Jo Seel

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

I was diagnosed at age 30 in 2016 with active multiple myeloma (Trisomy 11, IGG Kappa) after I got some bloodwork done to examine an unrelated condition. Originally without any noticeable manifestation of MM this came as a complete shock, and I did develop bone pain soon thereafter. Being young we decided to throw everything at our disposal against this cancer: I transferred as soon as possible from a general HMO to a MM specialist (UCSF in San Francisco) and started aggressive therapy (ASCT and 20 cycles of KRD). The road was hard at times with several ER visits and a pulmonary embolism, but I got down to near MRD- status ("cancer free" as assessed by Clonoseq). Starting in 2021 my numbers have climbed again (MRD ~200 per million) and after several conversations with MM specialists around the country I decided to intervene early by adding Dara to my maintenance regimen. After 6 cycles of Dara-Rev I am now MRD-, for the first time since my diagnosis 7 years ago! Originally I thought getting MM would mean a much abridged life expectancy - now I feel more optimistic. I have since become a father of a wonderful son and a second one who is about to be born. I have tried to live more mindfully with better work/life balance, and try to realize dreams sooner rather than later. Seeing the progress in treatment development gives me hope to still have a long road ahead of me.

Eric Moore

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

I am 55 years old residing in Burlington, NC. I have been married to my beautiful wife for 33 years, and we have two wonderful boys who are now adults. I have been active for many years with circuit training, spin classes, and recently pickleball. I was diagnosed with smoldering MM (no symptoms) in 2018 and went to stage 1 in 2021. Since joining HealthTree and connecting to other coaches, I have had induction therapy and an autologous stem cell transplant (Sept 2021). I have been in CR since and on Revlimid maintenance. Finding and connecting to HealthTree coaches that went through similar experiences was a huge benefit to me when I was going through treatment and the SCT process. I look forward to helping others in the same way.

Basil Piazza

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I was experiencing lower back pain and after my primary care doctor ordered an x-ray which showed slightly compressed discs she then ordered an MRI to look for ruptured disc and that is when the lesions were found on my sacrum and iliac bones. After further testing and imaging through the VA hospital I was finally referred to a Multiple myeloma specialist who confirmed the disease and got me started on chemotherapy with a four drug combination (DRVD). I went through four cycles and got good results (stringent complete response) before I then did the bone marrow/stem cell transplant procedure. I had some anxiety about that but got through it with minimal side effects and good results. I attended a Health Tree mm round table in Miami and found it very educational and comforting. I have also sought out other support groups and wish that I had been referred to something like that earlier in my diagnosis process. I am living well now with maintenance therapy and happy to report that I am at MRD negative. Before my chemotherapy stared at the Moffitt Cancer Center I underwent radiation therapy for three weeks at the Tampa VA Hospital which helped to shrink the tumor and alleviate some pain. I am an Army Veteran who served multiple combat tours in Iraq. I am a retired Combat Engineer Officer.