John Ramaska Transplant And Beyond

After a routine yearly physical exam in late January,  my pcp noticed an elevated protein level in my blood sample.  Another blood draw confirmed an abnormal protein's presence.  My doctor suspected multiple myeloma.  This is a blood cancer that is survivable with treatment. He recommended Dana Farber, who after a battery of tests, confirmed the diagnosis.  Our goal was to beat the cancer down with induction chemotherapy and then have an autologous stem cell transplant.  This transplant will use my own stem cells.  I have now completed six cycles of induction chemo consisting of Velcade injections and the steroid dexamethasone twice a week, Revlimid every day, and Zometa once per cycle.  A cycle consists of  two weeks of chemo and one week off.  The next steps will be preparing me and our home for the stem cell transplant.  The transplant will take place in early October at Brigham and Women's in Boston, and I will be there for about two weeks. Our home must be cleaned very well , since my immune system will be extremely compromised after transplant.
  I have been fortunate to have a Dana Farber satellite site in Londonderry.  All my induction chemo took place there, and the staff there is top shelf.
Jan has known about my cancer from the initial diagnosis.  I can't say enough about her support.   Amy, Jim, Lauren, and Craig were told in early August.  The rest of the family - a bit later.  Everyone has been very supportive.