Eric Wolf

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

Initially, I attributed my pain and fatigue to the cumulative effects of 28 years of exercise, field work, and combat tours as a U.S. Marine. Yet, as my symptoms grew worse–debilitating back pain, a bout of pneumonia, and severe flu-like symptoms–my tough-it-out attitude gave way. An emergency room x-ray showed a collapsed T-12 vertebra. I'd been working a diplomatic assignment at the US Embassy in Mexico City. I was immediately medevaced to the Naval Hospital in San Diego. It was there, in February of 2012, at the age of 46, that I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I never returned to Mexico and my life changed forever! After successful surgery to stabilize my spine, followed by months of physical rehabilitation, it was time to tackle multiple myeloma. Fortunately, I had a good healthcare team and they recommended the standard approach at the time: autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) followed by consolidation therapy. I struggled over the course of the next six years to keep my disease in check. I was on and off nearly every combination of proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory (IMiD) drug; multiple lines of therapy. Even two clinical trials. By mid 2018 I was very sick. Three times a week, I was in the cancer center, often receiving blood or plasma to keep me alive. Fortunately, I was seeing a myeloma specialist and going to a research hospital. We decided that the best approach was another transplant even though my first one never put me into remission. Using stem cells collected back in 2012, I went in for a second ASCT in Nov 2018. I am overjoyed to report that this treatment, with maintenance therapy including a monoclonal antibody, has kept driven me deeper and deeper into remission over time; at of June 2023, after 11 years, I'm Minimal Residual Disease Negative (MRD-)! In April of 2014, I retired from the Marines, and the following month my youngest son graduated from college. The month following his graduation, we started a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, from Maine to Georgia, about 2,200 miles. We hiked for five months. Who would have thought that as a myeloma survivor, I could through hike the AT!!? I don't have the strength and stamina to hike and backpack anymore, so I've taken up motorcycle touring and camping. And if I'm being honest, there are days when I struggle with identity: who am I now that I'm not the active, fit, Marine anymore? My wife and I have been married for 38 years and have four adult children and one grandchild, a seven year-old girl. My passion though, is peer mentoring myeloma patients; praying with them, sharing my experiences, and helping them navigate cancer. I have been blessed with great support over the years from my church, my family, my healthcare team, and my myeloma support group. I just hope to give a little back. This disease is tough, and riddled with decision points. There are no clear answers but what we do know is that we can live long and full lives. Myeloma does not define who we are!

Lisa Hatfield

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Radiation, surgery, chemo. In that order. It was decided while we sat in a sterile room at MD Anderson with my radiation oncologist who was speaking with my neurosurgeon, while both examined the images of my spine. Damaged by myeloma. A blood cancer. I was numb. A plasmacytoma was asserting itself and growing dangerously close to my spinal cord. The debate: radiation first vs surgery first. Chemo wasn’t even on the table. My spine had to be stabilized. I wanted to talk about the cancer and all the other lesions and malignant cells in my bone marrow. But that would have to wait. That was May of 2018. We left our daughters with family, on Mother’s Day. MD Anderson asked us to commit to being there a week. We were there a month. I returned home with a walker, a lot of pain, some fear, and a chemo cocktail recipe written by my medical oncologist (who I was finally able to meet). My chemo was administered in my hometown. Kyprolis, Revlimid, and dex. Kyprolis was not approved at that time for first-line therapy, but my myeloma specialist at MDA was able to get approval for me to receive it at my local cancer center. 6 months of KRd followed, while still recovering from major spine surgery. With a short break from KRD, I had stem cells harvested. And frozen. I opted to delay autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), as I was still recovering from surgery and did not want to be away from our kids for another extended period. Revlimid was not my friend. Following the 6 months of KRD, I continued Revlimid maintenance for 4 years until the cumulative effects altered by quality of life. (Still dealing with those, even after discontinuing Rev almost two years ago). Most recent Clonoseq bone marrow biopsy showed 572 cells per million (my daughters’ birthdays and my anniversary date used to be the most important numbers to me… this “572” has crept a little too close to the space of those important numbers…I guess that’s how myeloma is). All of my decisions have been made with the two myeloma specialists I see on a regular basis. I am a HUGE advocate for expert opinions with myeloma. And… I believe that myeloma specialists are extraordinary people (mine are incredible human beings). I love good coffee, good chocolate, good books, good conversations, and good, genuine connections. I believe that connecting with others is a critical piece in our myeloma journey and enhancing our quality of life. Not every day will be good, but every day can have hope. I hope I can be a soft but strong support for others and a giver of hope.

Susana Vivares

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I was diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma in 2019. After much reading and research, I decided to go for ASCT on 10/2022; all went well. Currently, I am under maintenance with Pomalyst low dose. I continue to educate myself about everything concerning MM. It is an endless task, but one I embrace with optimism because of all the medical progress in treating MM.