My Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot

In June 2010, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow, bones and kidneys. I'd never heard of it, even though I'd worked in the medical field for decades. I began chemotherapy almost immediately, with little results. We tried a second line of treatment and it also failed. Eventually, I was enrolled in a clinical trial that controlled the disease enough to proceed to a stem cell transplant. Thankfully, 18 months later, I achieved a complete response and have been blessed to maintain this 'remission' to this day. 

This is a disease that currently has no cure, however, and can recur at any time. I hold my breath with each follow-up visit hoping that I'm still in 'remission.' I'm not as afraid of a possible relapse as I once was, largely due to new drug therapies for relapsed and refractory disease. Knowledge is power; therefore, I set out to keep up with the most current developments for multiple myeloma treatment. The progress is extremely exciting! 

I was thrilled that multiple myeloma was chosen to be part of the Moon Shots Program™. They're researching how the body can use its own immune system and special killer cells to eradicate the myeloma cells from the body - in other words, a cure! There's hope for those diagnosed with multiple myeloma. With the intensive research being done through the Moon Shots Program, I believe this cure will come in my lifetime.

What's your Moon Shot? Contact us at promise@mdanderson.org and tell us why MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program is important to you.