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.

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!

Dorian Soper

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

I was Dx in December of 2020 with Smoldering MM, borderline stage 1, (R-ISS.) IGG Lambda ,1Q,11:14 (15%.) Pet scan, bone survey neg; no renal involvement. Started 24 month clinical trial in Feb, 2021: Dara, Revlimid and Dex. Completed study in December, 2022. I had a partial response. Presently, I am not taking any MM meds and see my oncologist every month after blood screening. My labs are "stable." I always say that I am "flying under the radar" and am very grateful to be doing so. I am the eternal optimist and strongly believe that the cure for MM is right arounds the corner. Coaching allows me to steer patients towards a the wealth of information offered by Healthtree. Knowledge is the power for the cure. Thank you, Dorian Soper