Nancy's Half Marathon Challenge

Nancy, a SAMPS Director, recently watched the Calgary Marathon and became inspired to walk 21 Km as part of Myeloma Challenge 2022.

“Back in 2009, I had pain in my lower back that continuously increased.  Although I had been diagnosed with osteopenia, the treatment of Fosamax did not help much, if at all.  Finally I collapsed with fractures in my spine.  This confirmed a diagnosis of myeloma, with an x-ray of the entire body.  There were lytic lesions in many places, which persist to this day.

“I am still at risk for fractures and do not do heavy lifting.  A stronger bisphosphonate,  Pamidronate, was used to help with the fractures.  An induction chemotherapy of Velcade and Dex was used to lead up to a stem cell transplant in 2010.  I have had since then some relapses and also maintenance therapy of lenalidomide and dexamethasone, and am currently taking Dara/Len/Dex.

“Since I used a walker for a while after having the spinal fractures, it is a real pleasure for me to be walking a half marathon for a challenge — 21 km in six days (3.5 km per day).  I had accomplished this distance as a jogger before my myeloma, so it seems like a 'new normal' to me.  I recently watched the Calgary Marathon and got inspired by that!”

Congratulations, Nancy on walking this distance!

Find out how you can support Nancy and other participants in Myeloma Challenge 2022.