[inky100]

Western Kentuckian diagnosed in 2005

by inky100 on Sat May 03, 2014 8:47 pm

Hello everyone,

My name is Mary, and I live outside a little town that is a tiny, tiny, tiny dot on the map in rural Western Kentucky. I grew up on a farm, and I still live just down the road past the big oak tree on the left.

I was diagnosed with Stage II IgA lambda light chain multiple myeloma in 2005. I have had two stem cell transplants (2006 & 2012), and achieved a near complete response after both of them.

As you all know very well from your own experiences, the whole thing has been one gigantic rollercoaster ride. However, I have a super oncologist / hematologist at Vanderbilt, a good support system, and, most importantly, my faith in my Lord has brought me through some pretty dark moments these past nine years.

Still, I have no support from others like me. The only time I interact with other cancer patients is when I go to the doctor. I hope to connect with you guys, because, frankly, I have a lot of questions sometimes. Sometimes, I just need to talk to someone who understands what I'm going through. On the other hand, I hope that you will find that I have a good ear, and a strong shoulder.

Thank you, and God bless,
Mary

[Kate]

Re: Western Kentuckian diagnosed in 2005

by Kate on Sat May 03, 2014 10:12 pm

Hi Mary,

I have sent you a private message as well. I am glad to see that you are 9 years post diagnosis. I agree with you that one needs someone in a similar situation to talk to. Friends and family are helpful but they don't walk in our shoes and can only look from the outside in.

As you know probably for much longer than I do, as I was only diagnosed in early 2013, there is great information on the Myeloma Beacon, and if it doesn't pertain to us personally then we can always ask and there is someone else in a similar situation.

Meanwhile, take care
Kate

[Boris Simkovich]

Re: Western Kentuckian diagnosed in 2005

by Boris Simkovich on Sun May 04, 2014 4:41 am

Thank you, Mary, for introducing yourself. We hope you'll find lots of useful information here at The Beacon, whether it be here in the forum or in the Beacon's news and opinion articles.

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have or to share more of your story -- you'll always find a willing ear, not to mention lots of helpful advice and support.

It may be helpful to share here some more information about your treatment history -- for example, what you were treated with, when, and how long. You can refer people back to the information if and when you post any questions.

(I see in your profile and in your posting above that you were treated with VAD and Velcade and have had two stem cell transplants. I'm guessing the VAD was your initial treatment, followed by a stem cell transplant. Were you treated with Velcade when you relapsed after your first stem cell transplant, after which you had your second transplant?)