Inspirational Stories

I was shockingly diagnosed with a monoclonal spike in November 2019 (six months after the unexpected death of my mom). Treatment was started in June 2020. I went to Mt. Sinai NYC where they have a team that just deals with multiple myeloma (MM). I am grateful that a couple of people recommended I go there. They treated me with four drugs, one of which wasn’t available at my local oncologist. The regimen was Velcade, Revlimid®, daratumumab, and dexamethasone. I had this induction therapy until my stem cell transplant in March 2021. My three-month post biopsy was MRD negative which is the best result. I have been on Revlimid® maintenance ever since. I take a 10 mg pill 21 days per month.

I never thought I would get through this. I was shocked at my diagnosis. I didn’t want the stem cell transplant. I was pretty much terrified. Luckily, due to my confidence in my wonderful doctor, I went through all of it. And with all the drugs available, I was able to have very few side effects while hospitalized. After 16 days in the hospital, I went home and recuperated very well. By August of that year, I was on a plane to Oregon to visit my sister.

I am proud of my strength and am doing great. I take Welchol to control the Revlimid-caused diarrhea. Other than that, I have no issues. My biggest fears are catching viruses like COVID-19 and of course, the anxiety of awaiting test results every three months. I was diagnosed with health anxiety and see a therapist via Zoom. I try to mentally prepare for a relapse but try not to dwell and live as best I can while healthy. I’ve been to Oregon three times, Switzerland once, and Florida four times to visit family. I wear my mask on the plane, in airports, at doctor appointments, and anywhere there are crowds. I’ve been to three concerts. My husband had a mild case of COVID-19 last year that I didn’t catch.

I want to encourage anyone reading this that they can get through the treatments and fears. If I can, anyone can. I never ever thought I would get MM or get through the treatments and fear. To think I used to be squeamish about needles. Now it’s a non-issue. Facing one’s fears is empowering, and I wish everyone much strength and good results. We live in a time where the treatments for blood cancers seem to be endless, with new ones constantly being approved. I thank my doctors, nurses, and assistants at Mt. Sinai for all they do and the endless research for a cure that I believe will happen. I have a couple of coaches who both are patients. One was diagnosed in the '90s, and she has never been in complete remission but is thriving. She has taken many different combinations of meds. The other coach is still in remission even though he stopped the maintenance therapy.

I am grateful to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for providing me with much-needed financial help and for all who donated to make that happen. While I hate having been diagnosed with blood cancer, I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a great support system. My family, friends, and therapist are there for me. And Mt. Sinai has numerous support systems if needed.

Again, I wish everyone some peace and optimism in their journey. Best of health to all.