Susan Kissinger

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

My primary care physician referred me to hematology oncology based on results from routine blood work. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in February 2024 at age 71. I was experiencing some fatigue from anemia at the time of diagnosis but was cleared to travel for a dance holiday in Cuba. The day before I was to travel, I entered the hospital with bacterial meningitis of unknown source. I initially declined stem cell transplant (SCT), however, my body’s response to the standard of care (SOC) first line drug therapy was not satisfactory. In December, 2024, I agreed to SCT. Post SCT I had measurable residual disease (MRD), and was therefore, eligible to participate in a 3-year clinical trial (CT) involving Elrexfio (elranatamab), a bi-specific drug. In October, 2025, the first 6-month milestone in the CT, I had zero measurable disease (MRD negative) as determined using a newer bone marrow biopsy testing technology, ClonoSeq. I choose to be in loving relationship with MM rather than at war with part of myself. I am retired and live with a general sense of well-being. My husband of 50 years is my primary support person. Our daughter, her dog, and new husband are sources of joy. MM keeps me focused on healthy life-style. I complement drug-based cancer treatment with alternative therapies (Feldenkrais, acupuncture and Sacral Occipital Therapy (SOT) based chiropractic). I regularly meditate, rest, exercise, and cook locally sourced organic or regeneratively farmed meats, eggs and plant-based foods. Wearing a mask, I sing with a community gospel choir and take ballroom dance lessons. As a coach, I’d like to be a calm and reassuring resource to others working through the challenges and uncertainties of living well with myeloma.

Randi Schwartz

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

Hi! I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at age 47 and had an autologous SCT in August of 2016. This summer, I will be celebrating my 5 year “new” birthday -a wonderful milestone! To date, my myeloma presents free of high risk genetic markers; however, it is accompanied by the complication of light chain deposition disease which compromises kidney function. As someone who loves the outdoors & endurance sports (running, biking, hiking, triathlon) dealing with kidney issues has been a tricky piece of my puzzle while I’ve worked to re-gain parts of my pre-myeloma life. Tricky as it may be, with the support of a good team of medical professionals, family, friends, and myeloma community paired with properly educating and advocating for myself, I have been incredibly fortunate to return to many of the things I love while managing this disease. For me, the power of mindset has played a huge role in living a vibrant life while co-existing with an incurable blood cancer. As a practitioner & coach of mind body medicine (and yoga instructor) I have personally experienced how powerful our daily practices and lifestyle can be in optimizing our sense of well-being and inner peace-especially while facing the many challenges and uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis. I have had the honor of sharing these practices with many cancer patients and others dealing with adversity and have witnesses the life changing results of developing a tool box of healthy coping strategies within a “safe circle of support.” Going through a cancer diagnosis is, no doubt, scary and can feel very lonely. My hope is to help any Myeloma patient I can through their journey; emotionally, physically, spiritually and in any way I can to help empower him or her through the process. Whether they want to laugh, cry, ask questions or compare notes, I want to support myeloma patients in navigating their needs and to never feel alone in doing so.

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!!