Multiple Myeloma Experiences
Habubrat
I’m Lori, and I support my husband, Dave with Multiple Myeloma, Dx in June ’08. He is in remission with a 2nd SCT in Sept ’09. Maintenance therapy of Revlimid, Dex and Velcade expected for 3 yrs after.
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
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Myeloma Research Gains Millions With Spare Change
Pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters were collected to provide services and support to leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients and their loved ones. Olive Garden’s “Pennies for Pasta” fundraising campaign raised $6.1 million this year with more than three million students pooling their spare change for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer research.
To read more about Pennies for Pasta click here
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Multiple Myeloma Groups
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Multiple Myeloma Group
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Memorial Medical Oncology
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Open Chat Community
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TX Hematology Oncology
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The Cancer Institute of Dallas
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Tips & Suggestions
Understanding your financial responsibility
Most providers of cancer care understand that patients have concerns about the costs of care. A social worker or financial counselor may be able to help you understand your insurance coverage and help you find further assistance, including financial aid if you are eligible. Many providers will work with patients to set up a monthly payment plan.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms (cancers) are diseases in which the body makes too many plasma cells.
Plasma cells develop from B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. Normally, when bacteria or viruses enter the body, some of the B cells will change into plasma cells. The plasma cells make a different antibody to fight each type of bacteria or virus that enters the body, to stop infection and disease.
In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow, forming tumors in many bones of the body. These tumors may prevent the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells. Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into three types of mature blood cells:
- Red blood cells that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body.
- White blood cells that fight infection and disease.
- Platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.
As the number of myeloma cells increases, fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made. The myeloma cells also damage and weaken the hard parts of the bones.
Frequently Used Chemotherapy Regimens
Multiple Myeloma Chemotherapy and Biologic Drugs
- Adriamycin (doxorubicin)
- Alkeran (melphalan)
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
- Decadron (dexamethasone)
- Doxil (doxorubicin liposomal)
- Meticorten (prednisone)
- Oncovin (vincristine)
- Platinol (cisplatin)
- Revlimid (lenalidomide)
- Thalomid (thalidomide)
- Toposar (etoposide)
- Velcade (bortezomib)
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