Seven Years of Treatment for Multiple Myeloma, Endless Opportunity 

The third year Jerome Krasnow’s annual bloodwork came back showing signs of anemia, his doctor sent him to a hematologist. That doctor diagnosed multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

“Most people with multiple myeloma find out because they are in pain or breaking bones,” says Krasnow, who was diagnosed at age 70 and is now 78. “I haven’t experienced any of those symptoms because they caught it so early.”

For the past eight years, Krasnow has been treated for multiple myeloma at Dana-Farber, where he is currently participating in a clinical trial. His journey has involved a second opinion, a trip to Hawaii, victories against side effects, and substantial life changes to facilitate his participation in a clinical trial.

Throughout, Krasnow and his partner of 45 years Barbara Zebrow have remained devoted to the good life. They kayak, bicycle, golf, and enjoy time with their grandchildren. When they are in Boston for treatments, they visit museums and restaurants – including one in Chinatown that Krasnow has been dining in since 1967, when he was a student at Boston University.

“I’m doing fabulously,” says Krasnow.

Coming to Dana-Farber

When Krasnow first learned he had cancer from the hematologist near his home in Hartford, Connecticut, Zebrow insisted on a second opinion. After some investigation, she suggested Dana-Farber.

“Dana-Farber was doing research and developing new protocols for multiple myeloma,” she says.Within a month, Dana-Farber’s Paul Richardson, MD, director of clinical research at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, began treating Krasnow with a standard combination therapy that Richardson had played a leadership role in developing. Richardson’s team arranged things so that Krasnow could receive his treatment in Hartford.  

After some adjustments to the medication, Krasnow and Zebrow wanted to take a vacation, but treatment had them tethered to Hartford. With a little administrative help, his medical team there arranged for him to temporarily receive treatments in Honolulu. 

“We were able to stay in Hawaii for six weeks and see all the islands,” says Krasnow. “What a great experience.” 

Shifts in treatment and life 

Krasnow is now on his third form of treatment, which is being administered as part of a clinical trial run by Richardson. When Krasnow began being treated for multiple myeloma, there were only a few treatment options available. But with scientific and clinical research, including research led at Dana-Farber, there are now more than 15 approved medicines. 

“It’s exciting news to a person going through this, who might be wondering, ‘Ok, what is next if my current treatment doesn’t work?’” says Zebrow. 

“We are making incredible advancements in the treatment of multiple myeloma because patients like Jerry participate in clinical trials,” says Richardson. “Their partnership is invaluable.” 

The trial gave Krasnow the possibility of an innovative regimen or standard therapy. It also gave him access to a supportive care team of experts, which he ended up needing. 

For example, Krasnow experienced shortness of breath and his care team referred him to a cardiologist who immediately identified a medication that resolved the issue. He also worked with an expert in geriatrics, Tammy Hsheih, MD, MPH, to manage a reaction to a steroid.  

The trial medicines can only be administered at Dana-Farber in Boston. To be a part of the trial, Krasnow and Zebrow opted for a big change. After decades in the same house, they sold their home and moved to Rhode Island, to a place near a commuter train to Boston. Now they make an event of their train trips to Dana-Farber.  

“We walk everywhere we go,” says Krasnow.  

They also frequent Krasnow’s old haunt in Chinatown, New Golden Gate Seafood. Krasnow – who believes he has been eating there for more years than anyone – recommends the black mushrooms with beef and pea pods.