If you don't know Linda, then you probably know someone like her. She's that woman who works at your church and she greets you faithfully with a smile. She's a tireless worker for the church and has dedicated years to making it a better, more welcoming place to worship. She always has a great attitude and even now as she faces one of the toughest battles in her life, she remains optimistic.
Read her testimony below:
"I was informed by my Care Team on March 31, 2015 after a Bone Marrow Test due to my complaining of being tired and constantly out of breath that I had developed a Bone Cancer called Mutiple Meyloma which affects my blood and bones. Of course this was a major surprise for me a high energy full of life person.
Multiple myeloma is a blood cell (plasma cell) cancer. Cancer means the uncontrolled growth of cells. In multiple myeloma, the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of abnormal plasma cells. Unlike other cancers where there is always a tumor, these cancer cells are most often in the bone marrow and in the blood throughout the body, although a tumor can form in the bone or in soft tissues. Multiple myeloma causes many symptoms that may include: Bone pain, often in the lower back or ribs. Fatigue and weakness due to low levels of red blood cells in the blood (anemia).
Frequent infections and fevers due to fewer infection-fighting white blood cells. Kidney problems, which can cause increased thirst, increased urination, nausea, or constipation . Weight loss. Broken bones due to weakened bones.
MUST READ: How Multiple Myeloma Affects Black People Differently
I started Chemotheraphy on April 14, 2015 for my condition. I was informed at that time I will need 6 cycles of Chemotheraphy , multiple testing , MRI's, Ultrasounds, Echogram , constant blood labs to help monitor my condition and I am in a stage with the disease to be a candidate for a Blood Stem Transplant Surgery after 6 cycles of chemotheraphy. I have completed 4 of the 6 cycles of chemotheraphy as of June 26, 2015. Next phase will be preparation for transplant which target date will be August 2015 for which I will be hospitalized a min of three weeks.
UPDATE as of 9/3/15: Just spoke with my doctors . I will need to start another dosage of chemotherapy a higher dosage ( cycle 7) . The bone marrow test show there is still 60 % of the disease in my plasma cells which is lower than when I first started . It was 90 % . They need the number to be much lower for transplant. So I'm being......placed back in chemotherapy cycle 7 to get this number lower . Transplant have been delayed until the plasma cell numbers are lowered which will increase my chances for healthy transplant procedure. Also Hats off to all chemo patients. Chemo is not a very easy process . You are tired weak nauseated and may have diarrhea or stomach cramps .you also lose your appetite . I will Keep you informed of new transplant date after this cycle of Chemo. A delay does not mean denied!
A setback is just a setup for a come back. God is good! Thank you all for your continuous love and support! Praying for all my fellow cancer sisters and brothers out there. This Battle is not ours to fight alone.
For more information on how to support Linda on her journey, click here.
