When first diagnosed with Muitiple Myeloma, many patients have never heard of
this type of cancer. Early signs that you may have it begins with a sore back,
arm, leg, or mysterious bone fracture. General Pratitioners may not immediately
be aware that you have a cancerous condition and will authorize various tests,
but the one test that is so important to discovering the presence of Myeloma is
the Bence-Jones urine test. It is a measure of the Myeloma protein.

What happens next? Your G.P. will generally refer you to a cancer specialist in
this field - your oncologist for M.M. is most likely a doctor of Hematology.
He/she may decide to perform a bone marrow biopsy as Myeloma is a bone
marrow cancer. The biopsy is usually taken from the hip bone.
In Edmonton we are fortunate to have a wonderful facility such as the Cross
Cancer Institute and Doctor Andrew Belch has been a leader in the M.M.
treatment and research for many years. Dr Belch is also the medical adviser to
our M.A.S.S. Edmonton based society.
Our support group was created in 2001 by Chuck and Linnie Chamberlin
and Alfie and Jeanette Wagner. Their efforts are fully respected and continue to
this day to provide a forum of understanding where patient and caregiver can
come together and share their stories, responses to treatments, or take an
active part in running the society; listen to guest speakers in the field of
Myeloma, pain management, alternative therapies, education, research,
palliative care, and the future that new drugs and treatment offer.

There are many good reasons for the Myeloma Support Society to
maintain a presence for current and future patients and caregivers,
but the principle reason is that with a support group, you're not
alone with this sickness.


Please refer to our NEWSLETTER PAGE & M.A.S.S.information web pages for new material, dates of meetings, guest speakers, upcoming events etc.