Steve DeVinney

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Dismissing my fatigue and bone pain in 2021 as normal for an overworked 53 year old guy, I put off seeing a doctor until my coworkers cornered me and forced me to go to the ER. My kidneys were failing and I went off a cliff as soon as I was admitted to the hospital. They assigned a nephrologist. He wanted to treat the kidney injury first. Fortunately a family friend who is a hem-onc got me switched to Winship at Emory and enrolled in a clinical trial for patients with acute kidney injury. I went though 4 cycles of Dara-RVd, then a pause for kyphoplasty of my S1 vertebra, then Auto SCT in November 2021. I’ve been in remission since. Although Revlimid restricts my exercise intensity, I’ve been able to resume almost the same exercise regimen as before. I’ve been fortunate to be able to work throughout (except for a couple weeks at the beginning and during SCT).

Barbara Mower

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

My husband, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed in 2016. We had recently moved across country, so we knew no one. We live in a relatively rural area and have been treated by a local oncologist and a specialist at a cancer hospital 8 hours away. He underwent a stem cell transplant in 2016. Fortunately, the month after my husband's diagnosis, I met another caregiver with the same doctor and insurance company. She was kind enough to chat with me about finances, stem cell transplants, and navigating treatment remotely. My husband and I both benefited from her knowledge sharing and have endeavored to do the same when we learn of local patients. Our journey continues as he just came out of remission in August 2022.

Laraine Jones

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I was diagnosed in June 2011. This diagnosis came after an inquiry by me with my primary care doctor about the fact that I noticed that I was losing weight. My weight loss was noticeably significant. Upon running a bunch of labs, my primary care doctor suspected that I might have MM because of the fact that I was very anemic and I had an elevated M-protein spike. My PCP referred me to a hematologist. Upon meeting with the hematologist, additional tests were done, including a bone marrow biopsy that resulted in a positive MM diagnosis. Of course I was initially in disbelieve of the diagnosis. I kept thinking to myself that perhaps the doctor made a mistake. But eventually I realized that there was noting for me to do but to accept my new reality. This began for me a journey to learn all that I could possibly learn about MM by reading the educational materials published by the MMRF, LLS and the IMF, as well as reading books written by my fellow MM warriors such as the late Pat Killingsworth. I also joined a number of Facebook MM Support groups. I began my first line of RVD therapy in July 2011. This was followed by a SCT in November 2011. Post my SCT, I began Revlimid maintenance in June 2012 and remained on this therapy until June 2016, when I relapsed due to a gradual uptick in my M-protein. I eventually began a new therapy which included Daratumumab + Pomalyst + Dexamethasone. I have been on this therapy since April 2017 and continue to have a very good response to my treatment. I now live a 'new normal' active life able to enjoy activities such as photography, golf, outdoor and indoor biking, swimming, walking as well as being active volunteering with my church and sorority. I have learned so much because of this journey and, needless to say, I now have a far greater appreciation for this thing called life!