Patient Panel: Preparing for a SCT: What do I need to bring/know?

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.

Laurie Cameron: Laurie is as a portfolio manager for a hedge fund and has managed money since 1998. She has been working in the financial industry since 1985.  She is passionate about empowering women to manage their careers and their finances.  Laurie lived in Switzerland for several years where she became fluent in French; she can speak with myeloma patients in either French or English.  Laurie loves to bring kindness and support to those diagnosed with Myeloma; she focuses on optimizing dietary, exercise and sleep habits to encourage healing. She makes sure that patients understand their specific diagnosis and treatment.  Laurie loves to walk, hike, swim and read. 

Harvey was diagnosed in May of 2021 when he discovered a tumor on my right femur. Shortly after surgery to remove the tumor he started treatment of 2 rounds of VDT- Pace, then on to 2 stem cell transplants. His FIsH test revealed he had 4/14 and chromosome 1q deletion 1p. On 2/17/22 he was considered in remission.  He was on maintenance through 2022 but his levels climbed in 23 so he switched to Darzalex Faspro. During his second round of treatment he developed a tumor on his jaw. He received his third stem cell transplant, but the tumor continued to grow. He started teclistamab in the fall of 2023. After a few weeks his jaw tumor was gone and his levels were considered at complete response. He has been amazed at his progress. While some of the treatment have been short lived the bi-specifics have shown great promise. He has been married to his wife Carol for 36 years, has two grown children and three grandchildren. He worked as a banker for 38 years, and retired as the Chief Operating Officer of TriStar Bank in December (though he continues to serve on the bank's board). His family enjoys spending time at their lake house where Harvey's hobbies are mostly related to lake life.

Laraine's diagnosis in June 2011 came after some significant, unintentional weight loss, and a visit to her Primary Care Physician. Her hematologist confirmed her PCP's suspicions of a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis. Her diagnosis drove her to learn everything she could about MM. She received her first line of RVD therapy in July 2011 followed by a SCT in November 2011. She was on maintenance therapy from June 2012-June 2016, when she relapsed. She has been on Daratumumab + Pomalyst + Dexamethasone since April 2017 and continues to have a very good response to her treatment. Laraine enjoys a "new normal" active lifestyle that includes: photography, golf, outdoor and indoor biking, swimming, walking as well as being active volunteering with her church and sorority. She serves as Treasurer for a non-profit organization involved in providing scholarships and mentoring to Cape Cod High School students attending the local community college and also Treasurer of the ladies 9 hole golf league. In her own words: "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!