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!

Margo Holleran

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I was diagnosed with MM IgG Kappa on October 12th 2017 after 6 months of numerous sinus and bladder infections. A knowledgable nurse practitioner and radiologist took the time to understand my issues and infections. I followed their advice of a CT scan to rule out kidney stones and acquired additional blood work. My PCP ruled out multiple myeloma, had additional blood work suggested by the radiologist that viewed my scans. I went to see a hematologist-oncologist who suggested a 24 hour urine test and additional MM panel. Bloodwork came back, Mspike of 3.14, I had a bone marrow biopsy on September 29th, 2017. Two weeks later I was diagnosed with IgG Kappa MM. Started RVd right away, went into complete remission, although the Velcade gave me horrible neuropathy. I am being treated at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, second opinion Dana Farber. I still continued to work full time in medical device cardiac surgery sales and finally took off 3 months to become a patient and sought additional treatment for my neuropathy. Took one year off of treatment to give my neuropathy a rest, it came back with a vengeance. I went back on Revlimid and dexamethasone, neuropathy continued to get worse, switched to Pomalyst and Darzalex, went back into complete remission. Currently on maintenance Darzalex every 6 weeks as a monotherapy. COVID vaccines X5 I worked full time for 6 yrs. I was a sales Director for a Vascular & Cardiac Surgery. Now semi-retired except for my advocacy work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The International Myeloma Foundation, and HealthTree Foundation. Current Status: MRD negative I am now a Board Certified patient Advocate and have my certification in non profit management. I also have a certification in cannabis horticulture & business. I believe humor is the cure for all that ails. I started an irreverent cancer blog called www.cathychemo.org Please feel free to contact me at margoholleran@gmail.com

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.