So now that I’ve made it to this point of progress --- who am I?
Because of the specific nature of Multiple Myeloma (there currently is no cure for the disease), my medical status is a tad uncertain. In the parlance of my prognosis, I will eventually relapse as the tiniest bit of remaining cancer within me will eventually work its ravenous magic and multiply over time to a level which again requires treatment.
This is one of those time-frames to which no easy number can be assigned. Not because of the despair around a prediction, but rather due to the optimism surrounding the efficacy of my stem cell transplant and the potency of my post-treatment regimen. It’s not a question of how soon will I relapse (brevity) but how long before another intervention needs to be implemented (duration).
But during the indeterminate interim, what label now best fits my status? I am indeed a cancer survivor – though my disease is not cured. And I am still a cancer patient, as the scourge persists within, though currently at a harmless level. I’m much better off than the overwhelming majority of cancer patients, yet I’m not “done” yet so I can’t claim the victory.
In keeping with my treatment mantra, I see no value in worrying about something which I can’t change. So for now I feel fine, I look healthy, and I act like it never really happened (or at least it’s over for now); not denial, rather acceptance. Until my medical status dictates otherwise I’m just that guy who had cancer who is now dealing with the ongoing dimensions of that reality on a daily basis.
