Living with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: Richard’s Story
At 79 years old, Richard has no shortage of things keeping him busy.
He still works, managing a commercial building in Niagara Falls. He stays connected with his family. And when he gets the chance, you might find him on the dance floor doing West Coast Swing.
Richard is also living with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a rare type of blood cancer. The condition affects certain white blood cells and can cause the body to produce excess amounts of a protein called immunoglobulin M (IgM).
For the past six years, BioScript Pharmacy has been part of Richard’s treatment journey, providing his medication and ongoing pharmacy support.
Looking back on those six years, Richard says the impact goes beyond treatment. It has helped him maintain the quality of life that allows him to keep working, spend time with family, and continue enjoying the activities he loves.
Finding treatment that changed his life
Richard remembers the beginning of his treatment clearly.
After speaking with his oncologist about his treatment plan, he took his first dose that evening and then went to bed. The next morning, before he had even stood up, he noticed something felt different.
“When I woke up the next morning, before my feet hit the floor, I was sitting on the edge of my bed thinking, ‘Well this is feeling pretty good. Let’s see how the day goes’.”
For Richard, it was an unexpectedly memorable start to a treatment journey that has now continued for six years.
“If you had told me taking medication could change my life that quickly, I would have said, ‘You’re crazy. It doesn’t work that fast.’" He recalls.
Over the years, Richard has continued to work with his healthcare team, including his pharmacist, to manage his treatment and adjust to life with Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Still working, still dancing, still enjoying life
Today, Richard continues to lead an active life.
As he approaches his 80th birthday, Richard says maintaining his quality of life is just as important to him as ever.
“You’ve not only extended my life, but I’ve been able to maintain my quality of life, which is a different thing altogether,” he says of his experience. “I turn 80 this year. I am blessed and grateful.”
For Richard, quality of life means having more time for the things that matter most, whether that is being with family, continuing to work, or enjoying an active social life that includes dancing.
More than a medication delivery
When Richard talks about his experience with BioScript, it’s the people behind his care that he comes back to.
When it is time to arrange his next medication delivery, he receives a notification from BioScript Pharmacy. Rather than simply responding electronically, Richard prefers to pick up the phone and speak with the team directly.
“I like to make the phone call and let them know how much they’re appreciated.”
Those calls give Richard another opportunity to connect with the people behind his care, and to make sure they know how grateful he feels about the support he has received.
For Richard, his experience with BioScript Pharmacy has become about more than receiving his specialty medication. It is also about the relationships he has built with the people supporting him along the way.
“I’m humbled by you people and extremely grateful.”
Sharing his story to help others
Richard agreed to tell his story for much of the same reason he has shared his experiences in other parts of his life: if something he has learned can benefit another person, he believes it is worth passing along.
“If my story can help somebody else, then I’ve done what I’m supposed to do.”
For someone else living with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, navigating a rare disease, starting a specialty medication, or facing a new chapter in their treatment journey, Richard hopes that sharing his experience may offer something meaningful, even if it is simply the reassurance of hearing from someone who has walked a similar path.
Being part of Richard’s story is a privilege for our team. Thank you, Richard, for sharing your experience, and thank you to our BioScript Pharmacy Team Members for the compassionate care and support they provide to patients every day.
If you or your loved one has been prescribed a specialty medication, talk to your healthcare provider about making us part of your care journey.