Why Choose Fox Chase? »Success Stories »Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma

The fall of 2002 was supposed to be an exciting time for Janet Pantano. Her second grandson was just born on August 29th - her birthday. Janet's husband was planning his retirement for the following year. She explained, "My family is very important to me, so I was looking forward to having more time together."

Janet injured her right shoulder - an injury that would drastically change her life.

One afternoon in December, while flipping the switch on the gas fireplace, Janet injured her right shoulder - an injury that would drastically change her life.

Although it was a slight task, Janet fractured her shoulder. An x-ray at her local hospital revealed the fracture was caused by a tumor that was growing on her shoulder. Janet's doctors referred her to one of Philadelphia's city hospitals. After a biopsy, Janet was diagnosed with extramedullary plasmacytoma, which involves a single clump of myeloma cells outside the bone marrow.

"As soon as I heard it was malignant, I knew I had to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center - even though there were a lot of hospitals closer to home."

"As soon as I heard it was malignant, I knew I had to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center - even though there were a lot of hospitals closer to home," recalled Janet. "Fortunately I was referred to Dr. Mitchell Smith at Fox Chase."

"Immediately, Dr. Smith ordered a bone marrow biopsy only to learn that the cancer was not contained to the shoulder as previously thought, but also in the bone marrow. Janet was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the plasma cell - the part of the immune systems that helps fight infection and disease.

"Dr. Smith spent a lot of time explaining everything, answered all of my questions and made me feel like I was his only patient."

Dr. Mitchell Smith, director of the lymphoma service at Fox Chase, has a special expertise in treating patients with myeloma. "He was wonderful. Dr. Smith spent a lot of time explaining everything, answered all of my questions and made me feel like I was his only patient - even though I'm sure he has hundreds," recalled Janet.

Although her initial chemotherapy was successful in fighting the cancer, Dr. Smith advised Janet to consider having a bone marrow transplant after a round of chemotherapy.

"Having the bone marrow transplant was the best decision I ever made."

She explained, "At that time I didn't want to even think about going through a transplant, but the side effects of the drugs were taking a toll on my hips, causing osteonecrosis. If I didn't have the transplant, I would have to continue taking the medicine. In August of 2003, I finally decided to have the bone marrow transplant which was the best decision I ever made."

Like many patients, Janet was nervous to undergo bone marrow transplant because it can be difficult to endure. The transplant was easier than Janet expected as it ran through an IV that went into a port in her chest. The most challenging part for Janet was recovery. Because her immune system was compromised, she could not be exposed to anyone else's germs.

"For the next 6 months I was mostly confined to my house and had to avoid seeing people, especially in crowds. My husband is terrific. He took care of everything and made sure everything was okay," said Janet, whose meals all had to be prepared in her house.

She continued, "The hardest part was not being able to see my grandchildren as often as I would have liked. However, I wouldn't have traded doing it for anything. It really improved my quality of life and preserved my health."

"The nurses made me feel confident and comfortable to be under their care."

Janet's transplant was successful and her health slowly began to improve, although a case of the shingles put her back in the hospital temporarily. She recalled, "The nurses at Fox Chase were wonderful. They even remembered me from my initial visit when I was diagnosed. I couldn't believe it. They made me feel confident and comfortable to be under their care."

In January 2008, Janet reached the 5-year mark since diagnosis. August will be 5-years post bone marrow transplant. She is thankful to be alive and well.

"I believed that if anyone knew how to treat myeloma, it would be Fox Chase. I was right!"

"I am so glad I went to Fox Chase. I was willing to travel anywhere for the best treatment. I believed that if anyone knew how to treat myeloma, it would be Fox Chase. I was right!" Janet exclaimed.

She concluded, "Today I thoroughly enjoy every minute I can spend with family and friends, and especially my 2 sons and my 2 grandsons. I'm living a much more normal life and am very appreciative of every new day."

Learn more about lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.