Caring for my mother taught me to recognize my privilege
The first time I saw a patient all by himself in the infusion room, I didn’t notice him. No, that’s not what happened. On that…
Myeloma
FDA approves 2 biosimilar drugs for cancer-related bone problems
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new biosimilar drugs — versions of brand-name therapies that have no clinically meaningful differences compared…
Why I sometimes hide my caregiver status from others
At my last school reunion, someone asked me, “What do you do?” “I am a writer and a columnist,” I said. At the coffee…
New campaigns launch for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
This September, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, major organizations are launching new campaigns to increase awareness and support for the three main types of…
Caring for someone with a rare cancer involves unique challenges
Last year, while I was attending a fundraiser for breast cancer, I watched several hundred people adorned in pink shirts cheering with joy and excitement…
New gene therapy for multiple myeloma enters clinical trial
The first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial that’s testing a gene therapy for people with recurring or treatment-resistant multiple…
Navigating conflicting medical advice when doctors don’t agree
Dr. A is insisting that we should start treating my mother with a new myeloma medication right away. Dr. B is asking us to wait…
I wasn’t prepared for all the admin work involved in caregiving
When you become a caregiver, nobody warns you that you’ve also become: A Google Alert in human form, always staying up to date on…
Sanofi multiple myeloma treatment gets FDA orphan drug status
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to SAR446523, an investigational therapy being developed by Sanofi for people with…
The isolation and frustration that can come with a rare cancer
During my mom’s last support group meeting, the facilitator asked all the participants to introduce themselves and identify their cancer by name. One after the…
