The Stomach Bug has arrived

With a weakened immune system thanks to a couple of stem cell transplants and heaps of chemotherapy, getting any bug is like catching the plague. This morning I (Phil) woke up to a puking Iris and a mommy who is not far behind. Ocean, Ruby and I are holding strong on the first floor of the house while the sickies are sticking to the second floor in attempt to quarantine the stomach bug.

It's one thing to have a down trodden immune system :( but it's extremely challenging to stay healthy when you have three young kids high fiving germs every time you leave the house. It's also not very fun wearing a mask in your house, but you do what you have to do to stay healthy.

Myeloma Mondays #38: Jean from Brookline, NH

Another 30-Something diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

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

Where were you born and raised?

• I was born in 1970 in Massachusetts where I spent my entire childhood.

Where do you currently live?

• My husband and I and our 2 sets of twins (ages 7 and 10) live in Brookline, New Hampshire

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• I was diagnosed on June 10, 2011. I was 39.

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• I never heard of MM before my diagnosis.

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No.

What led to your diagnosis?

• I suffered a broken sternum in January 2010. In addition, I had a plasmacytoma on my chest which was removed in May 2010. It came back on June 3 as a malignant tumor.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Right after my results from the plasmacytoma I was referred to an oncologist. I received a bone marrow biopsy and it came back positive for Mulitple Myeloma.

Where have you received treatment?

• I received Dexamethasone, Revlimid and Velcade for 4 cycles at my local Oncologist office in New Hampshire. I received an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant under my Oncologist at Dana Farber in Boston, MA on 11/18/2010.

Explain your treatment history:

• 7/2010 : Started RVD
• 11/2010: Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
• 2/2011: Will begin 2 cycles of RVD followed by Revlimid maintenance therapy.

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• It was in my doctor's opinion that I was a good candidate for stem cell transplant because of my young age and physical health.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• I have had minimal side effects from treatment. I had some mild peripheral neuropathy during my treatment with Velcade. However, I have not experienced any neuropathy since I stopped treatment. I had a lot of sleep deprivation from the Dexamethasone. Of course hair loss as well. I had my Melphalan dosage in November and I still have no signs of hair growth.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• The hardest thing for me during my MM journey is the realization that I have an incurable cancer. I am trying very hard every day to treat this as a chronic disease, however MM is currently an incurable cancer. I am waiting to hear my M Spike results since my transplant. Physically I feel very strong and I have recovered quite well. I have had incredible energy to keep up with my kids since I have left the hospital. However emotionally it has been so difficult. I can no longer plan too far into the future. This is so difficult when you have 4 children who are growing and changing every day. Currently I feel like I am in limbo. I have spent the last 7 months fighting this disease with intense treatments. And now I am waiting to hear how effective the treatments have been and getting prepared to start treatment up again. It is very challenging to begin living my "New Normal". I am hoping that someday I can wake up in the morning without cancer being my first thought.

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

• A supportive family and friends will get you through some of your darkest days. It is so hard at times to ask for help. But learn to ask. My community, family and friends have been so supportive with meals, babysitting, and prayers.

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

• My children and husband are the reason I am doing so well today. They give me such strength. Children are wonderful distractions and show such resilience. In addition my friends and family have given us such support and love. While I was in the hospital my husband and children received so much support. I was able to focus on me and my health because I knew they were all in good hands. I continue to be encouraged by other people's stories. I constantly read other people's blogs and surround myself with positive people.

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

• I would have to say appreciating the true beauty in all the little things in life. It is so easy to get caught up with our busy lives. I no longer take for granted all the little blessings in life like hearing my kids giggle or sharing special moments with my kids. I no longer focus on what I want in the future, but rather, enjoy all that I have today. Taking time out to spend with each of my four kids, my husband, friends and family that is everything to me.

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

• No.

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

• Of course Multiple Myeloma for Dummies, Pat's Place at Myeloma Beacon and Julie's Myeloma Moments. Also I have blogged my journey at jeanielivingwithmultiplemyeloma.blogspot.com.

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

Myeloma Mondays #32: Chris from Plainfield, NJ

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

Where were you born and raised?

• North Plainfield NJ
  

Where do you currently live?

• North Plainfield, NJ
  

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

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

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

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

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No
  

What led to your diagnosis?

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

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

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

Where have you received treatment?

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

Explain your treatment history:

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

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

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

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

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

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• No
  

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

• Multiple Myeloma for Dummies
• Myeloma Beacon

Myeloma Mondays #31: Samantha from Auburn Township, Ohio

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



Where were you born and raised?

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

Where do you currently live?

• Auburn Township, Ohio

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

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

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Nope

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• I hope not!

What led to your diagnosis?

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

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Just once

Where have you received treatment?

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

Explain your treatment history:

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

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

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

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

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

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

• The dex also keeps me up late at night.

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

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myeloma Mondays #28: Matt from Columbus, OH

Matt is a very special guy who is a great MM advocate. We may be from rival schools, but our unique situation of being young with MM has brought us together. Matt is helping launch the first Columbus DomiNation event during the OSU vs UM game in November...you should come if you are in the area!

Where were you born and raised?

• Columbus, Ohio

Where do you currently live?

• New Albany, Ohio

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• I was diagnosed in August of 2009 at the age of 25. I was also diagnosed with a secondary disease, Amyloidosis. This disease occurs in about 10% of Myeloma patients.

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• I had no idea prior to my diagnosis. I think for the first week or so I kept referring to it as ‘melanoma’.

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• There is not.

What led to your diagnosis?

• I was feeling extremely fatigued. I literally did not have the energy to get out of bed or walk to the restroom.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• I was luckily, only referred once before my diagnosis, though I spent 7 weeks in the hospital initially.

Where have you received treatment?

• I was first treated at the Cleveland Clinic and now at the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
• 8/2009: Started Velcade
• Thanksgiving 2009: Last Velcade treatment
• January 20^th 2010: Stem Cell Transplant

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• Because of my age and my previously good health history, my doctors have been extremely aggressive since day one. From the day of diagnosis and understanding treatment options, I always was preparing myself for transplant.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• It’s been fairly typical. Weight loss, hair loss, and generally feeling crummy. I’ve had some neuropathy from the Velcade, but it’s relatively minor.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• Other than coming to terms with the disease, the hardest part by far has been seeing the toll that it has taken on my family. At times it’s been hard not to feel like a burden, but seeing the strength and grace that they’ve shown has been a beacon of hope for me.

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

• First and foremost, do not focus on the statistics of life expectancy. These are outdated and the research for Myeloma is booming. Dig in and fight this disease with everything you have.

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

• I’ve got a phenomenal support base, my family and I got engaged after my diagnosis. My fiancée has been there through everything and seeing the good in people has really given me a perspective on life that I did not have before.

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

• I was in bad shape, not just the cancer but the Amyloid caused my kidneys to fail. Going through all of that I just realize all of the important and precious moments that we encounter. So many times we overlook something as it happens but I’ve tried to step back and fully enjoy everything that happens.

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

• No.

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

• Mmore.org

Myeloma Mondays #25: Shaun from East Lansing

Today's Multiple Myeloma Monday is very special to me because after being diagnosed as young Myeloma patient, Shaun Mason who also happens to be a former college football player (Michigan State) was my beacon of hope as I was in search of other young people with MM. His story is truly inspirational and I lean heavily on their unfolding story for strength.

Where were you born and raised?

• Toledo,Ohio

Where do you currently live?

• East Lansing,MI

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• 01/15/2001- age 23

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Had never heard of the disease

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No

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

• Dislocated my shoulder and fractured my scapula in a college football all star game.(2001)
• Two vertebrae collapsed in my spine(2003)

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Only once

Where have you received treatment?

• University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center

Explain your treatment history:

• 2/2001: local radiation on shoulder and scapula on plasma cytoma
• 3/2003: fractured two vertebrae full blown multiple myeloma diagnosed
• 3/2003: started VAD treatments
• 9/2003: completed VAD
• 10/2003:Cytoxin/Autologous Transplant

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment (For example, to have a transplant or not have a transplant, etc.)?

• We discussed multiple options and decided on my treatment because of the reconstruction on my spine and my age. We knew if an autologous transplant was not responsive I could try other options, fortunately so far things have worked out.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• Experienced minimal side effects: complete hair loss, restlessness, weight gain and weight loss.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• The fear of not being there for my child and wife. Also my biggest inspiration.

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

• You will find out quickly that once you are over the initial shock that it did happen to you, and you get over the why me. You will find there are treatments options and this is not the end of the road. Stay positive- you will find out quickly that it can always be much worse-look around in the waiting room at the hospital.

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

• At first it is hard to stay positive because quite honestly the things you read about multiple myeloma are very grim and the outlook does not look promising. However, I am a firm believer that one of the biggest contributors to beating this disease is staying positive. I have two huge inspirations that drive me. The first one has been my son, when I was diagnosed my wife was pregnant with him. I thank God everyday that I am here to see him grow up and I will do whatever it takes to see him grow up. He just turned 7 in June. I want him to know his dad. I think this disease has certainly made me a better father because I cherish every minute that I get to spend with him. The second has been by wife because when I was diagnosed, she was 6 months pregnant with our son and it was as if she was not even pregnant. Instead of normal preganancy my wife slept on couchs and chairs in the hospital. She did whatever was necessary for me to get me through my chemo and transplants. It was simply amazing. So to say the least I owe these two individuals a father and husband, and that is my inspiration in staying positive and encouraged through this whole ordeal. I will do whatever it takes to give them that.

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

• You learn quickly what is most important in your life and what you thought were priorities are not really priorities at all but rather luxuries.

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

• No, but I did grow up in a neighborhood that was literally surrounded by farm fields.

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

• MMRF

Myeloma Mondays #23: James from Sydney, Australia

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

James' unfolding MM story, as told mostly by his wife Carlin

Where were you born and raised?

• James was born in Mumbai, India, but was raised in Sydney, Australia

Where do you currently live?

• We lived in San Francisco when James was diagnosed (Carlin is from USA) but due to not being insured, we got a medical evacuation flight back to Australia for James' treatment, and we are currently in Sydney Australia

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• April 9, 2010 at the age of 39, type IGG

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• We knew about bone marrow cancers, but not really multiple myeloma

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• James' paternal uncle potentially has it, but is waiting on more tests

What led to your diagnosis?

• James' ribs had been hurting since August 2009, and he had sought treatment from chiropractors, acupuncturists, and doctors. They all said it was torn intercostal ligaments and that it would take several months to heal. By March, the pain had left his ribs and moved to his back. Extreme back pain and being unable to get out of bed for over a week due to weakness and spasms led to Carlin's grandmother to call a family friend who was a doctor (we had not gone to doctor due to being told nothing was wrong by many other doctors, and we didn't have any health insurance either). The family friend told us to get an ambulance and bring him to the emergency room, as it might be cancer (we thought he was crazy to think it was cancer) but we called an ambulance, and within an hour of arriving at the emergency room, a CT scan and blood tests revealed multiple myeloma (yes a HUGE shock, we thought maybe he had herniated disks in his back or something).

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• We had gotten blood tests in June 2009 which looking back on now he OBVIOUSLY had multiple myeloma (white cells low, platelets low, high protein, high immunoglobulin- DUH!) we questioned the doctors on these tests and they said it was probably just an infection or something. We also got sperm tests done at this time, and his count was really high, but his DNA integrity was really low. We also questioned these and were told, DNA gets damaged as you approach 40. We then brought James to the emergency room in February 2010 as his ribs and sternum really hurt. They took basic x-rays and said nothing was wrong. We practically begged for an MRI and blood tests, they told us it was unnecessary. It wasn't until we arrived at the emergency room April 9, 2010 that he was finally diagnosed.

Where have you received treatment?

• Initially at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco (Dr. Bertrand Tuan-hematologist), and currently at Westmead Hospital in Sydney Australia(Prof. Ian Kerridge-hematologist)

Explain your treatment history:

• 4/9/2010- Diagnosed, trying to get stable for evacuation to Australia, given pamodromate, morphine, valium, antibiotics
• 4/23/2010- Medical evacuation flight to Australia, began TCID treatment (thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, idarubicin, dexamethazone), also on prophylactic clexane (blood-thinner), antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-fungals, calcium, vitamin D, and zometa
• 2010- planning an autologous stem cell treatment soon (after 4 rounds TCID and some rest) and then followed later by a donor bone marrow transplant (his brothers have been tested but we have not received results yet)

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• Our doctor chose a very aggressive treatment approach and two separate transplants because James is very young, and otherwise very fit and healthy, and thinks this is his best chance of long-term survival/remission. Also his myeloma was very advanced by the time it was diagnosed, 90% of the cells in his bone marrow were abnormal.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• The pain medications he was on (morphone and oxycodone) really upset his stomach, as does the dexamethazone. He gets diarrhea when he is on dexamethazone. He gets a bit of nausea from the thalidomide, but not too bad. He has lost 15 kilograms, but this is a combination of the disease and the chemotherapy. We are using complementary therapies to counter the side effects. Aloe juice and probiotics seems to really help his stomach. Milk thistle has helped his nausea and is supposed to protect your liver from side effects of chemotherapy and tons of prescription medications (Carlin is a naturopathic doctor, so had done tons of research on natural therapies to complement his main treatment regime).

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• The shock of finding out so quickly via a trip to the emergency room was pretty huge. Facing cancer at such a young age. Feeling confused as we have such a healthy lifestyle (only eat organic foods, practice yoga 2 hours a day, don't drink alcohol, don't smoke, etc). Also, we had just moved to the USA, and had so many dreams and plans for our life there, and then had to move right back to Australia for treatment after less than 12 months living in the USA.

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

• You are your best advocate. Keep pestering doctors and don't take no for an answer. You know your body best, and they will easily brush you off- so be persistent! If you feel something is not quite right, do not stop until someone has a good explanation for this.
• Also, take your health into your own hands. Try to be as positive as possible, and use as many holistic approaches as possible to complement your chemotherapy and transplants. James is meditating a few hours a day, eating organics, getting fresh air and exercise, listening to uplifting music, using aromatherapy, etc. Also, google can be your best friend and your worst enemy. Take it with a grain of salt. It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.
• Be honest with your friends and family about what you need. Don't be afraid to ask for favors and accept favors too. Everyone needs a community around them!

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

• See above about meditation, but honestly James is pretty much the most positive person you will ever meet, so it comes naturally for him. For Carlin, it's a bit harder. Trying to find the gratitude in the little things, as the big things may not be so rosy, but there is always a little thing that you can find to be happy about. We set up a caring bridge website for James (www.caringbridge.org/visit/jamessaldanha), James loves hearing all the messages he gets on the website, and that has really helped him keep going too.

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

• Well, we were always pretty positive holistic-minded people who took advantage of what life has to offer, traveling and trying to maximize the moment. But, now we try to just take one day at a time. We don't live too much in the future and make too many plans, we just try to get through each day and be happy in the small things.

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

• James worked in a pharmaceutical company's lab from 1990-2000, so we suspect this may have played a role, though we don't know of anyone else who worked in this lab with cancer.

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

• It has been a real whirl-wind as it's only been slightly over a month we've been on this myeloma roller coaster, but we use the multiple myeloma research foundation site, and like reading the blogs of other myeloma patients too.

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