Elizabeth Kalbfleisch (centre) along with her daughters Fiona (left), Samantha and husband Chris. Elizabeth was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on Sept. 28, 2021, and will be at the multiple myeloma march on Saturday, Sept. 4. at Maffeo Sutton Park. (submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

march for a cure

‘Marching for our lives:’ Multiple Myeloma March a personal cause for Oceanside mother

Sep 4, 2023 | 5:50 AM

NANAIMO — Almost two years ago, a Qualicum Beach woman thought the fatigue she was feeling was normal for someone raising two teenage girls.

But in Sept. of 2021, then 43-year-old Elizabeth Kalbfleisch’s symptoms, including nosebleeds, elevated heart rate, and extreme fatigue, became so severe she saw her doctor, who diagnosed her with multiple myeloma, the second most common form of blood cancer.

She said she hadn’t even heard about it until she was diagnosed.

“I’ve heard of other blood cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia, but multiple myeloma I was completely unaware that that was even a thing until I received the diagnosis.”

Kalbfleisch has been raising money and will be participating in the 6th annual Vancouver Island Multiple Myeloma March on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. starting at the Lions Pavillion in Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park.

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After her diagnosis, she spent weeks alone at a Vancouver hospital undergoing treatment, which can include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and rounds of steroids.

She underwent stem cell treatment in March of 2022, which she hoped would give her a break from her diagnosis.

“Usually the stem cell transplant will give a few years of remission to someone, but mine came back after six months, so I was put on another line of treatments, and then still on that as of today.”

Her current treatment involves regular immunotherapy injections at the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic, daily chemotherapy and weekly steroids at home.

Kalbfleisch is hopeful that this treatment plan will keep her myeloma at bay.

“It’s a challenge, there’s medication has a lot of side effects, physical side effects but also emotional and mental. A typical day, it can be tiring for the disease and dealing with the medication, so I try to always look after myself first.”

Today, Kalbfleisch is feeling stronger, adjusting to her routine of healthy eating, exercising when she can, and making sure she has plenty of rest.

“I am so grateful to have my family, especially my husband Chris and my children by my side. I could not survive the treatments and daily challenges without them.”

Kalbfleisch and her daughters Fiona (right) and Samantha. (submitted)

Kalbfleisch found strength and community when she joined a local myeloma support group, which have helped her and her family cope with living with myeloma.

“Lots of information sharing, experience sharing, and just plain old listening to each other through some struggles or even to celebrate some positive things. If someone reaches emission it’s a great way to celebrate together or if someone is recently diagnosed, it’s a great way to provide support as some of us have already been through some of the initial challenges we can provide information and that’s really helpful.”

Through the support group, she got involved in the Vancouver Island Multiple Myeloma March and has already surpassed her personal fundraising goal of $3,000, and hopes to break the $4,000 mark on the day of the event.

She said 100 per cent of the proceeds raised go directly to research and patient advocacy.

“We’re quite literally marching for our lives. The fear of the unknown can really play games with your mind, but I’m keeping a positive attitude and staying strong. Receiving a life-threatening diagnosis in your early 40’s really puts things in perspective. I’m just grateful to be alive and to be able to do simple things like bake a cake for my daughter’s 12th birthday! That’s a gift I don’t take for granted.”

While there are multiple treatments available for multiple myeloma there currently is no cure, with 11 Canadians diagnosed every day.

To learn more and to donate to Kalbfleisch or the Vancouver Island March, click here to go to myelomacanada.ca.

Kalbfleisch will also be accepting donations on-site the day of the event.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow