Marvella Compton

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hello My name is Marvella Compton. In November 2021, I started having shoulder and lower back pain. I was diagnosed by my PCP as having a pinched nerve. The pain became worse after 3 trips back and forth to the doctor under pain medicine, muscle relaxer, etc. A MRI was then ordered which revealed a herniated disc on my L3-L5. I completed 3 months of PT without any relief. The pain was excruciating in my lower left hip all the way down my left leg to my toes. I could barely walk. I then decided to go to the neuro surgeon who set me up for surgery immediately. On May 10, 2022, I had microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated disc. On May 17, 2022, I received a phone call from the surgeon himself and asked me to come in. He needed to speak with me. I said I just had back surgery I can barely move. I cannot make it. He then asked for permission to speak with me over the phone. I gave permission. He told me he did not like what he saw when he removed my herniated disc. He then sent it off to pathology to be worked up. Me being a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and the Administrative Officer over Pathology Laboratory Medicine Service at the Veteran Affairs Hospital, I realized what he was about to say was not good. We he told me that it came back as some form of rare blood cancer. After having a bone marrow biopsy, MRI, PET Scan, and a lot of blood work it was determined that I had Multiple Myeloma. I then started weekly induction chemotherapy in June of 2022 and lasted through December 2022. I was given Velcade, Darzalex (Daratummab), Dexamethasone, and Zometa. In December 2022, I was referred to UAMS Myeloma Center to see Dr. Van Rhee for a SCT (Stem Cell Transplant) workup. I had a SCT on March 17, 2023. I started weekly maintenance chemotherapy in July 2023. I had another bone marrow biopsy and Pet scan in March 2024. I was informed on March 19, 2024 that I am MRD (minimal residual disease) Negative. I was blessed to have a career that allowed me to still work during all of my treatments. I was allowed to work from home when I needed to. Being a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, I knew alot about my condition. It is different when you actually see what you learned in a textbook on yourself.

Susana Vivares

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I was diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma in 2019. After much reading and research, I decided to go for ASCT in 10/2022, all went well. Currently, I am under maintenance with Pomalyst low dose. I continue to educate myself about all concerning MM. It is an endless task, but one I embrace with optimism because of all the medical progress in treating MM.

Mark Bastian

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

My name is Mark, I am 65 years old. My husband Rodd & I live in San Miguel de Allende MX. In April 2022 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma by my doctor here in Mexico. Went through 4 months of treatment. In August of 2022, we traveled to Nashville TN to the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute to begin the process of Stem Cell Transplant. September 2nd I had my transplant. We stayed in Nashville to the beginning of October. We then traveled back to San Miguel. I am happy to report my transplant was a success. I am cancer cell free & myeloma free. Back at the gym, back to cooking & baking that I love so much. My background is in the baking industry. My life today is better than I could have imagined a year ago. Yes, I am a bit slower, do experience some back issues but it's nothing compared to where I was. I am so grateful for today. My husband Rodd just came back from a 6 week, 7,635 mile tour of the US. We called it "Remission Tour 2023". We visited family, my children & our grandsons. It was truly wonderful and beat expectation. Plus, I felt great on this trip. We met with my doctors in Nashville as well for a follow up great lab results. Having Multiple Myeloma was not easy, some of the worst days in my life. I am so grateful for the great doctors, nurses who treated me, the love and support I received from friends & family, mostly from the care I received from my husband Rodd. Could not have walked through this without him. When I found out I had Multiple Myeloma I void I would remain positive as possible, take this serious, ask for help, keep a sense of humor. All this help me in so many ways.