As I mentioned in my pre­vi­ous column, I started treat­ment with the newly approved myeloma drug Empliciti (elo­tuzu­mab) in Feb­ru­ary. I thought I would share more details about my ex­peri­ences with the drug so far.

Before I started treat­ment with Empliciti, I had enjoyed a drug holiday for the pre­vi­ous three months. I ap­pre­ci­ated the break from the side effects of drugs and nu­mer­ous trips to the cancer center.

Before the drug holiday, I was on

February 9, 2016 was supposed to be a special birthday for me. It marked the fifth anniversary of my autologous stem cell transplant. I had outlived my initial prognosis of four years, which my oncologist had given me at diagnosis (my myeloma is considered high-risk). I had great plans for the day: a mellow cross-country ski with a friend, and coffee afterward with more friends.

However, my wonderful plans ended with me being sidetracked by my disease.

Let’s back up …

February is an auspicious month for me. On February 9, 2016, I will celebrate five years of life after my autologous stem cell transplant.

When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I was scared. In fact, my oncologist recently told me that he thought I would live for four years after my diagnosis. My type of multiple myeloma is considered high risk because of the chromosomal abnormalities my myeloma cells have (del(17p) and t(4;14)). Only five months after my initial diagnosis, …

It's December 2015 as I write this, and I am enjoying my in-between time.

For me, in-between times are the months between treatments – times when I can almost forget that I have multiple myeloma.

I have been in and out of a variety of treatments since I relapsed in 2013. The good news is that all the treatments worked for a while. The bad news is that all the treatments worked only for a while, or the side …

Fall 2015. I sit on my back porch, relaxing under trees brilliant with fall colors. I’m feeling good. I challenge myself to remember my myeloma past.

In January 2011, Colorado was experiencing a record cold spell, and I was not feeling good. I had survived two rounds of aggressive induction therapy, the first leg of my cancer triathlon. Lab values confirmed my blood was scrubbed clean of myeloma cells.

It was time to prepare for the next stage of the cancer …

“Seventeen minutes slower ...” In August, 2010, I was 17 minutes slower in the Cherry Creek Sprint Triathlon – an 800-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride, and a 5k run – than the previous year. Seventeen minutes slower was a worrisome change for me.

Before you mistake me for a lean, mean, athletic machine, let me intro­duce myself. I am a 71-year old woman who is a little overweight, a strong swimmer, and a power walker. As an athlete, I am truly a …