I'm Still Me Even Though I Have Myeloma

June 12, 2024
Roberta L. Hughes

When I told my friends and family I have multiple myeloma, some of them didn't know what to do.

I'm Still Me

It's still me inside —

Same hopes and cares, just look past

the outside changes.

Sometimes, when we share a cancer diagnosis with friends or family, they don’t know what to do — can they raise it later in conversation? They may quietly watch to make sure you’re “doing OK” when they think you aren’t looking. I have been fortunate so far that I do not exhibit much evidence of my cancer, beyond some brain fog/chemo brain episodes and signs of fatigue. However, I have observed how some people react when they see patients with cancer with obvious signs of chemo or radiation or in advanced stages of their cancer, sometimes even unintentionally staring. It can be difficult for everyone to accept the idea that “life goes on.”

Hope of Spring

Listen to the frogs

Practicing for their concert

To welcome bright spring.

Daffodil heads nod

To the soft breeze’s tempo.

The soul feels new hope.

This was inspired by a walk in the garden, enjoying sunshine and bright yellow patches of daffodils, listening to frogs in the stream wake from their hibernation. Certainly, spring lifts the spirit and brings a message of hope and renewal — an important part of any treatment.

This post was written and submitted by Roberta L. Hughes. The article reflects the views of Hughes and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

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