Linda Carvalho

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I’m 75 years old and was diagnosed after suffering a TGA (Transient Global Amnesia) attack 3/17/21. My blood work and CAT scan were abnormal, so a hematologist/oncologist insisted I come to his office for more tests the following week. My timeline: officially diagnosed 4/5/21; treatment began 4/22/21 (RVd + DaraFaspro+Xgeva); stem cell transplant 4/7/22 and maintenance therapy started 7/28/22 (Lenalidomide+DaraFaspro+Zometa). I have been progression-free for 2+ years, although not yet MRD- (23 cells/1,000,000) My myeloma specialist is at Mt. Sinai’s Myeloma Center for Excellence in NYC (where I had my transplant) and I receive my maintenance therapy from my local oncologist in Toms River, New Jersey. My husband, adult children, grandchildren, family and friends (and my dog!) provide ongoing love and support in a variety of ways. I read and listen to webinars and podcasts to educate myself on an ongoing basis, since the treatment options for myeloma continue to change and improve. I have learned to adapt to the side effects: fatigue, GI issues, neuropathy, sleep issues. I'm at the gym 5 days/week, lifting heavier weights than I did prior to diagnosis. In addition, I'm an avid reader, gardener and emergency babysitter for my grandchildren. I’m grateful I continue to respond to treatment and able to not let cancer define who I am.

Laurie C

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I am a 60 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 100 mg 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 and lifestyle that I have made since being diagnosed. 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 AM A FINANCIAL COACH FOR ALL BLOOD CANCER PATIENTS. 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. healingmyeloma@gmail.com IS MY EMAIL healingmyeloma.blogspot.com IS MY BLOG I love coaching, so please reach out. Wishing peace and love to all.

Donnie Houston

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

I was diagnosed with MM early this year. As you can imagine all kinds of thoughts entered my mind and the uncertainty of what life will be like for myself and my family. My healthcare team and I decided to take an aggressive approach using chem and three drug combinations. My journey like many who fight this devastating illness is filled with ups and downs goods days and challenging days. However, with prayer, help from my cancer team and support team I am 30 days post stem cell transplant my numbers are great and all I can say is thank you God!!