The battle against myeloma

The Central Coast Myeloma Support Group (CCMSG) is continuing its quest to support cancer patients in the region.

Myeloma is a specific form of cancer of the plasma cells (one of the blood cells) and is an incurable disease.

On the Central Coast there is a higher population living with myeloma than in many other areas as there is an older population.

Although myeloma usually affects older people, many people in their middle years also live with the disease.

Treatment comprises a combination of chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and novel agent drugs.

CCMSG member Barry Armstrong was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023.

After eight rounds of chemotherapy, he began to search for a holistic approach to treating myeloma.

Armstrong said regular check-ups, blood tests and imaging to monitor his response to treatment was a crucial factor.

He said an intake of two litres of fluids each day was essential as his kidney function was affected by myeloma.

His wife made sure that he was provided with appropriate nutrition by a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains which can support the immune system and overall health.

With adequate rest being important for healing and the immune function, he enjoyed an average of 7.5 hours of sleep per night.

Barry Armstrong focused on a sense of community by volunteering in a computer class at Wyoming Community Centre.

He said working with CCMSG to help raise funds for myeloma patients on the Coast, he had gained valuable medical information and had now met other patients with the disease.

Chronic stress can negatively affect the immune system, so finding ways to manage stress is crucial.

Armstrong was always an ardent tennis player, but with a hip lesion, he could not return to the game.

So he looked for meaningful exercises that would help him regain strength and improve his balance, participating in a program at Newcastle Uni’s School of Exercise and Physiology.

With guidance from the lecturer, he was helped with a suite of exercises and was delighted with the results.

As a substitute for tennis and pickleball, Armstrong has now found that regular visits to Gosford Olympic Pool allow him to “chill out” with swimming and walking offering him a much safer exercise option.

CCMSG will hold a major fundraiser on March 6, with a movie and raffle draw at Avoca Picture Theatre at 7pm.

The movie screened will be Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.

Book tickets on 4382 1777 or 0438 664 953.

My Greatest Walk will be held on Sunday, March 30 this year, beginning at 8.30 am from the Sea Scout Hall in Masons Pde, Gosford.

You may walk as little or as much as you like.

Last year more than 90 walkers benefited greatly from the exercise and helped gain funds for important research.

To reserve a place go to myeloma.org.au, contact Cath Bowley on 03 9967 4278 or email cath.bowley@myeloma.org.au