Day 2033

I just returned from a few days in Breckenridge, Co and I spent some quality time thinking about my journey with Multiple Myeloma cancer. I was at the “Mayo Spa” again in April 2023 and had another wonderful visit with my Dr. and the test results were great. When I asked him how long was the average stem cell remission? he said about 4 years. Of course, I replied that I would be one of the outliers and looking at 10 years, so I figure I am halfway there. But I also have enough ” frozen stem cells” to do it all over again….twice…if needed.

I continue to see my Dr. in Denver every month, as that is a requirement for my maintenance immuno-therapy med. Every month I get a blood draw and we review about 30 results and last month was “normal” and I am always excited to hear that! I was thinking about my blood draws in the past 6 years and I am over 70 times and that does not include the time in the Rochester, while going through the stem cell transplant. It is part of life now and I think I am lucky to have the ability to monitor this “condition” because it also keeps me healthier and keeps me in the moment.

What I do know is that if I have to do it again in the future, I will need to be strong and healthy to accomplish the same outcome, so that is a driving force to be active and pay attention. I make an effort to treat each morning as a blessing and take a positive attitude to the day and that can be a challenge; but this is my goal.

I was so inspired by the beauty of the fall aspen gold colors in the mountains! Nature gives us incredible beauty every day. The sunrise, the sunset, the moon rising, the leaves changing colors, the pines with new growth, and throw in a dusting of a first snow and it was like my first time seeing it. Exhilarating and complex and ever changing; just like every day when I wake up!

So grateful to ” wake up” and be able to express my gratitude for my family, my friends, my adventures, my pups, my job. I LOVE my life and I believe my MM diagnosis and the fact that I live with it daily keeps me grounded and appreciative of the moments I am given each day.

As I read through my blog I was reminded of massive amount of support and love you all sent to me on my adventure and again, I have to SAY THANK YOU!

LIVE- LAUGH – LOVE

XO