Hi All

This is such a real question… especially in the myeloma world.

In myeloma “remission,” many people hear “cured.”
But in diseases like Multiple Myeloma, remission and cure are not the same thing.
Remission means:The cancer is controlled
Blood markers are low or undetectable
There are no active symptoms
Treatment may still be ongoing (maintenance, injections, pills)

Cure means:The disease is gone permanently No need for continued monitoring or therapy. No expectation of relapse

With myeloma, even in complete remission, most of us: Still do blood tests every month or 2. Stay on maintenance (like Velcade, Revlimid, Darzalex, etc.)
Live knowing relapse is possible

So remission is more like: “The fire is out… but we still check for smoke.”

Because when living in remission make something powerful:
Stop living like you are dying.
And start living like you are managing.

“In myeloma, remission means controlled, not cured. It’s grateful and stable and still monitor and maintain. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Remission doesn’t erase the battle scars.
It just means we’re winning this round.

Being on maintenance and being in remission are related but they are not automatically the same thing.

Maintenance means:You are continuing treatment (like Velcade, Revlimid, Darzalex, etc.) to keep the disease under control after initial therapy worked.

Remission means:Your tests show the myeloma is:Very low . Undetectable
Or significantly reduced

In Multiple Myeloma, remission and maintenance are not the same thing.
Remission means my numbers are low and the disease is controlled.
Maintenance means I continue light treatment to keep it that way.
So I’m stable and grateful but still managing long term.

Today is my Velcade injection day. The nurse said, “You look okay.” I just smiled 😊
But inside… only fellow warriors understand.

👨‍⚕️ I’m not a doctor just sharing from my own experience and what I’ve learned along this journey. Please always check with your medical team.

I take every opportunity to educate folks! They are curious and want to know. I do not look sick/ill and people are shocked to find out about MM.

Own Creation by Cancer Center 🫶🏻
Be Happy to all sorry for using your name 🙏
🚢🪝🛟
Destination: Cruise to Do No Where
Registered Ship ( sweet home alabama)
Cruise Ship: Multiple Myeloma
Owners:MM Team
Captain 👩‍✈️ ( Angela4)
Pilot 👨‍✈️. (mcastle)
1st Mate. ( Paula)
1st Engineer (DonnaAndrew)
Bosan (MohdSukor)

CREWS: MM members and others

Captain Angela
Ship ready for Cheap sale not sailing 😅
Bosan here ⚓😎 All systems checked and ready! Crew, let’s navigate the waves of MM together — support stocked, advice ready, and spirits high 🚢💛 Captain Angela, 1st Mate Paula, Engineer Donna, Pilot Mcastle — we’ve got this! 🛟😆”
🚢 Destination: Cruise to Do No Where
🏠 Registered Ship: Sweet Home Alabama
🩺 Cruise Ship: Multiple Myeloma
👨‍✈️ Captain & MM Team on board

“I am sailing, I am sailing
Home again ’cross the sea
I am sailing stormy waters
To be near you, to be free…”
— Rod Stewart 🙏

“Thank you, Shipmate! Angela Your words truly resonate and really are all in the same boat, navigating this journey together. God is indeed the Captain, guiding us every step of the way. I’m honored to be part of your team and would love to read your story. Wishing you continued strength, steady recovery and calm seas ahead with God Bless All MM Shipmates ⛵🙏

I really don't care what people think as when you get ill people are glad it's not them and over time they drift away and when my cancer does come back I am torn between undergoing treatment because of side effects or going and seeing things instead.