Multiple Myeloma- Dancing In the Rain with MyelomaTeacher

PATIENTS IN ACTION IMF ASH Reception 2014 Cindy Chmielewski “Myeloma Teach Out “ ________________________________ I used to be a polite, submissive patient. Now I’m still polite. But I’m not so submissive. I used to afraid to ask doctors questions.  Now I sit on panels and hospital review boards with doctors. Now doctors follow me. I used to teach fifth graders about math, English and science so they can have the tools they need for their life decisions. Now I teach patients and caregivers about myeloma, so they can have the tools they need for their treatment decisions In 2006, I was having some back pain and went to the orthopedist, who diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease. That sounded as good as any other diagnosis.  What did I know? But of course, after two years, it turned out to not be disc disease. It turned out to be myeloma. I knew I should see a specialist. But I didn’t want my local doctor to think I didn’t trust him. I didn’t want to him

The MMRF Annual Gala was held in Old Greenwich, CT on November 8 to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.   I could not contain my excitement as my husband and I drove from NJ to CT surrounded by vibrant colors on a beautiful fall afternoon.   This was the first time I was attending the MMRF Gala.   I was excited to be meeting in person many of my virtual friends. I was excited to be in the company of Tom Brokaw, Brian Williams and Wynton Marsalis. I even was excited that there wasn’t a major delay crossing the George Washington Bridge. What more could a girl ask for? The evening began with cocktail hour in an elegant room filled with fanciful items which were generously donated for the silent auction.   There was something there for everyone.   Entertainment packages, family get-aways , jewelry, wine and autographed guitars.   I personally would have liked to win the VIP Rockefeller Center Tree lighting package, but I was outbid.   No problem,   that means more re

  Life is not about the steps you’ve taken, or the places you’ve been, it’s about the footprints you leave behind. My name is Cindy AKA @ MyelomaTeacher and I hope the digital footprints I leave behind help a future generation of myeloma warriors become empowered patients. July 14, 2014 was my 6 year Cancerversary. I have grown tremendously as a person over these six years. Six years ago I was an uneducated/uninvolved patient who blindly followed doctor’s orders. I didn’t ask questions, research my conditions or seek second opinions. Today I am an empowered patient and an active participant in my healthcare. I attribute social media as being a major impetus for my metamorphosis. I learned through listservs, blogs, Facebook, forums, teleconferences and Twitter. I was diagnosed with myeloma after being misdiagnosed with degenerative disc disease for two years. My orthopedic doctor prescribed pain medications and countless sessions of physical therapy to help with the debilitating p