Randy Miller

chronic lymphocytic leukemia coach since 2020

In 2017 I wrapped up one of my best years as a competitive ultra marathon athlete with 11 races, one win and several podium places. At the age of 53, I was an elite runner in my age group and felt as healthy as a 20 year old. I felt pain in my mid back while training for the Boston Marathon in the Spring of 2018 and ultimately withdrew when I was diagnosed with a compression fracture of my T5. I switched jobs and started commuting to Houston from Los Angeles every week. My back pain only got worse throughout the year and I finally saw an orthopedic surgeon in November. Now I had fractures to my T11, T12, L4 as well as my T5 but more alarming was the Myeloma signal on the MRI. A week later I was diagnosed with IGG Kappa Multiple Myeloma with an M-spike of 2.3. I had Kyphoplasty on my T11 and T12 and started on VRD therapy. The Methodist Hospital in Houston missed the order to conduct a FISH test from a sample pre treatment. They tried multiple times to get marrow samples from my pelvis but the concentration of Myeloma cells wasn't high enough. As a result I don’t know my specific Myeloma genetic markers. Two months into treatment I decided to switch my treatment to MD Anderson in Houston under Dr. Weber. This was the best move I made during my treatment. Dr Weber switched me to KRD after my progress with VRD leveled off and scheduled me for an Autologous Stem Cell transplant. My induction treatment with VRD / KRD lasted six months. My SCT at MD Anderson went exceptionally well and I was discharged two weeks later to recover at a friends house. My health recovered quickly and my M-spike went from 0.6 post SCT to no measurable M-spike three months later. I still have an unmeasurable trace of BJ protineria that is stable. Dr Webber put me on daily Revlimid for maintenance. My back pain moderated immediately after SCT and I was able to do some slow jogging. Within two months I was running, albeit still slowly, and decided to train for the Houston marathon. I finished the marathon in 3:49 six months after SCT. My slowest marathon but easily one of my greatest achievements. In writing this one year later, I am still running and doing my best to lead a normal life. I still have some back pain from the deformity of the healed fractures but it is manageable. Several other hardships happened during my treatment. My mother of 81 passed away just before my SCT. My best friend died in a tragic mountain trail running accident that left me devastated. I was flying between LA and Houston every week during induction therapy then sold my house during my SCT. I had incredible support of my friends and kids (21 and 23) during this time. Without really knowing it, I developed coping skills for treatment and these events through my years of ultra marathon running. Sometimes when it seems that life can’t get any worse, you just have to put one foot in front of the other and have faith that it will work out ok.

Donnie Houston

chronic lymphocytic leukemia coach since 2024

I was diagnosed with MM early this year. As you can imagine all kinds of thoughts entered my mind and the uncertainty of what life will be like for myself and my family. My healthcare team and I decided to take an aggressive approach using chem and three drug combinations. My journey like many who fight this devastating illness is filled with ups and downs goods days and challenging days. However, with prayer, help from my cancer team and support team I am 30 days post stem cell transplant my numbers are great and all I can say is thank you God!!

Laraine Jones

chronic lymphocytic leukemia 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!