Myeloma Awareness Month

Myeloma is the second most commonly diagnosed blood cancer. Men have a higher incidence than women and blacks have a higher incidence than whites.

There is much work to be done.

About Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy diagnosed in the US and Europe. In the US in 2016, approximately 15% of all new blood cancer diagnoses (30,330 cases) are due to MM. Many therapies are available for the treatment of MM, including four new agents approved by the FDA in 2015.

These agents extend life such that 50 percent of the patients are expected to survival 5 to 10 years after diagnosis. Nevertheless, multiple myeloma is incurable. Ultimately, 12,650 people per year die due to MM in the US (20% of all blood cancer deaths). Therefore, an urgent medical need supports enhanced investment in MM research.

Myeloma begins in the bone marrow and is a cancer of plasma cells – one of the type of white blood cells of our immune system that normally makes antibodies to fight infections. When myeloma cells multiply beyond control and overtake the normal plasma cells, they cause serious medical complications.

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More than 100,000 people are living with Myeloma today

Only 48.5% of patients survive 5 years or more

LLS spent approx. $70 million in myeloma research since 2009

LLS spent approx. $180 million in patient support and services

Signs and symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Speak to a specialist (IRC)

Caregiver support

Clinical Trials

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Eliehue brunson’s Story

In June 2012 at 3a.m. one morning, I woke up with severe back pain and went straight to the emergency room. I was diagnosed with kidney stones, but as I read the scan report I noticed it had a footnote which said “bone lesions”. I showed this to my primary care doctor who then ordered blood work and referred me to an oncologist. Three weeks later, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

As a Vietnam War veteran and trial lawyer, I have been through a lot, but this news was shocking. I thought I was going to die. Still in disbelief, I requested a second opinion at The VA Hospital. They confirmed my diagnosis and I was ordered to start treatment immediately.

Thankfully, in April 2013, I received a bone marrow transplant. I was able to use my own stem cell but it was an extremely painful journey. My current treatment plan is daily medication. Some of the side effects include chronic fatigue, insomnia and a weakened immune system. I am advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight without being covered with appropriate clothing and to avoid crowds.

I advise anyone experiencing bone pain to get checked, especially veterans, African Americans, and those over 60. Make your health and survival your number one priority. Some days are worse than others, but I get up every day with a positive attitude and do what is necessary to fight this disease. I am proud to say I will be the Honored Hero for the Light The Night walk in Northeast Kansas this year.

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