Margo Holleran

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I was diagnosed with MM IgG Kappa on October 12th 2017 after 6 months of numerous sinus and bladder infections. A knowledgable nurse practitioner and radiologist took the time to understand my issues and infections. I followed their advice of a CT scan to rule out kidney stones and acquired additional blood work. My PCP ruled out multiple myeloma, had additional blood work suggested by the radiologist that viewed my scans. I went to see a hematologist-oncologist who suggested a 24 hour urine test and additional MM panel. Bloodwork came back, Mspike of 3.14, I had a bone marrow biopsy on September 29th, 2017. Two weeks later I was diagnosed with IgG Kappa MM. Started RVd right away, went into complete remission, although the Velcade gave me horrible neuropathy. I am being treated at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, second opinion Dana Farber. I still continued to work full time in medical device cardiac surgery sales and finally took off 3 months to become a patient and sought additional treatment for my neuropathy. Took one year off of treatment to give my neuropathy a rest, it came back with a vengeance. I went back on Revlimid and dexamethasone, neuropathy continued to get worse, switched to Pomalyst and Darzalex, went back into complete remission. Currently on maintenance Darzalex every 6 weeks as a monotherapy. COVID vaccines X5 I worked full time for 6 yrs. I was a sales Director for a Vascular & Cardiac Surgery. Now semi-retired except for my advocacy work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The International Myeloma Foundation, and HealthTree Foundation. Current Status: MRD negative I am now a Board Certified patient Advocate and have my certification in non profit management. I also have a certification in cannabis horticulture & business. I believe humor is the cure for all that ails. I started an irreverent cancer blog called www.cathychemo.org Please feel free to contact me at margoholleran@gmail.com

Linda Carvalho

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I’m 75 years old and was diagnosed after suffering a TGA (Transient Global Amnesia) attack 3/17/21. My blood work and CAT scan were abnormal, so a hematologist/oncologist insisted I come to his office for more tests the following week. My timeline: officially diagnosed 4/5/21; treatment began 4/22/21 (RVd + DaraFaspro+Xgeva); stem cell transplant 4/7/22 and maintenance therapy started 7/28/22 (Lenalidomide+DaraFaspro+Zometa). I have been progression-free for 2+ years, although not yet MRD- (23 cells/1,000,000) My myeloma specialist is at Mt. Sinai’s Myeloma Center for Excellence in NYC (where I had my transplant) and I receive my maintenance therapy from my local oncologist in Toms River, New Jersey. My husband, adult children, grandchildren, family and friends (and my dog!) provide ongoing love and support in a variety of ways. I read and listen to webinars and podcasts to educate myself on an ongoing basis, since the treatment options for myeloma continue to change and improve. I have learned to adapt to the side effects: fatigue, GI issues, neuropathy, sleep issues. I'm at the gym 5 days/week, lifting heavier weights than I did prior to diagnosis. In addition, I'm an avid reader, gardener and emergency babysitter for my grandchildren. I’m grateful I continue to respond to treatment and able to not let cancer define who I am.

Susan Kissinger

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

My primary care physician referred me to hematology oncology based on results from routine blood work. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in February 2024 at age 71. I was experiencing some fatigue from anemia at the time of diagnosis but was cleared to travel for a dance holiday in Cuba. The day before I was to travel, I entered the hospital with bacterial meningitis of unknown source. I initially declined stem cell transplant (SCT), however, my body’s response to the standard of care (SOC) first line drug therapy was not satisfactory. In December, 2024, I agreed to SCT. Post SCT I had measurable residual disease (MRD), and was therefore, eligible to participate in a 3-year clinical trial (CT) involving Elrexfio (elranatamab), a bi-specific drug. In October, 2025, the first 6-month milestone in the CT, I had zero measurable disease (MRD negative) as determined using a newer bone marrow biopsy testing technology, ClonoSeq. I choose to be in loving relationship with MM rather than at war with part of myself. I am retired and live with a general sense of well-being. My husband of 50 years is my primary support person. Our daughter, her dog, and new husband are sources of joy. MM keeps me focused on healthy life-style. I complement drug-based cancer treatment with alternative therapies (Feldenkrais, acupuncture and Sacral Occipital Therapy (SOT) based chiropractic). I regularly meditate, rest, exercise, and cook locally sourced organic or regeneratively farmed meats, eggs and plant-based foods. Wearing a mask, I sing with a community gospel choir and take ballroom dance lessons. As a coach, I’d like to be a calm and reassuring resource to others working through the challenges and uncertainties of living well with myeloma.