More than a battle: Living well with multiple myeloma
When Mark was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2015, life changed in an instant. Within days of his diagnosis in Laramie, WY, he began radiation and chemotherapy. His bones were riddled with lesions, his protein levels dangerously high. It was a serious situation, but quick action and dedicated care teams put him on the path forward.
Over the years, Mark’s treatment journey has included multiple protocols, a bone marrow transplant, and most recently, CAR T-cell therapy at Colorado Blood Cancer Institute (CBCI) in Denver, more than 100 miles from home. He credits his longevity and quality of life to the expertise and compassion of his medical teams.
“From the beginning, my doctors, nurses, and caregivers have been sensational,” Mark says. “I wouldn’t be living without them.”
When Peter Forsberg, MD recommended CAR T-cell therapy, he guided Mark to Henning Schade, MD who coordinated the therapy process with clarity and confidence, making sure every detail was in place so he could receive the most effective treatment available.
“That’s the kind of care that puts the patient first,” Mark recalls. “It made me feel like my well-being was truly the top priority.”
Now under Dr. Forsberg’s care at CBCI, Mark appreciates not only the medical expertise but the direct, honest communication that helps him make informed choices.
“He’ll tell you exactly what’s going on. He even grabbed me by the shoulders once and said, ‘Mark, you’re going to be fine. Quit worrying.’ That’s the kind of reassurance you don’t forget.”
For Mark, living with cancer is less about fighting a battle and more about embracing life as it is.
“This is my life. My life includes living with cancer; it’s no different than saying I’m left-handed,” he says. “The only control we have is our attitude.”
That mindset, which was shaped by early advice from a former oncologist who told him not to get lost in statistics, has allowed Mark to focus on what matters most: kindness and relationships.
“Everything else is secondary,” he says. “No one asks for cancer, but you choose how you respond to it. For me, it’s about being kind and staying connected.”
Mark has found a way to share that philosophy through writing. For the past eight years, he has maintained a blog offering monthly reflections on living with cancer, resilience and perspective. His aim is not to give medical advice or tell others how to live, but to provide a lens through which readers such as patients, caregivers and anyone facing challenges can consider their own journey.
“I try not to be preachy because I know very little,” he explains. “I just offer a perspective and let people decide how it applies to them. Everyone’s cancer is their own. This is my journey; yours will be different.”
Outside of treatments, Mark continues to golf, hike, bike, read and enjoy time with his wife, sons, sisters and friends. He makes concessions when needed whether it’s hitting from the white tees instead of the black or scaling back on intense hikes. But, overall, he refuses to stop doing the things he loves. Even a failed attempt at climbing a 14,000-foot peak with his son turned into a cherished memory, complete with laughter and storytelling.
“I think about death every day, but not in a morbid way,” Mark says. “It’s just reality. And when you remember that you become more discerning about how you spend your time.”
After more than a decade of treatment, Mark sees his story as one of gratitude. He’s grateful for medical advances, for the care he’s received at CBCI under Dr. Forsberg and for the relationships that make life meaningful.
“If I died tomorrow, I’d still say it’s been a gift. I’ve been able to keep living… and living well thanks to the people who’ve taken care of me and the choice to stay present.”
Cancer care in Denver
When you need compassionate cancer care, we're always here for you. At HCA HealthONE hospitals, we provide comprehensive, compassionate cancer care programs. Our specialized teams of cancer doctors (oncologists) work together with many other specialists. They provide you with an individualized care plan that can include both nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
Colorado Blood Cancer Institute (CBCI) at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s, is part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. Our goal is to provide individual, innovative cancer services. Our care teams work individually with you to schedule consultations with specialists — such as surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.