The Danglers

medical, Myeloma, transplant, treatment

SOME ASPECTS of the Myeloma patient experience are so odd or new that they merit sharing.

So it is with The Danglers.

My brand-new  Central Venous Catheter was just implanted in my upper chest yesterday (Friday, Sept. 12). It connects to my superior vena cava, a major vein close to the heart. It will be used to administer medicines and withdraw and deliver blood and cells for my autologous stem cell transplant.

The “installation” was an outpatient surgical procedure at the University of Arizona Medical Center. It took about an hour. I was awake with just a little sedation, but I think I remember pretty much the whole process.

Continue reading The Danglers →

Famous Myelomans

celebrities, Journal, Myeloma

CURIOSITY LED ME to do a little research about well-known people who have faced Multiple Myeloma. I learned that we Myelomans are in some pretty fantastic company:

(Note: This post has been updated)

Tom BrokaMEET THE PRESS -- Pictured: Tom Brokaw -- NBC Photo: Mitchell Haasethw — One of the most respected journalists of our era, Brokaw announced his MM diagnosis in Feb. 2014 at the age of 74. He has said he is in treatment and expects to “be OK,” and he continues to make television and public appearances from time to time.

Ferraro200x200Geraldine Ferraro — A groundbreaking American politician, Ferraro served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was the first female candidate for vice president, running on the  Democratic ticket alongside Walter Mondale in 1984. Ferraro lost her battle with MM on March 6, 2011, after surviving for 12 years. Continue reading Famous Myelomans →

Welcome New Followers

Journal

I WANT TO STEP BACK for a moment to welcome you sincerely to this rather unusual chronicle.

If you are reading this, I invited you, because you are part of my dear immediate and extended family, a personal or professional friend, a member of my outstanding medical team, or a fellow patient. Tallying up that list has made me feel very fortunate indeed.

My health situation is not a secret, but this blog is private and even hidden from search engines. Continue reading Welcome New Followers →