Eric Dillon’s Journey with Multiple Myeloma: Diagnosis and Treatment

When Eric Dillon first experienced shoulder pain, he assumed it stemmed from a strained rotator cuff. An orthopedic doctor initially confirmed this. Physical therapy and stretching offered some relief, and the discomfort faded. Occasionally, over the next two years, the pain returned, but adjustments in sleep position or activity level typically resolved it. However, in May 2024, while doing yard work at his Houston home, Dillon endured intense pain. This prompted another visit to the orthopedist. An MRI revealed troubling signs.

Dillon’s doctor referred him to an oncologist, leaving him unaware of what to expect. At his appointment, he learned from the specialist that he was facing a cancer diagnosis. Tests confirmed Dillon had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. His wife swiftly arranged for him to see doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Subsequent tests affirmed the diagnosis and facilitated a treatment plan. Dillon was surprised that his pain had been an early warning of cancer.

Understanding Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, explained Dr. Hearn Cho, chief medical officer at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. This cancer disrupts normal blood formation, potentially causing anemia, kidney damage, and high calcium levels. It can also harm bones, which explained Dillon’s shoulder pain. According to Cho, multiple myeloma often gets misdiagnosed as an injury. Back pain, commonly linked to myeloma, is frequently attributed to musculoskeletal issues like arthritis or muscle strain. As a result, diagnosing myeloma can prove challenging and time-consuming.

Dillon’s diagnosis was a shock, but he was familiar with the disease. His cousin had battled it in the early 2000s, and a college friend recently received the same diagnosis. Additionally, Dillon discovered that Black Americans are disproportionately affected. Although only 4% of the U.S. population, they represent 20% of multiple myeloma cases, and often develop the disease earlier.

Treatment and Clinical Trials

Dillon was eager to begin treatment, feeling reassured by having a plan. He was promptly offered a chance to join a clinical trial, which he accepted without hesitation. “Being in a clinical trial was a plus. It made me feel better, giving me control and understanding,” Dillon said.

Black patients historically lack representation in clinical trials, including those for multiple myeloma. Dillon participated in eight cycles over nearly a year, adjusting his work as an engineering consultant to accommodate the trial. He kept a journal of his experience. Minor side effects led to dosage adjustments, contributing to refining the trial. Eventually, additional radiation addressed residual cancer in Dillon’s shoulder, eliminating the pain.

“It was tremendous to be pain-free and moving forward,” Dillon reflected.

Living with Remission

Currently, Dillon is in remission, attending regular oncologist appointments and taking daily medication to maintain his status. Though a stem cell replacement might be an option, he currently avoids the procedure due to its lengthy isolation requirement. Instead, he focuses on family, celebrating a new grandchild and cherishing time with loved ones.

Dillon is dedicated to raising awareness of multiple myeloma’s atypical symptoms and the resources available for quicker diagnosis. He works with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and encourages his similarly diagnosed friend to participate as well. He emphasizes the availability of treatment options.

“This is not a cancer without treatment. The future is bright. The opportunities are promising,” Dillon expressed.