Over the past month, I have once again experienced a wide variety of multiple myeloma-related events that I have heard about over the years.

One thing is for sure:  I don’t recover from sicknesses nearly as well as I used to before my autologous stem cell transplant in July.

Three weeks ago I experienced the worst cold I have had in a decade.  I was able to fight it off in a week or so, but then I was hospitalized this weekend with neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) and a fever of …

I try to make a point about not talking in my column too much about whatever symp­tom, side effect, or malady is affecting me at any particular time.

But suffice it to say that lately there has been a lot going on with me, and it has brought to the forefront that inevitable discussion about what to do next should my current treat­ment regi­men of Revlimid (lena­lido­mide) and dexamethasone (Decadron) start to fail.

I’ve discussed this prospect at various times over the past year with the handful of myeloma doctors …

First, I must thank all of you for your interest in my first column, “My Sister Has What?!?!?”  I was surprised and humbled to receive the news that it was one of the Beacon’s top columns for 2011.

However, the very best news of the last seven days was the news of my sister Deana’s remission.

So many friends on the multiple myeloma journey have said that you’ll never forget the day you were told you were in remission.  I doubt we ever will – January 25, 2012.

Just nine weeks …

Over the course of 2011, multiple myeloma patients and caregivers graciously shared their personal experiences with myeloma in columns they wrote for The Beacon.

Some have taken a chronological approach to describing the events leading up to their diagnosis, through their treatment, and to where they are currently.  Others have written about their struggles with side effects, relapsing, and dealing with the disease emotionally.  Some have provided tips based on their own experiences, and others have told their story with humor and a positive outlook.

As a service to its readers, The …

After my multiple myeloma diagnosis two years ago, I started my bi-weekly chemotherapy regimen.  I quickly developed a routine.

Tuesdays and Fridays, I would take a ten-minute subway ride from our home in lower Manhattan to Greenwich Village, spend an hour at the clinic getting my “infusion,” and then stop off at one of the many great food stores at the cavernous Chelsea Market, a block from the clinic.

I’d then hop back on the subway and get to work, usually by 11 a.m.  I was upbeat.  This seemed bearable.

An early …

The Chinese New Year arrives this week. A culture with so much impact on the world can hardly be ignored. “The Year of the Dragon” suggests an energetic shift on the planet. The protective and powerful dragon symbolizes wisdom and prosperity. Generous, benevolent, and lucky, the dragon can transform into any type of creature and overcome all challenges.

Taming and transforming the multiple myeloma beast takes more than a dragon, but inspiration helps. Sometimes the dreams that occur during sleep can lead to new meaning and ways to see how the mind …

How do you keep yourself from constantly thinking about this disease?

I realize I'm very fortunate to be healthy (except for the fact I have cancer) and don't have any of the physical issues associated with multiple myeloma that so many others have to deal with.  Consequently, however, the battle for me tends to be mostly psychological.

For me, that's not necessarily a good thing.

I have degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics, and as you might imagine, I'm a geek, I'm a problem solver, and I will obsess on any topic …