Laurie C

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I am a 59 year old female who was diagnosed with high risk [t(4,14)] IgG Lambda light chain Multiple Myeloma on Nov 1, 2021 after a tumor in my spine cracked my T4. I had 4 cycles of KRd, then an autologous stem cell transplant mid June 2022. I resumed treatment September '22: on Revlimid 10 mg daily and Velcade 2 x per month. I am just changing to Revlimid 5 mg + Velcade 2x monthly due to bad headaches and blurry vision. I also got shots of Xgeva once every 3 months for bone strength, this is now being changed to every month. I can talk to people about life hacks for a successful autologous stem cell transplant. I can talk about life after the transplant and the many dietary changes that I have made since being diagnosed. I walk about 4 miles a day and I read a lot. I read all of the Myeloma Research that I can find. I am still working. I would like to bring kindness and support to the lives of those diagnosed with Myeloma. WAYS I CAN BE HELPFUL: tips on having a great bone marrow transplant; how to prepare questions to discuss with your doctor, how to help yourself heal through diet, music, exercise, reading and love. Understanding blood test changes. I can support patients in English and in French. I can help Revlimid users find the financial support that the Bristol Myers Foundation provides. I AM NOT THE BEST RESOURCE FOR: discussing issues related to end of life, grief management, palliative care, prognosis, etc. I am not knowledgeable about anything related to insurance issues and or the health insurance appeal process. ellecee103@gmail.com healingmyeloma.blogspot.com Wishing peace and love to all.

Mark Bastian

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

My name is Mark, I am 65 years old. My husband Rodd & I live in San Miguel de Allende MX. In April 2022 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma by my doctor here in Mexico. Went through 4 months of treatment. In August of 2022, we traveled to Nashville TN to the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute to begin the process of Stem Cell Transplant. September 2nd I had my transplant. We stayed in Nashville to the beginning of October. We then traveled back to San Miguel. I am happy to report my transplant was a success. I am cancer cell free & myeloma free. Back at the gym, back to cooking & baking that I love so much. My background is in the baking industry. My life today is better than I could have imagined a year ago. Yes, I am a bit slower, do experience some back issues but it's nothing compared to where I was. I am so grateful for today. My husband Rodd just came back from a 6 week, 7,635 mile tour of the US. We called it "Remission Tour 2023". We visited family, my children & our grandsons. It was truly wonderful and beat expectation. Plus, I felt great on this trip. We met with my doctors in Nashville as well for a follow up great lab results. Having Multiple Myeloma was not easy, some of the worst days in my life. I am so grateful for the great doctors, nurses who treated me, the love and support I received from friends & family, mostly from the care I received from my husband Rodd. Could not have walked through this without him. When I found out I had Multiple Myeloma I void I would remain positive as possible, take this serious, ask for help, keep a sense of humor. All this help me in so many ways.

Tad Chance

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

Tad was diagnosed with Stage 2 IgG Kappa Multiple Myeloma in August 2021 at the age of 47. Tad underwent 3 1/2 rounds of induction therapy (cut short by Velcade induced neuropathy) and a Stem Cell Transplant in December 2021. Maci dove head first into the role of caregiver, educating herself, organizing medical records, and acted as an advocate for Tad's care. In March of 2022 Tad achieved Very Good Partial Response to his treatment. In April of 2022, in addition to starting 10mg of Revlimid daily, Tad was enrolled in a clinical trial to test the efficacy of Daratumumab as maintenance therapy and receives shots monthly. In September of 2022 he reached Complete Response (just a few days before our wedding!), in July of 2023 achieved MRD-, and he continues his maintenance treatments to this day. Between us we have 5 children ages ranging from 17 to 22. We maintain a grounded approach to supporting them through the diagnosis and treatment. We continue to learn and grow as we adjust to life with Multiple Myeloma (or as we like to say, Myeloma adjusts to life with us!) and have chosen to take this journey with informed optimism. We have faced hard things, we will continue to face them, but we intend to find gratitude and celebrate every day. We would love to support others on their journey with Multiple Myeloma.