It was exactly one year ago today, on February 3rd at 4:08 p.m., when I was first diagnosed with cancer. It has been a long, arduous journey. It has come with its share of trials and tribulations , sprinkled with generous amounts of optimism and blessings.
Time is a relative concept. Some days I feel like I have lived with cancer for a very long time; other times, it feels like I was only diagnosed yesterday. What I do know is that I have grown tremendously in the past year. At first, I reacted to the diagnosis with anger, shock and denial. I did not expect to live more than 6 months. It was a tough period that required every ounce of energy and resilience. It took me a good 3 – 4 months to come to a point where I not only accepted the cancer, but chose to embrace it. In the process, I think I have become more human, more patient, even more loving. It has been a transformational experience for my family as well who have gone through their own journey and learning.
Here is a snapshot of this past year, in numbers:
- Number of cancers diagnosed: 2: Multiple Myeloma(Feb 3) Lymphoma (Feb 9)
- Number of cancers in remission: 1 (Lymphoma)
- Number of bone marrow biopsies: 7 (ouch!)
- Number of visits to Emergency Dept.: 7
- Number of days in intensive care: 2
- Number of days spent overnight in hospital: 28
- Number of Chemo treatments for Lymphoma: 6 (every three weeks)
- Number of Chemo treatments for Myeloma: 12 and counting (weekly)
- Number of units of blood transfusions: Too many!
- Number of tests – CT scans, PET scans, Xrays, dental exams, pulmonary function test, MUGA scan, echocardiogram, etc.: More than enough.
- Number of stem cells collected for transplant: 2 million per Kg of weight (Enough for 2 transplants)
- Number of surgeries for Hickman Line, PICC Line and Quinton Line: 4
- Number of wigs purchased: 10 (and counting!)
- Number of hugs, good wishes, prayers & support from family, friends and community: Overwhelming.
- Feeling of being loved: Priceless!
So, Happy Anniversary Cancer! It’s been good knowing you. You obviously had a purpose: to infiltrate my bone marrow and turn my own blood/plasma cells against me. But, we got you figured out. We have a solution: An Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplant, happening on Valentine’s Day or thereabouts. I look forward to parting ways with you soon. So long! Buh-bye! Adieu! Arrivederci!
I want to live a long, healthy and happy life. So, I need you to leave my body willingly and allow me to live in vitality. Yes, I will take the lessons you’ve taught me and, hopefully, emerge a better person. You have been an exacting teacher. You have taught me the value of time and life. You’ve done your work, Mr. Cancer. Now it’s time to leave….
So…
– Munira
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