Julia Grosch

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I feel my positive attitude is what has helped me through all of this. I would like to help you with your experience. Call and we'll chat. Here's when my story started... I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma may of 2021. I had no symptoms that I felt were associated with Multiple Myeloma. I am a very active person, walking daily along with other forms of daily work outs. I was out walking with a friend and felt a twinge in my foot. My diagnosis was a result of a broken bone in my right foot in December of 2020 and then another broken bone in my left foot February 2021. I saw an orthopaedic doctor. He sent me for extensive blood work as he wanted to make sure there was no underlying problem. The blood came back with concerns and then a diagnosis. What??? I'm healthy. I eat right. I exercise. Trying to wrap my head around this was a process. Multiple Myeloma? What's that? I wanted this gone as soon as possible! I began education and treatment June of 2021 under the care of an oncologist that worked with the University of Chicago. My initial treatment consisted of 4 cycles of Dara/velcade/Revlimid/ dexamethasone. I received my initial treatment at my local hospital which was very convenient. Weekly injections were helped by my husband taking me for a sweet treat afterwards. I had minor and manageable side effects. I continued to eat right and work out, staying active to beat this! My care then took place at the University of Chicago hospital under the care of Dr. Benjamin Derman. I did elect to have a stem cell transplant. October 22 of 2021 was my transplant date. I felt if that was the treatment to keep the disease away the longest, then I surely could go through whatever necessary to get there. What a journey that was. There's so much to that part of the story - too much to talk about here. Just ask me anything about that and I'll share it with you. My response to the transplant was a complete stringent response. It was great news for sure but the MRD (Minimal Residual Disease-this is a deeper test) came back with 323/million of those buggers left. How do I get rid of those buggers? I began a maintenance protocol. October 2022 marked one year post transplant. I feel great and very optimistic about my future. My test preformed January of this year 2023; MRD 5/million! Still working towards 0. I continue on a maintenance protocol of Acyclovir, Revlimid 21/7. As before, I have manageable and minimal side effects. I continue to work out daily and am feeling stronger every day. I maintain a busy life with work, travel and friends. Gardening is my passion and my happy place. I've taken up Pickle Ball and enjoy playing a couple times a week. I have 2 boys Michael 26 and Zachary 24. Mike (my husband) and I are retired from teaching. I do continue to work running estate sales. Together we have navigated and continue to navigate this journey. My family is of great support to us. I feel better than I did prior to not knowing I had Multiple Myeloma. I try to stay on top of new developments, and at the same time making sure it’s only part of my life story.

Dorian Soper

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

I was Dx in December of 2020 with Smoldering MM, borderline stage 1, (R-ISS.) IGG Lambda ,1Q,11:14 (15%.) Pet scan, bone survey neg; no renal involvement. Started 24 month clinical trial in Feb, 2021: Dara, Revlimid and Dex. Completed study in December, 2022. I had a partial response. Presently, I am not taking any MM meds and see my oncologist every month after blood screening. My labs are "stable." I always say that I am "flying under the radar" and am very grateful to be doing so. I am the eternal optimist and strongly believe that the cure for MM is right arounds the corner. Coaching allows me to steer patients towards a the wealth of information offered by Healthtree. Knowledge is the power for the cure. Thank you, Dorian Soper

Ana Rocha

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

Hello I'm a Portuguese woman. I'm 53 years old and I was diagnosed with myeloma (non-secretory) in July 2021. I went to the hospital with a lot of back pain and I couldn't move my right arm anymore and I could barely walk. As soon as I was diagnosed, I started doing the 1st chemotherapy on my birthday, 08/30/2021. I was hospitalized for 8 months. 3 of which I couldn't move and then I went to the long term care and started physical therapy and started walking. I've already had 2 autologous transplants and I'm currently in remission with suspected MRD+. In Portugal, MRD is not evaluated.