Living Well with Myeloma: Insights from Long-Term Thrivers

Cynthia is a newborn ICU nurse by trade that has spent the last six years in the medical device industry educating nurses and doctors about devices that are new to their facility. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling the world with her family, and creating Halloween animatronics for her annual front yard display. She has a passion for life-long learning and enjoys sharing what she learns with the people around her.

Michele is 78 years old and has been a multiple myeloma survivor for 22 years, as well as a breast cancer survivor for 30 years. She was diagnosed with IgG Kappa myeloma in 2003 after her doctor noticed low hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Although the diagnosis came as a shock, Michele was given great hope by the myeloma specialists who guided her care. Since then, she has been incredibly blessed to live a normal, active, and joyful life, pausing only briefly for a stem cell transplant and CAR-T therapy. Over the years, Michele has received many treatments, including thalidomide, dexamethasone, Revlimid, Pomalyst, Darzalex, Elotuzumab, and Cytoxan. She underwent a stem cell transplant and later participated in a CAR-T clinical trial, which brought her into complete remission for the first time in 19 years, a remission that lasted about two and a half years. She is currently on Sarclisa and Venclexta. Michele attributes her ability to live well with myeloma to the unwavering support of her husband, family, and friends, staying active, maintaining a positive attitude, and benefiting from the many new treatments developed through research. She is the proud mother of four children, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of five. One of Michele’s goals at diagnosis was to live long enough to celebrate her grandchildren’s graduations and weddings, a goal she has joyfully achieved. Michele was fortunate to have been retired at the time of her diagnosis, which gave her time to attend to her disease. She enjoys playing golf, traveling extensively, playing bridge, attending cultural events, and embracing life to the fullest. As a HealthTree Coach, she offers support, encouragement, and hope to other myeloma patients, helping them see that it is possible to live well with myeloma.

Cindy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2014 after months of debilitating pain at the age of 48. She began treatment with a local oncologist and was quickly referred to a myeloma specialist who directed her care. Cindy initially received standard RVD therapy but transitioned to a more aggressive VTD-PACE regimen for three cycles to achieve a stronger pre-transplant response. In the spring of 2015, she underwent tandem auto-allo transplants at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Despite significant complications and a near-death experience, Cindy fought through and achieved remission in August 2015. Since then, her bone marrow has remained clear of myeloma, though she has experienced extra-medullary disease, first appearing in her jaw in 2017 and later in her arm and leg. She received radiation therapy for her jaw and arm and underwent surgical rod placement in her arm. Cindy later enrolled in a BiTE clinical trial at City of Hope and has been disease-free since March 2020. Cindy lives in Southern California with her husband. She has two adult children, three stepchildren, and four grandchildren. An avid walker and Pilates enthusiast, she enjoys cooking, traveling, interior design, and spending time with family and friends. Myeloma led her to leave her corporate career and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living.

Pauline was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 while undergoing tests for another health issue. In the ten years since her diagnosis, she has experienced three relapses, undergone two stem cell transplants, and enjoyed a three-year period that was treatment-free. Pauline is currently doing well and is extremely grateful for the progress made with new drugs and therapies, which have provided patients with many choices and renewed hope. Physical fitness has always been important to Pauline, and she believes staying active has helped her remain strong both mentally and physically throughout her myeloma journey. Her faith also plays a vital role in maintaining a positive outlook. Pauline considers HealthTree an invaluable resource for both newly diagnosed patients and those who wish to stay informed about the latest advances in treatment as they continue to “live with cancer” and work toward a cure. She finds great fulfillment in helping others navigate their questions and concerns following a new diagnosis. Now retired, Pauline and her husband enjoy spending time with their three children and five grandchildren. They love traveling with good friends and are focused on living each day to the fullest.