1. < Blood Cancers & Disorders

Am I alone with so many maladies?

Posted by thefemur @thefemur, Dec 23, 2024

20 some odd years ago I was diagnosed with Diffused large-cell lymphoma and through the strength and support of my family and friends (and amazing doctors) I beat it and have been in remission/cured ever since.

In the years after, I have been diagnosed with polycythemia Vera, itp, heart failure, type 2 diabetes and multiple myeloma. It’s made for an interesting journey and I don’t know that I would change any of those adventures. So many memories made because of these issues.

Am I alone being this walking medical malady? Anyone else out there facing these and/or other compounding medical mysteries? How do you maintain a positive outlook or do you?

This isn’t meant to be a sob story or woe is me. I’ve had and continue to have a good life, even in spite of all these things. Just looking to chat with folks who are also a walking, talking, breathing medical mystery.

Thanks,

Femur

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dancouclanel4 | @dancouclanel4 | Dec 26, 2024
In reply to @nohrt4me "Severe scoliosis, mitral valve going bad, asthma, and ET. I keep moving as much as I..." + (show)
@nohrt4me

Severe scoliosis, mitral valve going bad, asthma, and ET. I keep moving as much as I can, pace myself to preserve energy, and keep my inhaler and cane handy.

I don't see myself as a warrior, just an old lady trying not to be a burden.

One foot in front of the other, one day at a time, don't catastrophize the future, be thankful for the good days, read and knit the rest, ask for help, pare life down to as many joys as possible, jettison the stuff that wastes effort, offer somebody encouragement every day.

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Femur,
We have all entered a twilight zone that has no history or ending. What one faces is not necessarily repeated rather a flicker of what some one has endured. Clearly we are on separate journeys.
My case is complicated with a short OS . Initially it was 12 months terminating in June 2024. I credit the reprieve to divine intervention with many prayers dedicated professionals and a profound fighting attitude salted with a similar mental state of persistence.
All of which is to say my life has changed drastically. My life was complicated before I got this disease. Now finality enters the narrative. It is a matter of josting with every day demands with that light on the railroad track becoming forever brighter. I'm at peace with all of it....as it is part of the eternal journey.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 4 days ago

@thefemur, great topic. I hope you’ve read the helpful, informative and supportive replies that you’ve received from several members.You are certainly not alone in managing multiple conditions. I’d love to hear about your tips for coping with receiving each new diagnosis and managing the juggling balls of health.

What tips would you offer someone in your situation? What activities help you focus on what matters to you?

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