For Robert Dale Lasco, a 56-year-old resident of Charlotte, the trials of living with multiple myeloma have also served as the foundation for one of his greatest triumphs: creating a nonprofit organization to help others. The Lasco Cancer Fund provides multiple myeloma education and inspiration, while dealing with “the total man’s spirit, soul, and body.” Robert shared his story with BlackDoctor.org in his own words.
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on February 19, 2013. I went to the emergency room on February 14, 2013 due to back pain, loss of mobility, swelling in the feet and loss of lower extremities. An MRI was completed and it was found that I had a Plasmacytoma tumor on my T-8 and T-9 vertebrae. They performed emergency surgery, decompressive laminectomy, on my spine to remove the tumor. On February 19, 2013 the doctor performed a bone marrow biopsy which discovered that I had multiple myeloma.
I had never heard of multiple myeloma prior to my diagnosis. I later found out that a cousin of mine had died with multiple myeloma, so it was in my genealogy.
For one week I was hospitalized at Novant Hospital. Afterwards I was transferred to CMC Rehabilitation for chemo and rehab. I was paralyzed from the waist down, bedridden and unable to go to use the bathroom. They took me through extensive rehab so I could learn to use the wheelchair and retrain my bowels. After 7 weeks of therapy I went home and received outpatient treatments for rehab.
Prior to my diagnosis I was working at the City of Charlotte as a manhole inspector. I retired from the City of Charlotte and was placed on permanent disability. I had also started my own ministry called “Bold Lion Ministries.” My ministry was also halted because I wasn’t in the right mindset to continue pastoring.
I went into remission in September of 2013 and in December of 2013 I went to Chapel Hill to receive an autologous stem cell transplant. My wife and I were there for 21 days.
In addition to my wife I had a very strong support system of family and friends. My wife was an excellent caregiver to me and she took on the role as my pharmacist, doctor and therapist. My church family surrounded me with love and faith. I joined the West Charlotte Multiple Myeloma Support Group and surrounded myself with individuals who were going through the same issues that I was experiencing.
Another resource that was beneficial to my recovery was Hope Cancer. They assisted me with bill payment, encouragement and therapy for my wife. I also received therapy from a Christian therapist. These services helped us deal with the stressors and depression that derived from my disability.
Some of my brothers in the Lord helped me start a fund that would bring awareness and education to people about multiple myeloma. The organization is called “Lasco Cancer Fund.” We run different programs that are tailored to the public, myeloma patients and medical professionals.
On December 5, 2015 the cancer came back and I am currently going to the Levine Cancer Hospital to receive chemo and steroids. I am currently in remission but I continue to get treatments to manage the multiple myeloma. I walk with a cane to support my balance and I deal with some side effects from the medication but I have gained most of my independence back. I go to all my doctor’s appointments and strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I have learned so much on this journey dealing with multiple myeloma. I appreciate life and I don’t take it for granted. My new goal in life is to bring awareness and education about multiple myeloma to everyone I come in contact with. My favorite slogan is, “You’re Not Alone.” I am stronger than I’ve ever been and have a deeper appreciation for my family.
My message to newly diagnosed people is that multiple myeloma doesn’t mean death. Due to research and clinical trials, the longevity of life has doubled with the proper treatments. I would also encourage them to join a support group and learn as much as they can about this disease. Tracking the disease and the symptoms that are occurring should be discussed with your doctor throughout treatments.
Multiple myeloma is more prevalent in the African American community but research shows that less African Americans are receiving treatments for this disease. Understanding what your body is saying is key to prevention of the disease and/or early detection.
I am a survivor because of my faith and my will to live a productive and prosperous life.
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