Sandy was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2024. Her initial symptoms included persistent coughing, weakness, and shortness of breath. After weeks of worsening symptoms and ineffective treatments, an MRI revealed a large mass in her chest, which eventually led to the collapse of her left lung due to a massive tumor. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma, a cancer that Sandy later described as a blessing in disguise due to its responsiveness to chemotherapy.
Treatment began immediately, consisting of six intense rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting five days in the hospital followed by two weeks of recovery at home. The process was physically and emotionally grueling, marked by extreme fatigue, weight loss, and hair loss. Despite these challenges, Sandy focused on mental resilience, which she believes was critical to her survival. She emphasized the importance of maintaining movement, even during the most debilitating moments.
To cope mentally with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Sandy turned to spirituality, meditation, and writing. She frequented a meditation garden where she found solace. Writing became a therapeutic outlet, leading to the creation of her book, Cancer Ramblings. Writing helped her process her experience and turn her pain into purpose.
Sandy celebrated her remission as a profound moment of liberation and gratitude, describing it as a second chance at life. She plans to monitor her health closely while maintaining a conscious lifestyle. She views sharing her story as a way to inspire others, providing hope and comfort to those facing similar challenges. Her key advice is to visualize a positive outcome and hold onto it as a guiding light through the darkest moments. Sandy’s enduring image was of herself running on the beach—a vision she ultimately realized.
Name: Sandy D.
Age at Diagnosis:
45
Diagnosis:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptoms:
Persistent coughing
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Treatment:
Chemotherapy (six rounds)
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Initial Symptoms: Constant fatigue, tongue deviated to the left, abscess in right breast, petechiae on legs, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, persistent cough
Laurie’s Stage 4 Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story
Laurie, a Los Angeles resident, was diagnosed with stage 4 follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006, when she was 46. Her journey to diagnosis began years earlier with vague symptoms—frequent sinus infections, a tendency for her right eye to dry out, fatigue, and a lump in her abdomen. Multiple doctors dismissed her concerns, with one attributing the lump to a hernia. But a diagnostician ordered a CT scan, and it revealed a grapefruit-sized tumor and spots on her lungs.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy Edited by: Chris Sanchez
After undergoing a series of tests, including biopsies, Laurie learned she had follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Her initial response to the cancer diagnosis was shock, followed by depression and uncertainty about how to explain the situation to her young son and husband.
Laurie’s treatment regimen started with chemotherapy and a monoclonal antibody, which successfully reduced the tumors after 6 rounds. However, her cancer relapsed, and she explored additional treatment options, including a clinical trial using an HDAC inhibitor (therapy that helps control how cancer cells grow and divide by affecting the cancer cell DNA). It initially stabilized the cancer but ultimately failed after 11 months. Consequently, Laurie turned to alternative therapies, including radioimmunotherapy (delivering high dose radiation directly to the tumor cells) and a more aggressive chemotherapy regimen, but these also proved unsuccessful.
In 2011, Laurie enrolled in a clinical trial for a Pi3 kinase inhibitor (a treatment that works to block a pathway cancer cells use to grow and survive that can slow a cancer’s growth and help keep it under control), which kept her cancer stable for over 5 years, albeit not fully eliminating it. During this time, she learned about CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment using a patient’s own T cells to target cancer cells. While initially not available for follicular lymphoma, CAR T-cell therapy became an option for Laurie in 2018. She consequently underwent the procedure — a remarkable 7th line of cancer treatment. As a result, she achieved remission for the first time in 12 years. As of 2024, Laurie has remained cancer-free. Her oncologist considers her cured, as her CAR T-cells continue to be detectable in her system.
Throughout her treatment journey, Laurie faced numerous challenges, including the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and steroids. She developed avascular necrosis, which required hip surgery, a consequence of long-term steroid use. However, despite these struggles, Laurie’s battle with cancer transformed her into a passionate patient advocate. She now works with 3 nonprofits, helping others navigate cancer treatment and advocating for more accessible and less potentially toxic therapies like CAR T-cell therapy. Laurie emphasizes the importance of finding a specialized oncologist, self-advocacy, and the value of second opinions and clinical trials in managing cancer.
Laurie’s story underscores the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, particularly in the context of immunotherapy. She highlights the importance of staying informed and advocating for oneself or having someone advocate on their behalf, especially as new therapies emerge. Through persistence, resilience, and research, Laurie continues to support others facing similar battles. She shares her journey to inspire hope and grow awareness.
Name:
Laurie A.
Age at Diagnosis:
46
Diagnosis:
Follicular lymphoma
Staging:
Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
Frequent sinus infections
Dry right eye
Fatigue
Lump in abdomen
Treatment:
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Radioimmunotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Early Testing Could Have Changed My Colorectal Cancer Story—Don’t Ignore the Signs
Nicola is a mother and anesthetic technician who loves traveling and spending time with her dogs, cat, and 2 children. In 2020, doctors diagnosed her with colorectal cancer. By the end of 2021, she learned that her colorectal cancer had become stage 4 and had metastasized to her brain. After undergoing a craniotomy, she has been in remission for 9 months.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Initially, Nicola experienced rectal bleeding. Doctors thought it was nothing more than hemorrhoids, but eventually, they conducted a colonoscopy. The surgeon found a 4-cm tumor and performed surgery just before Christmas, and also discovered that 4 of her lymph nodes tested positive for cancer cells. She then underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, which is treatment to keep cancer from returning.
With no significant family history of cancer, although her father also had bowel cancer, Nicola’s case involved a non-BRAF, wild-type adenocarcinoma. Her chemotherapy initially made her very sick, leading to weight loss and hospitalization. Eventually, she switched treatments and completed 5 rounds before doctors declared her NED (No Evidence of Disease) for her stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Months later, Nicola began to experience symptoms such as profound migraines and vision changes. These led to the discovery of a large brain tumor; her original cancer had metastasized to her brain. She promptly underwent a craniotomy, which was deemed successful. Afterward, she received targeted radiation therapy, which thankfully did not significantly affect her vision.
Nicola remains under high-risk monitoring. She advocates for personal vigilance and early testing, sharing that she might have pushed for a colonoscopy sooner despite her age, had she known that younger people can get colorectal cancer. Now, she focuses on being present with her family and friends, and cherishes each day with gratitude.
Name:
Nicola H.
Diagnosis:
Colorectal cancer 2020
brain cancer
Staging:
Initial stage 3 in 2020
Metastasized to her brain in 2021 (stage 4)
Initial Symptoms:
Bleeding, pain (Colorectal cancer)
Focal migraines (Brain cancer)
Treatments:
Chemotherapy (Colorectal cancer)
Radiation (Brain cancer)
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
Meridith, a fitness trainer and mother of three, was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in September 2023. Despite being physically fit and vigilant about her skin health, she experienced no warning signs until a sudden seizure led to her diagnosis.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Doctors discovered two brain metastases connected to her stage 4 melanoma, one of which was operable. She underwent a craniotomy that successfully removed one tumor, but the second, inoperable tumor presented ongoing challenges. Seeking alternatives to radiation, Meredith’s network led her to an expert at MD Anderson who proposed immunotherapy, which effectively attacked the tumor. However, the treatment triggered severe side effects, including seizures and encephalitis, leading to a prolonged recovery.
Meridith’s year-long recovery has been marked by physical, mental, and emotional challenges. After seven more seizures in 2024, she focused on lifestyle changes to support brain health. While returning to her previous fitness activities has been slow, she finds healing in nature, spirituality, and spending time with family. Her experiences have brought a new perspective on life, emphasizing gratitude, faith, and the importance of close relationships.
Meridith continues to navigate survivorship with regular scans and a profound sense of purpose, offering encouragement to others facing similar struggles. She believes in the power of hope, community, and finding joy in life’s small moments, even amidst adversity. Her message is one of resilience, emphasizing that light and support can overcome even the darkest times.
Name: Meridith B.
Age at Diagnosis:
43
Diagnosis:
Melanoma
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptom:
Seizure
Treatment:
Surgery: craniotomy (to remove a brain metastasis)
Immunotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Emily, a 32-year-old from Alabama, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 27, despite having led an active and healthy lifestyle since her youth. Initially, she experienced abdominal pain and blood in her stool, which led to a life-changing ER visit. Doctors found a tumor in her colon, determined that it was cancerous, and also found that it had already spread to her lymph nodes. This discovery began a grueling series of surgeries, chemotherapy, and setbacks, including bowel obstructions and pancreatitis.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Emily endured multiple chemotherapy regimens with debilitating side effects like neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, and early menopause. Despite these challenges, her faith and determination kept her strong. When standard treatments failed, she turned to immunotherapy and clinical trials at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Although some therapies stopped working, she found hope in a clinical trial medicine that reduced her lung tumors by 20%. Despite the trial’s discontinuation, the treatment remains available to her, for which she feels immense gratitude.
Throughout her stage 4 colon cancer journey, Emily and her husband have relied on their faith, community, and a desire to help others. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of cancer, they founded Fighting with Hope, a nonprofit that sends free chemo care boxes to patients worldwide. These boxes contain over 20 thoughtfully chosen items, such as blankets, ginger candies, and other sweets to help with port flushes, alongside handwritten notes of encouragement. With support from volunteers and media coverage, the organization has delivered just over 1,000 boxes to date.
Emily’s advocacy also emphasizes the importance of early detection. Reflecting on her missed diagnosis due to her young age, she urges healthcare professionals and patients alike to remain vigilant.
Despite ongoing treatments and the unpredictable nature of cancer, Emily remains a beacon of hope. Her faith provides her with peace and strength, enabling her to inspire others through her story and nonprofit work. She advises fellow patients to fight relentlessly, embrace their support systems, and accept help when needed.
Emily’s mission goes beyond her personal battle. She hopes her journey demonstrates the power of resilience, community, and faith in facing life’s greatest challenges. Through her advocacy, she continues to bring light and support to countless individuals navigating the trials of cancer.
Name:
Emily K.
Diagnosis:
Colon cancer
Staging:
Stage 4
Age at Diagnosis:
27
Initial Symptoms:
Abdominal pain
Blood in stool
Treatment:
Surgery
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Clinical trials
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Ashlee was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma on July 9, 2024. Before her diagnosis, she had been active and health-conscious, even competing as a bodybuilder. In June 2024, she experienced abdominal pain, night sweats, and some bleeding, which she initially attributed to her IUD and the intense physical demands of bodybuilding. However, things took a turn when she noticed a mass on her abdomen during a workout. She went to an ER where a CT scan revealed a large mass near her femoral artery, though doctors were uncertain of its nature.
Ashlee sought further medical evaluation at the University of Florida, where the mass was discovered to be much larger than expected and appeared to be cancerous. After a biopsy, she received the devastating news that she had stage 4 Burkitt non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The doctors warned her of a 70% chance of not surviving, given the aggressive nature of the lymphoma and its potential spread to her central nervous system.
Her treatment began promptly with chemotherapy, starting with a spinal tap to check for cancer in her brain and spine. Her chemotherapy regimen included five-day continuous drips every three weeks. The side effects were intense, including an allergic reaction to one of the drugs that caused her to stop breathing. Despite the challenges, Ashlee continued to work full-time while undergoing treatment, maintaining a sense of normalcy for her two young children, especially her daughter who struggled with the illness.
Throughout six chemotherapy treatments, Ashlee dealt with extreme physical exhaustion, nausea, and other side effects. She remained focused on being present for her children, despite the toll the illness took on her body. By the end of her treatment, she was physically drained, but mentally, she found herself reflecting on the fragility of life, mending relationships, and prioritizing time with her family. She also began to come to terms with the emotional challenges of living with cancer, including the impact it had on her future and personal life.
Currently, Ashlee is on a sabbatical, enjoying time with her children and focusing on her health. She is dealing with medical menopause as a result of her treatment and remains concerned about the possibility of relapse, though her doctors remain optimistic. Moving forward, she will continue to have regular check-ups, including bloodwork and CT scans every three months.
Name: Ashlee K.
Age at Diagnosis:
29
Diagnosis:
Burkitt lymphoma
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptoms:
Abdominal pain
Night sweats
Visible mass in the abdomen
Treatments:
Surgery: partial colectomy (removed 14 inches of the intestine)
Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Initial Symptoms: Constant fatigue, tongue deviated to the left, abscess in right breast, petechiae on legs, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, persistent cough
Krystal’s Stage 4 IgM kappa Multiple Myeloma Story
Krystal, a 42-year-old mother from Georgia, shares her journey after being diagnosed with Stage 4 IgM kappamultiple myeloma in June 2022. Before her diagnosis, she experienced troubling symptoms like tachycardia, shoulder pain, and shortness of breath, but initially dismissed them as effects of aging, weight gain, and other factors. A critical moment arose when she felt a severe pain in her back, leading to an urgent care visit, where she learned it might be cancer. Her 2 daughters were present during the devastating diagnosis.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Krystal emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in navigating cancer treatment. Initially overwhelmed, she grew to actively participate in her care, seeking multiple opinions and eventually finding a team that communicated effectively and monitored her condition closely. She initially underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, which provided temporary relief. However, persistent relapses led her to pursue CAR T-cell therapy, a promising avenue that has since improved her condition.
The journey has strengthened Krystal’s bond with her daughters, who have been her caretakers and constant support. She highlights the mental health challenges accompanying cancer, advocating for therapy and open communication. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she leans on her faith and resilience to maintain a hopeful outlook.
Community support plays a pivotal role in Krystal’s coping mechanism. Family, friends, colleagues, and online connections have provided essential emotional and practical support, allowing her to manage daily life and medical responsibilities. While acknowledging she is no longer the person she once was, she embraces her new reality and encourages others facing similar challenges to advocate for themselves, accept help, and stay encouraged. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of love and community.
Name:
Krystal S.
Diagnosis:
IgM kappa multiple myeloma
Staging:
Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
Back and shoulder pain
Tachycardia
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Malaise
Treatments:
Chemotherapy
Bone marrow transplant
CAR T-cell therapy
Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for their support of our patient education program! The Patient Story retains full editorial control over all content.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
… as hard as myeloma is, you can still come out of it and still rock it.
Introduction
Hi, my name is Krystal. I currently reside in Georgia. I am 42 years old. I was diagnosed with IgM kappa Multiple Myeloma in June 2022.
I am a mother of two beautiful young adult daughters. I am an accountant. I love light hiking, walking on trails, parks, painting, and just spending time with family when I can.
Pre-diagnosis
Before I got diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I was having tachycardia, shoulder pains, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, and back pain. My resting heart rate was at 130 beats per minute, which is not normal at all. And these things were not getting better with over-the-counter medicine.
I was also experiencing some weird pop-like sensations. After I felt the first pop, which was on the right side of my chest area, I went to the doctor and they told me that I had probably pulled a muscle. They did do a chest x ray, but that was clear. And after that, the shortness of breath progressively got worse, as well as the heart palpitations.
I went to the doctor again in probably the second week of June 2022, and I got an EKG done. It was normal sinus. And then the next day, I felt another pop, this time on the left side of my chest area. I didn’t go to the doctor because of the diagnosis last time.
About a week after that, I felt and heard a really loud pop in my back and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. Later on that evening, I ended up going to urgent care and they did a bunch of tests and scans. That’s when they told me that it looked like cancer. I was finally diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June 2022.
I just couldn’t put my finger on what was happening to me. I would blame it on things like my age, the fact that I had gained weight, and so on. It was just extremely frustrating because I didn’t have any answers and I couldn’t figure it out. But never in a million years would I have thought it was cancer.
Reaction to the diagnosis
When I heard that, looking back, the first word that comes to mind is devastation. We cried so hard that day. It was just unbelievable. And it really felt surreal — this can’t be happening. There is no way that I have cancer.
My daughters were with me at that time. We were just heartbroken. I think I blanked out at that point, and I don’t really remember anything else until one of the days I was in the hospital.
There was so much I had to learn. I have extensive bone damage, including lesions literally all over my body from the skull, all the way down. So I was confused — how is it a blood cancer? You’re talking about my bones all the time. They did explain it, but there was just a lot going on.
But the doctors really did educate me. And then I was overly consumed with trying to learn about multiple myeloma and read and do my own research.
Finding the best care
I saw a doctor while I was in the hospital, and she is still currently my oncologist. I did also see a multiple myeloma specialist, which is something that other multiple myeloma patients should also consider doing. So I had that team of doctors to support me.
However, that team was not the best. I just feel like the communication wasn’t there, and I really feel like they dropped the ball with me. I also don’t think they were monitoring me as closely as I needed them to.
So now I see another specialist, and this team is awesome. They are really on top of things. I’m getting blood work, bone marrow biopsies, and bone surveys, which are X-rays.
Also, the communication is great. They have different numbers that I can call anytime and I can ask them as many questions as I want. They will call me back. I’m always going to get an answer. If they don’t know something, they’re going to figure it out.
They’re also making sure to monitor me. Right now, it’s not as often as before, when it was as often as every day, even on weekends and holidays.
The importance of self-advocacy
I think self-advocacy is one of the most important things that you can have when you’re dealing with cancer. In the beginning, I was so scared. I didn’t know what was going on. And so I was just going with the flow. But I’ve been in the game for a couple of years now, and so I’m asking all the questions.
You just have to speak up. I mean, let the doctors know how you feel. If you don’t want to do something, let them know and discuss it with them. And maybe there are other options. They should be talking to you about those things.
It’s your body and it’s your life, and you deserve the best. I mean, it is so hard going through this, and you need to have a team that you feel like is for you, and who’s going to support you no matter what.
I’ve talked to my specialist about getting the vaccines again. I’m on the fence about that. And she said, that’s okay. If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. She explained to me, it’s about exposure and you might have to do some lifestyle changes, but if you don’t want to, you don’t have to. And I love that.
Definitely speak up. I know, sometimes it can be intimidating, but you just have to. You’ll get used to it.
I keep going and fighting because I love life and I want to be here.
Treatment plan for IgM kappa multiple myeloma
Chemotherapy
I first started intravenous chemotherapy in August 2022. Initially, I would have to go twice a week for that IV chemo, and each session took about 4 hours or so. I wasn’t doing well in the beginning, so I did pills as well, daily for 21 days and then off for a week.
I didn’t feel really bad. I mean, I was sleepy because I had pre meds. And then after the second treatment, I was starting to feel better. And so then after that, I just got better and better.
However, I ended up relapsing at least 2 or 3 times. And usually when I relapse, I know something’s going on. My body just feels prickly and I get a little achy. And the fatigue gets a lot worse. That’s how I know — oh, something’s happening.
Bone marrow transplant
I had my bone marrow transplant on February 28th, 2023. I would say that the procedure itself is simple; everything before the transplant, as well as the recovery, is all the work.
So beforehand, I got a large dose of chemo and that made me really fatigued. I also experienced nausea, mild vomiting, and diarrhea. And then I got my transplant, which took just 10 minutes and I felt fine immediately afterwards.
After the procedure, you just build up strength. You go through a basement period where you really, really feel bad, where your immune system plummets down to nothing. And then it ramps up.
It took me about 2 weeks before I felt better. And then that’s how long you’re usually in the hospital, or at least it was for me.
But after my bone marrow transplant, I quickly relapsed. The bone marrow transplant ended up lasting me maybe 2 or 3 months at the most. And the old specialist that I had didn’t have a plan, and so my oncologist was trying to figure out what to do next. That’s where I feel they dropped the ball. The myeloma had gotten out of control, and then finally I started another chemo regimen.
And that is when I started seeing the new specialist, and she told me, since the bone marrow transplant did not work for you, you need to do CAR T if you relapse again. And so we had a plan. So when I was in the hospital for that month, it was so I would stabilize in order to get CAR T.
CAR T-cell therapy
Just like with a bone marrow transplant, there’s a lot of stuff that you have to do prior to getting CAR T. There are so many appointments and so many tests. And then finally you get to the CAR T procedure itself.
I had my CAR T procedure on September 3, 2024. It took me maybe only 15 minutes. As an aside, it tasted and smelled like tomatoes to me, and they say it can taste like tomatoes or creamed corn for some people.
After CAR T, my body would feel sore, but other than that I would be feeling fine.
I’m done now with CAR T and I’m feeling good.
It’s not my time to go yet. I am too young.
So I have to fight and get through it.
Her motivation
I keep going and fighting because I love life and I want to be here.
I have 2 beautiful daughters that I want to be here with. It’s not my time to go yet. I am too young. So I have to fight and get through it.
People probably wouldn’t believe me if I were I tell them all the things that have happened. But yeah, I’ve gone through them. I’m a resilient person, and I’m truly blessed. And I’m thankful that I’m here and I’m going to keep fighting.
My daughters are amazing. They have taken care of me throughout this whole time. They literally stopped their lives to take care of me, and I just appreciate them so much. We’ve gotten a lot closer, and we were already close. But, you know, this brings a better bond. Because they are with me every step of the way. And they’re my cheerleaders.
My girls have gone through a lot. It’s [a parent’s IgM kappa Multiple Myeloma diagnosis] mentally draining on them as well. But they handle it well. They rely and lean on each other a lot. We definitely keep the communication going. I’ve had them in therapy. We just keep praying and just try to keep positive.
Her mindset
I haven’t been diagnosed with multiple myeloma that long, I’m going on 3 years. Having relapses as often as I have had is tough, but I have to keep going.
Mental health, I think, is a huge factor. I don’t think it gets discussed enough. I think anybody that has a cancer diagnosis, and maybe their family too, would need to speak with somebody. I will be honest. I haven’t talked to a therapist as much as I would like to, but I have seen one, and it absolutely helps.
I also try not to stay in a negative mindset. I mean, I allow myself to feel all the feelings. They are valid. I’m frustrated, angry, sad, and I do get depressed sometimes. Though I allow myself to be in those feelings, I try not to stay there that long. You have to come up out of it and just get through it. And, really, it’s a day by day thing.
I’m never going to be the same person I was before all this happened. Not ever again.
But it’s okay.
Creating community
Community is so important. You need to have a support system, or you would just be a mess.
I have lots of support from my daughters, my mother, my friends, my family, my coworkers. Without that support system, I don’t know how I would have survived.
People want to help, and there are a lot of good people out there in the world. The little things count so much and are so helpful. I’ve had people bring us groceries or just bring us a meal, come down to visit and clean the house or whatever. That is super helpful.
Coworkers have given me leave donations, and that has been such a blessing, to be able to still pay the bills even though I’ve been in and out of work.
I’ve done online chats and connected with people on Tiktok. That helps. Because just meeting people living with the same thing as you is just really heartening. It really has been almost therapeutic. Because it felt like I found my people.
Her life right now
I’m never going to be the same person I was before all this happened. Not ever again. But it’s okay.
It is hard. You know, you think back sometimes — oh, man, I used to be able to do this or that, or, I used to be so lively — that’s no longer the case. It’s hard and it’s definitely challenging. It takes time to get used to.
But I feel like you’ll be fine once you get to that point where you realize and accept that you’re no longer that person you used to be, but you’re just a different version of that person. I’m still the old Krystal, but I’ve just had to tweak some things.
It did take me a while, though, you know? And even now, I’m kind of hard on myself, so just giving myself grace, learning how to do that.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay encouraged.
What Krystal wants to share
I always feel like multiple myeloma has taken literally everything from me.
It’s taken my vision. At one point, I couldn’t walk. I was using a wheelchair. I was in excruciating pain. I’ve had strokes. I’ve had everything. But I’ve come out of it like nothing ever happened.
Hope is a good word. Yes, I hope for the best. And I think I go more towards faith. My faith has gotten stronger during all of this. And that is really what I hold on to.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay encouraged. It is going to be so rough at times. You’re going to feel waves of emotions. It will be like a rollercoaster. But just stay encouraged. Speak up and ask all the questions. Be your own advocate. Accept help. You’re going to need that support from others, and you will be surprised at how many people really want to help you and will support you throughout all of this.
So as hard as IgM kappa multiple myeloma is, you can still come out of it and still rock it.
Special thanks again to Johnson & Johnson for their support of our patient education program! The Patient Story retains full editorial control over all content.
Emily’s Stage 4 Burkitt Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story
Emily, from Richmond, VA, was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt non-Hodgkin lymphoma in November 2022.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Emily’s journey began with unexplained symptoms, including prolonged sickness, speech changes, and an inability to stick her tongue out straight. Initially, doctors misdiagnosed her with Eagle syndrome and anxiety. She also experienced night sweats, petechiae, and severe weakness, but struggled to find a diagnosis until an ENT referred her to palliative care, urging immediate action.
Emily visited the ER, where specialists quickly recognized the severity of her condition. A lymph node biopsy confirmed stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma, affecting her bone marrow, spleen, and central nervous system. She was also found to have hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Emily began aggressive treatment involving 6 rounds of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy caused severe side effects, including mucositis, rapid weight loss, and extreme fatigue. Despite the challenges, Emily remained determined, knowing the transplant could cure both her cancer and HLH.
In May 2023, Emily underwent an autologous stem cell transplant. Afterwards, she endured an intense isolation period, followed by extensive physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. By August, scans confirmed remission, yet Emily found survivorship mentally and emotionally taxing. Returning to her job in special education only 4-5 months post-transplant proved difficult, as her immune system remained compromised. She continues to manage her health with frequent medical appointments, immunotherapy, and physical recovery.
Emily’s journey was not without complications. For instance, she suffered a small stroke during treatment, caused by an oversight in managing her blood thinners. Despite the challenges she faced, she emphasizes the crucial role of self-advocacy, community support, and compassionate medical professionals, particularly her nurses, who provided emotional and practical support during her hospitalization.
Emily actively raises awareness about young adults facing late or misdiagnoses, stressing the need for better medical attention for this demographic. She also highlights the impact of genetic factors and Epstein-Barr virus on her cancer, urging the importance of thorough family history and testing.
Now, Emily finds healing through therapy, volunteering at an animal shelter, and reintroducing physical activity. She plans to explore trauma-focused therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and continues to engage with online communities for support, including on Instagram. While the fear of relapse lingers, Emily focuses on building a new normal and empowering others to advocate for their health and seek community connections during and after treatment.
Name:
Emily S.
Age at Diagnosis:
28
Diagnosis:
Burkitt non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Staging:
Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
Constant fatigue
Tongue deviated to the left
Abscess in right breast
Petechiae on legs
Night sweats
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent cough
Treatment:
Chemotherapy
Stem cell transplant
Immunotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Initial Symptoms: Constant fatigue, tongue deviated to the left, abscess in right breast, petechiae on legs, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, persistent cough
Tiffany, a 38-year-old mother of 4, has stage 4 bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma, also known as liver cancer. In April 2024, she experienced severe left flank pain, which led her to seek medical attention. A CT scan at the hospital revealed a mass on her liver, initially suspected to be colon cancer. Further tests, including an MRI, PET scan, and liver biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma that had spread to her spine.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Following the diagnosis, Tiffany began receiving treatment. Her oncologist initiated a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, alternating between therapies weekly, with a rest period every 3 weeks. Despite initial radiation treatments failing to shrink the tumor on her spine, targeted radiation was applied to her liver, followed by spine surgery to remove most of the tumor. Recovery was challenging, requiring a week-long hospital stay, physical therapy, and the use of a walker and cane at home.
Subsequent treatment involved ablation surgery to address new lesions on her liver. Tiffany resumed chemotherapy and immunotherapy, experiencing side effects such as back pain, headaches, and nausea. As her treatment continued, she received support from her medical team, including a liver specialist in Baltimore.
Mentally, Tiffany struggles with anxiety and the fear of leaving her family. She takes anxiety medication to help cope, though the emotional toll remains significant. She stresses the importance of self-advocacy, sharing her story to raise awareness about cholangiocarcinoma and stressing the importance of regular medical check-ups.
The ongoing battle with cancer challenges Tiffany physically and emotionally, but she remains determined to see her children grow up. Her story serves as a reminder to pay attention to one’s health and advocate strongly for oneself in the face of medical challenges.
Name:
Tiffany J.
Age at Diagnosis:
38
Diagnosis:
Liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
Staging:
Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
Left flank pain
Treatment:
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Surgery
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
Rachael, a 34-year-old mother of three, shares her experience with stage 4 sigmoid colon cancer, which has spread to her ovaries and liver. Her journey began unexpectedly when she visited the emergency room due to severe stomach pain. After undergoing a CT scan, she was abruptly informed of her diagnosis, a moment that left her in disbelief and shock. Despite this, Rachael quickly shifted her focus to taking control of her treatment, scheduling procedures like a liver biopsy and partial colectomy. She underwent emergency surgery with the help of robotic technology, which included a total hysterectomy and the placement of a colostomy bag.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Rachael describes the difficult emotional decision to undergo a hysterectomy, knowing it meant she would no longer be able to have more children. However, she prioritized her health and the need to be there for her 3 children. She talks about her intense chemotherapy regimen, which was both physically and mentally challenging. One of her greatest fears was not being able to be the same mother to her children during this time, but with the support of family and friends, she was able to manage her treatments and maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids.
Rachael reflects on the strange and sudden symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer, including the loss of taste, appetite, and intense stomach pain. She also recalls how her dog seemed to sense something was wrong, constantly staying close to her in the months leading up to her diagnosis.
Rachael expresses a determination to keep moving forward despite the numbness and emotional difficulty of the situation. After completing her chemotherapy, she now faces the uncertainty of whether her tumors will grow again. She is awaiting further scans and potential liver surgery as well as HIPEC treatments. While she feels anxious about the future, she remains resilient and has accepted that she cannot control everything. She now possesses a sense of peace and a more positive outlook on life.
Despite moments of frustration and asking, “Why me?”, Rachael has found strength in her acceptance of her condition. She is grateful for her family, friends, and support system, and continues to focus on spending quality time with her children, making the most of the present while preparing for any challenges that may lie ahead.
Name:
Rachael M.
Age at Diagnosis:
33
Diagnosis:
Colorectal cancer
Staging:
Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
Loss of sense of taste and smell
Loss of appetite and vomiting
Stomach pain
Bloating
Headaches
Fatigue
Treatment:
Surgery (total hysterectomy, sigmoid colon removed, tumor removed in colon, stoma configuration, port placement)
Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
