Shoulder pain leads to Texas dad’s cancer diagnosis: “I was like, ‘Wait, what?'”
A Shoulder Injury Became the First Clue to Eric Dillon's Blood Cancer Diagnosis
Shoulder pain leads to Texas dad s - Eric Dillon's journey to discovering he had multiple myeloma began with a simple ache in his shoulder. Initially, he attributed it to a minor rotator cuff strain, a common enough issue that led him to consult an orthopedic specialist. The doctor’s diagnosis reinforced his belief, and he followed a regimen of physical therapy and adjustments to his daily routine, which seemed to ease the discomfort. However, in May 2024, a sudden surge of intense pain during yard work at his Houston home raised new concerns. A subsequent MRI revealed something more serious, prompting a referral to an oncologist—an unexpected turn Dillon hadn’t anticipated.
"I Was Like, 'Wait, What?'"
When Dillon arrived at the oncology clinic, he was taken aback by the specialist’s response. “You know why you’re here?” the doctor asked, catching him off guard. “I’ve got a referral from another doctor to see you,” Dillon replied, recalling the moment. “I’m an orthopedic oncologist… I do cancer,” the physician explained, leaving Dillon in disbelief. “I was like, 'Wait, what?'”
Further tests confirmed the diagnosis: Dillon had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that targets plasma cells. His wife swiftly arranged an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where the couple received a confirmed diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan days later. Dillon was surprised to learn that his shoulder pain had been an early indicator of the disease.
Understanding the Disease
Dr. Hearn Cho, an oncologist and chief medical officer of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, explained that the condition affects plasma cells, which can disrupt normal blood production. This leads to complications like anemia, kidney damage, and elevated calcium levels. Additionally, the disease weakens bones, often causing pain in areas such as the spine. Cho noted that multiple myeloma is frequently mistaken for musculoskeletal issues, with doctors initially considering injuries like arthritis or strain rather than the cancer.
"Spinal column bones are often involved in myeloma, leading to back pain. But back pain is probably the number one or two most common complaint in general medicine. So going to your internist and saying 'My back hurts,' the first thing in their mind is not multiple myeloma. It's musculoskeletal back pain, it's arthritis, muscle strain," Cho said.
The Disproportionate Impact
Dillon’s diagnosis also highlighted a broader issue. He learned that Black Americans are disproportionately affected by multiple myeloma. “Even though Black people are about 4% of the U.S. population, they're about 20% of multiple myeloma patients,” Cho stated. Black patients also tend to develop the disease at a younger age, according to Cho. This underrepresentation in clinical trials, despite higher prevalence, was a sobering realization for Dillon.
Treatment and Progress
Dillon was determined to start treatment immediately. A structured plan provided him with a sense of control, and shortly after beginning therapy, he was invited to join a clinical trial. He agreed without hesitation. “Being in a clinical trial made me feel better. It gave me more understanding of what was happening,” he shared. He also aimed to contribute to making clinical trials more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
Over nearly a year, Dillon completed eight cycles of treatment while managing his career as an engineering consultant. He kept a detailed journal of the process, including minor side effects that led to dosage adjustments. Despite these challenges, he found the trial rewarding. “From that point forward, everything seems to have gone well,” he said. After the trial, residual cancer in his shoulder bone was eliminated with additional radiation, finally ending his pain. “It was just tremendous to be pain-free and moving forward,” Dillon reflected. “Now, everything is beautiful.”
"The Future Is Bright"
Today, Dillon is in remission and continues regular checkups with his oncologist. His experience underscores the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms as potential red flags for serious conditions, while also highlighting the need for greater diversity in cancer research.