Huntsman Cancer Institute Myeloma Program

"Our experience at Huntsman Cancer Institute’s myeloma clinic has been outstanding. The staff and our doctor have been amazing. A patient-centered treatment facility and a specialty in multiple myeloma was what I was looking for. I certainly found that at Huntsman Cancer Institute. I wish there was a way to thank everyone from the custodial staff who keeps the building spotless to the nurses in the infusion suite to the doctor, who's attention and care mean so much to us. It's been the best experience possible considering the circumstances.

Our doctor spent one and a half hours with us going over test results and discussing treatment. He has the bedside manner and compassion we have been looking for with the expertise and direction we wanted in a multiple myeloma specialist. Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah has risen above the other treatment options."

Irene M. of Texas

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"I have been a patient of Dr. Tricot's for nearly 5 years. The prognosis at my time of diagnosis was grim. I did a lot of research and got several opinions for my treatment plan. There was a lot of information for me to absorb and try to understand at this very difficult time.

Dr. Tricot was confident that his treatment would provide me with the best outcome, and he had the data to back it up. I have been in complete remission for over 4 years now, and I always feel that it is due to his vast knowledge and total commitment to finding a cure for myeloma balanced with his commitment to the patient as an individual.

He sets the bar high, and his staff shows the same dedication and care. I can only say that I feel truly blessed to be alive and visiting Dr. Tricot and his staff at the Myeloma Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Truly!"

"This month marks 5 years since I originally had myeloma symptoms. I had my periodic checkup with my nephrologist on Monday and he said, "Who would have ever thought you'd be sitting here 5 years later with the diagnosis you had!!"

I am just so grateful that I have been so blessed to have had the doctors and the care from all of you I have had!! I wish I could adequately convey how appreciative I truly am."

Michele H. of Georgia

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This morning I was thinking about how fortunate I was and all the really good things that I have been blessed with, and the one blessing that topped the list was you. From the day I first met you in the clinic I felt your love and concern for me as a patient and an individual. I think it was a miracle that I hooked up with you. I just wanted to say thank you so much for all that you are doing for our family. I look forward to seeing you at the end of the month. Take care."

Carolyn O. of Utah

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"Your excellent treatment for me has given hope to a lot of myeloma patients that it is possible to still be surviving after 9 years (and still counting). Thanks for everything you have done to extend my life. I sure am enjoying my time off of treatment."

Becky R. of Florida

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When my husband did his research and told me about you and Huntsman Cancer Institute, I was very interested. I was also worried about making the change work. It was important to get to Salt Lake and meet you and see Huntsman Cancer Institute.

I was thrilled to find such a beautiful and inviting facility and it was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for making us feel welcome and for spending so much time with us. When we left, I felt incredibly lucky to have met you and your kind staff.

Thank you for accepting me as a patient. I look forward to seeing you every six months and will enjoy being in Salt Lake when I come for my treatments.”

Patricia S. of Idaho

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"Yesterday was my 5 year anniversary since diagnosis. And today is the first time since then that my RBC has been normal. Hooray!! It is 4.2; my HGB is 13.7. Hooray again!!! We just returned from a week in Hawaii and, again, for the first time, I had some real energy. We walked a few miles each day without me getting worn out.

It is nice to feel good, for a change. THANK YOU for your part in this miracle."

Jane R. of California

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"Dr. Guido Tricot and his remarkable staff at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, have put together a wonderful research center for multiple myeloma patients. I have been treated by Dr. Tricot for several years and was entered into a research therapy III protocol during which I received chemotherapy with two stem cell transplants. I achieved complete remission!

I have found that access to Dr. Tricot and his knowledge and treatment does not end with, nor is it limited to, my visits to that city, but is almost instantaneously available via e-mail. Within literally minutes I have had answers to my questions about concerns and what action to take toward any problem. I sit back in my easy chair and receive messages from his staff, and I know I will be hearing from his office soon about what tests might be necessary or what medication is needed. An angel from his staff might e-mail me that everything is taken care of and my pharmacy down the street should have the prescription ready shortly. All of this transpires with the speed of e-mails and occasionally a phone call! Amazing!

I truly feel special to be afforded access to a renowned physician and scholar such as Dr. Tricot in this fashion. I doubt any other patient can boast of better or faster treatment than I receive. How fortunate and blessed I am to be his patient. Thank you, Dr. Tricot, for always being there for me and caring about me!"

"To each of you who were so efficient and kind to me during my visit this week, I want to say thanks. My trip back to Kansas was uneventful. It is reassuring to know that I have the best team in the world working for me.

I will always try to keep in mind that my extended days on this planet are due in part to your efforts, and that I should be mindful of that as I conduct myself at all times so as to reflect positive credit upon your care."

Doug M. of Kansas

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"Dr. Tricot's work has already given me eight more years of life than was generally expected at the time I was diagnosed. Now that's a gift!"

Carol S. of Colorado

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"Getting a diagnosis of cancer is no picnic, but I have worked through enough illnesses of various kinds in my life to know that your facility and employee base are state-of-the-art. Since my first dealings with your patient coordinators, the doctors, and all of the nurses, I have been treated with the utmost respect, compassion and—most importantly to me as a patient—the time to answer my questions. Remarkably everyone knows my name (which may or may not mean I am behaving) and your staff, with great humor, has helped me be able to face this treatment. This was a terrifying step for me to take, but I feel very peaceful in your hands and I think all of your employees need a pat on the back every morning telling them just how wonderful they are.

A great example of your compassionate staff took place on the day my triple lumen port was put in. This was the procedure that scared me the most and Barry, who works in Radiology, could sense my fear and made a special effort to explain in detail what each machine did and how it would all happen. As a result, it calmed my ticks and because of the lack of ticks I was able to cooperate more. During the whole of the procedure he peeked under the drape every 5 minutes to ask if I was OK. Because of his efforts, I was OK, and I appreciate that.

A few days ago, Dr. Zangari said that he would be adding a new drug to my list, and I asked if it had side effects. Dr. Zangari just laughed and in his Italian accent said, “Well, of course it has side effects.” As we are learning, there may not be a way to circumvent this treatment or elude these side effects, but it is such a blessing to be escorted compassionately and with humor through the battle ground.

Thank you for your efforts in helping this fight to be successful."

Becki S. of Utah