I Found Strength After Surviving Multiple Myeloma and Through Recovery

Ronald Chin received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in January 2017 and has been in remission since October 2023. Catch up on all of Ronald's blogs here!

A survivor perseveres through life's trials, emerging on the other side of a perilous event or harrowing ordeal, like an accident or a grave illness. This individual embodies resilience and withstood circumstances threatening to take them down. Similarly, the term can describe a person who endures the emotional challenge of continuing life after the loss of a loved one, such as a cherished family member. This survivor navigates the turbulent seas of grief and loss, finding a way to carry on despite the profound absence left behind.

I became a survivor when I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and lived through a clinical trial in 2017. I became a survivor by making thrice-weekly trips to the hospital for infusions of (Kyprolis) carfilzomib, (Treanda) bendamustine and dexamethasone, along with occasional doses of Zometa (zoledronic acid). I became a survivor, enduring MRI scans and radiation treatments while lying on my back with broken bones. I became a survivor by having my stem cells collected for a transplant that ultimately didn't occur.

I emerged as a survivor after enduring compressive fractures in my thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, labeled explicitly as T11, T12, L1, L3 and L5. The pain was excruciating, a deep, relentless ache that seemed to reverberate while imprisoned within the white tortoiseshell and leg brace. In L1, there was severe retropulsion — a spinal burst where fragments of bone were forced into the delicate spinal canal, threatening to wreak havoc on my nervous system. My height dwindled from a statuesque 5 feet 8 inches to a petite 5 feet 2 inches.

Remarkably, I am considered an anomaly because I retained the ability to perform basic bodily functions like peeing and pooping. My nerves, which could have been severely compromised, mercifully remained intact, sparing me from the paralysis that loomed as a terrifying possibility.

Indeed, I am a survivor. After eight long years, I finally feel robust enough to traverse the city on my own. This past Valentine's Day, I embarked on a journey by myself using public transportation for the first time! My adventure began with the crosstown bus, traveling from the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art at 86th Street/Madison to Broadway. From there, I descended into the depths of the subway, catching the #1 train to 34th Street/7th Avenue at Penn Station, and completed my journey with a leisurely walk home. My only companion on this journey was my trusty cane!

A few weeks later, I was at a feng shui consultation near the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral. Navigating the mazelike tunnels of the 53rd Street/5th Avenue subway station, a chaotic construction mess, was no small feat. For someone like me, who typically relies on my trusty rollator walker with a seat, these obstacles might as well have been insurmountable cliffs. Yet, with determination and carefulness, I maneuvered through the maze, feeling a profound sense of accomplishment with each step.

The physical therapy sessions, with their rigorous exercises and carefully guided routines, gradually built up my strength. I could feel my stamina growing as I pushed through the repetitions, my muscles becoming more resilient each week. This newfound vitality boosted my confidence, allowing me to take on challenges I once thought were insurmountable.

Meanwhile, my wife, Heather, played an indispensable role in this transformation. She gracefully transitioned from hovering over me with constant concern to stepping back and

encouraging my steps toward self-reliance. Her gentle smiles and words of encouragement reminded me that she valued my progress and celebrated my newfound independence.

I am a survivor, and my journey is a testament to the power of gratitude and the harmonious blend of diverse healing traditions. My Eastern training in meditation, qigong, and other energy modalities has taught me to channel and balance the vital forces within.

Western medicine, with its arsenal of potent healing elixirs, has played an indispensable role in my recovery. Together, these approaches have woven a tapestry of resilience and renewal, enabling me to regain my strength and embrace life with renewed vigor.

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