Multiple Myeloma & Me: 10 years on...

0/5 ( ratings)

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, my first thought was not to rush into conventional treatment. In fact, it was over 2 years later before I had my first radiotherapy session and over 3 years later before I had my first chemotherapy session. Against all medical advice, I decided to take the time I needed to get my head straight and to do my own research on this rare illness that turned my life upside down. Being trained as a lawyer, I have a natural inclination to want to sniff out all available evidence, both scientific and empirical. My story is one of mixing current complementary and orthodox medicine together and keeping an open mind about future remedies. I feel I have benefited enormously by doing my own research and having dedicated and knowledgeable friends and family to not only guide me but also encourage me through the stormy seas of this journey. Although there is allegedly still no known cure for Multiple Myeloma, that does not mean I need to feel helpless in the situation. I have found that there are numerous things I can do to help myself manage my own health. I do not have to submit blindly to the medical model. Choice is the most powerful thing I have going for me. In addition to the medical model of health I also have the fields of complementary and alternative medicines to draw on. The world of the pharmaceutical companies, although can be helpful, is not the only show in town; far from it. Even my own imagination can affect my biology, I know this from direct personal experience. I have Multiple Myeloma but I do not claim to be an expert in it, no one is, otherwise they would have found a cure. This is my experience of living with Multiple Myeloma and is my attempt to clearly describe my experience so far from the perspective of a Multiple Myeloma patient to the reader. My journey has brought me to the conclusion that medical doctors should have a much wider training not only in orthodox medicine but in complementary and alternative medicines too. If my story helps even just one person, it will have achieved its purpose and I will be more than just a little bit happy. Names have been changed to maintain anonymity. Miles Cameron is a qualified lawyer and lives in London, England.