It is said, “to everything there is a season.” My understanding of this is that the situations and circumstances that we go through are not coincidental; they occur at the appointed or appropriate time and they are intentional with great purpose. I believe we are in the season for light to be shining on multiple myeloma. What we did not understand about this cancer is becoming clearer and giving patients and care partners hope for the future.
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2017. I am in my seventh year of being a multiple myeloma survivor. I can say that my quality of life is awesome at this time and “LIFE IS GOOD!” My multiple myeloma journey’s purpose has blossomed into an opportunity for advocacy and to be of service and support to others newly diagnosed and or living with multiple myeloma.
My initial in-person exposure to the American Society of Hematology was at ASH 2022. The information communicated was enlightening and provided so much hope about the evolution of treatment plans and medication, the need for improvement in diversity in clinical trials and research studies, and the disparity in healthcare for people of color.
The I Stop Multiple Myeloma — iStopMM, #iStopMM (short for Iceland Screens, Treats, Or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) — screening study presentation at the 65th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting is of continued interest to me. The progress they are making in early detection is amazing and hopeful for the future. CAR T-cell therapy and bispecifics are also of interest to me. What we do not understand, we often fear. I want to be able to eliminate the fear of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma and living with it by shining a light on it. Helping people to be knowledgeable about multiple myeloma so that they can feel comfortable with having discussions about their treatment and care and advocating for themselves.
— Diane Hunter
Follow me on X (Twitter) @DianeHunterMM