Patients in Action-from IMF ASH Reception 2014
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