Derek Johnson

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I was diagnosed in 2019 at 34 years old, on my grandmother’s birthday. Though, symptoms were compounding for over 9 months. I had some cough and congestion that held-on for 1 1/2 months. Then I had extreme eczema on my hands which made it apparent my immune system was starting to go haywire. Finally, leading-up to diagnosis was extreme back pain and 1/2 hour long back spasms. Hindsight is 20/20. Obviously, I shouldn’t have gone 10 years without a blood test. With that in-mind, perhaps my Myeloma could have been caught sooner instead of 90% Myeloma concentration found at the ER with a subsequent 2 1/2 week hospital stay due to uncontrollable pain. Now, I advocate for anyone with odd symptoms to schedule a blood test as it could save their life! Though, it’s funny looking-back as my pup had regular blood tests… we’re educated that’s the best way to catch major health issues for our furry friends, right? My introduction to Myeloma and cancer was not gentle. I was kicked-into the fire pit. But thanks to close family support, my pup, and fortunately an A+ oncology team I’ve made it out the other side. As I was getting past the emergency phase and into the maintenance phase there were some real shockers. I learned that I was outside the normal age-range for this cancer. I learned nearly 6months after diagnosis that there is no cure. Thus, I’d be on cancer meds for the rest of my life. Finally, why would I need a stem cell transplant? I had a successful stem cell transplant experience in July of 2020. I’ll admit it was a rough ride, but the hospital food was beyond excellent and made it that much better. Having Cancer sucks. There’s no other way to put it. No one wants to receive news they or a loved one has cancer. Though, thanks to modern medicine, Multiple Myeloma can for the most part be kept under control and maintained. Sure, there may be some physical limitations due to cancerous effects on the body and/or side effects from medications. But thanks to new cancer medications, one can still live a life worth living with some alterations. Don’t allow this cancer to get the best of you…

Tracy Kummer

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I was diagnosed with IgA Kappa MM November 2018 at age 48 after a rib fracture, fatigue and shortness of breath that became evident during my normal exercise routines. I was floored! I was an otherwise healthy, active mom of 4 late teen/early 20 year old kids, teaching yoga and working as a physical therapist. My whole life, my families' whole life changed. My history with myeloma includes an ASCT 4/2019 and treatment consisting of Revlamid, velcade and dexamethasone. My husband and I became vegan and I continued working part time, really focusing on my health. I achieved MRD- status that only lasted 15 mo and therefore my disease was classified as “high risk”. At this time My specialist recommended a clinical trial, hoping I would get the CART arm, but alas, I was placed into the second arm of the trial which was DaraPomdex. Since my disease had quickly gotten out of control, I realized I needed to ramp up my commitment to my health and I removed alcohol from my regime (which I really needed to do anyway) and reducing stress. I “retired” from PT, became a life coach and my hubby and I started traveling. Fortunately, I have almost 5 years of complete remission. I am looking to coach others not only to share what I've learned, but to also give the support only connection from someone who is going through this will know. Lucky for me I had an extremely supportive husband, but I still felt like I was missing the support of people in my situation. For me, FaceBook and support groups didn't cut it. I wanted to have a verbal conversation with someone my age and closer to my situation. As luck would have it, I have met a wonderful friend with MM, as well as a few others and we are able to support each other. I realized that this is the gift I want to share, being able to help others negotiate this new chapter of life and to feel supported during this sometimes scary journey. It's truly better together.

Adam Plescia

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in October 2021 at age 48. It was found through routine (annual physical) blood tests. I wasn't experiencing symptoms and at the same time was in the best physical shape in my life. It was a profound shock to learn I had cancer, and given the relative rarity and complexity of myeloma, it was especially hard to make sense of the new reality. I was fortunate to have knowledgeable friends who insisted I seek treatment in a major academic cancer center and find a myeloma specialist, which I did. I am grateful to the many people who have supported me in every way (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). I am eager to share my knowledge and experience of this disease with others dealing with myeloma in any way possible. I completed the induction treatment, VRD, then a Stem Cell Transplant in April of 2022. I am currently on Revlemid + Daratumabab maintenance. I've been in a remission since the transplant. Of course I wanted a complete remission and to be MRD negative, but this is not how things have gone. I am happy that the genetic testing results say that I am not high risk and likewise I'm pleased that the disease has remained stable and at a very low level. I continue to work full time and I am very active. My wife Sara and I ski and kiteboard as much as possible. Even a little bit of surfing when it's not windy! She has been by support and caregiver though all this. We do not have kids except the furry kind (a standard poodle). Feel free to contact me in whatever way you prefer: phone, email or text. If I don't answer immediately, I will get back to you as soon as possible (within 24 for sure!).