On June 28,
2011, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. It’s
so funny how you think everything is going just RIGHT in your life but God has
other plans for you. I was on top of the world; I had just graduated from
Columbia College (SC) with my Accounting degree, after a 15 year hiatus.
On May 10th,
I was playing softball when a pain, like I have never felt, hit me at the top
of my head and went down the left side of my body. I was told it was my sciatic
nerve by the emergency room doctor, which I knew in my heart of hearts, was not
the right diagnosis. In 2008, I had already been given the diagnosis of multiple
myeloma but refused to accept that diagnosis from my Hematologist. At that time it was determined that my
diagnosis was of MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined specification).
After about a couple weeks of continued pain and numbness on my left side, I
returned to my PCP, who did an x-ray and sent me straight to my oncologist. I
was diagnosed on that Tuesday, June 28th, and the life that I had
taken for granted flashed in my face. I had gone from a MGUS to Stage II
Multiple Myeloma with multiple bone lesions in my ribs, my pelvic area and
back. I immediately had a port inserted and began several rounds of Velcade and
Zometa treatment. I was responding to all treatment well, the pain dissipated
and the bone lesions healed. I was
placed on Revlimid and Dex maintenance because I was not mentally or
emotionally ready for the stem cell transplant. I refused to have a procedure
of that magnitude when my body was not in totally in tune, spiritually,
mentally or emotionally.
I was able to
go back to work in March 2012 after the myeloma was under control. Prior to returning to work, I did not have
insurance and was not able to get any assistance because I was not perceived as
disable due to my age (yes, my age) and I had not had the stem cell
transplant. This almost wiped me out
financially but it’s amazing how awesome God is. I never went one day without the things I needed
including food, shelter, medications and went to each doctor or specialist I
was scheduled for.
Fast-forward, I
had an autologous stem cell transplant done on October 4, 2013 at Duke
University. The entire process was truly
a humbling experience and I can’t thank my family, friends and the entire at
staff at Duke, enough, for the support and care I received. The transplant was a success I am now in
complete REMISSION. I am playing
volleyball twice a week and softball on Saturday’s. Yes, myeloma is a treatable cancer but I
EXPECT a MIRACLE. I am very hopeful they
are going to find a cure for this disease.
I am an active member of Camden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I enjoy reading, shopping, traveling and watching or playing any organized sport. I am a die-hard Washington Redskin fan.
I am an active member of Camden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I enjoy reading, shopping, traveling and watching or playing any organized sport. I am a die-hard Washington Redskin fan.
“Cancer is not my story, it’s not my life; it’s just an excerpt from a chapter of the many stories I will tell in my life.” ~Gwenita
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Thank you for sharing your story. Continue to fight and have faith!
