Derek Johnson

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I was diagnosed in 2019 at 34 years old, on my grandmother’s birthday. Though, symptoms were compounding for over 9 months. I had some cough and congestion that held-on for 1 1/2 months. Then I had extreme eczema on my hands which made it apparent my immune system was starting to go haywire. Finally, leading-up to diagnosis was extreme back pain and 1/2 hour long back spasms. Hindsight is 20/20. Obviously, I shouldn’t have gone 10 years without a blood test. With that in-mind, perhaps my Myeloma could have been caught sooner instead of 90% Myeloma concentration found at the ER with a subsequent 2 1/2 week hospital stay due to uncontrollable pain. Now, I advocate for anyone with odd symptoms to schedule a blood test as it could save their life! Though, it’s funny looking-back as my pup had regular blood tests… we’re educated that’s the best way to catch major health issues for our furry friends, right? My introduction to Myeloma and cancer was not gentle. I was kicked-into the fire pit. But thanks to close family support, my pup, and fortunately an A+ oncology team I’ve made it out the other side. As I was getting past the emergency phase and into the maintenance phase there were some real shockers. I learned that I was outside the normal age-range for this cancer. I learned nearly 6months after diagnosis that there is no cure. Thus, I’d be on cancer meds for the rest of my life. Finally, why would I need a stem cell transplant? I had a successful stem cell transplant experience in July of 2020. I’ll admit it was a rough ride, but the hospital food was beyond excellent and made it that much better. Having Cancer sucks. There’s no other way to put it. No one wants to receive news they or a loved one has cancer. Though, thanks to modern medicine, Multiple Myeloma can for the most part be kept under control and maintained. Sure, there may be some physical limitations due to cancerous effects on the body and/or side effects from medications. But thanks to new cancer medications, one can still live a life worth living with some alterations. Don’t allow this cancer to get the best of you…

Jasson Osborn

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

I was diagnosed with MM at 41 yrs old after suffering a severe spinal fracture. Here i was a healthy, active, working mom of two teenage boys, and wife ... then boom! A biopsy was taken during my spinal fusion surgery and thats how I found out. I started treatment immediately and had my SCT 5/3/21. I handled everything very well and I am grateful for that! I believe my health, age and mindset were huge contributors to my success. My hope is that I can share and encourage others in my age bracket and just from a positive lens.

Todd Kennedy

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I believe that hope and action can lead to your long and healthy life with myeloma! I have been married for 35 years and have raised my two sons, built deep friendships, and loved life in Orange County, CA for over 25 years. Despite living a healthy O.C. lifestyle, on the day after Christmas 2017, I unexpectedly heard those dreaded words, “You have cancer”. Thanks to the world-class expertise and care of Dr. Amrita Krishnan at City of Hope, my multiple myeloma is thankfully now in remission and my family and I continue to life live to the fullest! I was diagnosed with active myeloma at age 53. My genetic profile includes translocation 11:14. I had a successful autologous stem cell transplant at City of Hope in July 2018. My treatment plan has included PIs, IMIDs, Darzalex, Venetoclax, steroids, IVIG and bone strengtheners. My doctor and I believe in maintenance therapy and periodic monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). In January 2020, I "retired" from a 30+ year in the pharmaceutical industry to "give back" by refocusing my time and talents towards coaching and advocating for myeloma patients. My wife, Diane, also "retired" to focus on serving as a Myeloma Coach. If you are a caregiver or patient and want to connect with Diane, feel free to reach out to her via the Myeloma Coach website. I believe that myeloma patients have justifiable reasons for abundant hope! We are blessed to benefit from rapidly advancing scientific breakthroughs that have led to new treatment options, precision diagnostics and supportive care. I respectfully suggest, however, that hope is not enough. As patients, we must take personal action to turn hope into reality. These key action steps include: becoming informed on the basics of myeloma and your specific case; including a true myeloma specialist on your team; getting connected to the myeloma community; and actively participating in the ongoing development of your personalized, dynamic, comprehensive treatment plan. When I was diagnosed in 2017, I was overwhelmed on many levels. I was relieved, however, to discover that the myeloma community of patients, caregivers, and supporters is very tight. We support one another. We give back in appreciation of the love and support we have received. To get connected, know that HealthTree and the Myeloma Coach program are here for you! Wishing you silver linings, wonderful blessings, excellent health, deep love and great joy along your journey!