BY LIZZY SMITH In September, I was interviewed about my experience with taking the drug Bortezomib (Velcade). One of the side effects is low platelet counts, which I experienced early in my treatment. In fact, I needed several infusions of blood products, including platelets, prior to my transplant. Every time I got platelets, I felt like a new person. Now, according to the University of Utah, an existing drug may be approved for those of us with low platelets that could erase that side effect entirely. Hooray! Here is a link to the interview, which will be shown across the country in news broadcasts throughout the month of November. Who knows, maybe you'll catch it on a local news channel where you live. Drug To Help Side Effects of Bortezomib A little side note about this interview. I was actually battling a horrific stomach flu that day. I had to take many breaks because I thought I would pass out, and also to run to the restroom to throw up. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I did it! I think I learned this trait during my stem cell transplants-- pushing past pain and discomfort with a smile.
BY LIZZY SMITH In September, I was interviewed about my experience with taking the drug Bortezomib (Velcade). One of the side effects is low platelet counts, which I experienced early in my treatment. In fact, I needed several infusions of blood products, including platelets, prior to my transplant. Every time I got platelets, I felt like a new person. Now, according to the University of Utah, an existing drug may be approved for those of us with low platelets that could erase that side effect entirely. Hooray! Here is a link to the interview, which will be shown across the country in news broadcasts throughout the month of November. Who knows, maybe you'll catch it on a local news channel where you live. Drug To Help Side Effects of Bortezomib A little side note about this interview. I was actually battling a horrific stomach flu that day. I had to take many breaks because I thought I would pass out, and also to run to the restroom to throw up. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I did it! I think I learned this trait during my stem cell transplants-- pushing past pain and discomfort with a smile.
about the author
Lizzy Smith
Lizzy Smith was diagnosed with myeloma in 2012 at age 44. Within days, she left her job, ended her marriage, moved, and entered treatment. "To the extent I'm able, I want to prove that despite life's biggest challenges, it is possible to survive and come out stronger than ever," she says.
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