To date...

Ralph has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma....it causes the body to produce more plasma than needed, then the plasma eats the bones. It is treatable but has no cure, as of this date.

In September, his shoulder began to hurt...2 Advil and he was still hitting golf balls. At Thanksgiving, it worsened, and he lost most of his mobility. Everyone, including his orthopedic doctor, thought he had bursitis or maybe something was torn. An x-ray showed everything as normal. The doctor gave him a shot and advised Ralph to return if it was not better in 10 days.

On January 7th, he had an MRI. On January 8th, he got a severe pain in his back. On January 9th, the ER thought that he was having severe muscle spasms from overcompensating for his right shoulder. On January 12th, the MRI revealed a mass on his shoulder (we have since heard a hole in the bone) and from that day on, his pain became excruciating. He was in the hospital for 2 weeks....had a compressed fracture in his spine and 2 broken ribs (possibly from the chiropractor when Ralph tried that option for relief in the shoulder.)

We have heard many positive stories about people who have this disease. Ralph's is not the worst or the most rare type of myeloma, and it is not seen in any of his major organs. He has had 5 radiation treatments. His pain is manageable.

Sloan Kettering, in NYC, reviewed his records and agreed that UPMC would treat him as they would. On February 4, 2009, he meets with the doctor at the Hillman Center, in Shadyside, to discuss a plan of treatment.

Ralph is at home trying to build his stamina and maintain some normalcy. He enjoys phone calls, visits, and cards. Your continued prayers and thoughts are always appreciated.