“I knew that you didn’t see a hematologist and have a bone marrow biopsy when you had a hangnail.” That is how Joe Schwarz put it when he was being diagnosed for multiple myeloma in 1984. Now, nearly a quarter of a century later Dr.Schwarz, still an active, productive astrophysicist explains his disease and treatment. During these decades, Joe did have some remission, but for so many of these years, his myeloma was active, and he needed ongoing treatment that carried him from an early experimental transplant through the more common stem cell procedures, and even a bone marrow transplant from a sister who had two bouts of breast cancer. He is a marathon runner, too. And now, Joe seems to be setting another pace – this one to becoming the longest surviving myeloma patient with active disease. We are all out there on the track with him – following his lead, hoping we can make it, too.

During the same 30-day period, the FDA gave its approval for the use of Thalidomide and Revlimid for the treatment of bone marrow cancer. Thalidomide has always been a controversial drug ever since it became responsible for horrendous birth defects decades ago. You can read about the controversies, past and present, on our links supplied under myeloma news. Also, you can read about Beth Wolmer's historic effort in finding thalidomide for her dying husband in "Sketches of Strength, Chapter 2- A Love Story." You can also read about Dr. Mel's expereince with both thalidomide and revlimid in a story below, "A Blockbuster Month."

According to an Associated Press story, "The Food and Drug Administration approved the drugs for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, agency spokeswoman Laura Alvey said. Multiple myeloma refers to cancers that affect cells in the bone marrow that are key to fighting infection."

These days, cancer treatment has come into focus in ways unknown just a few decades ago. The treatment is smarter and more effective than just having the old scorch-earth policy with chemo ripping through one’s body and the indiscriminate destruction of all cells – good and bad. The new treatment is under the umbrella of targeted therapy and it was the subject of a Lifetime TV program which aired on Sunday May 28, 2006.