Introduction to Ismael's Journey
Ismael Murillo is a resilient Multiple Myeloma Warrior from Phoenix, Arizona. On the Multiple Myeloma Patient Connect Podcast, he shares his inspiring story of battling multiple myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer. If you liked learning about Ismael’s journey, check out our podcast where we invite people who have received CAR T, or have not received CAR T, who battle multiple myeloma.
His multiple myeloma journey began in the year 2020. Ismael emphasizes throughout the podcast, the importance of understanding one’s purpose in life—his “why.” For him, it’s his family, specifically his three kids. This article delves into Ismael's life before diagnosis, the challenges he faced during his myeloma journey, and the lessons he learned along the way. Hopefully, by reading this, some of his learnings can be shared to you and loved ones that are fighting multiple myeloma.
Life Before Multiple Myeloma
Before receiving the life-altering diagnosis of multiple myeloma, Ismael was deeply engaged in both his professional and personal life. He had carved out a successful career at Amazon, where he led a crucial department known as Central Operations. In this role, Ismael was responsible for overseeing the delivery and logistics components across North America, ensuring that packages reached customers on time and that their satisfaction remained consistently high. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining the efficiency and reliability that Amazon customers had come to expect.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ismael was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband and a father to three children, with whom he cherished spending time. Family always came first for Ismael, and he took great pride in organizing family trips, attending his children’s events, and being actively involved in their lives. His life was a balancing act between his demanding job and his commitment to his family, but he managed it with grace and dedication.
However, this well-balanced and fulfilling lifestyle began to unravel in late 2019 when Ismael started experiencing persistent back pain. At first, he attributed the discomfort to old injuries from his time in the military, brushing it off as a minor issue that would eventually pass. Despite his busy schedule, the pain grew too significant to ignore, prompting Ismael to seek medical attention.
His primary care physician initially explored a range of possibilities, conducting several consultations and recommending treatments such as physical therapy. But when these interventions failed to alleviate the pain, further testing was ordered, including imaging studies. The results were alarming: a mass had been discovered on the spine of his eighth rib. This unexpected finding marked the beginning of a journey that would dramatically shift the course of Ismael’s life.
Getting Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma
The news of Ismael’s diagnosis was shocking. On October 28, 2019, while at work, Ismael received a call from his doctor, asking him to find a private space to discuss the MRI results – he was at the Amazon office. The diagnosis was multiple myeloma, and he felt a mix of anger, fear, and disbelief. This was compounded by the recent loss of family members to cancer, leaving him and the rest of his family in a state of emotional turmoil.
Despite the initial shock, Ismael and his wife decided to focus on the treatment plan set by the specialists at Mayo Clinic. They aimed to stay positive and proactive, supporting each other through multiple myeloma appointments and treatment decisions.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Ismael's treatment journey began with a combination of medications, including Carfilzomib, Dexamethasone, and Revlimid. He also underwent radiation for the plasmacytoma found on his spine. However, just as multiple myeloma treatment commenced, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Ismael contracted COVID-19, leading to multiple organ failures and a medically induced coma, where he was given a slim chance of survival.
Miraculously, Ismael recovered and resumed his treatment. His journey continued with various medications and a stem cell transplant. Each step was filled with challenges, including a rise in minimal residual disease (MRD) numbers, which indicated the presence of myeloma cells in his body.
Adapting to Treatment Changes
Throughout this journey, Ismael faced several treatment changes. Initially, he was on a regimen that included Velcade, but as his treatment progressed, adjustments were made to prevent potential side effects, such as neuropathy. The medical team monitored his MRD closely, conducting regular bone marrow biopsies to assess the effectiveness of the treatments.
As of March 2022, Ismael's MRD numbers fluctuated, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of his current treatment plan. It was during this time that his oncologist introduced the idea of CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment that reprograms the body’s immune cells to better attack cancer cells.
The Introduction of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Ismael's journey took a pivotal turn when he was presented with the option of CAR T-cell therapy. This treatment involved extracting his T-cells, modifying them to target the myeloma cells, and reinfusing them into his body. The decision to pursue this treatment was based on discussions with his medical team, who recommended it due to Ismael’s age and overall health.
In August 2023, after undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, Ismael received the life-changing news that his MRD was zero, marking a significant milestone in his battle against multiple myeloma. This result not only brought immense relief but also a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Finding Support and Community
Throughout his journey, Ismael emphasized the importance of community and support. He connected with various groups and individuals on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where he found shared experiences and resources that helped him navigate his diagnosis. Engaging with other myeloma warriors provided him with a sense of belonging and encouragement.
Ismael also highlighted the value of being proactive in managing his health data. By downloading and organizing his medical records, he empowered himself to communicate effectively with his healthcare team, ensuring he received the best possible care.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
Ismael's journey through multiple myeloma taught him several valuable lessons. One of the most significant was the importance of understanding his “why.” His family served as his motivation to keep fighting, reminding him that he needed to be there for them. He encourages others facing similar battles to find their own “why” to help sustain their resilience.
Additionally, Ismael stresses the importance of asking questions and advocating for oneself during treatment. He believes that patients should not hesitate to seek second opinions or additional information to ensure they are on the right path to recovery.
Maintaining a Positive Outlook
Throughout the ups and downs of his treatment, maintaining a positive outlook was crucial for Ismael. He found comfort in celebrating small victories, whether it was completing a treatment cycle or witnessing improvements in his health markers. Engaging in activities that brought him joy, like pursuing further education and spending time with family, helped him stay focused on the brighter side of life.
Conclusion
Ismael Murillo's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community in the face of adversity. His journey through multiple myeloma has not only transformed his life but also inspired others in the warrior community. By sharing his experiences and insights, Ismael highlights the importance of understanding one’s purpose and remaining proactive in the fight against cancer.
For those navigating similar challenges, Ismael's message is clear: find your “why,” advocate for yourself, and seek support from those around you. Together, we can face the battle against multiple myeloma and emerge stronger.
Contact Ismael
Ismael is open to sharing his resources and experiences with anyone who reaches out. If you’re interested in connecting with Ismael or have questions about his journey, you can reach him through:
Instagram: @ismaeljmurillo
Ismael highlighted the importance of building a strong community. We think one helpful way to find out what questions are the right questions, is to visit Patient Connect. Patient Connect allows you to find people like you and accelerate your journey. Learn more here.
If you liked learning about Ismael’s journey, check out our podcast where we invite people who have received CAR T, or have not received CAR T, who battle multiple myeloma.
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