Munira Premji

Tom BrokawDear Tom,

I just learnt that you’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/11/showbiz/tom-brokaw-cancer/

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/showbiz/2014/02/12/ac-gupta-tom-brokaw-cancer-announcement.cnn.html

I am sorry to hear this news and felt compelled to write to you.  You see, I, too, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.  I remember the exact moment:  It was Feb 3rd, 2012, at 4:08 pm.  My husband, Nagib, and I were at Toronto General Hospital.  We figured that the doctor would say I had anemia, prescribe iron pills and send me home.  Instead, Dr. Robert Wu sadly informed us that I had Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma.  We had no idea what Myeloma was and frantically started searching the internet for details.  Nagib and I tried to make sense of the information.  The news was frightening.  In that moment, our lives changed forever.  But things were going to get much worse.  Two weeks later, I got a call from the hospital to go for additional tests.  And that is when I learnt that I also had an aggressive-moving Stage 4 Non Hodgkin Lymphoma.  I thought I had two weeks to live.

It’s been two years since the diagnoses and here I am – still very much alive, living fully.  Living fearlessly!.

I am writing to tell you that Myeloma is not fun.  It is a pesky, non-curable cancer.  It can cause bone disease and complications in the liver and kidneys.  The treatment can often result in high fever, fatigue and exhaustion, bruising and bleeding, and repeated infections.  But you knew that already.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow.  It is a relatively rare form of blood cancer.  Approximately 24,000 people in the US are diagnosed with Myeloma each year, while 11,000 die from Myeloma each year.  The five-year survival rate is approximately 38%, one of the lowest of all cancers.  (In Canada, approximately 7,000 people are living with Multiple Myeloma, with approximately 2,300 new cases diagnosed each year, and approximately 1,400 deaths each year).  At this time, the exact cause of myeloma is not known.  What is known is that myeloma is slightly more common in men than women, generally occurs in adults over 50, and the incidence is twice as high in African Americans as it is in Caucasians.  But you knew that already.

Today, there is much to be hopeful for if you belong to the Multiple Myeloma community.  New drugs.  New treatment options.  Stem Cell transplant.  All designed to slow disease progression and provide prolonged remission.  You will be the beneficiary of this advanced research.  But you knew that already.

What I want you to know is that you will make it through this difficult time.  Yes, there will be days when things may seem bleak and dismal.  Treatment, and the side-effects from the treatment, are difficult at the best of times.  Just know that these are small inconveniences, a speed bump in the road of life.

Tom, you are strong.  You are resilient.  You are courageous.   And you have wonderful caregivers in your life.  You will find a way to embrace this challenge and learn from it.  You will make meaning of this, and use your gift of voice and words to raise awareness of the disease.  You will find a new purpose in life.  Life will be even more precious for you as you live every precious moment of it.  But you knew that already.

I am counting on you, Tom, to be around for many, many more years.  You have touched many lives and have reported the news with competence, integrity and grace over the years.  I have been a fan of yours for as long as I can remember.  So I urge you that, while you continue your work, take some time to look after yourself.  And ask for help.  And, this is something you probably didn’t know:  we are all praying for you and rooting for you!

Sincerely,
Munira

Toronto, Canada
February 11, 2014

12 Comments

  • Anonymous , December 14, 2015

    Hi muni I am always praying for you
    Love Naaz Dadani

    O

  • Anonymous , February 20, 2014

    I found your writing interesting. I also have Multiple Myeloma. Along with it, I have End Stage Renal Failure. Thanks to my wife and the Mayo Clinic, I have had a stem cell transplant. I feel as if the figure of God has touched me. I feel much better, and look forward to a rewarding life. I only wish you the very best in your fight.

    • Premji Family , February 24, 2014

      I love your spirit and your verve! With your attitude you will win your fight! Thanks for writing and for your encouragement!

  • bobboulton , February 17, 2014

    Well, you know Munira, amidst the truly serious nature of all of this, you make me smile just as you used to. Mixing the serious with the, I’m not sure what word to use: Playful? Droll? Mischievous? Diminishing? “Pesky”,now I mean, really, there’s a word for you. Anyone who could describe their multiple myeloma as ‘pesky’ must be a special person. Not only in this generous post but in your video. You continue to be a special person. Bob.

    • Premji Family , February 17, 2014

      I smiled as I imagined us having a conversation about this! Can’t remember the last time I heard words like diminishing, mischievous…… Thanks so much for writing! Munira

  • Rose , February 13, 2014

    Munira, you have managed to impact us all by just being grateful for having “Health”, I believe your words will remind Tom, there is always a reason and purpose in Life. I wish both you, Munira and Tom the best, we pray for you.

    • Premji Family , February 17, 2014

      Thanks Rose. I am so very touched by your message and your prayers. I so believe the truth of having a purpose….

    • Premji Family , February 17, 2014

      Dear Rose – – Thank you for your note. I accept your prayers with humility. Yes, I feel that when one has a purpose, there is reason to fight……

  • bobbi valade , February 12, 2014

    I too have Multiple Myeloma and I have Plasma Cell leukemia which is a effect of cancer cells falling into my blood system. I found out Aug. of 2012. I have had 2 stem cell transplants and so far I am doing fine. I put my self on a 20 year plan emotionally of survival. I am now on a maintenance pill and hope for the best. Wish you speedy recovery. Positive thinking really helped me and is still helping me through this. All the best and prayers are with you. Bobbi

    • Premji Family , February 17, 2014

      Dear Bobbi – – thank you for sharing your story. I cannot even imagine what you must have gone through when you were diagnosed with myeloma and leukemia. 2 stem cell transplants. I love your spirit and optimism You inspire me!

  • Anonymous , February 12, 2014

    Such encouraging and heartfelt words, truly honest, and sincere.
    take care Munira

    • Premji Family , February 17, 2014

      Thanks Anonymous! I just felt I needed to convey to Tom that he will get through this speedbump!

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