Nonsecretory Myeloma, Plasmacytomas, and Other Things

In the 20 years since her diagnosis Vicki has learned a lot about fighting myeloma. In her own words, "When I was diagnosed it felt like I was the only one in the world with this disease. After always having been a bit of a loner, suddenly I yearned for someone to talk to that understood what I was going through. Now I want to be that someone for other myeloma patients and caregivers". Vicki has been on just about every chemo regimen and has had a stem cell transplant. Every drug regimen has worked against her Myeloma but she has never been in complete remission. She recently became a nonsecretor and is learning to deal with this new diagnosis. "When I was diagnosed in 2004 it made me sad to think I would never know what it was like to grow old. Now when I look in the mirror and see all the wrinkles, I’m overjoyed!"

Dr. Tuchman is a board-certified medical oncologist and divides his time between clinical care and clinical research. He studies and treats all forms of plasma cell disorders but has a special research interest in amyloidosis, and in managing older, frail patients with multiple myeloma. He has years of experience in managing patients and leading research efforts in these disorders, and he directs the multiple myeloma and amyloidosis program at UNC. As part of that role, he mentors the research and career development of trainees who have an interest in myeloma and related conditions. Outside UNC, Dr. Tuchman sits on expert groups that design research in and formulate guidelines for managing plasma cell disorders, such as the International Myeloma Working Group, the International Society for Amyloidosis, and the multiple myeloma committee in the Alliance cooperative cancer research group. When not at work, he enjoys playing ice hockey, cycling, playing music, studying languages, reading history, and spending time with his family including his wife and three sons.