A mother and daughter fight cancer together.
Everyone reaches a place in life where concerns and conflicts—large or small, earth- shattering or simply annoying—have placed stumbling blocks in our paths. And it can be easy to lose our footing during these challenging times. Whether for my radio show or in my books and columns, I always try to feature those who inspire and encourage us to overcome these hurdles so they are ultimately able to live Better Than Before physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Recently, I came across a truly poignant story that perfectly illustrates what I aim to accomplish. It’s about two remarkable women, Carol and her daughter Carley. In the span of just one year, both were both diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of plasma cells that affects the bone marrow. The shock of receiving the same distressing news twice in one family is unthinkable. Their journey together, nothing short of inspirational.
It all started in 2022 when Carol, a dental office employee and proud grandmother, fractured a rib. That seemingly simple injury led to the diagnosis. Equally unexpected, just one year later, Carley—a 44-year-old mom of two and healthcare technology professional—was diagnosed with the same disease after experiencing unexplained muscle pain and stiffness.
Their unimaginable shared condition was horrifying and heartbreaking. Together, they’ve leaned on each other every step of the way, turning fear into resilience and uncertainty into advocacy. To that end, the pair is teaming up with GSK to raise awareness of their rare type of cancer.
Recently, I had the chance to connect with these phenomenal ladies and talk to them about the symptoms, their initial reactions to the diagnosis, and how they’ve coped together and found hope. Below, their motivational interview:
JWM: Let’s start with you, Carol. I have heard some survivors say that when the doctor tells them they have cancer, they look behind them, thinking there was someone else in the room, that it couldn’t be them. When were told, what was your initial reaction?
Carol: My reaction was shock and disbelief. I was always so healthy, so you can imagine this was very disturbing!
JWM: Carley?
Carley: I was also shocked. There’s no other way to describe it.
JWM: What symptoms led to seeing a physician?
Carol: I was having pains. She thought it might be a skeletal muscular problem and sent me for a chest X-ray just to make sure. A couple of days after that, I reached for something, and I heard a crack. The result of a rib x-ray showed fractured ribs. The report said that it was an indication of multiple myeloma. So that was the beginning of this journey. I was told that this is incurable but is treatable. And I began treatment.
Carley: Personally, I am very active and work out every day, but I experienced consistent and strange pain that didn’t go away when I rested. At times, my joints felt like they were ‘locked.’
JWM: What have doctors told you about the coincidence of your shared diagnosis—is there any family history of cancer?
Carol: I have learned that it is not hereditary, although my doctor did say there may be a genetic component. But honestly, they really don’t know how it develops, and we don’t have any family cancer history.
Carley: Yes, no family history. My doctor finds it quite interesting.
JWM: What was it like going through this disease together? Were you able to lean on each other in unique ways?
Carley: My mom had treatment before me, so I could ask all the questions. It was helpful to be able to talk to someone who had a similar experience.
JWM: How did watching your mom go through this impact how you approached your own diagnosis and treatment?
Carley: She had been through a lot of tests, procedures, treatments. She constantly reminds me that I can do this and to always be strong.
JWM: Carol, what was your first thought when Carley shared her diagnosis with you?
Carol: When Carley gave me the bad news, I was more than shocked and so sad because I didn’t want her to have to go through what I was dealing with. At the time she found out, I had already been through initial treatment, which had been really hard for me. I was heartsick that she would have to endure that, as well. But we both have a large and loving support system and I, for one, could not have made it through any of this without that group, and most especially my husband.
JWM: What have been your greatest sources of strength throughout?
Carley: First, as mentioned, my husband and kids; they have been by my side every step of the way. And the people in our network—family, friends, and everyone in between—who have called, texted, dropped by, brought food, watched the kids, just been thoughtful in any way big or small.
JWM: What brings you hope as you navigate this disease?
Carley: The focus on research in blood cancers and the advancements made in treatment over the years is encouraging. I truly believe a ‘cure’ will be found in the near future.
Carol: What brings me hope is all the treatments available. The recent research and strides that have been made make me feel confident that eventually there will be a cure.
JWM: What advice would you offer to someone who is facing any sort of harsh diagnosis or hard adversity?
Carley: It sounds simple and a cliché, but stay positive. Your attitude really does impact how you view and handle a situation, and positivity can only help. Also, lean on your network— let people help, they want to!
Carol: Agreed! I would say that you should be confident and strong and know that there is support out there for you. I am determined, and I live my life telling myself that I am going to be okay.
JWM: Speaking of help, I want to bring Dr. Robert Rifkin, a medical oncologist/hematologist at the University of Colorado, into the conversation. Dr. Rifkin, tell us more about multiple myeloma and how it has changed over the years.
Dr. Rifkin: It has changed greatly with the median survival increasing from 1.5 years in the 1980’s to over seven years presently. Also, over the last several years, many new and novel classes of drugs have been added. These include proteosome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplants, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapy. Most recently, antibody-drug conjugates are starting to be approved. Each one of these has incrementally increased progression-free and overall survival. Although there are around 35,000 new cases per year in the USA, there are now well over 100,000 patients living with the disease.
JWM: Dr. Rifkin, you were a clinical investigator in the trial that led to the recent approval Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. These patients have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. Tell us more about this new drug.
Dr. Rifkin: Blenrep is unique in that it very specifically targets BCMA (B-cell membrane antigen), which is present on the membrane of myeloma cells. It binds to the myeloma cell and is linked to a toxin that kills the cells. It is the first BCMA-targeted agent that is not a cellular therapy and will therefore be widely more available to treating providers who do not have ready access to cellular therapies. It’s important to note that BLENREP can cause serious side effects including decreased vision, light sensitivity, and ulcers on the surface of the eye have also occurred. Those taking BLENREP will need to see an eye care professional before each dose. As with all medications, talk to your doctor about your medical conditions and any new or worsening side effects.
JWM: It is encouraging to know that there is such support for this disease. Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us, Carol and Carley. You know, a breast cancer survivor told me her personal mantra: I have the Wisdom to accept that I have obstacles to overcome, the Power to adapt to the lifestyle changes I need to conquer them, and the Courage to move forward. Ladies, thank you for sharing your amazing story. I wish you all the best as you continue your journey from survivors to thrivers.
