Mother and Daughter Face Matching Cancer Diagnoses in Illinois

A mother and daughter from the Chicago area were stunned to discover they both had been diagnosed with the same rare form of cancer, multiple myeloma. The diagnosis came after they initially dismissed common aches and pains, which turned out to signal a far more serious health issue.

Carley, 42, began experiencing persistent soreness that felt akin to post-workout fatigue. After the discomfort refused to subside, she sought medical attention at a Northbrook emergency room. “They said, ‘nope, we’re admitting you to the hospital,’” Carley recounted. Following a series of tests, she received the unsettling news that she also had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow.

The shock was compounded by the fact that her mother, Carol, had received the same diagnosis a year earlier. Carol’s symptoms had emerged after she fractured her ribs; an X-ray revealed the underlying issue. “I could have gone for years without knowing if I hadn’t fractured my ribs,” she said.

According to medical statistics, approximately 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year. This cancer, which primarily affects older adults, begins in plasma cells that are critical for the immune system. Symptoms may include weakened bones, fatigue, and kidney complications. Dr. Robert Rifkin, a specialist in treating myeloma patients, noted that the median age for diagnosis is around 65 years.

“The median survival was one and a half years when I started my fellowship, and now I have many patients living over 20 years,” Dr. Rifkin stated. This progress in treatment options has provided many patients with renewed hope. Carol has experienced multiple treatments, and she is currently in remission following a successful therapy regimen.

Despite their resilience, the constant threat of relapse lingers for both women. “It’s always in the forefront of my mind. It never goes away knowing that I have this,” Carol expressed. Carley, on the other hand, has adapted her lifestyle, stating, “I really don’t think about it except for the days when I have to go get treatment.”

Their journey highlights the importance of paying close attention to one’s health. Dr. Rifkin emphasized that many health issues can be detected through simple blood tests. If something feels off in your body for an extended period, it is crucial to seek medical advice.

For those looking for further information on multiple myeloma and available resources, organizations such as the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the International Myeloma Foundation provide valuable support and information. This family’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance regarding health and wellness.