Originally written by myeloma patient Kathy Cartwright.   I have had multiple myeloma for 17 years. I have been blessed to enjoy many holidays and family events over the years.  I do not want to come across as complaining because I realize many MM patients do not get so many after diagnosis.     The[...]

As I look over the myeloma treatment landscape, it is almost impossible not to be overly enthusiastic. In the beginning there was just Alkylating  agents, steroids and Stem Cell Transplant.   Then the novel drugs made the scene with Thalomid, Velcade,  followed by second generation proteasome inhibitors and IMiDs, and finally monoclonal antibodies and CAR[...]

There’s nothing funny about cancer, but what if comedy could help get out an important message for multiple myeloma patients? That was the spark of an idea behind comedian Dave Vance’s brilliant new video on HealthTree featured on his Spellchek channel. His question is valid. Why haven’t we cured cancer yet? And why isn’t technology[...]

Stem cell collection is the first step of the stem cell transplant process. In myeloma, patients typically use their own stem cells for transplant. This is called an autologous transplant, or “auto” transplant. In order to obtain stem cells for your transplant, you will go through a stem cell collection, or “harvest” process.  While the[...]

James (Jim) Bond was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma 25 years ago. Preparing for his first transplant, it was important for his body to be in the best condition possible through daily exercise and balanced nutrition. After the transplant, Jim developed a new goal: to get out of bed as much as he could.[...]

In February of 2018, myeloma patient Matt Goldman and a team of patients from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) ascended 19,000 feet up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa. He is an example of miracles that can happen when treatment is effective and dreams are made plans. This fundraiser quickly became an adventure that Matt and others[...]

Immediate family members of multiple myeloma patients have a significantly higher risk for a myeloma precursor condition called monoclonal gammopathy of underdetermined significance (MGUS), according to a recent study published in Leukemia. The Mayo Clinic Rochester, with the work founded by Dr. Robert Kyle, pioneered the study of early myeloma conditions. Dr. Clay-Gilmour and Mayo[...]

According to a new report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, having active prescription coverage for oral drugs for multiple myeloma through Medicare Part D is strongly associated with improved survival for patients with this disease.  In recent years, new oral drugs have helped improve multiple myeloma patient outcomes. Many times these drugs are[...]

A recent population study from Sweden showed that measuring abdominal fat is a better indicator of predicting multiple myeloma and other blood cancers than testing body mass index (BMI).  High body mass index (BMI) is associated with development of blood cancers like myeloma. However, it may not accurately reflect body composition (like fat vs. muscle[...]

Some myeloma patients enjoy running or walking, some enjoy yoga or weight lifting. Choosing exercises that fit the patient’s needs and abilities is most important. But many forget that swimming can be used not only as recreation, but as a fantastic workout as well. Swimming has been found to provide benefits that most other forms[...]