Multiple Myeloma- Dancing In the Rain with MyelomaTeacher

Thanks For the Memories   It's not happiness that brings you gratitude, it's gratitude that brings you happiness.   Today I am a very happy girl. As I sit in the Louis Armstrong Airport waiting for my delayed flight home to Philadelphia from The American Society of Hematology 's Annual Meeting   (#ASH13) I am reflecting back on my experience. I have a lot for which I am grateful.     I am grateful for the educational grant that enabled the International Myeloma Foundation to bring 12 patient advocates from across the United States to The American Society of Hematology's Annual Meeting (#ASH13).   I am grateful that IMF asked me to be one of those patient advocates this year and report from #ASH13.   I am grateful for the progress that has been made in treating myeloma in the last decade because of these advances I am well enough to travel alone half way across the country five years post diagnosis.   I am grateful for the many discussio

There is no better place to host a Medical Convention than New Orleans.   The sights, the sounds, the smells and the people invigorate you. I have the best of both worlds here. During the day I am surrounded by the giants of hematology. I feel like an anxious child at a theme park patiently waiting to see the "characters" that I respect and admire. When I see one of those special people I want a picture as a souvenir.   I had my picture taken with the @MayoMyeloma tweeters that I faithfully follow (@VincentRk and @myelomaMD), and shook hands with the much respected @BrianDurieMD.   I still have a list of other "characters" I would love to meet and shake hands with and just maybe I will be able to sneak in a quick photo shoot   for my scrapbook.   Friday afternoon I listened intently as the presenters defended their points of view on critical issues in myeloma at International Myeloma Foundations's Satellite Symposium. Then on Friday night I celebrated li

What does it mean to be an advocate?  If you asked me that question 6 years ago I would not know what to say.  Six years ago I was a cancer-free 5th grade Science/Math teacher whose biggest worry was would my students understand long division and pass the NJ- ASK test . Fast- forward 6 years and I am now a retired educator, a multiple myeloma survivor and a patient advocate. I learned about advocacy a little at a time.  First I learned how important it was for me to advocate for myself at doctors visits. This required a lot of practice. I was brought up in an era where the doctor knew best.  Patients just followed the doctor's orders. Asking questions and seeking second opinions did not come naturally to me.  I thought I would offending my doctor if I did so. Little by little I began to educated myself. That part came easy since I was a teacher. Then I began to speak up at my appointments.  I would challenge myself to ask at least one question at each consultation. Gradually I be