Fourteenth Year Cancerversary

              My husband and I at my 40th High School Reunion.                                                    Am I seriously that old?!

It has been fourteen years since I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. The remarkable fact is that I am so busy living my life that the remarkable date passed without a thought. I go weeks now without even thinking about the years of intense pain, treatment, side effects, and the mental battles I faced as I examined my options and the genuine possibility that m life would be cut short.

I continue to post occasionally on this blog with the belief that I can offer hope to those who are presently dealing with those dark days and endless nights of treatment.

I am now 58 years old. Mother of 5 and grandmother of 9 with two more on the way!! I am in my eighth year of teaching high school. If that was not enough to keep me busy, I felt inspired to also start working on a graduate degree. I am halfway through an online program to earn a Master's Degree in Education. It has been a steep learning curve but I am gradually getting used to the intellectual rigor and learning so much!! The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know! I have no idea where this will lead me in my career but it has already improved my teaching abilities.

Life can get better and there is hope that your health may improve. I just had my bi-yearly labs and all my numbers are within the normal range. At my last visit with my oncologist, he told me that I was the sickest patient he had seen who is still alive without being on maintenance since the stem cell transplant and follow-up medication. I have to really sit with that thought to fully comprehend what a miracle that is.

My hope is that I can continue to learn, grow, and become a more faithful follower of Christ. He has granted me more time on this earth and I hope through His strength I can help others along the way.

Whether you are just beginning a difficult journey by looking at the mountain you have to climb, or standing at the top knowing that you made it but did not get there by yourself, please know that life is good and the Savior Jesus Christ knows and loves you. Look to Him and know that He will be by your side and strengthen you in your journey.