Inspirational Stories

On November 8, 2021, I was diagnosed with stage III multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable cancer. Prior to being diagnosed, I thought I was a healthy young woman and was just living life with my children. I would have different pains throughout my body, but I didn't think much about it and would ignore them for the most part. The pains throughout my body were getting more and more frequent, so I went to the ER in October 2021 because I was in pain and could not eat, they said I was possibly having acid reflux and gave me a prescription for nausea. Before that ER visit, I went to the ER in May 2021 for chest pains. At that visit, they said I had inflammation and gave me a prescription for lidocaine patches. On November 4, 2021, I could no longer eat and constantly felt nauseous. I was able to get in with my primary care physician (PCP) who did lab work and called me two days later and said I needed to go to the ER because my kidneys were not functioning properly. My PCP had already called the ER to let them know I was on my way. It was such a whirlwind. My sister met me at the ER that day, I was admitted and would spend a week in the hospital undergoing multiple scans, X-rays, and blood work, feeling my absolute worst.

There were so many emotions involved, and I could not believe I was going through this. I feared for my children and running out of time with them; my children needed me. Soon after being diagnosed, I started chemo twice a week from November to February, often feeling fatigued. In mid-February, I received the good news that I was in complete remission. In March, I received a high-dose chemo called melphalan which was referred to as a nuclear bomb. I felt my weakest after receiving the high-dose chemo. A few days later, I was beginning the process for a stem cell transplant. I had to have a caretaker for 30 days after my transplant. I got so sick during this process and was admitted to the hospital again for a week. During my hospital stay in March, I lost my hair and went home with a head wrap. It was so much to take in being a single mother of four boys. I had to change my mindset and push through the hard days even when I did not want to; I had to do it for myself and my children. Anyone going through cancer is not in control, no reason to dwell on it. Leave it in God's hands. We can control our mindset and thoughts. Be positive.

I began feeling back to my normal self in April 2022, the journey has not been easy. I am due for a bone marrow biopsy yearly, and last year in 2023, my results came back detecting no cancer. My oncologist said I was in stringent complete remission, and if everything continues going well, I will no longer have to take my chemo pill. I am continuing to live life as tomorrow is not promised for anyone.

For the past three years, with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) grants, I have been able to cover copays for my medical procedures and prescriptions. I am forever grateful for the support.

We never know what others are going through. Be kind.