After her diagnosis in 2004, Vicki read everything she could get her hands on about myeloma, cancer, diet and alternative treatments.  “Since then” she says  “I’ve continued to try to be as knowledgable as possible and keep up with the wealth of information that’s become available.”

With more than 17 years and a veteran of treatments that include VAD, thalidomide, Velcade, a stem cell transplant, Revlimid, Kyprolis, Ninlaro, Darzalex and Blenrep, Vicki knows a thing or two about being a patient.

“You can do this!” she tells her patients.  “Every myeloma patient has to learn to cope with this beastly disease their own way. But I’ve found that having someone who’s been through it to talk to, compare notes with  and ask questions of, makes all the difference in the world.”  And that’s why she became a Myeloma Coach.

As ASH approaches, Vicki is most interested in learning about “the newest breakthroughs in myeloma.”  But beyond that, her interest in how the microbiome and microenvironment affect the survival of myeloma cells as well as how patients are dealing with some new drug side effects, are at the top of her list for reporting back to patients during ASH.

When she’s not dividing her year between Spokane, Washington and Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Vicki looks forward to events like ASH.  Her being there will lessen your work load as you try to keep up with the latest in myeloma treatment.