Yolanda then entered what’s called a “watch and wait” period. While it’s typically a year-long phase, for her, it stretched to five years before her myeloma became active and needed treatment. This phase brought its share of emotional ups and downs, along with the challenge of grasping all the medical details.

When it was time for treatment, Yolanda started with radiation and later moved on to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The road wasn’t easy. Managing medication side effects was tough, but she eventually reached remission. Along the way, she became a strong advocate for herself, learning the importance of open communication with her doctors. She also discovered how beneficial regular exercise and staying active are in managing multiple myeloma.

Yolanda’s advice to others? Take a deep breath, stay engaged in your healthcare decisions, and focus on living well. She believes in speaking up during doctor’s appointments and stresses the value of having a supportive, knowledgeable medical team.

For Yolanda, multiple myeloma doesn’t define her life; it’s just one part of her story, and she’s determined to live it fully. Watch her video to learn more from her about:

• The unexpected symptoms that led her to her multiple myeloma diagnosis.
• How Yolanda’s stressful career masked signs of a serious condition.
• Why having the right doctor made all the difference.
• How Yolanda turned exercise into a powerful tool for managing her health.
• Self-advocacy from someone who’s been through the ups and downs of multiple myeloma.