Clinical trials and reasons to be hopeful!

I am in a clinical trial SWOG-120 at Little Rock.  This is a study of patients with MGUS , its purpose is to study this Myeloma precursor condition utilizing Gene Array analysis as its primary tool.   For me this began in October 2010 after I finally decided to listen to my sister-in-law and go to Little Rock.  My brother Marvin who was diagnosed in 2002 with Stage III IGG Kappa Myeloma had went there.  My brother's initial prognosis prior to Little Rock was dire.   He had 70 percent Plasma cell infiltration in his first bone marrow biopsy, he had broken his back when he missed a step in his Engineering office.
Prior to Marvin's going to Little Rock the local oncologist had irradiated him for treatment.  This step destroyed a percentage of irreplacable bone marrow and stem cell production.  The local oncologist painted a bleak picture for my brother in 2002.  My brother decided to seek other advice and he found out about the Myeloma Institute.   His new doctor, Dr. Guido Tricot in Little Rock provided him with Total therapy and he achieved Partial Remission and sustained a good quality of life for over 5 years.   My brother was able to see his daughter's wedding and his son graduate from High School.

The important thing they provided my brother in Little Rock was hope and most important of all  TIME.  The time he had was precious to his family and time is all that anyone can ask.

My study participation, testing and analysis for me is all with one goal in mind.   To provide an assist to find a cure, if not for me than for my 2 children and my late brother's 2 children.   My fellow travelers on this road must keep in mind that we do not live just for ourselves but for our families and that our contributions to science will benefit Mankind.   The road ahead is uncertain and for me it may be filled with sacrifices and some pain both physical and emotional, but it is well worth the effort!