“It’s hard to find Myeloma Survivors because they are out living their lives!” – Unknown
David Emerson, a Myeloma Survivor who used to run the Beating-Myeloma forum and now runs the People Beating Cancer website, has a survivor story on his site of Barbara Hammack.
David’s own story of beating Myeloma is very unique and worth your time as well (link here). David’s “standard” treatment of care for his Myeloma wasn’t working and he embarked on alternative means to combat his disease. He brings unique perspectives and is always looking for information, valid research and arguments toward combating cancer. You can link directly to his website from my sidebar Blog Roll. He and I are very like minded in that we are not concerned with whether it is alternative, complementary, or standard forms of treatment, if it works, or there is some evidence of relief, we are interested.
Anyway, I think its important for us to continue to look for and find Myeloma “survivors”. It offers us hope and inspiration when we learn of another who has not only had longevity with this disease but also a quality of life during the process. Its one thing to be treated and extend our lives, but how we are doing, how we are living and feeling after diagnosis and treatment is also important. End of life issues may indeed come, but BEFORE we have to address that, are people living well and full lives? When they are it is encouraging, and disseminating this to others sharing this journey has tangible value. While the numbers are still considered by many, “medically insignificant” (though its improving all the time), it is personally significant to those who have survived and a source of hope and inspiration for those of us newly embarking down the road of Multiple Myeloma.
