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Welcome
We are
multiple myeloma survivors, family members, caregivers and friends.
Our group was formed in August 1997 by a multiple myeloma patient who felt that it was
essential for both patients and family members to have a network where they could both
increase their knowledge about multiple myeloma and support other people going through
the same experience. The Atlanta Area Support Group has expanded to two groups with
meeting locations on the north and south sides of Atlanta.
We are glad you found the Atlanta Area Multiple Myeloma Support Group and hope that you
will use us to help you understand the Multiple Myeloma journey. We are here for you. Let us know how we may be of help to you. Our site is evolving and will continue to change as our members and others provide input and information.
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Multiple Myeloma is
a cancer of the bone marrow. Myeloma is literally an "oma" or tumor, involving the "myelo" or
blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. The cells that are affected are plasma cells (a type of
white blood cell), which are our antibody producing cells. A malignant or cancerous plasma cell is called a
a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called "multiple" since there are frequently multiple patches or
areas in the bones where tumors or lesions have developed. (from the International Myeloma Foundation)
More
specifically, multiple myeloma is an
uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the
bone marrow. Although there is no known
cure, there are many approaches to help
myeloma patients live better and longer. A
course of treatment is dependent on the
specifics of the patient’s physical, emotional,
and family situation and the variant strain of
myeloma involved.
New treatment protocols are constantly
being tested and offered to both new and
relapsed patients.
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We Believe
- the public at large needs to be made aware of the existence of multiple myeloma
- there is much controversy about treatment
- the course of treatment is dependent on the specifics of the patient's physical, emotional and family situations as well as the variant of myeloma involved
- it is our purpose to explore the wide range of treatment options
- in sharing and discussing options with survivors and their loved ones
that cancer patients who participate in a support group live better and longer.
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The International Myeloma Foundation
keeps us up to date on treatment information. In addition to funding research into myeloma, the IMF also conducts Patient/Family Seminars worldwide several times each year and publishes a quarterly newsletter, Myeloma Today. If you are a multiple myeloma patient or a concerned family member, one of the first things you should do is contact the IMF to obtain their information package. Use their internet site available through our resources page, or call: 1-800-452-CURE.
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We Gather
each month to learn, to share, and to support
multiple myeloma patients and their loved ones. The Atlanta Area Multiple
Myeloma Support Group meets the first Saturday of each month at Briarcliff
United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Southside Support Group meets the fourth Saturday
of the month at Macy's South.
Directions and details here.
Please join us.
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©AAMMSG, updated
February 26, 2011
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