Support Group Leader Blogs
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love…” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations This year at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), there have certainly been challenges with technology,...
December 12, 2021 - Today began with watching a few presentations that focused on the epidemiology of myeloma patients. For example, abstract 400 examined COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness for multiple myeloma (MM) patients associated with the VA. They examined nearly...
During yesterday’s blog, I focused much on details of studies, trying to absorb as much of the scientific data as possible. As a nurse who hasn’t had formal training on data collection and research, it can be very easy to get lost in that data. I found myself feeling...
The last few years, I have been interested and hopeful in the number of types of immune therapies. Immunotherapies aid our own immune systems to help fight infections and attack cancer cells. We want our immune systems to function as normally as possible to...
Day 3 of ASH was another whirlwind of talks, and even for this scientist, all the details were beginning to blur together. I heard talks that ranged in focus (1) from understanding the molecular basis of disease; (2) to delineating the role of precursor conditions in...
As a Ph.D. with a focus in sport and exercise psychology (Kinesiology, Illinois, 1999), I naturally want to understand thought processes and emotions, and how they influence behavior. As a myeloma support group leader, I also participate in discussions with those on...
“The most important things in life are the connections you make with others.”—Tom Ford While I am grateful to be attending ASH 2021 virtually this year, I do miss the experience of interacting with my fellow International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Support Group Leaders...
Saturday at #ASH21 was a full day that began at 6:30 a.m. ET, with the #IMFASH21 team being invited to be a “Fly on the Wall” at the International Myeloma Working Group’s (IMWG) breakfast meeting. This prestigious group of over 250 global myeloma specialists meets...
Hybrid Meeting Format As with previous years, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) held its signature satellite symposium during that 63rd annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). It featured Drs. Brian G.M. Durie (IMF Chairman of the...
What a whirlwind of information it was this weekend! #ASH21 #IMFASH21 We learned about new and exciting studies related to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance(MGUS) smoldering myeloma (particularly high-risk), and then active myeloma. I...
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.”-Tommy Lasorda The International Myeloma Foundation's International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Symposium included case discussions that highlighted emerging topics in multiple...
I’m very encouraged by all the abstracts related to bispecifics because they offer a unique way to attack myeloma. As we all know, myeloma is very smart and sly. It continually changes to evade the current treatment and can become more high-risk over time which...
Today was another great day at ASH21, and antibodies (of course) took center stage in my choice of talks to attend. Darzalex® (daratumumab), again, showed impressive results, this time in the ADROMENA trial for light-chain (AL) amyloidosis — a protein misfolding...
Dec 11, 2021 - The day began at 3:30 a.m. PST for the privilege of being able to attend the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) meeting. The IMWG has over 250 myeloma specialists who meet twice a year. The agenda included a review of current projects...
As I reflect on the end of this first official day of the ASH Conference, I must say that I feel HOPE and GRATITUDE. I pored over the very complicated ASH Agenda. The IMF-SGL team of veterans and newbies is well-organized and so generous with sharing lessons, hints,...