Karen Gratz

<< All Multiple Myeloma Survivors

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I was on top of the world. I thought I had it all. I was a young, successful professional and was now beginning my own family. A close knit family has always been extremely important to me. Then, during my sixth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

For several months, I had experienced pinching and numbness in my right arm. My doctors refused to run X-rays because of my pregnancy. A nerve conduction study was normal. The symptoms were attributed to the computer work I was doing. One day, after shopping with a friend, I went to open my car door and experienced excruciating pain. With that one simple motion, the humerus in my right arm completely shattered. My obstetrician insisted that the arm be radiographed. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma, stage III, was confirmed by biopsy in June 1998.

My arm was placed in a cast that prevented all movement and I was placed on morphine for pain. My pregnancy was monitored closely with the intention of delivering as soon as possible. My delivery was induced and my beautiful son was born on July 8, 1998.

I underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and radiation at a well-known teaching hospital in my community. I had a rod surgically implanted in my arm, followed by a year of physical therapy. My doctors then informed me that I would need to have a bone marrow transplant.

All along, there was something about that facility and the approach of the staff that just didn't make me feel comfortable. At the time, I couldn't quite put it into words. Once they started seriously talking about a transplant, I knew that I needed to seek treatment elsewhere. The only question was where?

When they talked to me about the transplant procedure, it was done in such an impersonal way. I was taken into a corporate-looking board room. I was seated at one side of the table. On the other side, was a large panel of doctors. I was told that there was only a 60 percent chance of the transplant being successful and a 40 percent chance that I would not survive the procedure. I knew there had to be a better way.

I first learned of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) in Zion, Illinois from my aunt. Imagine that! She lives in Florida. I am the one who lives so close to Zion, and yet I almost overlooked the facility in my own backyard.

I met with my doctor at Midwestern in June or July 1999. My parents and sister were with me. Almost immediately, I felt a comfort level that I hadn't felt since my treatments had begun. He explained a clinical trial, which involved a bone marrow transplant using my sister as my donor. He did not promise things he could not deliver, but he did give me hope. He was confident, but not arrogant. He did not give me statistics because statistics are often false and misleading. He was hopeful, and I left knowing the risks and the benefits. I was comfortable in the knowledge that, whatever the outcome, I was doing what needed to be done. I knew in my mind and felt in my heart that Midwestern was the right hospital.

I was admitted on January 3, 2000, for the transplant using my sister as my donor.

When I think back to the times before my diagnosis and in the earlier stages of my treatment, I always tried to be tough and hold my emotions in check. When something was bothering me, I rarely expressed my feelings. Perhaps that is why I initially accepted treatment at a facility that I felt was overwhelming and impersonal. My dad, though, was always a very strong influence in my life. He taught me to never settle for less. That is what encouraged me to seek out another treatment facility, one that would also refuse to settle for less.

CTCA would not settle for less, nor would I. I wanted to fight and they were willing to fight with me and alongside me. I never questioned their integrity. Any questions or concerns I had were answered directly and honestly and concepts were explained in terms that I found easily understandable. They even drew pictures!

I learned to no longer keep my emotions in check and to alleviate my stress through journaling and drawing. Other relaxation techniques were taught. The nutritionist came and recommended certain dietary changes and discussed vitamins and supplements. I continue to use the techniques and skills that I learned there to this very day!

I continue to return to Midwestern twice yearly. The staff remembers me and greets me by name. The followup is warm, friendly and reassuring. That is a really special feeling. I don't take things for granted anymore. Life is a gift. CTCA recognizes that gift and I owe so much to them. In my opinion, CTCA sets the standard of excellence for cancer care!