Inspirational Stories

I was diagnosed with plasma cell dyscrasia (PCD) in September 2021. My condition was monitored, and more tests were conducted. In November 2021, my diagnosis was changed to intermediate-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). In July 2023, my diagnosis was changed to monoclonal gammopathy (MGUS). With the multiple myeloma not having achieved remission, I was diagnosed with IgG kappa myeloma, a type of MGUUS, in August 2023. Since starting treatment last October, my M-spike has slowly decreased, and my progress looks good.

I try to keep things as "normal" as possible, spending time with my family and especially with my granddaughter. I am a pretty strong person and can usually push myself to do things even when I am tired. I have learned that I can do almost anything that I was doing before I was diagnosed. I am careful about being in crowds, and I make sure that I am wearing a mask. I wear a mask when my granddaughter has a runny nose. I've been pretty lucky in terms of not getting sick. My husband has been very helpful and supportive. We are trying to schedule short vacations (between weekly injections), which is also important since I am no longer teaching and need to get out of the house!