Life has many ways of challenging people. There is no specific path or route for one to take. We all venture down different roads with different experiences and hurdles to overcome. I remember a hike I was once on, I kept veering off the path, laughing at myself. A gentleman nearby said, “Not all paths are meant for everyone. Continue to create your own and do what works for you!” Such simple words that had a high impact on my thoughts that day, and for what I was about to face in the next chapter of my life.

In 2016, I was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET). It was a little shocking and overwhelming at first. Not many medical professionals were even aware of it or knew a lot about it. Even my general practitioner had only ever encountered one other patient with ET in his career. It was a very dark and lonely struggle for a while trying to digest the diagnosis, understand it, and seek information about it. The uncertainty of it all was very unsettling. I had to limit the time I focused on research myself, so I wasn’t obsessing out it.

There is no cure as of today. It’s a chronic, slow, progressive blood cancer.

Only curative procedure right now is a stem cell transplant, usually only available to patients as a last resort and only if you can find a match. It is not a pleasant procedure and carries many risks. Other forms of treatment are low dose chemo for life, which can long-term side effects and issues.

There are many types of MPNs: essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF).

They all present differently and each person can have different mutations that change the prospective of diagnosis and prognosis. Some people are more prone to heart attack, stroke or blood clots. Others are more prone to bleeding.

MPNs are rare and unique. There isn’t a lot known about them but continual research is slowly improving in this area.

I equate an MPN to being like a wildfire. Right now, it’s contained and slowly burning. But there are so many factors that could or could not happen. The weather could be uncooperative and fuel it, the wind could pick up and it could shift direction, it could jump the barrier and go out of control or it could just sit there and simmer for a long time.

The unkniwn creates anxiety and undertainty. Will it progress? What does that even look like? Time? How long do I have? Complications? How does it affect my overall health?

I was fortunate enough to eventually land a great oncologist in the world of hematology. Because of her knowledge and caring, I was able to feel comforted moving forward in my journey. I was also extremely grateful that I found a local support group. This support group started up just after my diagnoses by a lady who had lost her husband to this blood cancer. Driven by her passion to create awareness and bring people together for support, it has created a great network of wonderful people all going through their each and own individual journey with their blood cancer. It’s amazing to have this connection to feel supported, understood and to be able to share and exchange our experiences and knowledge. The research with MPNs is constantly evolving and why I am so supportive in the cause for Sole 2 Soul to help raise awareness and funds for research.

We all have our unique journey with MPNs. Some are long lived, some are short lived. Some progress and some don’t! Many experience a lot of symptoms and some don’t. There is no rhyme or reason and is different from person to person.

I am grateful that I’m not currently fighting for my life compared to other cancers. This isn’t a comparison. But what needs to happen is more awareness and understanding. No one should assume or judge a book by its cover. Many illnesses are invincible and no one’s struggle or own demons should ever be invalidated or dismissed.

I am really looking forward to connecting with others for this hike in beautiful Waterton National Park. Doctors, patients and supporters coming together to support, encourage and help raise awareness.

I am a fighter and will continue to move through this phase of my life with as much grace as I can. Count your blessings always, keep an open mind and understanding of both yourself and others. Change can change us but can also be temporary and comes with many lessons.

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary