Sandra Kurtin, RN, MS

The leukemias and lymphomas represent a group of heterogeneous myeloid or lymphoid clonal stem cell disorders with variable clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, prognosis and recommendations for treatment.[1]

Multiple myeloma (myeloma) is a highly treatable disease, but it remains incurable in the majority of cases. It is a heterogeneous disease with variability in its clinical presentation, treatment options, and prognosis.

Mr. CH is a 71-year-old retired naval officer who works full time as an aerospace engineer. He began experiencing increasing lethargy and malaise in August 2000 at the age of 65. He was finding it difficult to concentrate and became tired by the end of the day. An evaluation by his primary care physician revealed anemia and iron deficiency. CH received a trial of iron and erythropoietin with no substantial improvement. His anemia progressed; he required his first red blood cell transfusion in September 2001. He was referred to a hematologist at a regional comprehensive cancer center.