August 21, 2025

Lyzane Bissonnette

Where there's life, there's hope

Hello, my name is Lyzane Bissonnette and I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 43. Married mother of two boys, primary school teacher, and former military reservist, I was a busy woman with a full life. 

In September 2012, I told my family doctor about my recurring fatigue, believing it was a result of the pneumonia I had had six months earlier. Concerned, she sent me for blood tests. A few weeks later, I received a call from the hospital to make an appointment with a hematologist, but they didn’t give me any further details. When I arrived at the assigned location, I looked around at the people and the posters on the bulletin boards and realized I was sitting in an oncology waiting room! I started to feel stressed and scared because I had gone to the appointment alone as my partner Sébastien was out of the province for work, and I thought it was just a routine check-up.  

I was seen by a hematologist-oncologist who told me that I had smouldering multiple myeloma that could become active at any time. I was in shock and would have loved to have Sébastien beside me to take the news and listen to the doctor’s explanations! The doctor was very empathetic and took the time to explain what myeloma is, as I had never heard the term before. He told me that my myeloma was smouldering, which meant that it was dormant and that there was nothing that could be done to stop or slow it down other than maintaining a healthy lifestyle (eating healthily, exercising, limiting and managing stress, and getting a good night’s sleep).  

Following my diagnosis and biopsy, I learned that I had no chromosomal abnormalities, and I had medical appointments for over seven years to monitor its progression. In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, while my partner was deployed overseas, I decided to start my spring running training with my son Nathaniel, an activity we both enjoy. Then, within a few weeks, I began to experience unusual sharp pains in my back, difficulty walking and even sleeping. I also started having intense seasonal allergies, which was new to me. I was sneezing constantly, which caused severe pain in my ribs and back. I contacted my family doctor and oncologist, and in June 2020, blood tests showed that the myeloma had become active. X-rays also confirmed that I had numerous bone lesions in my pelvis and spine. Even though I knew what myeloma was and was familiar with the innovative treatments available, it was still a shock to learn that the myeloma had entered an active phase, because for the first time, I felt like the clock had started ticking, that the famous ‘10-year life expectancy’ countdown had begun. The distress was also linked to the fact that my partner was still abroad and that his return home was difficult due to the pandemic and flights being constantly cancelled. What’s more, at that time, my children and friends could see me suffering physically, but I was waiting for Sébastien to come home to tell them about the diagnosis.  

He finally returned home in early July 2020, and the day after his return, I broke the news to my two sons, Nathaniel and Florent, who were 17 and 15 at the time. Once they had absorbed the shock, in order to play down the situation, I explained to them that the famous ‘10 years’ was an average and that I was confident that I would exceed this timeframe thanks to advances in research. I also explained that 10 years is a long time and that I would still be around to mark their schoolwork, witness the start of their professional careers, and that they won’t get me off their backs yet! 

I then underwent radiation therapy to reduce the pain caused by a large bone lesion in my pelvis. Shortly after, I began my induction treatment with three drugs (ixazomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) to avoid spending too much time in the hospital due to the pandemic. 

Despite a quick recovery, I had a partial response, as my monoclonal peak was at 5.7, exactly the same as BEFORE my transplant. For the first time since the start of my myeloma saga, I felt discouraged and feared that the end would come sooner than expected.  

I wanted to get involved to support patients and caregivers affected by myeloma, to inform more people about this incurable disease, and to raise funds to find a cure.

Despite the challenges associated with myeloma, I am very grateful for the advances that have been made in myeloma research. Being diagnosed with myeloma was a huge shock, and the fact that it was dormant for over seven years meant that I didn’t feel sick. During those years, I was able to live a normal life with my family while continuing my teaching career. What’s more, during this time, research has led to new and innovative treatments aimed at prolonging and improving the quality of life of patients, which is a source of hope. As the saying goes, “Where there’s life, there’s hope”. 

Determined, positive, and proactive by nature, I am optimistic about the future. Over the past four years, I have developed resilience and gratitude. I am fortunate to have the support of Sébastien, my wonderful partner, my sons Nathaniel and Florent, my family, my friends and a fantastic healthcare team. I am hopeful that advances in research will allow me to continue to enjoy a long and fulfilling life until a cure is finally found.