El equipo adecuado en el momento adecuado

When Robert Macedo was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022, he and his wife Kathy didn’t know much about the disease. But what they did know truly frightened them.

Multiple myeloma affects the body’s ability to fight disease because it attacks a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections by producing antibodies. When cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, it can lead to severe health problems and in some cases, patients may require a stem cell transplant.

So, when Dr. Edress Othman, Chief of Medical Oncology en Atención oncológica de Southcoast Health, first walked Robert and Kathy through his diagnosis, they were understandably alarmed. But what they didn’t know at the time was that Robert would ultimately win the fight against multiple myeloma.

After retiring, Robert enjoyed golfing near his home in Tiverton, RI. In September 2022, he became severely winded while playing golf and went to Southcoast Health’s former Urgent Care location in Middletown. The attending physician had Robert immediately transferred to the Servicio de Urgencias del Charlton Memorial Hospital. There, Robert was admitted and spent the next four days under observation. The first night, he received an infusion of two pints of blood. In the days that followed, he underwent various tests to determine his condition. On his last day in the hospital, Dr. Othman suspected that Robert had multiple myeloma based on his immunoglobulin A (IgA) level. Whereas a normal IgA level is around 300 mg/dL, Robert’s was 8,000 mg/dL. After performing a bone marrow biopsy, Dr. Othman made an official diagnosis.

Just a few days later, Robert and Kathy were discussing a treatment plan with Dr. Othman.

“The C word is devastating to hear, but I didn’t panic,” says Robert. “From the jump, I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Othman.”

Kathy, their three children and four grandchildren, who all live in the region, were all shocked because Robert had always enjoyed good health. But Robert’s faith in Dr. Othman and his team had a calming effect on the entire family.

Treatment began with three kinds of chemotherapy, which Robert was able to tolerate well. “Amazingly, I didn’t experience the nausea that I had heard about,” he says. “Kathy loved to joke that I didn’t even lose my hair – since I had already lost it years ago.”

Robert’s outlook brightened even more when he learned that he wouldn’t need a stem cell transfer because he had responded so well to chemo. This was a huge relief to Robert and his family, and they began feeling optimistic about his future.

Throughout his cancer journey, Robert never felt the need to do his own research into treatments and clinical trials. “Because I completely trust Dr. Othman to make the right decisions for me, I’ve been happy to let him take care of the cancer so I can focus on staying positive and living my life.” Robert appreciated that Dr. Othman was always direct and pragmatic when discussing his diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. “Dr. Othman demonstrates deep expertise when it comes to cancer, but is still easy to talk to,” he says.

Robert has great things to say not only about Dr. Othman but also his entire team. “Since my initial diagnosis and treatment, I’ve mostly had the same team at Monumento a Charlton care for me each time I go for a follow-up. My infusion nurse Aimee Martins, RN feels like part of my family now, and the entire team is so welcoming.”

Robert has been in remission since early 2024 and feels great, but he still works actively to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. He continues to receive treatment, has monthly blood work, and sees Dr. Othman every three months. 

For her part, Kathy knows how lucky they were. “From what I’ve learned, if Robert had been diagnosed 10 years earlier, he probably wouldn’t have survived more than a couple years. But now, with every day that passes, I am feeling more confident that Robert will be around for many more years.” Like Robert, she also knows that spending her time worrying won’t help anyone. “You can’t be consumed by the ‘what ifs,’” she says. “This is a wonderful time in our lives and we intend to enjoy it, just as we had planned.” The couple have been making good on this promise and have exciting travel plans coming up, including an Alaskan cruise.

Robert believes that it’s essential for someone who has been diagnosed with cancer to find a doctor they trust, then focus on staying positive and making the most of every day. “For me, having complete faith in my team made all the difference.”

Visite cancer.southcoast.org to learn more about our Cancer Care Services.