Let Me Introduce Myself
Hello! I started this Blog October 13, 2007. At the time of this writing, I am 52 years old. I am a single female, mother of two wonderful grown sons, ages 28 and 29, both married to wonderful girls. Also, I will be a grandmother sometime near February 2008 (due date 2/7/08). We already know the baby is a boy, to be named “Lane.” How exciting!
I live on 17 acres and am an animal lover. That is why I have 4 horses, 4 dogs, 4 cats, plus barn cats. (Regarding the barn cats, yes, I have spayed the females that I could catch. There is one female that is too shy for me to catch. A trap won’t work because I’d just catch all the cats…..urggg.) I love living in the country, if I can call it that. I suppose there are some people who considers country with far more acreage and more distant neighbors than what I live on.
I worked for Sprint for 18 years before I got sick, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM), and had to go on disability. I was first first put on oral treatment of Thalidomide/Dexamethasone from October 2005 to March 2006. In April 2006 I had an autogolous stem cell transplant (SCT), but unfortunately it did not produce a remission. As a matter of fact, just under 60 days after the SCT, my IGG serum nearly tripled!! I was then put on Revlimid/Dexamethasone and I responded very well to it except for the side effects one suffers from medications, especially steroids.
Just recently, October 2007, I have been taken off steroids. Of course I take other medications such as Oxycodone, Potassium, aspirin (for the Revlimid), and Acyclovir. I also take vitamins and other supplements on my own.
All-in-all, I’m not doing too bad. I have a strong faith so God gives me strength, courage, and contentment.
If you are family or friend, I hope this blog keeps you updated on my status ~ to your liking!
If you are a fellow MMr, I hope this blog is helpful to you. Actually, I probably have you more in mind than family or friends. I know it helps me when I read blogs or talk to fellow MMr’s and compare my symptoms or feelings to theirs. Sometimes we’re similar and often not so alike, but it still helps. We’re not in this alone!
Below is a picture of my boys and me in November 2005, just about one month after I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM). Today, due to steroids and the SCT, I have a fat face, have gained weight, and have short hair. Oh well, such is life…there are more important things to worry about. 
I do, however, plan to improve where I can.
cakassel55
February 16th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Hi….. Cindy.. Amma….!!!
Shall i Congratulates you..mam…??!!!! for having cute grandchildren ‘Lane’…!!!
Yes.. really exciting…!!!
err… i am just a browser and having a vigil at MM for my friend Telcy… who is doing her M.Sc project on this.
your words …”I have a strong faith so God gives me strength, courage, and contentment.
remind me the Holy Bible sayings..”Cast all your anxiety on him..Because he cares for you”..-1 Pet 5:7.
Good to hear you Amma.
(in “tamil” language amma means mother..)
Oh.. I forget to say about me…
I am Anand Raj…hailing from Madurai, India. Presently working as “Petty Officer” marine mechanic with Indian Coast Guard at Chennai. Being married to my soulmate BINDHU and blessed with a son VIGNESHWAR who is 8 years.
The blessings of Almighty be shower upon you and your beloved always.
Lovingly.
Anand Raj
May 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hi Cindy -
I hope all is well with you. My name is Jean-Luc Neptune and I am co-founder of Healogica (www.healogica.com), a website that connects patients to clinical trials.
We recently sent out a newsletter focusing on Multiple Myeloma and we featured your blog as one of our favorites. You can find the newsletter at the following link:
http://bit.ly/DB0xr
Please take a look when you have a chance and we appreciate any feedback you might have! We wish you all the best and we hope you have a great weekend.
Best,
Jean-Luc Neptune
Co-Founder
Healogica, Inc.
May 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Cindy -
I realized that I forgot my e-mail! In case you want to get in touch with me my e-mail address is:
jneptune@healogica.com
Best,
Jean-Luc
May 14th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Hi Cindy–thank u so much for sharing ur story, it brings a smile to my lips and hope in my heart that u will recover and be a 100 % perfect and that u will b there for ur great grand kids–and have a happy life–sufferings are behind u and good hopes ahead-
All the best
Fahima– my family prays for u-
May 25th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Hello Cindy-
Just found your blog. I was diagnosed with mm a year ago. I am 58 and have a son, 19, still at home in college. I worry most about him. I would like to see him more settled in life before something happens to me. I still work fulltime as a teacher – have to – I need insurance! Luckily I love my job! I am on my 10th month of chemo, I may get to go on oral medication next if my numbers are low enough.
Hope this reaches you.
M Piecuch
May 25th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I know this is frightening, especially when our kids are not settled. I had the same concerns when I was first diagnosed. Luckily both my boys now have wonderful wives and each has a precious little son. It sounds like you are doing well so far and they’re researching all the time for a cure. You must have a good handle on it if you are able to continue teaching…and that is wonderful! Keep your mind on positive and forward-looking things. Just continue taking care of yourself, loving your son and being a good example to him. I bet you have a lot of life to live yet…so live it!!
I get down often and every time I do, I’m reminded to turn to Jesus. My deal is more about my spinal damage, as my mm is just stewing right now. When I finally remember to turn to Him, though, it’s amazing the things he carries me through…and continues to… A good bible-based church is awesome support, too. Good friends are very important during this time, too. God Bless.
June 29th, 2010 at 3:22 am
Hi cindy, I stumbled by your blog and I found it informative and interesting. Last year I was diagnosed with myelofibrosis. My oncologist recently put me on revlimid. I have been on it for about 8 days. Since I started on it, I feel tired, weak and light headed. I also have a large rash on my stomach. I’m wondering if the side affects I’m having are a warning to get off this medication. Or if it is something I should be able to tolerate ?