Three years is a long time to feel "unwell" and be in pain. That's where my wife of 56 years found herself to be in the fall of 2016.   

Three years of not knowing what was wrong, three years of having to reduce a very active lifestyle, three years of always having to second guess any social or travel plans. The pivotal point was reached when it was necessary to transfer her by ambulance to our Regional Hospital only to discover that the pain was stemming from two lower back compression fractures. After ten days of heavy sedation and 3.5 weeks of therapy, she was able to walk again and we went home.  

Her discharge came with a request for extensive blood work that resulted in the diagnosis...it’s multiple myeloma, cancer! That weekend went by in a blur of confusion, anxiety, anger, and denial. You name the emotion, we experienced it all.  

We were fortunate that we were finally connected to doctors that didn't just look at the surface health issues but looked at the underlying potential causes for her pain. The following week was a series of tests; MRI, skeletal X-ray, ultrasound, bone marrow biopsy and the start of chemotherapy. The most frustrating part of all of this was that for three years, it seemed easier to focus on the possibility that is was the return of rheumatoid arthritis, or sciatica or maybe just "age related". After all, she was 77.  

For me, that was the turning point and I wanted to be part of getting the word out to anyone that would listen. The surprising part was that no one I spoke to was aware of what myeloma was and how it can effect everyone it touches. For the first time ever, this fall we have planned a Multiple Myeloma March on for October 13, followed by a Myeloma Canada InfoSession for patients and caregivers on October 14 in Thunder Bay.  

In my role as a caregiver for my wife, I focus on her medication regimen, assist with some daily tasks such as getting dressed, preparing meals, housework, making sure her appointments are kept, as well as stay focused and positive for her. Our Cancer Centre is a breath of positive energy, where pain management is a priority and an ‘all you have to do is ask’ kind of mentality.  

Right now, I feel that there needs to be more emphasis on this type of cancer at both levels of government, doctors and clinics. All levels of healthcare need to have adequate information to be prepared to make proper assessments and look for all of the telltale signs. Myeloma Canada have been the "go to" people for accurate information. They have a wealth of resource materials and they also provide support for fledgling groups like we are starting in Thunder Bay. Whatever effort we put into this, if it helps save just one person from years of agony, then it's worthwhile. The positive stories about survivors are truly inspiring and we want to hear more of them.  

So when somebody asks you to support myeloma, be ready to walk, stroll, roll, or pledge… be counted on in this fight.