Seamus appeals for support in ‘Miles for Myeloma’
A Kilbeggan man who has been living for five years with the blood cancer, Multiple Myeloma, is asking people to support the ‘Miles for Myeloma’ fundraising campaign this September.
Seamus Maguire (75) stressed the importance of providing those diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma the proper information about the disease, and said that with appropriate treatment, it is possible to live well and for many years despite the diagnosis.
Multiple Myeloma Ireland invites walkers, runners, cyclists, and swimmers to participate in the ‘Miles for Myeloma’ event in September. Open to everyone, including patients, families, friends, and healthcare practitioners, they are encouraged to set personal goals to promote exercise, raise funds, and spread awareness about living well with the blood cancer.
Seamus was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2019 following a routine blood test during treatment for type 2 diabetes. “I had no symptoms and felt normal, but when my blood results came back, I was informed there was an issue. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, which was a huge shock to me and my family.”
He said fear often accompanies the diagnosis, and many assume the worst. “Even though Multiple Myeloma is incurable, with proper treatment, people can live very well with the disease for many years,” he said.
Seamus underwent a stem cell transplant in December 2019. “Given my age, it was unusual to be offered a stem cell transplant – at the time, I was the oldest person in the country to undergo the procedure.
"I had the operation on December 27, 2019. I could have opted to wait until March 2020, but I’m thankful I chose December, even though it meant spending Christmas in the hospital. If I had waited, Covid might have prevented me from having the operation.
“I’ve been in remission since the transplant and am on maintenance treatment with monthly check-ups. I feel really well and live life to the fullest.”
Seamus’s daughter, Ciara, a secondary school teacher, said the diagnosis was a significant shock to the family. “We went to the Multiple Myeloma Ireland website for information, which was fantastic, all we needed to know was there.
"Given the misinformation about Multiple Myeloma, it was crucial to be properly informed. It was a tough time, but we all rallied together in support.”
Seamus said his wife, Breege, and family and friends have been supportive. “I’m appealing to everyone in Westmeath to join ‘Miles for Myeloma,’ in September which aims to raise funds for Multiple Myeloma research and increase awareness of the disease,” said Breege.
Multiple Myeloma Ireland says 380 new cases of Multiple Myeloma are diagnosed annually in the country, and it is advocating for the establishment of a national database to accurately track cases.
Mary Kelly, chair of the MMI board an Haematology Nurse at Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, said: “Thankfully, with improved treatments, people can live well with this disease – however, much more needs to be done to raise awareness.
"A database to track cases and monitor how well and how long patients are living with the disease is crucial. This would help dispel much of the misinformation surrounding Multiple Myeloma.”
Fundraiser Details
Challenge: Plan your Miles for Myeloma challenge – walking, running, cycling, swimming, or a combination.
Timeline: Cover the distance at your own pace throughout September.
Registration: Register your event at idonate.ie/event/milesformyeloma.
Fundraising: Set up your iDonate fundraising page to receive a T-shirt and get started.
Engagement: Share your progress and photos, and tag @multiplemyelomaireland.
Meet-Up Day: Join a walk on Sunday September 29, leaving from Tullamore hospital to mark the end of the month-long campaign.
About Multiple Myeloma
The most common early symptom of Multiple Myeloma is persistent and progressive bone and back pain, despite painkillers. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, malaise, and increased frequency of infections over several months.
Haematologist Professor John Quinn says that a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma is typically made after blood and/or X-ray tests.
“The most frequent signs in blood tests include elevated blood calcium levels, kidney impairment, anaemia, and abnormal protein in the blood and/or urine. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can also reveal fractures or bone weakness,” he said.