Paul Simkins was recently diagnosed with
Multiple Myeloma. [He is employed by
Comcast here in Frederick.] Mulitple
myleoma is cancer of the white blood
cells. Multiple myeloma is the most
common of a group of diseases called
plasma cell neoplasms. Plasma cell
neoplasms result when certain cells in
the blood (called plasma cells) become
cancerous. Plasma cells are made in the
bone marrow by white blood cells called
lymphocytes. The plasma cells make
antibodies, which help fight infection
in the body. Usually, bone marrow
contains only about two percent plasma
cells. But when a person has multiple
myeloma, the body keeps making more and
more abnormal plasma cells, called
myeloma cells, and they make more and
more antibodies. These extra cells do
not help fight off infection; instead,
they stop the body from making normal
infection-fighting antibodies and crowd
out normal cells. The cancer cells
collect in the bone marrow and slowly
destroy the bone. Myeloma cells also
trigger the release of bone-weakening
chemicals that lead to bone destruction
and bone pain and can collect in the
bone to make small tumors called
plasmacytomas.
Paul is currently undergoing treatment
for his cancer via tandem transplant at
the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt
Lake City, Utah. Paul currently has a
spinal compression from damage in four
of his vertebrae and pitting on his
ribs. This causes him to be in a
tremendous amount of pain.
Paul is 53 years old and was in
excellent health before his diagnosis.
He has an excellent support team which
consists of his wife Sandra, daughters,
sons, brother, sister, friends, and
coworkers all spread over a large
geographic area. Paul resides in
Waynesboro, PA with his wife and
daughter Marina. Paul is a devoted
husband and father of 5 children , of
which only one daughter is still at
home. He is a devoted Christian, a
good friend, son, brother and
co-worker. He is proudly owned by two
Westies and one Mini Snoodle. When he
is not spending time with them he is out
cycling . Paul has a positive outlook
on life and is going to win this battle
with cancer!
Treatment for this cancer is very
expensive because of all the hospital
visits and procedures, travel expenses,
and all medications needed to help cope
with the bone pain and other symptoms.
Any contributions are greatly
appreciated!
Paul's motto " He's going to pull a
Lance". Since he is an avid cyclist he
takes great comfort from Lance Armstrong
world class cyclists battle against
cancer and surviving to come back
stronger.
For more information and updates on Paul
visit the following websites:
http://www.huntsmancancer.org/groups/myeloma/index.html
or his http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paulridesagain
