When I was told cancer I was at a sports doctor having a MRI for a back ache. I went home and they told me I needed to come back. When I returned 4 doctors were in the room and told me . I said oh well make me an appointment with an oncologist. They said you don’t understand you’re not going home your body is hollow. I told my wife oh well let’s get this over with so I can go back to work. 2016 and still haven’t returned. Just part of my script in gods plan.

We had just made a cross-country move and my back hurt so bad from all the lifting and loading of boxes and furniture. I went to a chiropractor and v it just got worse. I went to a doctor and she ordered x-rays. She told me she sent in a referral to ortho and they would be calling me. When I went, he tried shots that didn't even last until I got to the parking lot, so he ordered an MRI. When I went for the scan, it was late in the day and there were 2 residents there. When I got home, I was making dinner and one of the residents called and said, "We can't help you. You need to see an oncologist." I was stunned. I was just standing there in shock when the phone rang again, and the other resident said, "We can't help you. You should follow up with your PCP right away." I had no sooner hung up from that call when my phone rang again and it was my PCP who said, "Can you be here at 9 am tomorrow? You should bring your husband and daughter." The next morning, my doctor explained that they suspected MM and that she made a referral to oncology. By the time I had blood tests and a firm diagnosis, it was Christmas Eve 2019. I was still in a fog. I remember my son-in-law, who is an oncologist, talking at dinner about MM and all the advances that have been made. It felt surreal. After that, I was plunged into the world of MM, tests, treatments, biopsies, etc. And here I am!

When I first was told I had cancer and 18 months to live, there was shock since I planned to live to 100, (my father went to 99 and I was sure I had better health than him). But no fear, I have never feared death, my fears are excruciating pain, incapacitation, running out of money. But after about 1 month I settled down and started treatment, shortly after I started feeling that everything was going to be alright. Faith in deserving a positive outcome I believe helps.

My primary care physician send me to a specialist after she determined I had lots of proteins in my regular, and my 24 hr urine sample, during my yearly physical. When I got there, the oncologist who was new at the clinic started talking about cancer. I went, who’s got cancer? She said you do! She wasn’t very diplomatic. When I told my regular oncologist/ hematologist about her, my oncologist wasn’t very pleased. Needles to say, the new oncologist didn’t last very long at the clinic.

My annual checkup sent me to a nepherologist & pulmonologist.
Have a spiculated lung nodule & did a bronchoscopy which brushings were negative for malignancy. The tissue did not survive. Still watching nodule.
Next stop to nepherologist who found the SMM that sent me to the oncologist. So many Dr appointments, biopsies. Etc
My mind & body was filled with fear. Even though I'm God conscious it didn't take away my fears & uncertainty how my life will be. I thank Jesus for letting this disease lay dormant since I've been smoldering for 2 years.
Although as of last Friday I may have amyloydosis or MGRS.
Waiting on Dr to respond to urinalysis.
I pray AI can find a cure of all cancers.
I can say, it's not a easy road to travel no matter what stage of MM.