October 2011 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, October 12, 2011:

Myeloma survivors and family/friends are invited to a support group meeting on a paddle boat cruise on the St Croix River. $19.25 each person.

Stillwater, MN
October 12, 2011
11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Don't be late!
MAP

For more detail, see the previous post.


Saturday, October 15, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.

This will be a regular group meeting.


Saturday, October 15, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

September 2011 Myeloma Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, September 14, 2011:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Our guest will be one of our own. Pat Killingsworth, formerly from this area, will speak as a Millennium Ambassador.

---

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

Saturday, September 17, 2011
8:30 am through lunch
Methodist Hospital Auditorium
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

You and yours are invited. Speakers are:

Dr. Morie Gertz, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Chair, Mayo Clinic Dept. Internal Medicine

TOPIC: Myeloma Updates / Questions & Answers

Robert Hall, R.N., C.N.P.

TOPIC: Management of Side Effects

There is no cost to attend this seminar, but you are asked to register your intention to come. Here is the seminar brochure which includes a registration form. (pdf)

Special directions: This meeting is in Methodist Hospital in St Louis Park, as usual, but in a different (larger) auditorium. Park in the Blue Ramp at the front of the hospital, take the ramp elevator down one floor. The Auditorium is on the ground floor next to the Cardiovascular Center.

---

Saturday, September 17, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

August 2011 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, August 17, 2011:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Our guest will be Michele O'Brien, RN, CNS, MSN, AOCNS, who is the Survivorship Navigator at Minnesota Oncology in Edina and will speak to us about Survivorship.


Saturday, August 20, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.

This will be a regular group meeting.


Saturday, August 20, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

June 2011 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, June 8, 2011:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Our guests will be from The Binding Site, makers of the Freelite blood protein laboratory tests which have revolutionized the diagnosis and monitoring of myeloma for some patients.


Saturday, June 18, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, June 18, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

March 2011 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, March 9, 2011:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP


Saturday, March 19, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, March 19, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

February 2011 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, February 9, 2011:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Patient advocate Karl Vollstedt will tell his myeloma story.


Saturday, February 19, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, February 19, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

January 2011 Myeloma Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, January 12, 2011:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Our speaker will be Kathi Martin, Transplant Coordinator, Abbott Northwestern Hospital. And, as always, we will share our experiences and wisdom with each other.


Saturday, January 15, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, January 15, 2011
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

August 2010 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, August 11, 2010:
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Our speaker will be Colleen A Gegan, licensed acupuncturist and medical herbalist. Who knows what we might learn?


Saturday, August 21, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, the conference room is on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, August 21, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

July 2010 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, July 14, 2010:
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Our speaker will be Kristen Detweiler Short, C.N.P., of the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Detweiler Short works with Dr. Lacy and other doctors there and is very knowledgable. This is a precious opportunity to get answers to questions about myeloma, treatments, and drug trials.


Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, find the conference room on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

June 2010 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, June 9, 2010:
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Libby Gordon of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) will be our speaker. The LLS supports the battle against myeloma and other blood cancers.


Saturday, June 19, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, find the conference room on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, June 19, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

May 2010 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, May 12, 2010:
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Lauren Clark/Jennifer Feinber, Celgene Corp will be speaking.


Saturday, May 15, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Dr. Brian McClune, Assistant Professor of Hematology Oncology/Transplant,
University of Minnesota is coming to speak and answer you general question on Myeloma, transplants and research studies at the U of M.

In addition, Lauren Clark, Patient Support Coordinator from Celgene, will come to answer any questions regarding co-pay reimbursements.

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, find the conference room on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, May 15, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

April 2010 Meetings in Minnesota

Wednesday, April 14, 2010:
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Special guest: Gayle Parizino, RN, MA, CPNP - Certified Massage Therapist.


Saturday, April 17, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site


Saturday, April 24, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Libby Gordon, from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will discuss drug co-pay programs, upcoming events, seminars, etc.

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, find the conference room on the right before the big curved stairway.

Millennium Representatives Speak to St Paul Group

Wednesday, February 10, 2010:

Jody Kocer and Amy Modean, of Millennium, spoke to the group about Velcade. This is some of the information presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference last December:

• Velcade is now for newly-diagnosed patients as well as patients with recurring or refractory disease.
• Trials are determining what combinations of Velcade and other drugs will give the best outcomes.
• A French study has shown that once-weekly works as well as twice-weekly infusions, takes a little longer, but with far less neuropathy.
• The initial dosage is pretty much the same for anyone, except a few people whose liver may be at risk.
• Trials have shown that 1.3 mg/metersq and 1.0 both show efficacy, but 1.3 is the standard of care.
• The Phase II study that established 1.3 mg & twice-weekly infusions was done on patients with several prior therapies, so neuropathy was not as big an issue for two reasons:
  
  • One, many patients had neuropathy already, and
  • Two, they had used up most options other than Velcade, and therefore accepted the neuropathy because Velcade kept them alive.
• According to one poster talk at ASH, giving Tanespimycin with Velcade may reduce neuropathy. Studies are needed first.

Also:

• There is a second-generation proteazome inhibitor in the works at Millennium.
• People on Velcade should take an antiviral, because some patients do get shingles. Acyclovir is hard to get right now, but a patient on Velcade should take something.

The St Paul group's next meeting will be Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 1:00 pm at the Family Means Center in Stillwater.

A new group is forming in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It meets the second Monday of every month, 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at Luther Middleford Hospital, 1221 Whipple Street, Eau Claire, WI, 54703. Phone (715) 838-3311. You are invited! Call first to confirm the time and date.

Upcoming January Meetings

Wednesday, January 13, 2010:
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Family Means Center
1875 Northwestern Ave S
Stillwater, MN 55082
MAP

Dr. Brian VanNess of the University of Minnesota will speak on genetics and ethics.


Saturday, January 16, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Methodist Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room
6500 Excelsior Blvd.
St Louis Park, MN
MAP

Park in the Orange Ramp at the BACK (northeast side) of the hospital, take ramp elevator to 1st floor, follow the hallway, find the conference room on the right before the big curved stairway.


Saturday, January 16, 2010
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gift of Life Transplant House
705 Second St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507/288-7470
MAP

Snacks, sharing, and always a representative from Mayo Clinic.

Rochester group's Brochure
Rochester group's MMCF Web Site

MMRF Race for Research 5k Run/Walk

Sunday, September 27, 2009, start time 9:00 am, come early.

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) holds an annual 5k run/walk at Lake Phalen Park in St Paul. It is a fun event which helps raise money for myeloma research, $120 million and counting.

Click HERE and then click "Register as an Individual" or "Register as a Family" on the left-hand panel.

Enjoy!

Memorial Service for Helen Berg

Helen Berg's memorial service will be held at Plymouth Covenant Church, 4300 Vicksburg Lane N, Plymouth, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15th.

For more information, please visit her CaringBridge site.

Helen Berg Died

Helen Berg, a co-founder and a primary organizer of the Twin Cities Myeloma Support Group, died at 5:12 PM Friday, July 31, 2009. Information about her final celebration will be on her CaringBridge site.

Go with God, Helen. We will miss you very much.

Important Seminars in Minnesota

August 28 & 29, 2009:

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will host one of its wonderful Patient and Family Seminars at the Westin Edina Galleria Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. This seminar will include sessions by at least six different doctors and chances to speak one-on-one with any of them. It's a big event. Doctors and attendees will come from all over the USA and from several other countries. Cost is $60.00 per person for both days, or $30.00 for Saturday only, and includes meals. Go here for agenda and registration. Or call 800-452-2873.

November 7, 2009:

The Twin Cities Myeloma Foundation and Twin Cities Support Group invite you to attend an educational seminar and lunch at the Embassy Suites in Bloomington. Speakers will be Dr. Philip Greipp and Dr. Martha Lacy, Mayo Clinic, and Debra Lillegard, LMFT, Park Nicollet. No cost to attendees. Please save the date and plan to come, more information to follow. It's a chance to learn, and your attendance supports the Twin Cities Myeloma Foundation. Click HERE for a preliminary brochure.

Calendar through November 7:

* Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm	Regular St Paul meeting. Dr Charles W Bransford of Stillwater Medical Group will speak on treatments for cancer patients. See the side panel for directions to the Family Means Center.
* Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:00 am to noon	Regular Rochester meeting.
* Sat Aug 15, 2009	The regular Minneapolis meeting will not be held, because of the IMF Patient & Family Seminar Aug 28 - 29.
* Fri Aug 28, Sat Aug 29	IMF Patient & Family Seminar. See side panel.
* Wed Sep 9, 2009	Regular St. Paul meeting.
* Sat Sep 19, 2009	Regular Minneapolis meeting.
* Sat Sep 19, 2009	Regular Rochester meeting.
* Wed Oct 14, 2009	Regular St. Paul meeting.
* Sat Oct 17, 2009	Regular Minneapolis meeting.
* Sat Oct 17, 2009	Regular Rochester meeting.
* Sat Nov 7, 2009	Educational Seminar and lunch at Embassy Suites in Bloomington, hosted by the Twin Cities Myeloma Foundation. Speakers: Dr Philip Greipp and Dr Martha Lacy, Mayo Clinic, and Debra Lillegard, Park Nicollet. No charge. More to follow - save the date.

Upcoming Meetings

Things are happening!

* Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:00 am - noon	Regular Minneapolis Meeting at the Methodist Hospital Cancer Center. See the side panel for address and a map. Park in the Orange Ramp, take elevator to 1st floor, take hallway toward entrance, look for conference room on the right before the big stairway.
* Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:00 am - noon	Regular Rochester meeting at the Gift of Life Transplant House. See the side panel for address and map.
* Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm	Regular St Paul meeting. Dr Charles W Bransford of Stillwater Medical Group will speak on treatments for cancer patients. See the side panel for directions to the Family Means Center.
* Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:00 am to noon	Regular Rochester meeting.
* Sat Aug 15, 2009	The regular Minneapolis meeting will not be held, because of the IMF Patient & Family Seminar Aug 28 - 29.
* Fri Aug 28, Sat Aug 29	IMF Patient & Family Seminar. See side panel.
* Sep, Oct	More regular meetings, listed on the side panel.
* Sat Nov 7, 2009	Educational Seminar and lunch at Embassy Suites in Bloomington, hosted by the Twin Cities Myeloma Foundation. Speakers: Dr Martha Lacy, Mayo Clinic, and Debra Lillegard, Park Nicollet. No charge. More to follow - save the date. See the brochure below.

Kathleen Picard Speaks to St Paul Group

Kathleen Picard, PT, of OSI Physical Therapy in Stillwater, spoke to the St Paul Myeloma Support Group Wednesday, July 8, on the topic "Bone Health and Myeloma." She discussed osteoporosis and its risk factors, and described remedies including medications, diet, exercise, strength training, posture training, and balance training. She showed members how to strengthen their bones, and how to evaluate their own risk of falling and ways to reduce that risk.

The next meeting of the St Paul group will be 1:00 to 3:00 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at the Family Means Center. Please see the side panel for specific directions.