Today we visited MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. What was unique about this event was that it was attended not only by patients/caregivers, but also by a remarkable number of myeloma clinicians and staff that wanted to learn more about myeloma - very impressive indeed. Kudos to all of you that attended!
Kelly and Allan Bailey, brother of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Kelly Cox "loosened up the crowd" and talked about all of the IMF programs available. He then introduced Sheeba (Koshy) Thomas, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Thomas' clinical and research interests lie in why individuals develop Multiple Myeloma and Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia, and what factors predispose them to these plasma cell dyscrasias. She believes that understanding these issues may help tailor the choice of therapy to specific patients, and perhaps lead to methods of preventing these diseases. To this end, her work focuses on improving current knowledge of the epidemiology of Multiple Myeloma and Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia, and in developing novel therapies to treat these diseases.
Mikey and Ally with Dr. Thomas.
Dr. Thomas had prepared a most informative and understandable PowerPoint presentation covering topics such as what is myeloma, bone disease, kidney involvement, novel treatments and clinical trials. Her presentation was at a perfect level for newly diagnosed patients as well as "veteran" patients. She took her time in explanations and fielded numerous questions. We thank Dr. Thomas for her time, care and future work in helping to find a way to make myeloma a chronic disease! I also noticed many of the medical staff taking notes! That's cool!
Our thanks to Renee Freedman, MPH, CHES, Program Coordinator, Public Education Office
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, for all her help in coordinating today's event! :-)
The ending for this event was a bit different than the other events we've had. Unfortunately, Michael had been feeling under the weather since we left Dallas. He is a stubborn Irishman and certainly was going to give it his best shot; except that he did not want to spread his germs to any of the other myeloma patients at the event and risk getting them sick. So Mikey, Ally and I spoke about the Myeloma Mobile and our journey so far. I gave a presentation detailing all of the programs, publications and support services that the IMF offers, as well as an update on BOAC and presentations made at ASH (American Society of Hematology) 2006.
Norma and Burton Jones, Support Group Leaders of the Houston Support Group were in attendance and talked about their group. I encouraged not only patients but all of the clinicians to recommend myeloma patients to attend the group. You all know my mantra by now: "People that attend support groups do better!"
So, it is now time for us to leave the Great State of Texas and head to Louisiana. OOOeeee!
Back in the RV and off to Bobby's home town, New Orleans!
Love and Healing,
Robin