Bonnie Falbo

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I have been my 75 year old husband's patient advocate and caregiver since we started this journey in 2008 when he was diagnosed with MGUS. In 2016 he progressed to high-risk smoldering and then active myeloma in 2018. In June 2019 he had an autologous stem cell transplant followed by lenalidomide maintenance and he also participation in a Vaccine Trial. After a very slow biochemical progression he started DPd in May 2023. We are now planning ahead for CARVYKTI with the next relapse. Throughout the years I use the skills I have learned as a Physician Assistant, Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer to be his advocate, educator, caregiver and skilled listener. With my medical background I know how to prepare for doctor appointments to make the most of your precious time with your doctor. I can help you succinctly present your whole health/personal lifestyle picture and organize your questions in a way that will engage your doctor and stimulate discussion. My medical training enables me to review labs and reports with you and help you learn what information is important to track. I can also help you sort through differing medical opinions to develop an approach this is right for you. In addition, I can help with research on Medicare Part D. I have a passion for educating and coaching people and I feel privileged to partner with myeloma patients and other caregivers. I understand how complex and confusing this disease is and know that sometimes despite the best intentions of friends and family it is helpful to talk to someone who "gets" myeloma. I especially want to offer you compassionate listening and an opportunity to have a time and space that's private and just for YOU. We live with our furry kids, Yukon the dog and Peakahn, the cat. I'm a native New Yorker and former WDC resident, who now enjoys the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

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…

Sharon Hefetz

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi, I’m Sharon Hefetz. In August 2023, I was diagnosed with Kappa light chain Multiple Myeloma, with four abnormalities in my FISH test—three of which were high-risk. At the time, 95% of my bone marrow was affected. Instead of pursuing a stem cell transplant after four DKRD cycles, I completed six cycles, then collected and froze my stem cells for future use. Fortunately, I reached MRD-5 after the six cycles, and my doctors agreed on a maintenance regimen that includes quad therapy once a month and KRD on day 15. Today, I’m still in remission—my blood counts are perfect, and my third bone marrow biopsy confirmed MRD-6. As a mindset coach, I’ve leaned heavily on positive thinking, intentional living, and holistic practices throughout my healing journey. Along with my vegan diet, which excludes processed foods, sugar, and flour, I’m constantly working on cultivating an environment of healing. If you have questions or would like to chat, feel free to reach out to me at mindset@sharonhefetzcoach.com. I know how tough these decisions can be, and I’m here to help.