Has anyone had any experience applying for long term disability due to cognitive effects post autologous stem cell transplant? I am 4 and 1/2 years out. I still have brain fog days and no longer can effectively multitask. Concentration on complex tasks is also an issue. This has been pretty consistent since the transplant. Thankfully still in remission and am on no medications for the last two years.

Get out there and exercise (after consulting with your doctor)! Now a world-first trial involving patients from the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada and Israel has found that a structured exercise regime after treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of dying, the disease returning or a new cancer developing. The results were presented in Chicago at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) annual meeting, the world’s largest cancer conference, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Patients who began a structured exercise regime with the help of a personal trainer or health coach after they completed treatment had a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% lower risk of recurrent or new cancers developing, compared with patients who received only health advice, the trial found. Asked to put the effect of exercise on cancer patients’ outcomes into context, Gralow said: “We titled [the session it was presented in] As Good as a Drug. I would have retitled it Better than a Drug, because you don’t have all the side-effects.” “It’s the same magnitude of benefit of many drugs that get approved for this kind of magnitude of benefit – 28% decreased risk of occurrence, 37% decreased risk of death. Drugs get approved for less than that, and they’re expensive and they’re toxic.” While this study followed only colon cancer patients, Gralow said there was no reason to think the findings would not be applicable across other cancers. Booth said trials for other cancers would be needed, but added that data from this study suggested there were lower breast and prostate cancer occurrences in the exercise group. Full article at the link below: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/01/exercise-better-than-drugs-after-cancer-treatment-international-trial-finds

Get out there and exercise (after consulting with your doctor)! Now a world-first trial involving patients from the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada and Israel has found that a structured exercise regime after treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of dying, the disease returning or a new cancer developing. The results were presented in Chicago at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) annual meeting, the world’s largest cancer conference, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Patients who began a structured exercise regime with the help of a personal trainer or health coach after they completed treatment had a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% lower risk of recurrent or new cancers developing, compared with patients who received only health advice, the trial found. Asked to put the effect of exercise on cancer patients’ outcomes into context, Gralow said: “We titled [the session it was presented in] As Good as a Drug. I would have retitled it Better than a Drug, because you don’t have all the side-effects.” “It’s the same magnitude of benefit of many drugs that get approved for this kind of magnitude of benefit – 28% decreased risk of occurrence, 37% decreased risk of death. Drugs get approved for less than that, and they’re expensive and they’re toxic.” While this study followed only colon cancer patients, Gralow said there was no reason to think the findings would not be applicable across other cancers. Booth said trials for other cancers would be needed, but added that data from this study suggested there were lower breast and prostate cancer occurrences in the exercise group. Full article at the link below: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/01/exercise-better-than-drugs-after-cancer-treatment-international-trial-finds

When I was diagnosed with high-risk mutiple myeloma in October 2009, my hematologist said: “Don’t despair. There’s a lot of research happening. With a bit of luck you might benefit.” That was nearly 16 years ago. Since then I have been through 5 lines of treatment. The last one was CAR T-cell therapy in May 2022, 3 years ago. I’m still in remission & take no myeloma-specific medicine whatsoever. I’m totally back to where I was before the myeloma diagnosis in terms of physical & mental health. A few weeks ago I ran into the same hematologist who cared for me in 2009. She had moved on to other things & couldn’t quite place me. Then she saw my bike (I make a point of going to every hospital visit, even for treatment, by bike), and she remembered me. I reminded her of our conversation those many years ago & she gave me a big smile. It made my day. My wish for all of you is to receive the Big Smile from your healthcare professionals to help you along your myeloma journeys with confidence & hope. May we all enjoy the benefits of advances in myeloma treatment until a cure is found. It’s coming closer!

I just returned home from watching our grandson’s pony league baseball game. What a fun way to spend a Spring evening. So grateful for almost 10 years since my MM diagnosis. It’s the small things!❤️😊

Mental health doesn’t start and end in May. It’s a daily journey, and the small moments of hope, laughter, connection, and courage make all the difference. As we close this powerful month of reflection, support, and growth, we want to thank each of you for showing up, not just for yourselves, but for each other. 💚 Let’s keep that spirit alive here in Positive Shares. We invite you to post something uplifting today: 🌟 A moment that made you smile 🌟 A word of encouragement 🌟 A photo, quote, or memory that lifted your heart 🌟 Or simply a message of support to someone else in the group Your story might be exactly what someone else needs today. Let’s continue to build a space of light, healing, and strength together.

Olá a todos Meu marido foi diagnosticado em Fevereiro com Mieloma M. O tratamento que faz é Daratumumab , Lenalidomida, Dexametasona.Tem muitas fracturas em toda a coluna e muitas dores. Não pode fazer Radioterapia porque a extensão das lesões é muito extensa . Foi proposto iniciar um tratamento de ácido zoledrónico, para ajudar nos ossos. Já alguém fez este tratamento? Teve bom resultado ? Algum problema com este tratamento ?

I am abour 10 days before my SCT. 64, newly diagnosed. Where I live, the doctors do not allow me to recuperate at home. I will need to be in the hospital 2-3 weeks (ahhh - yikes!). Based on what I know, the first 7 days ish are the most intense and I have asked my family for 24/7 coverage during that time. After, I suspect I will be feeling a bit easier, and not need someone there all the time. I am asking you all if that approach makes sense? Which days are the worst, that 24/7 coverage would be wise? Or do I really need that kind of coverage? I know this will be an upheavel in the family, so I am trying to minimize the chaos. Looking for advice.

🌍 Today is World Blood Cancer Day 🩸 This day is dedicated to raising awareness about blood cancers, including myeloma, and supporting those affected. It reminds us how important it is to spread knowledge, show compassion, and provide hope to those battling leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. Together, we can: 🔹 Raise awareness about myeloma and its impact on individuals and families. 🔹 Share experiences, tips, and support with others in the community. 🔹 Educate ourselves and others on the latest research, treatments, and ways to improve patient outcomes. Let’s take a moment to honor the fighters, the survivors, and their families. 💙 Your voice and support matter. Together, we continue to make a difference! 🩸Feel free to share your thoughts, personal stories, or any resources you’ve found helpful. Let’s keep supporting each other today and every day.