Naturopathic Oncologist Shares Integrative Approaches for the Black Myeloma Health Community

In recognition of how quality-of-life support plays a vital role in the myeloma patient journey, our community is proud to announce a special educational webinar featuring Dr. Michael Walker, MD, FABNO, a board-certified naturopathic oncologist. On March 27th, Dr. Walker will present "Integrative Approaches to Optimizing Quality of Life During Cancer Care," a comprehensive session specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by multiple myeloma patients.

This event embodies our commitment to the theme "From Community to Cures,"  recognizing that the path toward effective treatments and eventual cures begins with strong, informed communities that support patients throughout their treatment journey. Dr. Walker specializes in evidence-informed naturopathic oncology, offering integrative whole-person cancer care that complements conventional myeloma treatments, including stem cell transplants, immunotherapies, and novel agents that are moving us closer to a cure.

Supporting the Path From Community to Cures

The myeloma journey requires comprehensive support that enables patients to maintain their treatment regimens while preserving quality of life—a critical factor in the community's collective progress toward better outcomes and eventual cures. When patients can better tolerate their treatments, they contribute valuable data to the medical community that helps refine approaches for all myeloma patients.

The presentation will address four critical areas that support the journey From Community to Cures:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy: Is a common and often dose-limiting side effect of myeloma treatments, including proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib (Velcade) and carfilzomib (Kyprolis). Dr. Walker will discuss evidence-informed natural approaches to managing neuropathic symptoms, potentially allowing patients to maintain optimal dosing of these crucial medications, which are advancing the field toward better outcomes.
2. Fatigue and Energy Support: Energy depletion affects over 80% of myeloma patients, potentially limiting their ability to participate in clinical trials and new treatment approaches. Attendees will learn practical strategies to combat this pervasive challenge, enabling more patients to fully engage with cutting-edge treatments that are forging the path to cures.
3. Chemo Brain and Cognition Support: Cognitive challenges reported by myeloma patients can impact treatment adherence and informed decision-making about emerging therapies. Dr. Walker will share approaches that help patients navigate these changes, empowering them to remain active participants in their treatment and potential clinical trials that advance the field.
4. Gut Health and Immune Function: This is particularly crucial for myeloma patients whose immune systems are compromised by both the disease and treatments. Dr. Walker will explain how supporting gut health can potentially enhance treatment responses and reduce infection risks—a key factor in maintaining patients on life-saving therapies that contribute to the growing body of knowledge advancing toward cures.

This educational session represents our commitment to supporting the entire spectrum of the myeloma journey, from community-based supportive care to participation in cutting-edge treatments that move us collectively toward cures. 

Join us for an informative session with Dr. Michael Walker, a board-certified naturopathic oncologist specializing in evidence-informed integrative cancer care.

Event Details: Thursday March 27th 2025 2-3 PM EDT 

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The purpose of this group is to connect with, support and learn from other patients and caregivers who share the same culture and unique challenges that come with facing Black myeloma. This group is associated with a chapter that meets monthly. Joining this group will sign you up to receive event notifications.

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