Traveling with Multiple Myeloma: A Journey of Adaptation and Hope

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!

As I grew up, my dad shared his passion for travel, taking our family on adventures that became cherished memories. One of the highlights was our trip to the 1964 New York World's Fair, where the air buzzed with excitement and innovation. In 1967, we ventured to the Montreal Expo, immersing ourselves in a vibrant tapestry of cultures and futuristic exhibits. We also explored the historic streets of Washington, D.C., where we marveled at the iconic Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, gazed in awe at the grandeur of the White House, and wandered through the galleries of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

With a knowing smile on his face, my father said, "Travel when you are young, not when you are retired or old!" Those words echoed in my mind long after our conversation. Following his advice turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I've been fortunate enough to circle the globe on multiple occasions, living part-time along Amsterdam's picturesque canals and savoring teaching experiences across the continents—from the heartfelt workshops in Europe to the beautiful gardens and villages in China.

In 2016, I found myself standing backstage at a Feng Shui conference in the charming town of Tiradentes, Brazil. As I prepared to step onto the stage, I noticed an unsettling weakness in my limbs. Each step felt as though I was treading on thin ice, requiring deliberate caution to avoid a misstep. The spotlight was on me, but my mind was preoccupied with the frailty I couldn't quite understand. Unbeknownst to me, the silent thief of myeloma was already gnawing away at the strength of my bones.

Upon receiving the diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2017, my journeys for the ensuing years transformed dramatically. My primary mode of travel became the stretcher ambulance, or vans specially equipped to accommodate my wheelchair. Each trip was a careful choreography, a dance of patience and adaptation. The waiting for endlessly delayed car services became a routine exercise in endurance as I navigated the complex logistics that now defined my mobility.

The last time I boarded an airplane was back in 2019, flying from the bustling metropolis of New York City to the serene haven of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. My journey was to visit friends at their charming lake house in Virginia, nestled by tranquil waters. Navigating the sprawling airport was a unique and eye-opening experience for me as I maneuvered through the throngs of travelers by wheelchair. The hustle and bustle of the terminal, with its echoing announcements and hurried footsteps, painted a vivid backdrop to my adventure.

Eight years have passed, and now I confidently navigate the city with my trusty rollator. It's my constant companion for grocery shopping, strolls around the bustling streets, and even occasional rides on the subway. My last significant journey was a memorable one, as I took the Amtrak train from the heart of New York City to the quiet center of Atlanta for the Christmas holidays. We were fortunate to secure a private, handicap-accessible bathroom with our cozy roomette, ensuring comfort throughout the eighteen-hour trip.

I am thrilled to share the news that I have received approval for Access-A-Ride. With this newfound freedom, I feel an exhilarating sense of possibility, as if the entire city has opened up to me. This service proved to be the ideal way for my wife and me to attend the Mt. Sinai Survivors Day event. There, we had the incredible experience of meeting my fellow multiple myeloma thrivers in person, surrounded by a community that shares resilience and hope.

I would love to board the airplane now; however, I can't shake off a twinge of anxiety hearing about the travel delays and the precautions necessary due to our immunocompromised condition. The idea of soaring through the skies to Atlanta to reunite with family fills me with warmth, or flying over turquoise waters to Cancun for a lively family get-together offers a tantalizing escape. There's also the thought of journeying to China to reconnect with my roots at my ancestral home, which calls to me with a deep, nostalgic pull. Just recently, we took the time to renew our passports, preparing for such adventures.

Despite the fractures in my spine and the lingering neuralgia from the shingles, I am profoundly grateful for the ability to remain mobile. This mobility enables me to visit family and friends, as well as explore new places. Each step I take, though sometimes accompanied by a twinge of pain, is a reminder of the freedom I still possess. The joy of seeing familiar faces and the thrill of discovering new places fill me with immense gratitude.

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