Alan Davis

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I have had myeloma for 11 years. I was diagnosed when I fractured my back requiring emergency surgery and spinal fusion. I have had 2 stem cells transplants that first year. I am currently on maintenance daratumumab, Revlimid, and dexamethasone. I also had osteonecrosis of the jaw from bisphosphonates. I worked as a physician (pediatric critical care) for 30 years. After this I was a research physician for a large healthcare company developing risk factors for a wide range of medical conditions, mostly adult diseases. I love to cook and bake especially sourdough and pizza. I love to spend time with my grandchildren. I recently retired. I have been a physician working with children and their parents and have experience talking and supporting patients and I would like to help you on your journey Please note I cannot provide medical advice.

Linda Carvalho

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I’m 77 years old and was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma after suffering a TGA (Transient Global Amnesia) attack 3/17/21. My blood work and CAT scan were abnormal, so a hematologist/oncologist insisted I come to his office for more tests the following week. My timeline: officially diagnosed 4/5/21; treatment began 4/22/21 (Revlimid, Velcade, Dex, DaraFaspro, and Xgeva); stem cell transplant 4/7/22 and maintenance therapy started 7/28/22 (Lenalidomide, Dara Faspro and Zometa). I relapsed 5/1/25 and my new therapy was Kyprolis, Lenalidomide, Dex, Dara Faspro and Xgeva. Three months later we discovered this combo wasn't working so Pomalyst was substituted for Lenalidomide. This combo did not drive my numbers down, so we have moved to CAR-T therapy. My myeloma and CAR-T specialists are at Mt. Sinai’s Myeloma Center for Excellence in NYC. My local oncologist in Toms River, New Jersey. My husband, adult children, grandchildren, family and friends (and my dog!) provide ongoing love and support in a variety of ways. I read and listen to webinars and podcasts to educate myself on an ongoing basis, since the treatment options for myeloma continue to change and improve. I have learned to adapt to the side effects: fatigue, GI issues, neuropathy, sleep issues. I'm at the gym 5 days/week, lifting heavier weights than I did prior to diagnosis. In addition, I'm an avid reader, gardener and emergency babysitter for my grandchildren. I’m grateful I am able to not let cancer define who I am.

Lisa Gray

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

Hello! I was diagnosed with myeloma in 2023, at the age of 56, after months of undiagnosed back and rib issues. I led a busy and active life working in senior fundraising roles for cancer nonprofits, traveling frequently, playing competitive tennis, and being happily married. Having worked with cancer patients and families for years in a non-medical role, being a patient has given me a new perspective and reinforced the importance of being an advocate to support my care. My cancer journey started with radiation (for lytic lesions) and induction treatment. After only a few months of treatment, I ended up in ICU in 2023 with a lung infection, respiratory failure, and sepsis. Once home and somewhat recovered, I restarted treatment and working full-time. By May 2024, I had only a small amount of myeloma detected and was considered in remission. Unfortunately, I had an early relapse within two months as I was considering ASCT. I harvested stem cells but decided to have CAR-T (Carvykti) which had recently been approved as 2nd line for relapsed or refractory MM. I felt that CAR-T was the best path for me at the time for many reasons (early relapse, clinical trial results, etc.), and I had my CAR-T infusion in Dec 2024. I started my 3rd line of treatment in Feb. 2026. As an advocate for cancer patients and their families and a multiple myeloma patient, I welcome the opportunity to help support others on their journey.