In early March this year I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood borne cancer. Since that time, my goal has been to achieve Complete Remission (given there is currently no known cure). I have achieved Complete Remission. My bone marrow biopsy and Mibi scan, completed Monday, found no detectable trace of cancer. Goal achieved.
I cannot easily explain how I feel about this amazing result. I feel like jumping up and down, hugging strangers, doing strange little dances on the spot without music, laughing and crying. Being honest……..I have done them all. Most of all, I want to share this moment and these emotions with family and friends who have been there with me. I have truly needed you there as the past six months have been very difficult. I am thankful.
Although I am now in remission, I do have to be realistic and at least acknowledge that remission is different for everyone, and can last for only 12 months or for 20 years. But for now, let’s go with the latter. I also have to keep in mind that I am still recovering from my Stem Cell Transplant. My doctor suggests it will take at least 3 months for me to get back on my feet, and return to feeling normal.
My next goal is to continue to adopt and implement a plan that suitably incorporates family, wellness, friends and work in a manner that sees me doing the funky chicken dance at my 60, 70 and 80th birthdays! I need to continue to do the good things I have recently implemented, and continue to evolve so that I can be as well as I can be. As I am sure you are aware, I have already started on this goal! I hope you will all stay on this ride with me as I think I am going to need a lot of help along the way!
So the plan from here:
- Today I look forward to meeting one of Australia’s gurus on Multiple Myeloma. We will discuss the benefits of an Allo Transplant (brothers as SC donor). This discussion is to explore how to get me as close to cured as possible.
- rest and recover.
- In a few weeks time I will revisit the surgeon to assess my shoulder. You may remember that I found the Myeloma by shattering my shoulder. I can finally investigate what condition the bone is in and what I can do to ensure I can play basketball/walk Kokoda trail/walk the Oxfam 100km walk/swim. That’s enough for now.
Thank you for all of your love and support. As my healing team, please take credit where credit is due and know that you contributed to me achieving my goal.
Take care and hope to speak soon.
Geoff
PS……I only ate the fish 🙂
