Robert Hairston

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

My primary doctor, Dr. Raymond Brewer, was concerned about the results of urine analysis completed during a routine yearly examination.; specifically the creatinine level. Thus he referred me to a nephrologist, Dr. Soni, who then referred me to an oncologist. After being diagnosed in December of 2019, I have undergone a stem cell transplant under the care of Dr. Todd Bauer, Oncologist and Dr. jesus Berdeja, Stem Cell Transplant Leader. The stem cell transplant occurred in March of 2021, after delays of 1) bed availability due to COVID, and 2) an unexpected emergency surgery for spinal disk repair and follow-up physical therapy. My initial treatment was velcade, revlimid and dexamethasone. However, due to the adverse effects this had on me, I was switched to Darselex and dexamethasone. At this point, I am in complete remission. In addition to the aforementioned physicians, I Thank God and my wife Pat, my Caregiver, for bringing me through this phase of my life.

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.

David Barton

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I am a happily married and recently retired from working for 35 years in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. I like nothing better than to walk our Jack Russell Terrier with my wife along the river where we live in Wisconsin. Everything was going great until the MGUS from 2020 turned into full-blown myeloma in early 2021. I was lucky and was able to participate in a clinical trial at our local university where we will help figure out the differences and similarities of a 4 drug cocktail with a 3 drug cocktail. The trial is ongoing. Over the past year and a half a number of my friends have been diagnosed with a varieties of cancers. For those who are interested, I have done my best to be there for them, both to comfort them and to try to make their cancers more understandable to them.