Steven Henderson

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I was very busy in a rewarding commercial photography career, when, in 2013, I was diagnosed with MM, something I had never heard of, and certainly never considered. That year became a blur as the specialists at MD Anderson in Houston escorted me through the complex, and sometimes tedious, process of controlling the cancer enough to perform a successful autologous stem cell transplant. After transplant, I stayed engaged in work and remained active in exercise and a healthy diet. I really felt good, and remained positive about my future. Then, in April of 2021, I re-entered treatment in relapse. I was instantly amazed at the new and elegant treatments available for MM patients, giving way to a rewarding and comfortable life. Again, my cancer was brought under control, and today I see the bright blessing of a future where my wife and I can now consider the freedom of pursuing all we want to do, not have to do. As of 2024, I have had four instances of relapse, and have undergone a CAR-T clinical trial, and endured lesions in my ribs, and suffered a severe spinal fracture event. The CAR-T therapy has proven successful so far, and I am undergoing a lengthy and promising series of treatments to regain structural integrity in my vertebrae. It's been an amazing adventure that has brought me to this point, and I have no wishes that things were different. Never forget God's love for you, and remember also that faith replaces fear! I hope to hear from you!

Margo Holleran

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I was diagnosed with MM IgG Kappa on October 12th 2017 after 6 months of numerous sinus and bladder infections. A knowledgable nurse practitioner and radiologist took the time to understand my issues and infections. I followed their advice of a CT scan to rule out kidney stones and acquired additional blood work. My PCP ruled out multiple myeloma, had additional blood work suggested by the radiologist that viewed my scans. I went to see a hematologist-oncologist who suggested a 24 hour urine test and additional MM panel. Bloodwork came back, Mspike of 3.14, I had a bone marrow biopsy on September 29th, 2017. Two weeks later I was diagnosed with IgG Kappa MM. Started RVd right away, went into complete remission, although the Velcade gave me horrible neuropathy. I am being treated at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, second opinion Dana Farber. I still continued to work full time in medical device cardiac surgery sales and finally took off 3 months to become a patient and sought additional treatment for my neuropathy. Took one year off of treatment to give my neuropathy a rest, it came back with a vengeance. I went back on Revlimid and dexamethasone, neuropathy continued to get worse, switched to Pomalyst and Darzalex, went back into complete remission. Currently on maintenance Darzalex every 6 weeks as a monotherapy. COVID vaccines X5 I worked full time for 6 yrs. I was a sales Director for a Vascular & Cardiac Surgery. Now semi-retired except for my advocacy work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The International Myeloma Foundation, and HealthTree Foundation. Current Status: MRD negative I am now a Board Certified patient Advocate and have my certification in non profit management. I also have a certification in cannabis horticulture & business. I believe humor is the cure for all that ails. I started an irreverent cancer blog called www.cathychemo.org Please feel free to contact me at margoholleran@gmail.com

Lori Russell

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi, I was diagnosed with myeloma in 2018 at the age of 49. What a surprise! I have what? Melanoma? Mesothelioma? To be honest, it took me an 8 day hospital stay to fully understand that I had multiple myeloma and what that meant. I was a highly anemic 49 year old female with a bad back. My doctor was not looking for blood cancer. She ordered an x-ray of my spine so that she could refer me to an orthopedic specialist. The x-ray showed many lesions and a cluster of tumors. No wonder I was swearing like a sailor every time I tried to get out of bed. I could not tie my own shoes, brush my hair, or drive. After full body x-rays and blood work, treatments began immediately. Radiation on my back and leg. Turns out my left femur was almost decimated. I had no idea. I became the proud owner of a titanium rod, hip to knee. After 6 months of radiation and chemo, I underwent a successful autologus stem cell transplant. I just passed my 4 year transplant anniversary. I'm doing well on a maintenance drug. I work full time as an University Administrator, walk 2-3 miles a day, ride my bike, and have found a fondness for chair yoga. I am married with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. My family is a blessing. I am a faith filled person who never walks alone.