Don’t miss this event. Please forward to all friends and family fighting the cancer battle just like myself. It’s a tough road but I am sure I can help them in a small way. #oscarchalupsky #multiplemyeloma #oscarchat

Our #MultipleMyeloma Twitter chat with Oscar Chalupsky is about to get underway. Please Join in the conversation and help us raise awareness of MM. #multiplemyelomaawreness #oscarchalupsk #MultipleMyeloma

Q1. Briefly tell us about your #MultipleMyeloma journey. #multiplemyelomaawreness #oscarchalupsk #MultipleMyeloma

Campaign 4 Cancer Found a rumor in my spine

Campaign 4 Cancer I had excruciating back pain and after a MRI I was diagnosed with a tumor that was pushing on my spinal cord.

Campaign 4 Cancer This was a secondary cancer and we needed to investigate further to find the primary cancer. I flew to SA from Portugal early December 2019.

Q2. What are the biggest challenges faced by patients diagnosed with MM? #multiplemyelomaawreness #oscarchalupsk #MultipleMyeloma

Campaign 4 Cancer The medical team at Grooteschuur Hospital we’re going to do a biopsy on the tumor. Many tests were carried out, blood work. This procedure was not done as I was diagnosed with MM.

Campaign 4 Cancer Challenges are having the resources and mindset to fight the disease.

Q3. Would you please explain the type of treatment you received? #multiplemyelomaawreness #oscarchalupsk #MultipleMyeloma

This was followed by a stronger bout of chemotherapy and then my stem cell harvesting procedure.

The medical team harvested sufficient stem cells for two transplants.

Then more chemotherapy treatment cessions preparing my body for the stem cell transplant. This was occurring during the first wave of Covid.

Q3Stem cell transplant took place. I was in hospital for three weeks. No visitors were permitted because of Covid. A patient in the isolation unit next to my room died of Covid. #multiplemyeloma

Q4. What is your message of hope to other patients fighting Multiple Myeloma? #multiplemyelomaawreness #oscarchalupsk #MultipleMyeloma

Q3 The transplant was successful. I was very weak and it took me a month to get my strength back and to feel fairly normal again#MultipleMyeloma

Q4 My message is one of never stop thinking you can’t overcome the disease #MultipleMyeloma

Q4 Surround yourself with positive people. Don’t fight it on your own. Ask for help #MultipleMyeloma

Q4 Even if you aren’t a fan of social media these platforms can assist you #MultipleMyeloma

Q5. Briefly tell us about the Multiple myeloma fund (MMF) and where people can donate? #multiplemyelomaawreness #oscarchalupsky #OscarChat