In medicine, and in oncology in particular, there is a kind of explosion of information and knowledge. This is certainly beneficial, but this mountain of information often needs to be classified and interpreted by experts on the matter. To speak more particularly about multiple myeloma, it is clear that having access to clinical data that is relevant and classified in the form of a website greatly improves the management of patients with this pathology and, in a word, the quality of medical care.

Dr Hossein Jamali ,

April 2011: Time stops. I learn that I have multiple myeloma. The future has changed drastically, and a period of questioning about my life and what to do is set into motion. My first visits in oncology are a shock: What is going on? January 2012: My proteins continue to rise. The decision is made to begin intravenous chemotherapy. My treatment begins with Velcade, which has just been accepted as a first-line drug in the treatment of myeloma. So I am hopeful as I undertake my journey towards my life goal: remission. Subsequently, through research, another option is offered to me, the administration of Revlimid pills. This drug, also relatively recent, allows me to achieve results that make me eligible for an autologous bone marrow transplant at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. Thanks to this team, I get this new breath of life. May 2013: I am in remission. That said, without the active participation of researchers, these precious scientists, we would be at the mercy of this terrible disease. My story is one of hope that allows us to believe that we will overcome myeloma. An early diagnosis, increasingly more specific treatments and the support of a devoted multidisciplinary team at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont allow me to view the future with hope and determination. I encourage everyone to give what they can to improve the living conditions of people affected by the disease. These gifts will help to make sure that our researchers, including Dr. Richard LeBlanc, can one day discover a way to eliminate the disease. To give is to offer life to people who would have been doomed only a few years ago. Encouraging research is the solution for a warmer future.

Nicole Chartier, patient ,

Following my assessment, my appointment, which had been scheduled for July, was moved up. So it was with great apprehension that on June 17, 2008, I entered the office of my hematologist at the HMR. This is where I learned that I had multiple myeloma (I had never heard those words before), and as I was diagnosed at 80%, I was immediately placed under the care of the medical team. From that point on, I felt listened to, supported, encouraged and reassured by the entire staff of the department of hematology and oncology. I decided to trust them and soon realized that I was surrounded by vigilant, competent and passionate people. I’ve had the opportunity to attend lectures and I’ve obtained a lot of documentation over the course of my journey. I know that a website, set up by the research Chair, could be beneficial for patients, physicians and specialists, because the information would be coming from competent sources and could improve the quality of life of many patients. I’ve had chemotherapy, an autologous transplant and a mini allogeneic transplant of stem cells, along with many side effects. I’ve had to practice patience. I am currently in remission and am very grateful to all those who have helped me and help me still. My family, my friends and all the HMR staff have my utmost gratitude.

Diane Prévost, patient ,

Learning that I have multiple myeloma left me in a state of shock. From that moment, I felt like my body no longer belonged to me. Feelings of fear and anxiety ensued. Questioning gave way to fear and doubt. Although hospital staff brought me comfort, care, information and answers to my questions, everything was shaken up in my head. I couldn’t absorb all the information about this disease. The website of the Myeloma Canada Chair will allow me to get information and to learn at my own pace. In addition, the Myeloma Canada Chair will, through the advancement of research, help to improve care and prolong life. Thanks to Dr. Richard LeBlanc and his Myeloma Canada Chair team at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. Kudos and thanks to you all. You give me hope.

Gisèle Duguay, patient ,

Multiple myeloma is a rare and incurable cancer . . . a reality. Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and the first-line treatment allow me to get stable blood test results until a possible recurrence. This is the picture of what I saw after my diagnosis. Whether from the point of view of the patient, medical personnel, general practitioner or specialists and/or anyone else, questions arise and remain unanswered for us. I allow myself to keep hope and find comfort in the search. Specifically, the Myeloma Canada Research Chair provides an overview of the research conducted, and access to a website allows us to be informed. More than ever, this site is essential. This is a window available at all times and accessible everywhere. It will allow for reaching a wide audience, even beyond the borders. The possibility of having access to a central nervous system that will coordinate and disclose important information is a plus in this area. This will help us to stay abreast of news concerning the research Chair and multiple myeloma. Just as a conductor is in an intermediary to the orchestral work in the service of the composer, the Chair and its website are an intermediary to scientific excellence in the service of us all. I wholeheartedly thank and congratulate Dr. Richard LeBlanc and his team for helping me keep a glimmer of hope and thus aspire to a long and possible life!

Francine Ducas, patient ,