Ana Rocha

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

Hello I'm a Portuguese woman. I'm 53 years old and I was diagnosed with myeloma (non-secretory) in July 2021. I went to the hospital with a lot of back pain and I couldn't move my right arm anymore and I could barely walk. As soon as I was diagnosed, I started doing the 1st chemotherapy on my birthday, 08/30/2021. I was hospitalized for 8 months. 3 of which I couldn't move and then I went to the long term care and started physical therapy and started walking. I've already had 2 autologous transplants and I'm currently in remission with suspected MRD+. In Portugal, MRD is not evaluated.

Susan Kissinger

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

My primary care physician referred me to hematology oncology based on results from routine blood work. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in February 2024 at age 71. I was experiencing some fatigue from anemia at the time of diagnosis but was cleared to travel for a dance holiday in Cuba. The day before I was to travel, I entered the hospital with bacterial meningitis of unknown source. I initially declined stem cell transplant (SCT), however, my body’s response to the standard of care (SOC) first line drug therapy was not satisfactory. In December, 2024, I agreed to SCT. Post SCT I had measurable residual disease (MRD), and was therefore, eligible to participate in a 3-year clinical trial (CT) involving Elrexfio (elranatamab), a bi-specific drug. In October, 2025, the first 6-month milestone in the CT, I had zero measurable disease (MRD negative) as determined using a newer bone marrow biopsy testing technology, ClonoSeq. I choose to be in loving relationship with MM rather than at war with part of myself. I am retired and live with a general sense of well-being. My husband of 50 years is my primary support person. Our daughter, her dog, and new husband are sources of joy. MM keeps me focused on healthy life-style. I complement drug-based cancer treatment with alternative therapies (Feldenkrais, acupuncture and Sacral Occipital Therapy (SOT) based chiropractic). I regularly meditate, rest, exercise, and cook locally sourced organic or regeneratively farmed meats, eggs and plant-based foods. Wearing a mask, I sing with a community gospel choir and take ballroom dance lessons. As a coach, I’d like to be a calm and accepting resource to others working through the challenges and uncertainties of living well with myeloma.

Martha Commesse

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma High risk last year 2024. He is currently 75 years old and he is on remission after SCT We choose MD Anderson Hospital in Houston Texas for treatment. I learned with this experience that every decision we made was important to evaluate it carefully and that we also needed it to become our own Advocates I realized very soon that we were lacking something very important: “knowledgment about this desease” Through my life I have heard a phrase that makes sense now: “obtaining education it’s important, but more important it is, from whom you are getting it” Fortunately we found out about Health Tree Foundation. I will like to become a coach to help others go through this journey and to keep continually educating myself .