“I was in rough shape when I was diagnosed with myeloma in 2012,” recalls Jennifer Littke, “I was in the hospital with multiple back and rib fractures.  I can still remember leaving the hospital a week later using a walker and wearing a clamshell brace to stabilize my upper body!”

She’s come a long way since then.  “I remember my doctor [Jacob Laubach from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute] saying we would aim for a home run.”  Ten years later, she’s hoping to hit a grand slam.  Bostonians seem to like baseball analogies.

“I’m interested in learning more about Mount Sinai Hospital’s research into 1q gain, therapies for newly diagnosed myeloma, wellness options, and COVID 19 updates.”

After Revlimid/Velcade/dex (RVd) and an autologous stem cell transplant, Jennifer has also had an allogeneic transplant. 

“For the past three years, I’ve been on a Velcade-daratumumab combination and I feel like it’s a real game-changer."

Following her various myeloma experiences and treatment, she’s found that “it’s key to stay focused on the positive aspects of life” and, surprisingly, “I’ve met some remarkable people along the way.”  You will likely say the same about her after you get to know her better in the coming weeks.

Watch for Daily Updates from the Myeloma Coach ASH Team

By Jenn Littke

Team planning sessions have ended and the largest meeting of researchers and clinicians in the world of blood cancers is almost here.  I am excited and fortunate to gather with five Myeloma Coaches at this year’s American Society of Hematology (ASH) 63rd Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

The Myeloma Coach ASH team will be attending scientific and educational sessions on a wide range of topics presented by top myeloma experts. Conference highlights will be shared worldwide through the Myeloma Crowd website and various social media platforms. The Coach ASH team has been meeting to plan and prepare for this event for weeks.

I’ve been a Myeloma Coach with HealthTree Foundation since 2018. This is my first time participating in a medical education conference of this size. What’s most astonishing about ASH is the vast amount of information presented within the span of a few days. The number of abstracts relating to multiple myeloma is over 700!

To manage the abundance of data and cover the most relevant topics, myeloma coaches will concentrate on the following areas of interest:

• Antibody-based therapy in multiple myeloma
• The use of minimal residual disease as a prognostic tool
• Understanding progression in MGUS and SMM
• CAR-T vs. bispecifics, how and why to choose
• Overcoming barriers to equitable care for myeloma patients
• Treatment options for newly diagnosed as well as first/early relapsed patients

Team members will share daily articles in a patient-friendly format to keep both patients and caregivers connected with the latest developments in myeloma.  Stay tuned to Myeloma Crowd by HealthTree for updates on the hottest topics in myeloma!