My Story

In October, 1998 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma ( bone marrow cancer). I was only 39 yrs. old. Because of my age I was told I probably did not have Myeloma- My worst fear was confirmed with a bone marrow biopsy and a 24 hr. urine collection. Of course, I was devastated. Interestingly, my first thought after the doctor told me was deep remorse for the pain I knew I would be bringing to my family.

 At diagnosis I had 16% plasma cells, with IgG Kappa and Kappa light chains, and was Durie-Salmon stage 2A. I also had a few small lesions. My doctors did not hesitate starting treatment. One month after diagnosis, I began VAD chemotherapy. I received 4 treatments with excellent tumor reduction. I was also referred to Dr David Vesole at Froedert Hospital in Miwaukee, Wi. Dr. Vesole, a world reknown M.M. specialist, was upbeat and positive. My optimism increased after meeting him. 

 3 mos. later I received a mini-bone-marrow transplant in Milwaukee. All of my 5 siblings were tested and two of them were perfect matches. How fortunate I was! My 32-year-old sister was chosen as my donor. In May of 1999, ready to conquer and evict the cancer from my body, I entered the hospital. After intense total lymphatic radiation my sister donated her stemcells via apheresis. I received high dose chemotherapy and then received her “gift” via an I.V.

I was hospitalized for 6 weeks. My family ( my husband and parents)  moved into a house rented out by the hospital. They were with me 24/7. When I was doing well I was allowed to go to the house for short visits. My transplant was not easy. I feel like I experienced every complication possible. An E.Coli infection nearly took my life. Miraculously I survived failed engraftment (a second donation was required by my sister), heart failure, Ecoli, and Graft vs Host disease. I have been in remission since my transplant 13 years ago. 

my first 5K with my brother and sister

quite an accomplishment for me!

For almost two years I was required to take it easy, was not able to work and very susceptible to infections. Slowly, I recovered…one day at a time. Did I recover to my pre-cancer health? In some ways I am healthier now than I was then. I exercise more, and am more health conscious. Has cancer taken a toll on me? Of course. I feel like I aged prematurely- I have already had cataract surgery in both eyes, I have osteoporosis, my activities are sometimes limited by back pain (I am currently battling sciatica), I have low tone hearing loss due to nerve damage from radiation and I experienced chemical menopause at age 39. Despite these “challenges” I can work, travel, run, garden and shop, shop, shop- all the things I love! 

I have been married to my college sweetie for over 32 years and am mom to two amazing adults, Nic and Bree; as well as a "just as amazing" daughter in law, Keely. What a blessing it was to be there for my kids graduations (they were 12 and 14 when I was diagnosed), the birth of a great niece and nephew, Two dream trips to Italy, and my son's wedding! I truly am "Blessed Beyond Measure"

So proud of my amazing family!