Inspirational Stories

When I first found out that I had multiple myeloma (MM) 4½ years ago, I was shocked. I was in the hospital for a broken leg. I had twisted my leg, and it was badly broken. While I was waiting for surgery, a doctor came into my room and began to talk to me. She explained to me that my leg had broken because I had cancerous bone lesions. As I listened to her, I felt my heart sinking, I had a broken leg, not cancer. It didn't seem possible. Cancer was the last thing I would have imagined. I went through radiation, chemo, and cell replacement therapy. I was tired from all the treatments, but it gave me a lot of time to think about my life. What I had done, what I was doing, and most importantly, what I was going to do in the future. I decided that I needed to let my family know how much they meant to me and to keep them involved in my life. I needed to mend broken relationships and reach out to those who I had lost contact with. There seemed to be so much to do and a limited amount of time. I felt overwhelmed with my decision and wasn’t quite sure how to accomplish it. With the help of my family, I started moving towards my goal. 

I feel that I am meeting goals, but it's an ongoing process. I don't know how much time will pass before my body gives up on me. But with my family, friends, and my wonderful health team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, I am making the most of my journey. When we became overwhelmed with medical bills, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) gave us financial support, which made all the difference in our world. We truly appreciate LLS and all they do to help those in need. I've learned so much about my cancer and what I can do through their seminars and lectures. They really are a wonderful society. Thank you, LLS!