Hi my name is Meryl and I am an Internist. In Canada this involves consultant specialist practice,not primary care as is usual in the US. I am therefore often involved in investigation and diagnosis of myeloma cases. It therefore was ironic that it took me almost a whole year before I was diagnosed in november 2009 with myeloma and a large plasmacytoma of my right iliac crest.
I worked out 3xweekly, and when my right leg and lower back pain started in january 2009, thought I had pulled something. It was not until a variety of physiotherapy and injections of my sacroiliac joint didnt work, and I was almost unable to walk because of pain, that I took time off from my busy schedule to have an MRI. Was absolutely flabbergasted with the evidence of the large pelvic bone tumour, and evidence of disease in the marrow of my spine.
Despite the horror stories you may have heard re canadian healthcare, I had my MRI november 4, my bone biopsy november 7, and my consultations with medical and radiation oncologists november 18 . My radiotherapy was for 4 weeks in december,my Velcade/dexamethasone cycles x4 january to march with monthly IV pamindronate,all covered by the govt. Should have had my bone marrow transplant in may, but had pulmonry emboli.
My first stem cell mobilisation with cyclophospamide/GCSF was unsuccessful,my second with addition of AMD3100 was. Had my transplant july5/6 and was in hospital for 21 days.Recovered well, and my 80 day post transplant assessment shows stringent complete remission. Mark you ,my bone marrow cytogenetics did not show any adverse prognostic factors. Iam originally from jamaica, of mixed african/scottish/jewish ethnicity. I am about to start Revlimid on my 100th post transplant day.
It has been an eventful year, but with the healthcare system paying for everything including all my drugs, the only paper work i have had to do is show my health card. Am feeling really great, plan to go back to work in january.
I found this web site when I googled Revlimid, and have found it really useful. Best wishes to you all. meryl hart
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meme - Name: Meryl Hart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: introdroduction
Hi Meryl, not that a myeloma diagnosis is ever fortunate, but at least you already know so much about this disease. Good for you for having a leg up on it! Most of us had never heard of it before. I'm glad the Canadian healthcare system is efficient, effective, and hassle-free for you, and congratulations on your stringent complete response. I hope the rest of 2010 and the coming year are less eventful for you!
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sylvia
Re: introdroduction
Thanks Sylvia, today is the 1st anniversary of my diagnosis with cancer. I feel great. Have been so encouraged by stories here,especially someone 14 years post stage 3, who has only recently relapsed.
When I go back to work in january,will have a whole new perspective from the other side of the bed.
Best wishes, MERYL.
When I go back to work in january,will have a whole new perspective from the other side of the bed.
Best wishes, MERYL.
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meme - Name: Meryl Hart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: introdroduction
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary, Meryl! Here's to many, many more anniversaries!! I have also found it encouraging to read about others who have celebrated their 5 year, 10 year, 15 year, even 20 year anniversary! I hope we'll both be celebrating for that many more years to come.
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sylvia
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS MERYL, How awesome it is to get that remission news. My best wishes to you on your upcoming treatments.
This web site is great. I would love to see and hear from a lot more people though.
Always, Tricia from Texas
This web site is great. I would love to see and hear from a lot more people though.
Always, Tricia from Texas
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