[Nanette]

Dominic: Vietnam veteran diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by Nanette on Fri Apr 02, 2010 4:01 pm

Hi gang.

I'm pleased to see this forum growing. I've found the Myeloma Beacon to be a wealth of information, and this is a great addition.

My husband Dom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in Sept. of 2008. We're forever grateful to our GP who has insisted on blood work at least once per year. His insistence basically saved Dom's life. This was caught prior to the multiple myeloma even reaching "Stage 1".

multiple myeloma is one of the diseases that the VA recognizes as being caused by exposure to Agent Orange. (At this point allow me to suggest that ANY veteran get "into the system" at their local VA Hospital. Once they've got you in their computer, assign you doctors, etc... anything in the future will be a breeze!) Dom now receives a 100% disability check monthly from the VA. They also pay for his expensive thalidomide.

His primary oncologist is the head of the stem cell transplant team at the Tulane Cancer Center in New Orleans. Dr. Hana Safah. We adore this woman and her entire staff ... as well as the staff across the street at the Tulane University Medical Center. Wonderful folks.

Dom had a stem cell transplant in July of '09.

He had a rough way to go, but he's looking and feeling better every day. He gets a Zometa infusion every 3 weeks. His doctor visits are down to every 6 weeks.

We have an appointment with Dr. S. in 3 weeks to discuss his remission. What type, etc.

Nice to meet y'all!

[Julie Shilane]

Re: Dominic: Vietnam veteran diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by Julie Shilane on Mon Apr 05, 2010 10:15 am

Nan, thanks for introducing Dom and yourself to the Beacon forum community. Welcome!

We are so happy to hear that Dom is in remission and hope you receive more good news about Dom's remission at his next appointment with Dr. S.