Join us as we speak to Tim Cooper, a multiple myeloma patient and caregiver. In this episode, Tim discusses how he was diagnosed with myeloma after sustaining a neck fracture. Unlike many patients, he was familiar with myeloma, as his mother had been diagnosed with myeloma years prior.
After multiple treatments, including chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, Tim is doing well and enjoying life. He finds that sharing his story is therapeutic and encourages other patients to keep pushing forward and find hope after a blood cancer diagnosis.
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CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey.Mentioned on this episode:
- Multiple Myeloma
- LLS Financial Assistance Program
- Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
- Beating Incurable podcast episodes
- Caregiver support
Additional LLS Support Resources:
- Information Specialists
- Financial support
- Free telephone/web patient programs
- Free booklets
- Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program
- Clinical Trial Support Center
- LLS Community
- Online chats
- Support groups
- Caregiver Workbook
- Free Nutrition Consultations
- LLS Advocacy
- Survivorship Workbook
Support for this episode provided by: Bristol Myers Squibb; GSK plc.
Thank You Tim! It is my hope that you maintain your positive attitude moving through your life. I was diagnosed in 2013. As you can imagine the path has its ups and downs. I have been very fortunate in my recovery and successful maintenance therapy. I have also found that sharing my story with others through my local chapter of MMLS is not only uplifting for me but encouraging to newcomers who are beside themselves with the news of contracting this debilitating disease.
So interesting to hear the pod cast. It helps to hear about another person who is going through multiple myeloma. I too have had a stem cell transplant. The transplant was not successful. Maybe it was because of
My advanced age.
I asked my Oncologist to put me on a Maintenance Dose. I take Pomalyst 2 mg for 21 days and then take 7 days off. It has been working well for me. I see my Oncologist every 2 months. There is always no presence of monoclonal cells.
I’m 65 and have Multiple Myeloma /Lymphoma and I was diagnosed April of 2021.
I have been listening to Tim and how do I go about getting a good Social Worker or any Advocate who can personally help me. The pharmacy at my Cancer Center has helped with requesting grants, but I am constantly worried what will happen if there are no grants available to me in the future. Also I would like to know how to access other services that may help with other things.
Thank you and I will pray for Tim and his mom.
Hi Nancy,
We encourage you to contact our Information Specialists at 1-800-955-4572 or LLS.org/ContactUs. They can assist with financial assistance and other resources. You can also view our programs at LLS.org/Finances.
Thank you for listening!
Tim, thank you for sharing your testimony! May God continue to watch over you! May He keep you healed, strengthened and hopeful! You are such an inspiration. I am 68, & till September 2022 was healthy. Vegetarian, sober & non smoker for 13 yrs now. I banged my ankle on my screen door. Bruise didn’t resolve. Had it looked at several times by multiple Dr’s. No concerns. Finally 9/20 a biopsy was done. Found I have a small B cell, slow growing lymphoma. A very unusual type. As you said, this type of cancer is a chronic disease with no cure, just treatment. May God watch over your Mom as well. God has a plan for you! Keep trusting Him! Marlene
Excellent podcast in 2015 I was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, in May of 2019 I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and on February 28th of 2022 I suffered a significant brain stem stroke. I received radiation, chemotherapy and a stem transplant in December of 2019. I have been through much however I done well from each battle I have gone through. At this present time, I have recovered significantly from the stroke and required additional treatment for the multiple myeloma. I strive be encouraged each and every day. I know it’s been much, but I have strong faith which certainly helps. I hope to encourage someone else battling multiple myeloma.
Such an excellent Podcast. When I saw it was going to be 30 min, my plan was to listen to only 10-15 min. Mr. Cooper had profound elements of his journey in every minute. Thank you for recognizing this patient voice.
After listening to Mr Tim Brown tell his story, I was amazed at the similarities we share, as I too was diagnosed after a back injury with a lesion in my L5 vertebrae due to Multiple Myeloma, which resulted in a compression fracture of my vertebrae. Since those early days I was bed ridden for 6 to 7 months as my Oncologist wanted to get busy treating my cancer, and leave my back alone for a bit. In the following months I have been treated with
Revlimid, Velcade shots, Zoemeta, and Radiation therapy. Then it was time for my Autologous stem cell transplant and that went very well for me. My cancer is very low and now I am back on low dose Revlimid for maintenance. My back has gotten better and after a steroid Epidural I am now walking over a mile now. Two things I would recommend are never stop fighting and do some research for there are many grants out there and apply for as many as you can, especially the LLS foundation as they have helped me tremendously.
very well done–I have had multiple myeloma for 16 years now and have a journey that is similar but also quite different from Tim’s—I am a disabled veteran and as a result the MM exacerbated my disability to quite a degree— an increase of seizure activity—I have neuropathy in my toes and calves and have lost some of my ability to spell, write ,talk ; balance, loose bowels (fun) as well as math— some of the seizure drugs cause the —increase of these side effects– I did not have a stem cell transplant, but went the route of studies to help others and myself–I responded very well with no MRD”s of the disease as of now–check up every 3 months; PET scan, bone biopsy–blood draw–I have a one of the most knowledgeable MM doctors —DR.J as he is affectionately called ( Jakubowiak ) on the planet with a personality that fits mine, as well as a great PA ( Brittany)—most of the conditions will remain with me–MY wife has been the greatest support IE; care giver and watches the meds—I had major surgery on my back and she caught a mist med given just earlier which had not been charted yet—saved my life—well much more to say but not now–