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. My email is HEALINGMYELOMA@GMAIL.com 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.

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 accepting resource to others working through the challenges and uncertainties of living well with myeloma.

Ryan Bleich

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I was diagnosed in October of 2023 after a bout of Pneumonia followed by a broken arm from slipping when I was getting on an exercise bike. I've always been a health conscious person, so this was a shock to me. Because of certain cytogenetic abnormalities I am considered a High-Risk patient which means they watch me more carefully. After successful induction therapy followed by a autologous stem-cell, I am MRD negative and living my normal life which includes my two young children aged 5 and 6. I go to MSK in NYC and Long Island where they have been absolutely amazing. I hope I can help other newly diagnosed patients move forward in their journey by providing as much experience and motivation as possible.