Kirk Lawson

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi friend! I am a 66 year old (new retiree) who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at age 63 through an annual physical. I am grateful for each day and try to approach life with an attitude of continuous learning and awe. Life is challenging! And, I believe the secret of a full life is trying to navigate all challenges as best as we can - and with an overall sense of optimism. I am grateful to HealthTree.org, an extraordinary organization making such a difference in the advancement of treatments and care of multiple myeloma. Having worked in healthcare for 35 years, I have seen few organizations make such a difference in finding effective treatments - with the endpoint a cure - for any disease. I am also honored to coach and offering you the same critical support that i received from several coaches back in 2022 when i was diagnosed. Here’s a bit more about my story. Caught quite early, and with no symptoms, I started quadruple induction therapy Spring 2022. I had an autologous stem cell transplant in September 2022 and started maintenance therapy in December 2022. Now 2 years post-transplant, I feel great – have as much energy and stamina as I have had in the past several years. On the spectrum of possible outcomes from a transplant, I have a relatively uncomplicated experience. I believe I owe the success of my journey to great care as well as an amazing support team including my family, friends and co-workers. My partner of 38 years and I divide our time between New York City and upstate New York and we are grateful for the lives we have built together. I hope to be able to share my experiences to benefit other patients with Multiple Myeloma, as well as their family members. My experience working in healthcare for the past 30 plus years has given me a great background to navigate our complex healthcare system as a patient. And recently I was certified in Coaching so I am eager to share what I can and help you navigate your unique journey with a compassionate perspective. I am grateful to be able to be here for you to help you on your journey, without judgement , and with an open mind, open heart and to actively listen and support you.

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 what I've read about high risk MM. I can talk about the importance of managing your bone strengthener properly and what happens if your doctor forget a dose. 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 read alot about new CAR T therapies and related clinical trials for my work. Please write me! 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.

Corey Clayton

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

I'm a very active PE/Health teacher who felt blindsided by an MM diagnosis at the age of 52. I was able to navigate diagnosis, induction therapy, a stem cell transplant, and consolidation therapy with the help of HealthTree. Currently, I have been in complete remission for a little over two years. I have been able to return to a completely fulfilling life. I love gardening, playing the drums in our school "teacher band", traveling the globe with my wife of 38 years, and spending time with our two adult children and our 5 wonderful grandchildren. My outlook is one of hope and determination. I use exercise, yoga, meditation, healthy eating, a positive attitude, and gratitude to power my successful journey. I feel my experiences might help someone who is recently diagnosed, afraid, and not sure what the future has to bring.