Another Face..... Of Multiple Myeloma

Okay, so a few things happened to me over the past 3 months... Viral Infection ( Temporary lost of hearing due to this infection) Almost bled to death a few blood transfusions.... long story and the kicker..... My numbers have spiked time for treatment! I just returned from my wonderful vacation, as we were sure this would not take place, yet it did. I survived my transfusion ordeal, though scary and losing me a few times in the hospital, yet I made it. When I got the back to back news about MM and time to react with treatment, I was devastated- my thought was I will now be one of those people who starts the true dance with myeloma. I wanted to punch something and someone, but after a few days in the Bahamas, I've come back with a new perspective. God is not done with me yet.... he could have easily ended this a few weeks ago with my other medical scares, as I was that close to leaving here. Though I'm anxious, nervous about what's to come, I'm so a fighter ...

What I’m learning and learning quite harshly is that life goes on with myeloma- this I knew; however You can’t win being stubborn! Though I’m a huge advocate of living a full and productive life, this does not mean doing things that are not considered unhealthy. My pattern of 4 -5 hours’ sleep has caught up to me in ways I didn’t think it would. My last post of a viral infection and now another huge health scare…. And may I say none of these have anything to do with multiple myeloma. Lesson learned after a blood transfusion, collapsing, and seizure…. A change is going to come in one way or another. If you’re like myself constantly busy and not making the best decision in getting rest, take my words, you’re not going to win, because just when you want to be at the top of your game, your body will shut it down, and the hope is that it doesn’t shut you down permanently.   Lessons to be learned when terminally under watch (if you will): -Little rest- opens the door...

Hello Fellow Readers, Excuse the short absence. I was ill with some kind of strange viral infection- that no one knows for sure what it was..... This was one time I knew for sure MM was about to be the death of me! What started off as a quick turn sore throat to losing my voice in 1 day, to an ear infection the next day, to horrendous back spasms- i cannot tell you how much pain i was in. Now this may not have had anything to do with MM, but the back spasm and me crawling and dropping to the floor due to the pain.... I cannot tell you how crazy the experience has been. My concern was even more intense with the back spasms, as it was at my lower spine, where I already have small indications of lesions, so you can imagine how scary this was. I recovered from this, but hope there was no damage done, but my practioner assured me if there was fractions, I would not be about to bend and do some of the tests he had me do. I'll need to share this experience with my oncologist in th...

Last week at my lab appointment I was excited to see that my hospital or myeloma department, is offering massage therapy sessions. I was soooooooooooooooooooooooo excited! I use to get massages every month twice a month, but with myeloma ..... it's very important to be careful in this gentle form of relaxation.... if you will. Having someone pound on your spine may not be the most comfortable for a myeloma patient; it may actually do more harm than good. How would you know this? I guess for me it's common sense, but what about so many of myeloma patients who just don't know what they should and should no longer take part in? -Should we take part in Diving? Skateboarding? Rollerskating? Remember for me I'm still on the young side and there's certain things I like to do... like rollerskating.... but can you imagine a hard slam if that right foot misses it's bearing? ^$%#*$ Ouch! Even almost 6 years in this mess, there are some details I would like clari...

Okay, so you all know I'm trying to limit my sugar  and chicken intake. I'm very mindful of sugar and when enough is enough, so I still have a way to go. I came upon a recipe some years ago when diagnosed with myeloma and reading on the benefits of adding flax seed to diet. Flax seed is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which helps in reducing bone lost, stabilizing blood sugar, promoting weight loss, as well as increasing your immune system. I have to admit I'm a snacker and it's something about getting the munchies just when it's time to call it a night that the snack attack occurs. I like snacks that crunch... I don't know maybe it's a mental thing or something. Today, we're snowed in and I need a break from my business at Spitfir, so I've played around for tonight's snack when "The Walking Dead" series comes on:) Shall we begin?? Let's rock.....                     ...

Happy New Year! Well as I last posted on my facebook  update- this year is all about a healthier mind frame. The key to myeloma and health is lessen the sugar intake. During the holiday I definitely over indulged in Spanish coquito (Spanish version rum based eggnog), between this and homemade cakes and cookies, I gained 7 lbs. I had a serious hissy fit and knew the change would be necessary. Sugar and myeloma or any other disease is not a good cocktail. My goal for the new year is to limit the amount of sugars I intake. They'll be times I may slip, but being mindful of what I'm putting in my body is the key. I've stopped drinking soda for over 10 years now, so juice you would think is a better option.... not really! 4-5 cups of juice equals a lot of future damage. As we get older we have to think of the possibility of diabetes. The joy of sugar is grand and all but taking insulin for the rest of my life and worrying about myeloma on top of that is not a...

Lila and I say Merry Christmas! Lila grants a smile :) I'm so happy to be given another Christmas as a survivor of myeloma! I always feel a bit uneasy every holiday, as I think of my loved ones no longer here, and those true and dear to my heart that continue to encourage me on this journey. I also get a bit tense in wondering what the New Year brings. I got wonderful news a few weeks back.... my PetMRI and Bone Marrow results came back positive. My disease is still at the stable status. The look on  my husband's face eased my heart as well, as I know he is going through with those thoughts in his head of grasping what happens when and if this disease progresses at a rate we've had the fortune of not coming close with. I don't see my Onc until 6 months, my bone marrow #s from 5 years ago went up only by 3. I'm so thankful this Christmas and can only say that I hope God continues to be my 2nd legs on this hazy journey. I wish you my fellow MM's a won...