Many patients have never heard of Multiple Myeloma when they are diagnosed. It can be a frightening experience and they may have many questions. Our hope is that this website and society will help provide comfort to people who are facing this situation.

Early signs of Multiple Myeloma include a sore back, arms, legs or a mysterious bone fracture. General Practitioners may not immediately be aware of the cancerous condition and therefore will authorize several tests. Among those tests is the Bence-Jones Urine Test which measures the Myeloma protein. Following that test, a General Practitioner will likely refer the patient to a cancer specialist in this field. An Oncologist for Multiple Myeloma is most likely a Doctor of Hematology. The Doctor may decide to perform a bone marrow biopsy because Myeloma is a bone marrow cancer. The biopsy is usually taken from the patient’s hip bone.

In Edmonton we are fortunate to have a wonderful facility called the Cross Cancer Institute. Doctor Andrew Belch has been a leader in Multiple Myeloma treatment and research for many years. Dr Belch is also the medical adviser to the Myeloma Alberta Support Society (MASS) Edmonton based society.

MASS was created in 2001 by Chuck and Linnie Chamberlin and Alfie and Jeanette Wagner. Their efforts are fully respected and continue to provide support to people who suffer from this cancer. MASS is a place where patient and caregiver can come together to share their stories and responses to treatments. We also provide  guest speakers in the field of Myeloma, pain management, alternative therapies, education, research,palliative care, and the future of new drugs and treatments.

There are many good reasons for MASS to maintain a presence for current and future patients and caregivers, but the principle reason is that with a support group, you’re not alone with this sickness.