[computerteacher]

Hello and thanks!

by computerteacher on Sun May 03, 2015 9:34 am

Hello Friends!

I am a wife, mom, grammy, sister, aunt, and friend to my family, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. My journey is not quite so unique from many who have generously posted here, which has given me much comfort over the past 8 months.

I began this journey totally unaware of a cancer called multiple myeloma, but familiar with blood cancers, as my dad died from complications of CLL and lymphoma. I am 58 (soon to be 59), and I had been in good health when, over the course of the year of 2014, I began to experience some back pain during home renovation projects.

Towards the end of the summer, I took my family and grandchildren to Sesame Place, went down an innocuous water slide and felt some pretty bad pain in my back, which resulted in some debilitating back spasms, a trip to the emergency room, an initial diagnosis of a com­pression fracture, to be followed up with an orthopedic doctor, then a spinal surgeon, then a hematologist.

There was a mass on my back that was not identified as cancer for 2 months, despite my diligence in trying to get to the bottom of what was wrong. After a negative bone marrow biopsy, and numerous blood tests, which were not quite explained to me, I was referred to an ortho­pedic oncologist, received a biopsy of the mass, an initial diagnosis of a plasmacytoma, and radiation treatment.

With a new hematologist taking over my care, I received a second bone marrow biopsy, and more blood tests, and my diagnosis of multiple myeloma (which was hinted at) was then confirmed. My chemotherapy started right after my radiation concluded, in January, with a goal of getting to the deepest and longest remission possible.

So began my journey, which now, on the eve of my stem cell transplant, I would like to try and give back to this community, who in all their postings has provided me with hope, humor, solace and sometimes sadness as I learn all I can about this disease that somehow has found its way into my life.

I would like to try and share my stem cell transplant story with you, in the hopes of repaying, in some small fashion, the support that this fine community of generous souls has provided to me since I discovered this website.

Denise

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Hello and thanks!

by Beacon Staff on Sun May 03, 2015 2:30 pm

Hello Denise!

Thank you for introducing yourself and for sharing with everyone how you came to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. We also appreciate your kind words about how the community here at The Beacon has been helpful to you, and we particularly appreciate your willingness to share with us the details of the transplant phase of your initial therapy, once it starts.

For those looking for Denise's stem cell transplant journal, you can find it in this Beacon forum thread:

"My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson" (started May 4, 2015)

Good luck, Denise!

[jcollins]

Re: Hello and thanks!

by jcollins on Tue May 05, 2015 10:53 am

Hey Denise,

Found you!!

[cneri]

Re: Hello and thanks!

by cneri on Tue May 05, 2015 11:04 am

Denise,

You are a true inspiration to all of us here at WMS. I look forward to keeping up with your Road to Remission.

Keep journaling and sharing your experiences so that others may benefit from your words and wisdom.

Love,

Chris

[kmcbride]

Re: Hello and thanks!

by kmcbride on Tue May 05, 2015 12:32 pm

Found you too!! That was way to easy

Keep us posted. We miss you greatly!! Love and hugs your way!

[pbramble]

Re: Hello and thanks!

by pbramble on Wed May 06, 2015 11:50 am

Hi Denise,

I found you yesterday and again today. Take care of you. I will keep following you and praying for you.

Pat

[rpanto]

Re: Hello and thanks!

by rpanto on Wed May 06, 2015 2:24 pm

Denise,

Each day of your journey is bringing you closer to healing. You are stronger than you think and an inspiration to your WMS family. Sending you prayers, hugs and love!

Rose P.