Welcome to the Cincinnati Area Multiple Myeloma Support Group. During this year more than 20,000 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, currently an incurable but treatable cancer. Several hundred newly diagnosed patients living within the Cincinnati metro area will join the ever growing numbers of current Myeloma patients.
The Cincinnati Area Multiple Myeloma Support Group was started by Bill Jackson, a seven-year-plus Myeloma survivor. The group has met monthly since January 2007 and continues to grow in membership as patients, family and friends become aware of its existence.
Bill started the support group because none existed in Cincinnati, and he had experienced the benefits of a support group in the Chicago area. Realizing that Multiple Myeloma represents less than 1% of cancers, there is a major need for patients, family members and friends to share information and learn more about the disease, its implications, complications and therapeutic treatment alternatives.
Knowledge is Power. The availability of information and sharing of experiences is comforting, especially to newly diagnosed patients. Discussions provide each of us with a deeper understanding of myeloma resulting in an increased ability to more effectively manage our health and our battle with this insidious disease.
Multiple Myeloma with all of its implications is the antithesis of fun, and the disease affects everyone in similar yet different ways. Meeting and talking with others who are willing to share similar experiences helps us all work our way through the many challenges until a cure is finally available.
For more information, contact Bill Jackson at (513) 677-3181, Hugh Schaffer at (513) 662-0913 or Mary Anne Brennan at (513) 871-3973.
You are always welcome to attend any of our monthly networking meetings.
About Us
We are an informational and networking group composed of interested patients, partners, caregivers, family and friends living in the greater Tri-State area surrounding metro Cincinnati. Our mission is to share knowledge and to provide an environment of hope for those facing the challenges of myeloma. We focus on encouraging one another to continue to embrace the positive moments and joyous aspects of our lives, and to not forget that humor can be a respite and a true health enhancer.
Pictures of Us |
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| Caregivers who attended a Support Group party at the Perry residence last summer. View larger. |
Picture of Bill Jackson, Support Group Coordinator, in the coral golf shirt, at the same party. View larger. |
Some of the attendees at the Community Seminar
the IMF sponsored here last October. Bill Jackson
is at the left rear, next to Dr. Abenour, the main speaker. View larger. |
Every month at our meetings you will find a table overflowing with brochures and literature covering current myeloma topics, plus photocopies of articles relating to myeloma, nutrition, integrative therapies and other pertinent information. A lending library of books on cancer, myeloma, self-help and inspiration are available to all members. In addition, all new members receive a folder with a welcome letter, reprints of informative articles, and a list of our Mentor/Mentee one-on-one help line members. Refreshments are provided at the meeting break allowing time for everyone to engage informally in discussions while enjoying the food and beverages.
The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at The Cancer Support Community Center—formerly The Wellness Community—4918 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (phone #: 513-791-4060). All interested persons searching for knowledge and support to help manage and cope with the overwhelming challenges brought about by this diagnosis are encouraged to attend. No dues are charged although an envelope is available for donations which help defray the cost of office supplies, brochures, literature and printing.
Meeting Agendas
All those attending the meetings share their experience and knowledge regarding treatments, side effects, medical insurance, participation in clinical trials, new scientific and clinical research, etc. in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Speakers are often invited who are knowledgeable with these issues and topics.
- January 19
- February 16 - Dr. Manesh Bhandari, oncologist/hematologist, will give us an American Society of Hematologists update from the recent conference, and will answer questions on Myeloma issues
- March 15
- April 19
- May 17
- Robin Tuohy, Patient Support coordinator for the International Myeloma Foundation on Patient Issues and Support (Oct., 2011)
- Jackie Personett, Coordinator for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Assistance Available from the L&L Society (Nov., 2011)
- Millennium's Ambassador program and Take Your Best Shot program (with Jim Bond, 20-year-survivor)
- Rafat Abonour, MD, Myeloma Specialist from Indiana University School of Medicine
- Onyx Presentation on Carfilzomib
- Kyphoplasty - Christopher Mc Pherson, MD
- Medicare and Social Security Issues - Sue Denny, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
- Current Transplant Alternatives - Larry Brennan, MD
- Celgene Therapy (Jilliam Fahey, Patient Support Coordinator)
- Pain Management (Richard Ernst, MD)
- Separate Patient Discussion Group and Caregiver Discussion Group Sessions, led by IMF Specialists
- Current Therapies and a Decision Process for Determining Options (Edward J. Crane, MD)
- How to use Myeloma Manager (Hugh Schaffer)
- Integrative Therapies and Personal Relaxation Techniques (Mary Anne Martz and Susie Schreiber)
- Richard O'Hara from the Binding Site, Inc. on "An Analysis of Lab Results Specific to the Light Chain Assays."
- A Nurse's Perspective on Clinical Issues Regarding Patients (Ginger Love, RN)
- Nutrition for Oncology Patients (Kathy Cooley)
- Myeloma-Induced Vertebral Compression Fractures (Christopher McPherson, MD)
- An Orientation to the Services of the Wellness Center (Bonnie Crawford)
- Stress Management (Bonnie Crawford)
- An Overview of the International Myeloma Foundation and Its Many Services (Andy Lebkuecher)
- Massage Therapy (Elle Lewellen, Certified Massage & Lymphedema Therapist)
- How to Read and Understand Your Lab Reports (Becky Bolt, RN and Ginger Love, RN)
- Medicines Used During a Stem Cell Transplant (Michael Bradley, Pharm D)
- Issues Related to Clinical Trials, Future Expectations for Stem Cell Transplants, & Seeking Supplemental Opinions (Craig Hofmeister, MD)
- Myeloma-related Issues and Trends (Robin Touhy and Joanie Borbely, IMF Support Group Coordinators)
- Pain Management (Karl Jackson)
- Pain Management and Acupuncture - Dr. Peter Sheng
- Osteonecrosis - Dr. J. David Morrison, DDS
Most people will be traveling on I-71 to the meeting. Exit on Ronald Reagan Highway (west) and then take the Blue Ash Road/Kenwood Road exit. Turn left onto Kenwood Road, then right onto Cooper Road. Go through the first traffic light and past the Post Office. Turn left onto Monroe Avenue to enter the parking lot. For those traveling from the Indiana area, please feel free to contact Mary Anne Martz (812-934-9161, colemare@etczone.com) for further directions.
Related Myeloma Websites:
- IMF, www.myeloma.org
- MMRF, www.multiplemyeloma.org
- North Texas Chapter, www.northtexasmyeloma.org
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org
Related Local Area Cancer Sites:
- The Cancer Support Community, http://www.cancersupportcincinnati.org/
- Cancer Family Care, www.cancerfamilycare.org
