When Eric Dillon began experiencing pain in his shoulder, he assumed it was due to a strained rotator cuff. An orthopedic visit supported this thought, and physical therapy seemed to help. Over the next couple of years, he felt discomfort periodically, but adjusting how he slept or reducing his activity brought relief. However, in May 2024, while doing yard work at his Houston home, Dillon felt intense pain.
Returning to his orthopedist, an MRI revealed something worrisome. Dillon was referred to an oncologist. Initially unclear about the reason, he soon learned he was seeing an orthopedic oncologist for cancer-related issues. Tests confirmed Dillon had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. His wife quickly arranged a visit to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where new tests confirmed his diagnosis and outlined a treatment plan.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, according to Dr. Hearn Cho, chief medical officer at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. It can disrupt normal blood formation, leading to anemia, kidney damage, and high calcium levels, as well as harm bones. This was the cause of Dillon’s shoulder pain. Multiple myeloma is often misdiagnosed as a common injury.
The bones of the spinal column are often involved in myeloma, causing back pain. But such pain is common in medicine, often leading to treatments for musculoskeletal issues, arthritis, or muscle strain before considering multiple myeloma,Cho explained.
Dillon was shocked yet somewhat familiar with the disease due to family and friends’ experiences. He also learned that Black Americans face a higher risk, making up 20% of multiple myeloma patients, despite being only about 4% of the U.S. population. Black patients often develop the condition earlier.
Starting Treatment with Determination
Dillon was keen to start treatment and immediately embraced a plan. Shortly after, he was offered a spot in a clinical trial. He joined without hesitation, seeing it as an opportunity to contribute to making trials more equitable. Historically, Black patients have been underrepresented in clinical trials, including those for multiple myeloma.
Over nearly a year, Dillon underwent eight cycles of treatment. He adjusted his work as an engineering consultant to accommodate the trial schedule and kept a journal of his experiences. He experienced minor side effects but adjustments in his medication dosage addressed these issues. Completing the trial, residual cancer in his shoulder was treated with radiation, finally resolving his pain.
“It was just tremendous to be pain-free and moving forward,” Dillon said of his recovery.
Life in Remission
Today, Dillon is in remission, maintaining regular oncologist visits and taking daily medication. He may consider a stem cell replacement in the future but is currently focused on family, including celebrating a new grandchild.
Dillon remains dedicated to raising awareness about multiple myeloma’s symptoms and the importance of accessible diagnostic tools. He collaborates with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and encourages others to explore research opportunities. “This is not a cancer without treatment,” Dillon emphasized. “The future is bright.”
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