I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in April 2015. Like everyone else, you hear the word “cancer” and fear hearing any more details. Meeting with my oncologist, I was assured that this was treatable and should not be a big concern. He was right! In a few weeks, my cancer marker numbers, referred to as light chains, dropped significantly and for the last 10 years of treatment have remained in the 100# area. The team at the Hematology Oncology Center at Penn State Hospital has been very helpful. Doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses have been so kind, and after this long of treatment feel like friends rather than my medical team.
Of course, undergoing chemotherapy means that my immune system has been compromised. Because of this, I have had COVID-19 two, maybe three times. I was in the hospital for severe flu with pneumonia and responded well to treatment. I try to avoid being around sick people, and all things considered, I am perfectly content with the treatment I am receiving. At 83 years old, I don’t expect to live a really exciting life at this time. I am able to enjoy a lot of activities and have many friends whom I love to spend time with. I continue to tell people that being kept alive for 10 years means that my doctors must be doing something right, and I should have nothing to complain about.
Ed
multiple myeloma (MM)
