Jessie Daw

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I was diagnosed with smoldering myeloma in late 2016, after a few years of having increasing severe respiratory infections every 2-3 months. I live in South Dakota, and see a local onc/hem doctor quarterly, with one of those quarterly visits replaced by a trip to Mayo Rochester to see a specialist. I considered some clinical trials early on in my diagnosis, but haven't entered one. My numbers have remained pretty stable since diagnosis. Recently, I went through full work-up for amyloidosis, and that was negative :-). I changed some things in my life in the year after diagnosis, including leaving my job and focusing on quality of life issues. In that respect, this diagnosis has been a blessing. Of course, I'd rather not have the diagnosis, but it spurred some changes that I don't think I would have made otherwise, and I feel like my life is richer because of those changes. I have become involved in patient advocacy, as I started South Dakota's first myeloma support group. I also have participated in an MMRF Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma event, and I really enjoy serving as a Myeloma Coach. I value the time I get to connect with others who have myeloma. We all have our challenges, and connecting with others around those challenges, as well as the good things in our lives, is really meaningful.

Jasson Osborn

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

I was diagnosed with MM at 41 yrs old after suffering a severe spinal fracture. Here i was a healthy, active, working mom of two teenage boys, and wife ... then boom! A biopsy was taken during my spinal fusion surgery and thats how I found out. I started treatment immediately and had my SCT 5/3/21. I handled everything very well and I am grateful for that! I believe my health, age and mindset were huge contributors to my success. My hope is that I can share and encourage others in my age bracket and just from a positive lens.

Marvella Compton

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hello My name is Marvella Compton. In November 2021, I started having shoulder and lower back pain. I was diagnosed by my PCP as having a pinched nerve. The pain became worse after 3 trips back and forth to the doctor under pain medicine, muscle relaxer, etc. A MRI was then ordered which revealed a herniated disc on my L3-L5. I completed 3 months of PT without any relief. The pain was excruciating in my lower left hip all the way down my left leg to my toes. I could barely walk. I then decided to go to the neuro surgeon who set me up for surgery immediately. On May 10, 2022, I had microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated disc. On May 17, 2022, I received a phone call from the surgeon himself and asked me to come in. He needed to speak with me. I said I just had back surgery I can barely move. I cannot make it. He then asked for permission to speak with me over the phone. I gave permission. He told me he did not like what he saw when he removed my herniated disc. He then sent it off to pathology to be worked up. Me being a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and the Administrative Officer over Pathology Laboratory Medicine Service at the Veteran Affairs Hospital, I realized what he was about to say was not good. We he told me that it came back as some form of rare blood cancer. After having a bone marrow biopsy, MRI, PET Scan, and a lot of blood work it was determined that I had Multiple Myeloma. I then started weekly induction chemotherapy in June of 2022 and lasted through December 2022. I was given Velcade, Darzalex (Daratummab), Dexamethasone, and Zometa. In December 2022, I was referred to UAMS Myeloma Center to see Dr. Van Rhee for a SCT (Stem Cell Transplant) workup. I had a SCT on March 17, 2023. I started weekly maintenance chemotherapy in July 2023. I had another bone marrow biopsy and Pet scan in March 2024. I was informed on March 19, 2024 that I am MRD (minimal residual disease) Negative. I was blessed to have a career that allowed me to still work during all of my treatments. I was allowed to work from home when I needed to. Being a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, I knew alot about my condition. It is different when you actually see what you learned in a textbook on yourself.