I finished my stem cell transplant in August of 2006.  As I mentioned in my last article, once engrafting of the stem cells takes place, most of the nasty symptoms from the transplant resolve fairly quickly. The lingering symptom was fatigue.

On the bright side, I was home, the worst of the treatment was over, and I was going to make the best of it.

Everyone said, “Don’t fight the fatigue, listen to your body.”  This is true.  If …

Results of a recent study indicate that a history of smoking, the use of the bisphosphonate Aredia, and five genetic variations may put multiple myeloma patients at an increased risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare but serious side effect of bisphosphonate treatment.  Several of the genes the study authors identified are involved in bone formation, osteoporosis, and wound healing.

The study authors noted that if their findings can be confirmed in larger studies, they could be used …

I don’t often write what could be called “feel good stories.”

But life is about balance. I get so caught-up in trying to help multiple myeloma patients and caregivers get a handle on their “new normal” lives, I forget how important it is for all of us to just try to stay positive—and inspiration can definitely help with that.

Different things inspire different people. For me, it’s the small, seemingly insignificant everyday things that move me the most. These are …

Celgene Corporation's German subsidiary last week issued a “Dear Health Care Professional” letter warning that thalidomide increases the risk of blood clots in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. According to Celgene’s letter, the prescribing information for thalidomide in Europe has been updated to include a warning about this risk.

In Europe, thalidomide (Thalomid) is approved for use in combination with melphalan (Alkeran) and prednisone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients over the age of 65 and newly diagnosed …

In a recent literature review, Canadian researchers confirmed that the use of aspirin, warfarin, and heparin decreases the risk for blood clots in multiple myeloma patients receiving thalidomide treatment.

However, the authors of the review pointed out that they were unable to recommend a specific strategy for blood clot prevention due to inconsistent reporting of blood clotting events among the trials. 

They pointed out that randomized, controlled trials directly comparing the different medications are needed in order to determine the …

Poetry touches the personal and the universal. Other people’s experiences remind me of my own, and the written word offers personal nourishment that often speaks to the truth of the multiple myeloma experience.

Awaiting the blossoms and sun of springtime, I came upon a small consoling poem by the Buddhist sage, Huang Po:

“Without undergoing a winter that bites into your bones, how can the plum blossoms regale you with their piercing fragrance?”

And so it is for people living …

High-dose melphalan continues to be the gold standard regimen for multiple myeloma patients prior to autologous stem cell therapy, according to a recent review of research investigating alternative preparative treatments before stem cell transplantation. 

The authors of the review pointed out, however, that current research on variations of this regimen may provide improved transplantation response rates for myeloma patients in the future. 

High-dose chemotherapy prior to stem cell transplantation, often called a preparative or conditioning regimen, is administered with the …