tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37172942451817886952024-03-15T07:50:29.093-04:00multiple myeloma for dummiesCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526228213366026025noreply@blogger.comBlogger327125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-10427145520760391072016-08-08T21:12:00.003-04:002016-08-08T21:12:46.765-04:00EightOn <b>8/8/08</b>, Phil got his multiple myeloma diagnosis. Today marks the eight year anniversary of that diagnosis. To mark the significance of today, I have assembled a list of eight eights that I never could have envisioned on this day eight years ago.<br />
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1. <b>Ruby.</b> We decided in <b>8</b>/09 to try for a third kid. She was carried and born in the middle of the chaos and ended up being one of the greatest joys of my existence.<br />
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2. At age <b>8</b>, Iris has read all <b>8</b> Harry Potter books. Random, but she was only <b>8</b> months old when Phil was diagnosed. It's awesome getting to see who these kids are turning out to be.<br />
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3. <b>8 hours a day of time for myself. </b>Kids in school = life changing. I'm not the mom who cries on the first day of school. I love my children, but I'm a better parent when they are away from me most of the day.<br />
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4. <b>44 months at Torrent. </b>(4+4=<b>8</b>. That counts, right?)<b> </b>During treatment I couldn't envision Phil feeling well enough to return to work. Now he has realized his dreams of being an entrepreneur. And business at Torrent is good! Pretty sweet.<br />
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5. <b>Joy. </b>Joy in suffering didn't really happen for me. The kindness and help of family, friends and strangers was profoundly moving and helpful but I wasn't able to rejoice in my suffering. Sorry/Not sorry. It was hard. But I'm glad to say that joy has returned to my life in many forms, <b>8</b> ways to Sunday.<br />
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6. <b>Fear has subsided. </b>I used to carry so much anxiety around and thought it would always be that way. I still struggle but <b>8</b> times out of ten in the face of something scary I feel strong and capable instead of pressed and beaten down.<br />
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7. <b>8 Hours of Sleep. </b>Three babies in quick succession. Multiple hospital visits. I was in a constant state of sleep deprivation. I thought sleep would never happen again. It does! Almost every night!<br />
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8. <b>8 days a week don't feel like a gift. </b>I thought I would begin to appreciate each moment of every day and never take anything for granted. I still yell at the kids and have completely unproductive days, and honestly life feels pretty mundane most of the time. But hey, it's real. It's normal. I'll take it.<br />
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Here's to eight more years!<br />
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xo,<br />
Cassie<br />
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526228213366026025noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-88894971572400292262016-03-16T10:28:00.000-04:002016-03-16T10:28:06.281-04:00friday night meningitis-y fever<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px;">I never forget that Phil has cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px;">But sometimes I pretend he doesn't. I like to pretend that I have all the time and energy in the world to drive a carpool or volunteer at my kids' school or plan a trip. Pretend there's no possibility that I'll have to scramble to find coverage at work and for the kids at the last minute. Pretend that Phil won't have to be rushed to the ER, put in isolation, and end up on antiviral meds and morphine through a picc line. Pretend that the month he has to take off from work to recover is really a vacation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px;">Pretend that our life is normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But occasionally circumstances pop up in my face to remind me that our "normal"... isn't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last month, Phil came home from work on a Friday with a headache and fever, and by Saturday night he had been admitted to the hospital with Shingles and Meningitis, probably a result of the chemotherapy he currently takes. He was in a ton of pain. I know this is true, not because he was complaining (he never does) but because he asked me to take him to the hospital which just never happens. He ended up hospitalized for a week and just went back to work this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We live our lives in a way that probably looks typical... school, work, church, soccer, doing housework and homework, getting together with friends, exercising... but most moments of most days I am braced for chaos. I evaluate Phil's headaches and heartburn with the same scrutiny as his quarterly blood work. I sort medications into one of the biggest pill boxes I've ever seen. I carefully craft soft words into gentle sentences to explain to our tender-hearted kids why their dad is in the hospital again, and when he will be home, and why he has to go there so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(The reality is, he doesn't go there "so much", but they are observant enough to know that most of their friends have parents that have to go to the hospital exactly NEVER, so the few times they remember are just a few times too many for their comfort. But still I do my best to comfort.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My whole life revolves around making sure everyone stays out of the hospital, and when that becomes unavoidable I do everything I can to make sure we all survive with as little trauma as possible. I still pack the lunches and get the kids to school. I still read to them and sing silly songs in the car. I still make sure we have clean clothes and clean dishes. I still get up with kids when they have a tummy ache or a nightmare. I control the things I can when chaos erupts. It's how I survive.</span><br />
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Phil and I don't feel sorry for ourselves. We realize we don't have any other option than to push forward and keep living our lives. But sometimes we look at each other, shake our heads and say, "Damn. How much more do we have to endure?" Then we laugh. Because that's also how we survive.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then we continue with the parenting and the working and the living. And I continue with the caregiving. I do it because I have to. But also because I want to. I feel responsible for making decisions about Phil's health and advocating for him when he's unable to. (That's marriage.) I feel responsible for making sure our kids know they are loved and safe. (That's parenthood.) And I feel responsible for making sure I don't go off the rails once the dust settles. (That's good sense.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's hoping we have another good, long run of health and hospital-free living. Hoping the same for all of you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cassie</span>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526228213366026025noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-24337203860126624972015-08-08T13:46:00.002-04:002015-08-08T13:46:19.841-04:00lucky number sevenHi friends,<br />
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It's been seven years since we received news of Phil's myeloma diagnosis. It's such a bittersweet day, every year. I can't help but remember the hopeless, sinking feeling and utter trauma of learning that Phil had cancer. But I also can't help but be grateful for seven years when, at that time, we had no idea what was to come.<br />
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Strangely, it feels like an eternity ago and simultaneously like it all happened yesterday. Or even like it happened to someone else. I don't often visit this blog and read past entries because it makes me feel so sad for the Us of seven years ago. I wish I could visit the Me who would sit down and weep in the diaper aisle of Meijer at midnight when I was finally alone with my thoughts, and give myself a snapshot of just how exquisitely ordinary life would be in seven years.<br />
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Thankfully, myeloma is no longer at the forefront of our daily lives or thoughts. But it's kind of like a little guy that sits on my shoulder and taps me from time to time. I'm always aware of its presence. Myeloma is always just sort of there, but it doesn't scare me like it used to. Chemo continues, but so do our lives.<br />
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Because other things are always there, too. Our three amazing kids who never stop for a minute and fill our lives with so much laugher and awe and joy. Our families who move mountains to love and care for us. Friends who make us laugh and aren't afraid to ask how things are going. Our gratitude drowns out the cancer noise.<br />
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I am hopeful that in another seven years I will be able to write a similar blog. In the mean time, there are clothes to fold, dishes to wash and kids to take to the park. Ah, exquisite ordinariness.<br />
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xo,<br />
CassieCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526228213366026025noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-12617226196528623352014-08-08T08:21:00.000-04:002014-08-09T20:06:44.577-04:006 years later...doMMination continues!6 years to the day, one day after turning 28, we were given the terrible news that there was some rare and incurable blood cancer detectable within my bone marrow. We were shocked, devastated and completely uneducated on the disease. <a href="http://mmfordummies.blogspot.com/2008/08/we-dont-know-what-crap-were-doing.html" target="_blank">So Cassie launched this blog</a> to drive MM awareness and education to our friends and family.<br />
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At the time of diagnosis, we were told that 1 in 3 people live 5 years after diagnosis. Awesome.<br />
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Well, yesterday I turned 34 and today we celebrate 6 years of doMMination. Yesterday for my birthday dinner at Real Seafood in Ann Arbor, Cassie asked me what I have enjoyed most about the last year. I thought it was a great question because I very rarely reflect on the past.<br />
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So to help keep August 8 a positive day, each year I intend on recalling 10 things from the last year that made it great...in no particular order:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Our Marriage </b>- Cassie and I are coming up on 10 years together next month and our communication and understanding of one another is at an all time high. I hope to spend the next 10 years appreciating our differences. </li>
<li><b>Our Neighbors</b> - We had a desire to connect more with our neighbors and it naturally happened. We live next to some real cool and interesting people. </li>
<li><b>Our Kids</b> - I love children. They are so challenging, but so full of life and adventure. We are so fortunate to have three kids, all of which have very good hearts. </li>
<li><b>Florida</b> - We had a blast both in Disney World and staying with my parents at Anna Maria Island. Cassie agreed by far that this was one of the best vacations our family has ever had. </li>
<li><b>Business</b> - I had a dream of working for myself one day. In stead, I get to work with my best friend at <a href="http://torrentconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Torrent Consulting</a>. We have worked so hard the last 12 months and are excited to have grown a team of over 20 people, all of which are unique, talented and very fun to work with!</li>
<li><b>New/Old Friends</b> - We have made some new friends and rekindled old relations. These friends have taught me how to kick it back in the present moment and just have a good time. </li>
<li><b>Yoga </b>- After many failed attempts to become a runner (my body just couldn't take it), a friend suggested I try yoga. I am not quite a yoggie, but I love it!</li>
<li><b>Our kids' elementary school. </b>It's walking distance from our house, and it's filled with amazing kids that are part of amazing families, with amazing teachers. We are one year away from having all three kids there!</li>
<li><b>Michigan Basketball </b>- I went on whim and bought season UM Bball tickets last year. I went to almost every home game. I wouldn't quite say I am a fan yet, but I believe in what the coaching staff is doing.</li>
<li><b>Guitar</b> - No, I don't play the guitar, but Cassie has been learning for the last few months. Seeing her come alive this year in her own way on her own accord has been beautiful to watch. The last six years have been very challenging for her and it's great to see her blossoming again!</li>
</ol>
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So.....although last year was the year my Myeloma resurfaced, it was probably one of the best years of my life.<br />
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Cheers to another great year with Myeloma!<br />
<br />
Phil<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-91951755503291005252014-06-28T09:17:00.001-04:002014-06-28T13:10:02.810-04:00MMy UpdateWhat does it mean when a Myeloma blogger doesn't post in 4 months? Well....the positive reason is that they have returned to life, and Myeloma is but a mere distant memory.<br />
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That's our situation. Until now. Hence, I am blogging again.<br />
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We had our three month check up to see where my M-spike was at after completing four rounds of maintenance chemo, 15mg of Revlimid, 21 day cycles, for those keeping track at home.<br />
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Before I get into the results, I want to talk about Life results from the last four months. Because my life isn't Myeloma, although Myeloma has been a strong life motivator since my diagnosis on 8/8/08.<br />
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Here are some major highlights:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Ocean turned 8!</li>
<li>Ruby turned 4!</li>
<li>Traveled to Chicago with Iris on the train</li>
<li>Had a guy weekend up north in Oscoda</li>
<li>We took a vacation to South Haven, MI....very lovely</li>
<li>Cassie is learning how to play the guitar so she can take her show on the road to bars and weddings</li>
<li>Cassie got 2nd place in her age group in the Dexter A2 5k!</li>
<li>My business has grown from my business partner and me...to 20ish people in less than a year</li>
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2014 has been very good to us half way through and we don't intend on the momentum slowing down now that we have beautiful weather and Michigan football is just two months away!</div>
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On to the MM results from last week. Recall, my blood work showed a trace amount of MM last fall. We watched it, and eventually it passed the threshold from not measurable, to slightly measurable at 0.1. </div>
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From there...I went on maintenance chemo...the 4 cycles I mentioned above, with the goal at containing the disease at 0.1...or best case...eliminating it. </div>
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Well....we are now at 0.2. What this means. We can't claim victory over Myeloma quite yet, but we will take hold of the wins we are having as a family as we build more and more memories. </div>
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Next steps. Check labs again in 4 weeks at UMCCC. My last 5 or 6 data points all showed a slight, but upward trend...so we'll see. </div>
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I don't get sad very often....like ever. But on Friday as I was driving into work I started to feel bummed about the results. Sometimes it feels good to feel bummed and to allow the reality of the situation to connect through all parts of your body.</div>
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Then...Feel Good Fridays popped on the radio - 96.3 for those in SE Michigan. There was a minister talking about how we need darkness to be able to see The Light. Man....those words hit so deeply. My sadness faded, my hope returned....and I had an amazing day! Part of that was because I had Ocean come to work with me.</div>
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So it looks like we are going to have to determine new/additional treatment options. I will warm up to that over the next four weeks, we'll probably seek several opinions from some Myeloma Rockstar Specialists...and make a decision. </div>
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Find The Light in your day...it's there somewhere. </div>
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-Phil</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-44487187623591652432014-02-26T20:11:00.000-05:002014-02-26T20:11:41.835-05:00Here we go again...Hey all! It's Cassie. Long time no blog. My bad. But hey. HEY. Look what arrived in the mail today...<br />
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<i>"I love my Fed Ex guy, because he's a drug dealer and doesn't even know it." -Mitch Hedberg</i></div>
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Phil begins Revlimid today, again. Just to refresh you all, Revlimid is one of the chemo drugs that he took after his transplants. It's an oral chemo that has minimal side effects (for chemo, anyway) and he gets to take it at home which means no trips to the infusion center. Yay for simplification!<br />
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I think the plan is to keep Phil on Rev indefinitely, and then at some point we will do another stem cell collection. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, and keep you all posted. In the mean time, life continues as usual, just with a little more pill-popping than usual. As the Revlimid starts doing its job we will keep our eyes peeled for any side effects so we don't have a repeat of the <a href="http://mmfordummies.blogspot.com/2009/10/video-blog-3-on-stomach-lava-and-why.html">stomach lava situation</a> of 2009. Oy vey.<br />
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Thank you, everyone, for your warm thoughts and prayers. We're disappointed that we have to think about myeloma again after such a brief interlude, but our spirits are good and we are going forward with hope that this will knock that m-spike back down to zero for a good long time. Ka-pow.<br />
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<i>First dose, down the hatch.</i></div>
Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526228213366026025noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-87679950598637921672014-02-17T06:27:00.000-05:002014-02-17T06:27:00.068-05:00Cancer Sucks - From a Sister's Perspective<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMhydmAqTep-NLMeyT5Z3lcU1rVGT4U4kVh_dA5dt11yQX_9aAvKLc-kU7Yx2ZE1PfSHJzyTSQbflUAk9vx0gN0AQbLfavCj3booOWkTmdBjOFD3coZNLe47W2Yegu8cTy_GuPj47GIU/s1600/LLLL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMhydmAqTep-NLMeyT5Z3lcU1rVGT4U4kVh_dA5dt11yQX_9aAvKLc-kU7Yx2ZE1PfSHJzyTSQbflUAk9vx0gN0AQbLfavCj3booOWkTmdBjOFD3coZNLe47W2Yegu8cTy_GuPj47GIU/s1600/LLLL.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Cancer Sucks. After hearing about my brothers resent update on MM (Multiple Myeloma) I have a constant thought in my head of cancer. Why? Why him? Will they find a cure? When will I have to say good-bye to my brother? I hate these thoughts, I hate thinking of it. After dominating a year of not having a trace of MM my brother received upsetting news that the horrible crap is back. And since then it's been the only thing on my mind.<br />
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Whether you are someone who has cancer, who have dominated it or someone who is walking aside a mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, friend, etc. who has this horrible thing we call cancer.....long story short....CANCER SUCKS.<br />
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I have been fortunate to become great friends with one of my co-workers who also found out that his Mother's cancer is back. Once he told me about that I shared my brothers story with him. And he felt bad for me. And all I could think about after he said that is that I feel bad for him. It doesn't matter what cancer is worse or who is battling it harder. Cancer is cancer and like I said before and I will forever...CANCER SUCKS.<br />
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And then yesterday I was waiting on a table of 2 couples both in their upper 70s. We got in a conversation of tattoos. As they got up and were about to leave the sweet lady grabbed my hand and said, "I see your tattoo." With a cute smirk on her face. I love telling the story of my tattoo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRnsuW-mdkBYoOWkouwhWUk7ER7CH5TBWH0Nf3bTCtri4MBKQu9RgmVda3gc0JxRP5uZKO3wOAz9gm47kIzeIXBojm6GPjI2l_QwoN8srBsNRJtnX2JcvtuwcX-6jPolBqki7Ijq6MPQ/s1600/31577_1426664276049_6087942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRnsuW-mdkBYoOWkouwhWUk7ER7CH5TBWH0Nf3bTCtri4MBKQu9RgmVda3gc0JxRP5uZKO3wOAz9gm47kIzeIXBojm6GPjI2l_QwoN8srBsNRJtnX2JcvtuwcX-6jPolBqki7Ijq6MPQ/s1600/31577_1426664276049_6087942_n.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a>For you who don't know ,I have Dominate tattooed on my wrist. My brother had Dominate bracelets made when he was diagnosed with MM. So instead of wearing the bracelet everyday I got it tattooed on my wrist so I have the constant reminder of DOMINATING life.<br />
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After I told the sweet lady of my brothers journey her eyes filled with tears and she told me that last week she was given the horrible news that she has kidney failure. She told me that her Dr checked it 3 times cause he even couldn't believe it. She told me that she can't even tell me when the last time she was sick, that the last time she had a cold was over 20 years ago. She was healthy, always ate right and took care of herself.<br />
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Sharing our stories was so touching.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2001</td></tr>
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I told her about my feelings. Why my brother? Straight A kid growing up. A kid who pushed everything he did to the limits and beyond. Played Football at U of M. Married a beautiful woman, got blessed with 3 ridiculously awesome rocking kids. Works hard to support his family. Goes to church. And even though he has this crappy cancer he still wakes up everyday thinking ....Who can I help today?<br />
<br />
Why, Why him?<br />
<br />
And I came to this conclusion............God only gives you what you can handle. And I truly believe that.<br />
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When Phil was diagnosed in 2008, all I could think about was why didn't I get it? I wasn't a straight A student and I definitely wasn't the "perfect" teenager. Why give it to him and not me?<br />
<br />
But watching and walking with my brother in his journey...I get it now. I couldn't handle it if it was me who had this crappy thing we call cancer. My brother can. He is without a doubt the strongest man I have ever met.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVtD-8qfFpl6ZifxMlvpSezhchwEmZOkc0r7ngFRqIOaJPc6qGv-K1-pdktZwENNai1v7rYrwVoscCxN41OJMMkD6uhwk4c1XPM1n2GxRIXFE4bQ7hLsTRMeKqZqlAs8PnyLZvATuqVY/s1600/LLL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVtD-8qfFpl6ZifxMlvpSezhchwEmZOkc0r7ngFRqIOaJPc6qGv-K1-pdktZwENNai1v7rYrwVoscCxN41OJMMkD6uhwk4c1XPM1n2GxRIXFE4bQ7hLsTRMeKqZqlAs8PnyLZvATuqVY/s1600/LLL1.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a><br />
And there is no doubt in my mind that even though as of today there is no cure for MM..<br />
...he will dominate it<br />
...he will watch his kids grow<br />
...watch them all graduate college and get married and have grandkids of his own!<br />
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Our family is strong....for god's sake WE ARE BRABBS.. #Dominate<br />
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-Laura<br />
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(youngest sister out of four)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-33613868111116755212014-02-12T12:00:00.000-05:002014-02-14T14:28:31.856-05:00Can you help me Speak up? I have been encouraged by many people to (1) do more motivational speaking and (2) write a book.<br />
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Oh, how ironic this is for the one time kid who decided to study engineering for the sole purpose of not having to read, write or speak in class, let alone give a speech to a captive audience of more than two people, one being my mom. </div>
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The fact I even blog as frequently as I do is nothing short of a miracle. I preferred calculus to pouring my thoughts into words, sentences, and paragraphs onto pages. Give me a soccer ball, football, baseball or even some crayons or a paintbrush; but a book, some reading glasses and some paper and pencils...no thank you.</div>
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With the resurgence of Myeloma in me, I feel a conviction to speak boldly once again. I have captured a perspective on life at such a young age that many people in their old(er) age are just discovering. In a lot of ways I feel very fortunate, while at the same time, feeling held captive to this disease inside of me. Speaking helps me process, it is very therapeutic, and brings me purpose to live with this disease and push to dominate it. In the end, I think there is a book here, but I need to live it out some more. I need to share the story some more to discover the pearls.</div>
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So I need your help. I want to speak, I want to share, I want to take this show on the road, so to speak, but I don't know how. Yes, I have done motivational speaking at very large venues. I am experienced, but I have never pushed this, it's all just happened. People request that I speak, and I speak.</div>
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I now want to be more proactive. I want to speak to large organizations and small; all who are interested. I want to speak to congregations and high schoolers, to blue chip companies and the latest non-profit. All of which I have done, but I want to do it more. More than ever, I feel a sense of urgency and an obligation.</div>
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How can you help? Well... I need some direction on how to move this forward. I don't have an agent, I don't have a website, I sure don't have a book... all I have is my story. The story has been picked up by ESPN, NBC, Sports Illustrated and many news sources... all none of my doing. </div>
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I do have a one pager that highlights my story, my experience speaking and gives some cliff notes on the message I bring. (<a href="http://bit.ly/1bnTGvs" target="_blank">check it out by clicking here</a>) </div>
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How do you advise, recommend, suggest I move forward in taking this show on the road? Well, not too much time on the road because I have a blossoming business (<a href="http://bit.ly/1dbOyqr" target="_blank">Go Torrent!</a>) and a lovely family I need to focus on! (email any thoughts to phil @ cancerkicker dot org)<br />
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Thanks!! -Phil</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-48883097823016102102014-02-12T01:38:00.001-05:002014-02-13T01:14:58.483-05:00Dear TomLetter to Tom Brokaw:<br />
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Tom-<br />
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First and foremost, I am sorry that you have to carry this burden. My heart is with you and your loved ones, as are my thoughts and prayers.<br />
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One year after being diagnosed at the rare age of 28, I decide I need to (1) aggressively treat this disease and (2) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cancerkicker" target="_blank">open up to all that will listen</a> to share my journey with Myeloma to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9lJ2S4O9_o" target="_blank">help build awareness</a> for a disease that doesn't get much airtime, although it affects many each year.<br />
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I encourage you in being bold in your fight, but also helping all those who have gone before and will be diagnosed after. You have an opportunity to shed light on a disease that is dark, but is losing its power every passing year thanks to the advancements in treatments.<br />
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I went for the game winning kick almost 5 years ago (<a href="http://mmfordummies.blogspot.com/2013/12/would-you-go-for-two.html" target="_blank">or maybe it was more like a two point conversion</a>); which is the only way I know how to live due to my indoctrination as placekicker at the University of Michigan. We just recently realized that it didn't produce a cure, and rather than winning in regulation, we are now going into overtime.<br />
<br />
Simply put, I am both mad and sad. My kids are roughly 8, 6, and 4. I had hoped that Myeloma would be no more than a name given to my children's <a href="http://mmfordummies.blogspot.com/2010/04/myeloma-buddies.html" target="_blank">Myeloma buddies</a> that they snuggled with as very little ones. Now, it looks like they are going to be pulled into this journey as I begin treatment again. I feel like they are losing their innocence to this disease. I want them to fear not, Daddy is here, he will be okay.<br />
<br />
Your diagnosis in a strange way brings more hope than ever to me; to thousands of others I bet too. One man once told me I was given this rare gift (of Myeloma) as an opportunity to bring hope to others. I wasn't exactly sure what he meant at the time. I share the same word with you. You are strong enough to carry this burden, and through your journey, your story, you have an opportunity serve and help many. It's a paradox, but I think there is some wisdom there.<br />
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Lastly, you have joined a faMMily of brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and cousins; that you never knew existed. This coMMunity is loving, caring and they will be there for you every step of the way. Lean on theMM.<br />
<br />
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You will <a href="http://shop.undergroundshirts.com/collections/michigan-mens/products/dominate-cancer-athletic-grey" target="_blank">doMMinate</a>, we are with you.<br />
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-Phil & FaMMily<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-90356439479227702722014-02-06T22:45:00.000-05:002014-02-13T01:14:39.059-05:00What's your Mountain? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I think about my journey with an incurable cancer, I can't help to think that everyone is dealing with some sort of cancer. Whether a broken relationship, an absent parent or a rare disease like cancer, we all have something that is nagging us, no one is left unharmed in this world.<br />
<br />
<br />
Knowing this gives me personal comfort in that I am not alone, and even greater, I feel a sense of community, a sense of shared purpose to overcome the darkness.<br />
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One year ago I took what I hoped to be my last dose of chemotherapy. I had been cancer free for a year and completed 3.5 years of treatment. I was sick of being sick and ready to dominate life without this disease; with out a daily dose of chemo.<br />
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Well, almost one year after stopping treatment, I sat in the doctor's office on Wednesday to learn that my Myeloma is officially back and measurable. The last few blood tests showed a trace amount, but it wasn't even significant enough to measure.<br />
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As the news starts to circulate, I start to get the, "I am soooooooo sorry to hear this." This morning I received a text from one of my best friends that said, "Dude, I just heard about your M spike that you obviously didn't tell me about while I was whining about my much less important garbage. You guys holding up okay?"<br />
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My response back to my good friend, "I didn't want to detract from the conversation. Myeloma has consumed us for many years, no need to have it dominate our conversation last night."<br />
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You see, I want people to not look at my mountain as harder or more significant that the mountain in their own life. More important, I want to be able to support others, especially those close to me in their efforts to overcome their own difficult and uncertain journey.<br />
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So how am I doing? I am hanging in there, but how are you doing? How's your marriage? How's your relationship with your daughter? How are you living out your strengths? What's holding you back in life, in your career? What changes do you need to make?<br />
<br />
Myeloma, yes, it has returned...but we have climbed this mountain before and we will scale it again. But what about your mountain? <br />
<br />
-Phil<br />
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(Thanks mom for the Dr. Seuss quote, it inspired this post)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-12341681311042707042013-12-05T10:26:00.000-05:002013-12-05T15:48:36.565-05:00Would you go for two?Many people tuned in to the epic game between my love, Michigan Football and their bitter rival, The Ohio State last Saturday. It was a battle, both teams pushing hard towards victory. For Ohio State, their National Title hopes were on the line. For Michigan, restored dignity and a final home game for the Seniors who undoubtedly wanted to end their regular season and last home game on a high note, beating the Buckeyes.<br />
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So how did it end? Well, Michigan displayed it's usual last minute heroics and drove the field to score the game tying touchdown with seconds left, assuming an automatic extra point from the kicker.<br />
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But wait....they didn't bring out the kicker. In stead, the offense is on the field and they are showing signs that they are going for two! Wow, they make it, it's a historic win, if they miss, well...they lose to rival Ohio State in dramatic fashion. I was at the game....the air got very thick in anticipation.<br />
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Ohio State not ready to handle a two point conversion, calls a timeout.<br />
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What does Coach Hoke do? Does he second guess his decision and put in his kicker knowing that Ohio State just burned their last timeout, knowing with in reason that this game has a very strong chance of going to overtime?<br />
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No. He turns to the Seniors and asks (paraphrased): "Men, what do you want to do?" Unanimously, they wanted to go for the WIN!<br />
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Of course, they go on to miss the conversion and Ohio State sneaks out of the Big House with a one point victory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_F43VKyPWxXjaIoBFBGb0MMg106GWjbttFVjZBE6biPbBf4aoJE_wRdECzepz76_d5Z78Sr4fpJ47N-kdvlH3kSdYEtNwzf1vmG0yR1CVOp1UBiyUovdb7gUjvYXWh7idAq4J8jDQ6M/s1600/f10e663d54d29d28440f6a706700bf36_r620x349.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_F43VKyPWxXjaIoBFBGb0MMg106GWjbttFVjZBE6biPbBf4aoJE_wRdECzepz76_d5Z78Sr4fpJ47N-kdvlH3kSdYEtNwzf1vmG0yR1CVOp1UBiyUovdb7gUjvYXWh7idAq4J8jDQ6M/s320/f10e663d54d29d28440f6a706700bf36_r620x349.JPEG" width="320" /></a>This week I have let the decision to go for two really sink in, along with the final outcome, and I have learned a lot about myself.<br />
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Mostly, I have learned that <b>I am a "Go for Two" kind of guy</b>. I pursue life wanting to take every moment to win right then and there, not hold out for a what-may-be victory. I want to seize it. I want to experience it...Now.<br />
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This can explain why I put my body through 3.5 years of treatment, including 7 cycles of a very nasty chemotherapy regiment, followed by back to back bone marrow transplants, 7 more cycles of chemo, followed up by maintenance chemotherapy.<br />
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This also explains why I am uneasy about seeing a trace amount of Myeloma in my blood. The current medical staff at UMCCC is not happy about the results, but there also isn't a sense of urgency, a sense that we need to go for two if you will.<br />
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<b>I cannot escape my Go For Two personality. I want to win the Championship, I want to win the Big Game...I want to be cured of Multiple Myeloma. </b><br />
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So where does that leave us? Oddly enough, I will most likely return to Columbus soon, yes, The Ohio State, to get some of their thoughts and opinions on where they think I should head. I also anticipate a visit or two to see Dr. J in Chicago and and Dr. Barlogie in Arkansas. Simply put, these Doctors are my 'Seniors' who I go to when I have to make the decision of whether or not to go for two...although I am like Coach Hoke, <b>I always want to go for the WIN!</b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWtIgZX2UCok1BpMPGK30Yg59dBB9Oh9ie30xpT7UmPNp40W-m0VXDv_bXsoD7JCA7dbd1xvabvZU1IQ0mDg7kZ-En36UpcTVuB_Drhc9dIZvPiK4N-pkxqPORMTj25lvQbT6hbe_fTM/s1600/hi-res-6783852_crop_north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWtIgZX2UCok1BpMPGK30Yg59dBB9Oh9ie30xpT7UmPNp40W-m0VXDv_bXsoD7JCA7dbd1xvabvZU1IQ0mDg7kZ-En36UpcTVuB_Drhc9dIZvPiK4N-pkxqPORMTj25lvQbT6hbe_fTM/s320/hi-res-6783852_crop_north.jpg" width="320" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-47121545135146705642013-11-29T11:49:00.002-05:002013-11-29T12:04:17.076-05:00Go Bucks!!!Okay, why would a Michigan Man, who has a block M tattooed on his heart, dare say Go Bucks the day before one of the greatest rivalry in sports takes place between Michigan and Ohio (State)?!?<br />
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Well...any place that wants to dominate Myeloma as much as I do has a room reserved in my heart.<br />
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It all started last Friday during a trip to The James (Ohio State's Medical Center) where I was meeting a couple of friends who shared the same passion to dominate Myeloma. They set up a meeting with Dr. Benson, Myeloma Specialist at Ohio State. They invited me, I accepted, and I soon found myself in enemy territory 8 days before the big game.<br />
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Dr. Benson offered to give my friend a tour of his facility, all his research and provide insight in how he intends to dominate Myeloma and find a cure.<br />
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With the last two blood tests showing a trace of Myeloma after almost two years of being cancer-free, I was willing to hear anyone out on their plans to kick Myeloma, even if it met traveling to Columbus.<br />
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The two hour time slot with Dr. Benson flowed over to three hours, and I must say, I left full of more hope than ever that the days of Myeloma are numbered, for me and the ~25,000 people in the US who are are diagnosed each year.<br />
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What I liked about Dr. Benson:<br />
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<li><b>His Attitude</b>: He is a former collegiate soccer player who has quiet competitiveness about him. You can tell, he is this fight to Win the Championship...a Cure. </li>
<li><b>The Team</b>: He has built a team that consists of four Myeloma Specialists (that's a ton!) and 8 NPs (wowzers!) and has a number of bright minds in their graduate and fellowship program focusing on dominating MM. </li>
<li><b>The Innovation:</b> Having self-identified as an entrepreneur over the last few years, I appreciate innovation, especially in the area of Myeloma research aimed at zapping MM! Below is a top secret photo Dr. B revealed to us that shows Myeloma being doMMinated..literally. The top photo is some happy go lucky Myeloma. The bottom photo is its obliteration. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjEj72i9rjQuGAG-XuJrRPGu26zsuUsDpKqYT6bnBQiDhBgfT-ULiu4J0u2rgPsbFxRuI3Tnp0dHJI0BjguLp4aFZGWeFE_UortpZrhM9WoyA4UZ6ugY8vQF-eeW1NIhCMqjOejPdzeY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjEj72i9rjQuGAG-XuJrRPGu26zsuUsDpKqYT6bnBQiDhBgfT-ULiu4J0u2rgPsbFxRuI3Tnp0dHJI0BjguLp4aFZGWeFE_UortpZrhM9WoyA4UZ6ugY8vQF-eeW1NIhCMqjOejPdzeY/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a>With all this new found excitement and support of The Ohio State' Myeloma Research, don't be confused, tomorrow I want the scarlet and gray to be dominated, just like Myeloma. The passion I have to beat Ohio on the football field is much similar to the passion to kick cancer, but I am grateful that the shared passion that fuels this college football rivalry can be used to work together to dominate Myeloma for everyone!</div>
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Just to bring some balance to this post so folks don't think I am at all becoming a Buckeye, I want to give a major thanks to Jim Brandstatter and Coach Hoke for giving me the opportunity to continue to raise awareness for Multiple Myeloma this past Wednesday at Pizza House. Both schools are working to doMMinate this disease. </div>
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Remember, Hope is sometimes found where you least suspect to find it or the last place you would ever want to look. Keep Battling, keep the Faith and Go Blue!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-19746715012877124062013-11-17T02:19:00.000-05:002013-11-17T12:19:29.063-05:00Our New, Old RealitySo, the results are back from UMCCC and there still appears to be a trace amount of Myeloma showing up in my blood test. Bummer.<br />
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Bummer because....</div>
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....I was really enjoying staying awake past 7:30PM because I wasn't so dawg gone tired every night b/c of the chemo</div>
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....I was hoping my children would never have to really experience our families fight with MM</div>
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....I was not expecting any sort of relapse for at least 5 years, if not ever</div>
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....I stopped thinking about Myeloma for 9 months and it was bliss</div>
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....I don't want to have to go back on chemo</div>
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....I spent 3.5 years dominating this thing and I was hoping that would be enough</div>
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....I don't want to give MM any more mindshare </div>
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....I want to live a normal life of a 33 year old with a young family</div>
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....<a href="http://torrentconsulting.com/" target="_blank">my business is taking off</a> and I don't want treatments to slow that</div>
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Here's the good news....</div>
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....it's a very small amount which should have little affect on my body</div>
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....it didn't increase since the last blood draw</div>
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....treatments and research continue to advance</div>
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....I have it's number and I am ready to dominate it again</div>
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Life is so interesting. It is so unpredictable. I thank God for the great family and friends that have been placed in our life to help us through this next stage of the doMMination. </div>
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Keep dominating life in your own journey. Overcoming challenges just gets you closer to the prize.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-53889708098916944512013-11-10T00:47:00.002-05:002013-11-10T00:53:43.490-05:00Hope isn't a strategy.....but it sure has been a motivator for me and my family as we continue to take on Multiple Myeloma, what is considered by most to be incurable.<br />
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Two months ago I got the difficult news that there may be a slight recurrence of the disease. This Tuesday I go in for labs to see if this is my new reality and whether the disease is again on the rise. <b>Hope is powerful, it is critical and it's what helps push out the darkness</b> in my life when this disease tried to pull me over to the dark side.<br />
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Life has been great, subtract my Michigan Wolverines struggling on Saturdays.
<a href="http://bit.ly/1dbOyqr" target="_blank">My new job, which I took the leap of faith to join</a> earlier this year continues to bring on new clients each month. We are always looking for more clients if you know anyone in sales and marketing who are looking to implement Salesforce or expand its capabilities! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TorrentGuides">Like my new company on Facebook</a>...one of my jobs is to grow our number of likes! :)<br />
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Cassie and the kids are awesome. The highlight on the family front being our newest nephew who is already destined for U of M one day if his Uncle Phil has any say!<br />
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Finally, my health is great. For a while, my body continued to nag me every time I tried to go for a run. It seemed as if I pulled a different muscle each time I hit the pavement in my running shoes. Thanks to some great friends, I have transitioned to yoga. It's been a blessing and a great opportunity for me to regain physical strength, flexibility and even stamina...Yoga is no joke! I have also found the meditative peace to be very helpful.
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Expect a post in two weeks providing an update on my Myeloma numbers. I am hopeful that they will be zero, but in the meantime, I will be dominating life with the family!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-43919489910667425232013-10-09T14:38:00.001-04:002013-10-10T09:22:24.289-04:00Those Who Stay...<div id="fb-root">
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Living in Ann Arbor with a strong tie to Michigan Football is both a blessing and a curse. I love to talk about The Team, The Team, The Team, but it can be tiring reminding fans not to worry about close scares like the games against Akron and UConn, undoubtedly two of the worst teams in FBS college football. This is part of the journey.<br />
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Worry not Michigan fans, but be patient. The road to a Championship is not easy, and there will be many mistakes and close calls along the way. One of the most critical factors in being successful is knowing the end game. With Hoke, it's been made very clear and simple, win the Big 10 Championship. A few of my teammates congratulated Coach Hoke after the Sugar Bowl win and a 11-2 record after his first year. His response, "Don't congratulate me until the team has reached it's goal, and that's win a Big 10 Championship!" Below is a picture from last weekend where my 2003 Championship team was honored. Next to me is Coach Carr, who apparently still has some hops left!<br />
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When I was diagnosed with Myeloma in 2008, I quickly returned to my Michigan Football indoctrination which occurred over a five year span. I didn't just want to win the 2000 Orange Bowl or beat OSU, I wanted to win The Championship, which at that time and still is a cure from this disease.<br />
Great news came over a year ago when I finally got a negative test result, my body was free from the disease at last. OSU had been beaten, The Championship seemed near and almost inevitable, we now just had to stop the chemo and hope for the same negative test results for 6-7 years.<br />
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The week after the Akron game I got a phone from my wonderful nurse practitioner. I was caught a little off guard because she doesn't typically call me to give me my lab results. She began to share with me that the blood test came back with a very small trace of M-protein, which is an indicator for Myeloma. Wow, I really didn't know how to respond. I was quite shocked to get the news.<br />
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After talking it over with Cassie, we decided together not to get discouraged. I now recall the scare against Akron, then UConn. This was similar, but much more personal. So what does this mean for me? Absolutely nothing as of now. Rather than wait 12 weeks for my next round of labs, I will be tested in 6 weeks.<br />
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Cassie and I question the results a little bit given that two years ago I had a spike of 0.1, which U of M referred to as a mono-colonal band of protein, whereas, UAMS (Arkansas) said it was poly-colonal (not MM related). Part of us wonders if this is a healthy band showing up, or whether it is truly a slight resurgence of the disease. Either way, we will have to wait for more data to know what is truly going on.<br />
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You know, winning a Big 10 Championship was never easy. It was 99% blood, sweat and tears, for that short moment 1% celebration. For my family and me, we will continue to give this fight everything possible knowing what it is we are setting out to accomplish...The Championship.<br />
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God Bless, Go Blue and keep doMinating<br />
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PhilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-76094299942470675162013-09-21T00:27:00.000-04:002013-09-23T17:59:59.905-04:00A new look at what it may mean to DOMINATEA recent blogpost from my close friend and business partner (<a href="http://danieljmccollum.blogspot.com/2013/09/drip-coffee.html" target="_blank">read here</a>) has my wheels spinning, which is nothing new, but it has me rethinking my approach to DOMINATION. While in heavy treatment, filled with uncertainty in terms of what the outcome would be, I advocated that people live passionately....that you choose to #dominateLife.<br />
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I still live with that same conviction that we are called to #dominateLife, but thanks to the wisdom I got from this blogpost, I see extreme value in doing the same thing every day if you want to dominate.<br />
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That sounds extremely boring to a guy like me with a personality to create new everyday. BUT, as I look back on 3.5 years of chemo, I can't say it was the big bang bone marrow transplants that alone dominated Myeloma. It was the consistent approach to popping pills, going to my infusion appointments and keeping a positive attitude each day filled the support and love of many.<br />
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Hmmmmm....what would my life look like if I did one small act, every day, for the next ten years. What would you do? What if I ran 1 mile every day, versus trying to muster up the emotional energy to run 3 miles 3 times per week? What if you started to be a little more grateful each day, open doors for the people behind you or just focus on not doing something each day?<br />
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I didn't become a great kicker over night. I doubt there were many high school kickers that kicked many more balls than I did. I probably kicked more days than any other kicker. Hmmmmmm. The formula may be less about have extreme passion and greater will than others and more about slowing down, being consistent and persistent....and enjoying the ride. <br />
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Keep dominating....<br />
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PhilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-87171239077830636502013-08-29T12:19:00.003-04:002013-08-29T12:19:53.999-04:00Life = FunAlmost four years ago our life was put on halt to begin an aggressive several year treatment regiment, including two bone marrow transplants in the summer of 2010. Three summers after the transplants, we FINALLY feel like Myeloma is starting to show up in the rearview mirror, versus this obstacle we are constantly trying to navigate through.<br />
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This summer there have been sparks of normalcy in the Brabbs' household. We were able to take a family vacation on the west side of Michigan with some close friends and their kids. We had a Brabbs' family reunion up north over the 4th. We laugh more, we play more, and we are starting to learn how to relax more...although the three kids (7,5,3) make that one most challenging!<br />
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In the fun department, I was asked to be part of a UM Football roundtable discussion every week to preview the upcoming Michigan football game with two other old timer football alums. We had our first segment this week, and I had a blast. Not sure people care what "the kicker" thinks on the topic of Michigan football, but I am enjoying the comradery with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Skene" target="_blank">Doug Skene</a> (89-92) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Simpkins" target="_blank">Ron Simpkins</a> (76-79). Here's the first segment: <br />
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For all those excited about the upcoming football season...GO BLUE! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-2685902647643641802013-08-19T03:19:00.000-04:002013-08-19T03:19:00.091-04:00Myeloma Mondays #52: Suzie from Washington DC<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you would like your story of that of a loved one posted on MM for Dummies, copy and paste the questions below in an email and send your response to me at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">phil</span><b> at cancerkicker dot org</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. Thanks for your willingness to share your story for others to grow in their knowledge of Multiple Myeloma!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Where were you born and raised? </b></span><br />
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Detroit, MI </li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Where do you currently live? </b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Washington, DC</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">When were you diagnosed?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">September 2011</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis? </b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">No</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Is there anyone else your in family with MM?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Yes, my father</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">What led to your diagnosis? </b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Annual physical showed elevated total protein in blood.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">How many times were you referred before actually diagnosed?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Once from my internal medicine physician who dx'd MGUS to oncologist who did bone marrow and dx'd MM</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Where have you received treatment? </b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">NIH</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Explain Treatments:</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Carfilzomib along with lenalidomide and dex for 8 months</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">lenalidomide 10mg continuous treatment since April 2012</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">bisphosphonates</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">I entered a clinical trial for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with carfilzomib because I knew it did not have peripheral neuropathy like what was seen with bortezomib.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">What has been the side effects of the different treatments?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">The biggest one was fatigue along with phlebitis while receiving carfilzomib. During continuous treatment I have had joint aches and diarrhea.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Moving forward with the certainty of death by accepting that it was always certain but unfocused on. Recognizing that I could have died any day in a car crash or stepping off a curb, but I did not focus on dying even though it was certain. Knowing, I will likely not know my sons wives nor their children.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about? </b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Be an active participant with your team of doctors. I read blogs and research so that I can be an informed patient. Unfortunately, receiving the best care means you need to know your choices. You still will receive good care. It just may not be the best for you as an individual patient, unless you are informed and know your preferences especially in terms of quality of life.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey? </b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"> Faith in God. Reading lots of Joel Osteen.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Accepting that Life is transient and knowing that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience on earth but rather spiritual beings having a human experience on earth </li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?</b><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Yes. I suspect it is soil or fish related (environmental). Toxins in soil from a farm or in fish from the Great Lakes.</li>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?</b><br /><ul>
<li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>IMF,Clinical Care Options, MMRF, Blood Journal, Medscape, MyelomaBeacon, Webinars from ASH & ASCO, Pat Killingsworth's book Liviing With Multiple Myeloma </li>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;">Learn more about Suzie's Story here: </span></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.myelomacinderella.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">www.myelomacinderella.net</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.about.me/MyelomaCinderella" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">www.about.me/MyelomaCinderella</span></a></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-46953544263339485782013-08-08T16:31:00.002-04:002013-08-08T16:57:19.112-04:00Give me a High 5!We made it! I am overcome with emotion as I remember back to August 8, 2008 (8/8/08). We were in survival mode as new parents of two little ones who were 2 and 9 months, with still a very young marriage of less than four years. On top of that, we had just moved back to Ann Arbor the year prior, I started a new job and I just completed building our dream home near the Big House to stake claim to a place that would become home to thousands of memories that we planned to create. Here is a picture of the kids before diagnosis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhOVJ-56kfd0FcFt1rFDgldVR21q_7m8rTwmBTLrqMdPpOFjEO3y0h326Wg-nSGjE1RqlPqeGnann9NE6ZzUhKMytXWmJ8_a5SDkZBJPOLth_Zhpwth5p2zhZLRkD0pwkby1OxzacAjo/s1600/Brabbs_0253_raw_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhOVJ-56kfd0FcFt1rFDgldVR21q_7m8rTwmBTLrqMdPpOFjEO3y0h326Wg-nSGjE1RqlPqeGnann9NE6ZzUhKMytXWmJ8_a5SDkZBJPOLth_Zhpwth5p2zhZLRkD0pwkby1OxzacAjo/s320/Brabbs_0253_raw_lrg.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A simple google search after diagnosis showed that the five year survival rate for Myeloma patients was a pathetic 37%. I was a day past my 28th birthday, facing what seemed to be an inevitable death sentence. I was young, healthy, I had a budding and beautiful family, but suddenly I was thrown into a new reality, one where a young death felt almost certain. It felt even probable that Ocean would never be able to create any memories of his dad that would be lasting.<br />
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Thanks to an army of people, we chose to keep our chin up and shoot for the best possible outcome, a cure. We were told the disease was incurable, but we chose not to believe it. Although my body was stricken with a horrible disease, we would not allow our attitudes to be shaken. But it wasn't easy...There was 12 days of projectile vomiting, a 2 hour ambulance ride, 2 bone marrow transplants and ER visits and hospitalizations every step of the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59cXSYshe0x1Qve8xU54YLGNTuFd2QP4kaeZxqNjKXEKSBUpVGFGdIUKv01iACfroDacMu_KZGYP_9GF2qOcoiftY5r3DrMAejiFJAXnZVk1MdVg4Tsyq2-Z2WB8UObD8qh56JxfBYFM/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59cXSYshe0x1Qve8xU54YLGNTuFd2QP4kaeZxqNjKXEKSBUpVGFGdIUKv01iACfroDacMu_KZGYP_9GF2qOcoiftY5r3DrMAejiFJAXnZVk1MdVg4Tsyq2-Z2WB8UObD8qh56JxfBYFM/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But now, 5 years later, Cassie and I try our best as tired parents of (now) three energetic kids as shown above, to celebrate life, not just live it. We aren't experts at it, and most of the time we just want to nap or sleep in a little longer, but we do see the world very differently because of our experience with Myeloma. We know how quickly life can be stolen from you. Because of this we try to vacation a little longer, laugh a little more and spend more time with each other.<br />
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Many thanks to the army of people who have followed us and joined us in kicking cancer. We aren't out of the woods yet, but we are able to see the setting sun on this disease and we are having a great time dominating life. Here is a picture of Cassie and me celebrating my 33rd birthday yesterday in South Haven!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmP4JJ7L7eQKi9fSStdcmGqKGoT-qTX5lkndKRnCYfGn0_6T9uxafkVFXDAPSYI5zTr1957nzqmdBXflygfZI8cgSKaN-CJtdS9Li198WDZww8HenumCFXQqLrdpgHxDqPkQjplQLuzA/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmP4JJ7L7eQKi9fSStdcmGqKGoT-qTX5lkndKRnCYfGn0_6T9uxafkVFXDAPSYI5zTr1957nzqmdBXflygfZI8cgSKaN-CJtdS9Li198WDZww8HenumCFXQqLrdpgHxDqPkQjplQLuzA/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keep doMMinating,<br />
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Phil<br />
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P.S. <a href="http://mmfordummies.blogspot.com/2009/10/video-blog-week-1-in-review.html" target="_blank">Here is an archived video when I started chemo 4 years ago</a>! Wow, we look young.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-78996011426065390252013-05-15T11:24:00.002-04:002013-05-15T13:54:21.267-04:00Diet and Dominating CancerOkay, it's been well over a year since we have seen that pesky MM show up on a blood test or bone marrow biopsy. We are still many years from proclaiming a cure, but we aren't going to stop trying to kick it. Every day is an opportunity to remind the disease who is boss.<br />
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When I was diagnosed, I wanted to look at holistic options for treating my disease. Well, consumed with two little tots, a career, and pressed for time to do research, I opted for the modern approach to taking on cancer with a heck of a lot of stuff that's not good for human consumption, in hopes the bad cells all get elbow dropped to oblivion, and the harm to the good cells is very limited with no lasting affects (i.e. second cancer).<br />
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Now, I have some time to breathe, enjoy my family, grow my business (<a href="http://torrentconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Torrent Consulting</a>)...AND...return to this idea of taking a holistic approach to dominating cancer. Please leave a comment on what you have tried!!!<br />
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I have had several dietary related convictions over the years, one is that I want to be a raw vegan foodist. 8 years ago I gave up meat, and I proved to myself I can make some pretty big lasting changes in my diet. Now as a cancer patient, I am thinking of what other dietary changes I should make to give me the best chances of making that game winning kick. One is adding meat back into my diet.<br />
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First, I saw a holist doctor last week in West Bloomfield. The guy doesn't take any new patients, but he does LOVE Michigan football....so we lucked in with getting an appointment. He took what seemed to be half my blood from my body and half a pound of hair from my head for analysis purposes. We meet in a couple of weeks to see what he thinks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Pln0GfTU6wM7oIJRr3BXrnVRWGeTouJY_SYP-RpBlj6yuZxWwdljG-E4uzBDuBSLyAYIbnDcoOkN5KMP_mw28DA6T_wpAHzrQL-fL1sXQ1ztInaLw-_C81NO8nYMH1-htWlw-HcrOUg/s1600/imgres-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Pln0GfTU6wM7oIJRr3BXrnVRWGeTouJY_SYP-RpBlj6yuZxWwdljG-E4uzBDuBSLyAYIbnDcoOkN5KMP_mw28DA6T_wpAHzrQL-fL1sXQ1ztInaLw-_C81NO8nYMH1-htWlw-HcrOUg/s1600/imgres-2.jpeg" /></a>In the meantime, I am toying with the idea of cutting out carbs from my diet....and I have already started to experiment. I am perplexed with how a vegetarian can do this...given we are more like carb-etarians in the Brabbs' household. Sugars have been linked as the fuel source for cancer. Not sure how true that is, but I am buying the logic, or at least going to factor it into the approach for my new diet aimed to dominate cancer.<br />
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If you or someone you know has said 'No to Carbs'....tell me how they did this without feeling sluggish all day long (me yesterday). By the way, I don't drink coffee or soda....although my tea has been nice!<br />
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The other thing I started taking is essential oils...kudos to Cassie on this one. Specifically frankincense. I figured if it was a good enough gift for the King of Kings, Jesus; maybe it could me a magical potion for dominating my Myeloma. Who knows....but I am giving it a shot. I am dominating five drips of this every night in a veggie capsule.<br />
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I would love to learn how other people are taking on cancer with their diet. Are you juicing? Are you drinking wheat grass? Are you making mud pies?????<br />
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Keep dominating everyone!<br />
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PhilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-63828989458212666082013-04-08T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-08T01:00:01.421-04:00Myeloma Mondays #51 - Kathy from Denver, CO<br />
<b>Share your story and encourage thousands!</b> If you would like your story or that of a loved one posted on MM for Dummies, copy and paste the questions below in an email and send your response to me at <span style="color: blue;">phil at cancerkicker dot org</span>. Thanks for your willingness to share your story for others to grow in their knowledge of Multiple Myeloma!<br />
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<b>Where were you born and raised? </b><br />
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<li>Born in Pocatello, ID. Moved many, many times growing up -- Utah, Arizona, California and Colorado </li>
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<b>Where do you currently live? </b><br />
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<li>Denver, Colorado</li>
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<b>When were you diagnosed?</b><br />
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<li>January 2010 (age 60)</li>
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<b>Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis? </b><br />
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<li>No</li>
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<b>Is there anyone else your in family with MM?</b><br />
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<li>No</li>
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<b>What led to your diagnosis? </b><br />
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<li>I had a rash (hives) on my legs whenever I would work out. After seeing different doctors for 2-1/2 years, an allergist decided I needed more tests. Not sure if she suspected multiple myeloma, but eventually it lead to a bone marrow biopsy and confirmed smoldering myeloma in November 2009. My oncologist at the time said that it would be 18-24 months before I would exhibit signs and need treatment. However, in 3 short months and more blood work, it had become very active, involving my kidneys and heart. I started chemo right away (Velcade). </li>
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<b>How many times were you referred before actually diagnosed?</b><br />
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<li>Several</li>
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<b>Where have you received treatment? </b><br />
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<li>Originally with Kaiser Permanente in Denver. Then I had to change insurance companies and went to Colorado Blood Cancer Institute (CBCI). That is where I am currently.</li>
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<b>Explain Treatments:</b><br />
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<li>Velcade for 4 months</li>
<li>stem cell transplant in August 2010</li>
<li>Revlimid for 1-1/2 years until side effects became too much </li>
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<b>Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?</b><br />
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<li>This was the protocol at both Kaiser Oncology and CBCI. In one day, I was able to collect enough for two transplants, and because I was a very healthy and active individual, the doctors thought I would be a good patient for a transplant.</li>
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<b>What has been the side effects of the different treatments?</b><br />
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<li>Peripheral neuropathy in feet. Intestinal issues with Revlimid, as well as a rash. Fatigue, which still continues.</li>
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<b>What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?</b><br />
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<li>It was very difficult accepting the diagnosis of an incurable blood cancer. And telling my family about it was also very difficult. Losing my job because I couldn't go back to work full-time was also very hard. However, I was able to work part-time, and that eased the transition into retirement.</li>
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<b>What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about? </b><br />
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<li>Be an active participant with your team of doctors. I read blogs and receive information from the IMF, so I am staying up to date on the current research.</li>
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<b>How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey? </b><br />
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<li>A strong support system and faith in God.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It sounds trite, but each day is a blessing and I really appreciate the good days. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>No. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>MM Beacon, IMF, several blogs - Pat Killingsworth, Pat's Cracked Cup, and U-tube. Also there's an app for my I-pad called "Managing Myeloma" that keeps me up to date on what is happening in the myeloma community</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">******************</span></div>
<div>
<b>Share your story and encourage thousands!</b> If you would like your story or that of a loved one posted on MM for Dummies, copy and paste the questions below in an email and send your response to me at <span style="color: blue;">phil at cancerkicker dot org</span>. Thanks for your willingness to share your story for others to grow in their knowledge of Multiple Myeloma!</div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-78036335340134691802013-04-01T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-01T01:00:13.385-04:00Myeloma Mondays #50: Deb from Hertfordshire, UK<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Where were you born and raised?</b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I was born in Sheffield but lived in Hertfordshire UK most of my life</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Where do you currently live?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Hertfordshire, United Kingdom</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>When were you diagnosed and how old were you? </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">07/01/2009</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Yes</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Is there anyone else your in family with MM?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">No</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>What led to your diagnosis?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Routine blood test</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">once</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Where have you received treatment?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">University College London Hospital - MacMillan Cancer Centre</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Explain your treatment history:</span></b><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><ul style="list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">2009: MGUS diagnosed Paraproteins 4g/l by Haematologist at Local Hospital Lister Hospital, Stevenage UK</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">2010: Paraproteins 8g/l Skeletal survey clear no symptoms</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Oct 2011: Paraproteins 16g/l Bone Biopsy showed 8% cancerous cells</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">July 2012 paraprotein at 28 g/L referral made too University College London Hospital UCLH</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Aug 2012 paraprotein at 35 g/L Smouldering Myeloma diagnosed</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Jan 2013 paraprotein at 50 g/L Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Jan 3rd 2013 Bone Biopsy 80-90% cancerous cells found. Signed up to the PADIMAC trial.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Jan 21st 2013 started chemo cycle 1 (21days)</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">Feb11th 2013 Cycle 2</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">March 4th 2013 Cycle 3</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;">March 11th Velcade injection put on hold due to Neuropathic pain in legs, arms and fingers.</li>
</ul>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">As I had no symptoms I was eligible for the PADIMAC trial</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>What has been the side effects of the different treatments?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Neuropathic pain in legs, arms and fingers.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Accepting a different way of life</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">It's not as bad as you might first think. </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">People around you want to help.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">There is a lot of support and advice out there.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Writing a blog has really helped me.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">It's important to live in the moment.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Your life will change but some things will be for the better.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Writing my blog </span><a href="http://www.mymyelomajourney.wordpress.uk/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">www.mymyelomajourney.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.uk</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">How unimportant work is and how very important family and friends are. I found skills that I didn't know I had and I was stronger than I thought.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">No</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://ejbones.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">http://ejbones.wordpress.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.myeloma.org.uk/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">http://www.myeloma.org.uk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dialmformyeloma.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">http://dialmformyeloma.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.co.uk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://margaret.healthblogs.org/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">http://margaret.healthblogs.<wbr></wbr>org</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jetblackliving.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">http://jetblackliving.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-54804613650773288042013-03-25T01:00:00.000-04:002013-03-25T01:00:03.490-04:00Myeloma Mondays #49: Gilbert from Denville, NJ<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you would like your story of that of a loved one posted on MM for Dummies, copy and paste the questions below in an email and send your response to me at </span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">phil</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> at cancerkicker dot org</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. Thanks for your willingness to share your story for others to grow in their knowledge of Multiple Myeloma!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Where were you born and raised? </b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">NYC, grew up in Glen Cove, NY</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Where do you currently live? </b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Denville, NJ</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>When were you diagnosed?</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">January 2010 (Age 61)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis? </b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Is there anyone else your in family with MM?</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>What led to your diagnosis? </b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Extreme pain in hamstrings</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">How many times were you referred before actually diagnosed?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Once</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Where have you received treatment? </b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">St.Claires in Denville, Hackensack Medical Center</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Explain Treatments:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 2 weeks radiation reduce tumors on vertebrae 5 months of Revlimid and Dex, 2 stem cell transplants</span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Strong health 61 years old very physically active</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">What has been the side effects of the different treatments?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Peripheral neuropathy in legs </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">second transplant very rough also the stress on my wife of 42 years without her guidance I would not have made it to this point</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about? </b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Trust in doctors and be willing to listen to advise from caregiver</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?</b> </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Very much so keep moving and push for physical activity adjust to different lifestyle of not working</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">no fear of dying</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Yes</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">MM Beacon </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-31088276505549722582013-03-20T11:42:00.000-04:002013-03-20T11:56:43.902-04:002013 Update<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzkhH3iU2tolvEqtAENPixR5I19EAJ5BbabWq3Hlo9ppYlwBnXikzKhvDqYNRcQrjISLy-EIUSD35ff0zjPdEFaAoeCE3taDcd_TXgceGGEYCCbmGPXz5JZNFAA0pPJhi47EP9iTOeRg/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzkhH3iU2tolvEqtAENPixR5I19EAJ5BbabWq3Hlo9ppYlwBnXikzKhvDqYNRcQrjISLy-EIUSD35ff0zjPdEFaAoeCE3taDcd_TXgceGGEYCCbmGPXz5JZNFAA0pPJhi47EP9iTOeRg/s200/photo.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While sitting in the Cancer Center at U of M, for what may have been my 100th appointment over the last 5 years, I could not help but feel a sense of gratitude. I felt thankful for the parking lot attendee, who always smiles at me like she was expecting me, to the medical staff that has had to put up with me all these years. I feel like we have all grown together and have continued to carry the same message of hope, that keeps us all keeping on each day.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for my appointment, my bloods counts came back legit. Hemoglobin is the highest it has been in years. I attribute that to playing indoor soccer in the over 30 league every Monday night. That's right, I am back to playing not-so-competitive sports. My leg strength is not quite like it used to be, but I can still miss wide left like it is nobody's business. I am having fun with it and so are my teammates. In a recent game, a teammate of mine dropped the cancer card after I was tripped by an opponent. He said, <b>"Dude, do you know he's a cancer patient?!?!?"</b> </div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc-Y3ELAEFMBYnvzb14-IjvzzmC2rk95dUGMA8QdQ6eV0oYeJebjEhPsx6YP4x7f805y0_NStCbzDnbetIvr-AZfkhf5C9Te-_J0FXMYb6TiVDj-_sF3mJC_I8steOiQo11wRpvs1l3w/s1600/Torrent_Logo_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc-Y3ELAEFMBYnvzb14-IjvzzmC2rk95dUGMA8QdQ6eV0oYeJebjEhPsx6YP4x7f805y0_NStCbzDnbetIvr-AZfkhf5C9Te-_J0FXMYb6TiVDj-_sF3mJC_I8steOiQo11wRpvs1l3w/s320/Torrent_Logo_full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lastly, I took a leap of faith and decided to join a very close friend in helping him grow the business office for <a href="http://torrentconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Torrent Consulting up in Michigan (website)</a> (Like on <a href="http://facebook.com/torrentguides" target="_blank">Facebook</a>) The company is growing quickly and the services seem to be in high demand. The job provides the flexibility to work from home, so that means more time with the family. I also plan to get more plugged in with the University and the Ann Arbor community, which rocks.
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In short, 2013 has been good to us so far. -Phil</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3717294245181788695.post-80691931293421009162013-02-18T11:06:00.001-05:002013-02-18T11:06:40.215-05:00Myeloma Mondays #48: Brad-strong from Westfield, NJ<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">If you would like your story of that of a loved one posted on MM for Dummies, copy and paste the questions below in an email and send your response to me at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">phil</span><b> at cancerkicker dot org</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">. Thanks for your willingness to share your story for others to grow in their knowledge of Multiple Myeloma!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Where were you born and raised?</b></span></div>
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<li>Chicago, IL</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Where do you currently live?</b></span></div>
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<li>Westfield, NJ</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>When were you diagnosed and how old were you?</b></span></div>
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<li>12/1/12 age 45</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?</b></span></div>
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<li>Not a clue</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Is there anyone else your in family with MM?</b></span></div>
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<li>No</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>What led to your diagnosis?</b></span></div>
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<li>Extreme back/hip pain</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?</b></span></div>
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<li>Had my annual physical late September 2012. Blood work normal other than slightly low RBC. Doctor said not to worry. When I told him about back/hip pain he said it was a strained oblique and off I went to physical therapy. </li>
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<li>2 months later I couldn't even sit in the car. Back to the doc next day. More blood work showed elevated protein levels and X-rays discovered bone lesions. Right iliac bone was disintegrated. That was thanksgiving week. Week after had bone marrow biopsy that confirmed MM diagnosis. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Where have you received treatment?</b></span></div>
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<li>Started treatment at Mt. Sinai immediately</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Explain your treatment history:</b></span></div>
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<li>1 cycle complete VCD (Velcade, Cytoxin, Dex)</li>
<li>2 cycles complete CRD (Carfilzomib, Revlimid, Dex)</li>
<li>Start 3rd CRD Friday 2/15/13</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?</b></span></div>
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<li>I subscribe to the "Mel Stottlemyre theory" of MM. I will be the best patient I can be and my doctor will be the best doctor he can be. If we both play our roles, we will beat this thing. I work with Dr. Jaggannath at Mt. Sinai. I am confident that I am in the best possible hands. So far - over 50% response/remission. M Spike down to 1.02 from 2.76. So...it's working. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>What has been the side effects of the different treatments?</b></span></div>
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<li>Very fortunate that there have been very few rough days. I did have the flu once which kicked my rear. Zometa (once a month IV) is rough as well. Two days after I get the chills and the shakes pretty fierce. Other than that - business as usual. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?</b></span></div>
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<li>It's always there. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't have cancer. I feel great. The further I get, the more active I am. I am at the gym. Elliptical - light weights. But no matter what, no matter how great I feel, no matter how much love and support I get (and I get a ton of it) I still have cancer and that will never change since there is no cure for MM. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about?</b></span></div>
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<li>Trust your doctor. If you don't - get one you trust. Find the absolute best and follow his/her directions. </li>
<li>Find friends. I have found friends from blogs, twitter etc that I can email and give and get support from. Nobody knows what you are going thru as well as someone else going thru it. </li>
<li>You are different. Averages mean nothing. Believe you are an outlier. Everyone with MM has a different experience and it presents itself differently in everyone I meet. One experience does not necessarily translate to another. There is no cookie cutter MM</li>
<li>Don't stop living. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?</b></span></div>
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<li>Belief. I believe I am an outlier. Family, friends, writing my blog. Don't ever lose you sense of humor. </li>
<li>Also - don't stop. I haven't missed a day of work. I coach basketball and soccer for my kids. I go to the gym. Life keeps happening. Stay busy. If you stop living before life stops you are already dead. Show cancer that you won't back down! One more thing - love others harder than you have ever loved them before. Time is precious. Make the most of every moment. Wife, kids - spend every moment together and hug them every chance you get.</li>
<li>OK one more: Mt Sinai. The nurses, the doctors, even the people that check you in are the nicest, most compassionate people. It makes a world of difference when you surround yourself with positive, nice people. These people aren't there to do a job or go to work. They really care. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?</b></span></div>
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<li>Milestones. I used to measure them in "firsts" now I measure them in "lasts" as in this wont be the last...maybe "nexts" is a better word?</li>
<li>There is a reason cancer picked me. It's because I am strong, relatively young and healthy. It is my job to fight cancer for all of those that aren't strong enough to fight for themselves. I feel a responsibility to help others remain positive and to occupy cancer enough to allow others to live another day. Cancer can't fight us all at once, right? Let me occupy some time and give others a rest. </li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?</b></span></div>
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<li>No</li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?</b></span></div>
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<li>MMRF</li>
<li>Beacon</li>
<li>Matt vs Myeloma</li>
<li>(My own) <a href="http://bradstrong.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">bradstrong.wordpress.com</a></li>
<li>TWITTER - the best resource I have found (bradstrong-@bradcoustan)</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04782359902659250198noreply@blogger.com4