Kimberly Alexander spoke with CURE about how neglected signs affected her husband Elijah’s path to a a number of myeloma prognosis and why she now advocates for consciousness and stronger help within the Black neighborhood.
Alexander, CEO of Degree Well being Company and care accomplice to her late husband Elijah Alexander, a former NFL linebacker, mirrored on their expertise and shared recommendation for care companions navigating myeloma.
Transcript
What limitations to care or systemic points have you ever seen throughout the board that disproportionately have an effect on Black sufferers, and what adjustments do you hope to see by your advocacy work?
It begins with their signs not being taken severely. That’s one thing I’ve heard many times in conversations with individuals who have myeloma — and it was true for Elijah, too.
Elijah had performed skilled soccer for years and was identified with myeloma a few years after he retired. He nonetheless regarded like a linebacker, so when he complained about ache in his ft, folks brushed it off. They’d say, “After all your ft harm — you performed soccer.” However nobody did any blood work. It truly took a physician out of the country to lastly order checks, which is unbelievable to me.
I’ve since heard the identical story from different myeloma sufferers: they go to the physician, share their signs, and people signs are neglected. That’s why it’s so essential to have conversations just like the one we had in Atlanta with BLKHLTH — areas the place we are able to discuss in regards to the signs of myeloma, share tales and ensure our neighborhood is conscious. As a result of myeloma impacts us greater than anybody, we’ve got to know what to search for and really feel empowered to talk up.
If you happen to really feel ignored or dismissed, it’s okay to face your floor and ask for extra consideration. It’s alright to get a second opinion. It’s okay to seek out one other physician who listens. And ensure to attach with assets like That’s My Phrase® — there’s a lot useful info there to assist information and help you.
Transcript has been edited for readability and conciseness.
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