1. Didn’t take long to be diagnosed (a week).

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Just once, I did not like my oncologist at first. Almost ‘fired’ him, glad I didn’t, our relationship is very good now.

Where have you received treatment?

• At the present time I am on oral chemo, Rev 25 mg (21 days on, 7 off) and Dex 40mg once a week. I also get a dose of Zometa every other month at my doctor’s office.

Explain your treatment history:

• From January, 2009 – August 2009 – nothing as we were still in the smoldering state.
• August, 2009 – M Spike went to 4.2, started the Rev/dex + Zometa.
• M Spike decreased to 1.5 by January, 2010 and has stayed there for the past 6 months. Visiting U of P this month to decide next steps. Add Velcade, harvest stem cells etc.

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

I am transplant eligible, no kidney or bone issues to date and I was lucky we caught my MM early. I was never even at Stage I. I am very active (ex-Marathon runner, cyclist, etc.) and I resist an interruption to that; however I believe we will harvest my cells soon and probably prepared for an auto SCT within the next year. Maybe not, my disease is stable and except for minor anemia, Hemoglobin between 12.2 & 13.2 and a slightly low RBC, I feel normal. Calcium levels and Creatine levels are normal. No lytic lesions to date.

What have been the side effects of the different treatments?

• The Dex gets me in trouble, I get aggressive in my behavior and I exercise heavily that day to counteract that. It works. Trouble sleeping on Dex days. The Rev gave me a rash, that went away and diarrhea which is under control if I eat bananas and yogurt.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• Just learning you have cancer. Once I got used to the dx you just live with it. This has been a pretty good 1 ½ years for me and I am looking for more good health years in the future.

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

• Get informed and DO NOT read about median survival rates. They are dated and useless. Don’t slow down, exercise, drink wine, do what you normally would do and as hard as it is, push the body. I truly believe getting the body to transport oxygen through the body has an effect on production of new RBC and a negative effect on the MM cells.

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• Exercise, bike riding, golf, gym workouts all clear my mind and make my body feel good. As long as I know I can move my body I know I have a handle on things. Bike riding is the best!!

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

• Protecting my family and living each day to the fullest. An old cliché but it’s true.

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

• Father was probably exposed to asbestos during the 60’s (construction) but he lived to be 91…

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

• CancerCompass.com

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

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