Mike Burns

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

In 2009 I was diagnosed with MGUS after a strange result on a routine blood test given by my allergist. Then I "advanced" to smoldering myeloma in 2010 and active myeloma in 2013. I, like many of us, had never heard of any of this stuff before joining this club. My first line of treatment was a clinical trial, where I got Revlimid, Velcade, and Dex before an autologous stem cell transplant, followed by more RVD and then maintenance Revlimid. I got into MRD negative status a year after the transplant and stayed there for about 4 years before relapsing. Since then we have played Whack-A-Mole with the myeloma, knocking it down with a variety of targeted and immunotherapy drugs, as well as some radiation when it has popped up again. The latest treatment was Carvykti (cilta-cel CAR-T) in May 2023. Fortunately, that has gotten me into MRD negative status again, and I've stayed there for almost a year at this point. I have received tremendous care from the doctors and nurses who have treated me. I've also received wonderful support from my friends and family during this journey. While I would never wish something like multiple myeloma on anyone else, there have been some silver linings in the myeloma cloud for me. One thing is that I've met and become friends with some amazing people who are also myeloma patients. Another thing is that it has spurred an interest in learning more about the biology of myeloma and other cancers so that I can understand a little bit about what's going on inside me. Many people have helped me navigate through my multiple myeloma journey so far. I hope that I can help some other folks a little too.

Lisa Gray

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

Hello! I was diagnosed with high-risk myeloma in 2023, at the age of 56, after months of undiagnosed back and rib issues. I led a busy and active life working in senior fundraising roles for cancer nonprofits, traveling frequently, playing competitive tennis, and being happily married. Having worked with cancer patients and families for years in a non-medical role, being a patient has given me a new perspective and reinforced the importance of being an advocate to support my care. My cancer journey started with radiation and induction treatment. After only a few months of treatment, I ended up in ICU in 2023 with a lung infection, respiratory failure, and sepsis. Once home and somewhat recovered, I restarted treatment and working full-time. By May 2024, I had only a small amount of myeloma detected and was considered in remission. Unfortunately, I relapsed within two months as I was considering ASCT. I harvested stem cells but decided to have CAR-T (Carvykti) which had recently been approved as 2nd line for relapsed or refractory MM. While SCT is still an option in the future, I felt that CAR-T was the best path for me at the time. CAR-T was done in Dec 2024 and as of now I remain in remission with no detectable myeloma. As an advocate for cancer patients and their families and a multiple myeloma patient, I welcome the opportunity to help support others on their journey.

Basil Piazza

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I was experiencing lower back pain and after my primary care doctor ordered an x-ray which showed slightly compressed discs she then ordered an MRI to look for ruptured disc and that is when the lesions were found on my sacrum and iliac bones. After further testing and imaging through the VA hospital I was finally referred to a Multiple myeloma specialist who confirmed the disease and got me started on chemotherapy with a four drug combination (DRVD). I went through four cycles and got good results (stringent complete response) before I then did the bone marrow/stem cell transplant procedure. I had some anxiety about that but got through it with minimal side effects and good results. I attended a Health Tree mm round table in Miami and found it very educational and comforting. I have also sought out other support groups and wish that I had been referred to something like that earlier in my diagnosis process. I am living well now with maintenance therapy and happy to report that I am at MRD negative. Before my chemotherapy stared at the Moffitt Cancer Center I underwent radiation therapy for three weeks at the Tampa VA Hospital which helped to shrink the tumor and alleviate some pain. I am an Army Veteran who served multiple combat tours in Iraq. I am a retired Combat Engineer Officer.