As I drove to work this morning, I came to realize that it is two days past my 1-year anniversary of being diagnosed. I couldn't figure out whether this was a anniversary to celebrate or commiserate.
Looking back over the year, what a year it has been! Many ups (believe it or not) and downs obviously as a direct result of various treatments and emotions from untouched territory.
The ups came from a new found appreciation for the "little things". And the reality that I know that I have some really amazing people in my life who have stepped up to the plate without being asked or prompted. So that is to be celebrated.
The downs are mostly due to the emotional upheaval that I never imagined was possible and to some of the side effects of treatments.
But the main thing I have noticed is that "my world" has become about me. I have gone from a person who always put others first to putting myself first. I have found I have become selfish and less sympathetic towards others. With a get-over-it attitude towards others. I find that self pitying people make me irate. LOL. Not because I want sympathy, but because it frustrates me that healthy persons don't know what they have and can't or don't appreciate their health. It annoys me that I have become so self involved.
So maybe it is time for a "new year's resolution," and that is to be more mindful of those around me and stop being so selfish. Like most resolutions it will most likely be broken. But as I write I believe that I ill try.
The commiserations. Do I look at it as 1 year closer to death? A part of me does. I know we all have an expiry date. It's just that most of us can almost see it.
This site has helped me emotionally more then I ever anticipated, so thanks to all who get on and share. It helps to know that there are people who know and understand what I / we are all going through. Because as much as my supporters try to understand they just can't.
Anyway, all the best to all.
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Re: 1 year on
Hi Vicstir, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. I really do think it is more something to celebrate than to commiserate. But I certainly understand what you said about the ups and downs. I "celebrated" my 1 year anniversary of being diagnosed as being symptomatic in January of this year.
So much of what you said rings true for me too. I think for me the most positive thing was realizing that I am not alone - not alone because so many of my friends and family have provided support hat I didn't even know I needed and not alone because I see that there are many other people who have this same disease. Very similar to what you said.
I also find myself having less patience with other people who complain, and unfortunately my 85-year old mother is among those complainers. So I can use the New Year's Resolution you mentioned too.
Here's to a great 2nd post-diagnosis year for you! And many more after that too!
Mike
So much of what you said rings true for me too. I think for me the most positive thing was realizing that I am not alone - not alone because so many of my friends and family have provided support hat I didn't even know I needed and not alone because I see that there are many other people who have this same disease. Very similar to what you said.
I also find myself having less patience with other people who complain, and unfortunately my 85-year old mother is among those complainers. So I can use the New Year's Resolution you mentioned too.
Here's to a great 2nd post-diagnosis year for you! And many more after that too!
Mike
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: 1 year on
Hi Vic,
Congratulations on your first post diagnosis anniversary! Mine is in a few days.
I don't think you should be tough on yourself. When coping with others, I sometimes tell myself "it matters to them, it doesn't need to matter to you." I also remind myself that I don't have to set the world right, I can just move on.
Those who have reached out have been amazing towards me. That is the "up" I have found too.
Suddenly "these are the days." That is how I view my prognosis.
Mark
Congratulations on your first post diagnosis anniversary! Mine is in a few days.
I don't think you should be tough on yourself. When coping with others, I sometimes tell myself "it matters to them, it doesn't need to matter to you." I also remind myself that I don't have to set the world right, I can just move on.
Those who have reached out have been amazing towards me. That is the "up" I have found too.
Suddenly "these are the days." That is how I view my prognosis.
Mark
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Mark B - Name: Mark B
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct. 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: 1 year on
Congratulations on completing the first year. As time goes on you will come to appreciate each year as it passes.
It is two and a half years since my diagnosis. I was diagnosed one year to the day from the first of many spinal fractures, which seemed a strange anniversary.
I too still have ups and downs, but have learned to cope with the downs better. Like you, I quickly came to appreciate how lucky I am to have supportive friends and family. The people with whom I have the least patience are those who, when I meet them, tell me I've been thinking about you. Apparently not enough to call or send an email! I need to learn tolerance as well.
It is two and a half years since my diagnosis. I was diagnosed one year to the day from the first of many spinal fractures, which seemed a strange anniversary.
I too still have ups and downs, but have learned to cope with the downs better. Like you, I quickly came to appreciate how lucky I am to have supportive friends and family. The people with whom I have the least patience are those who, when I meet them, tell me I've been thinking about you. Apparently not enough to call or send an email! I need to learn tolerance as well.
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bluebird
Re: 1 year on
Hi Bluebird,
Your last line made me chuckle heartily. I'm not sure if that was your intention, but nonetheless it made my day. Hehehe.
Maybe that's another thread we need here on the forum. A joke or funny story section. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Yours Vicki
Your last line made me chuckle heartily. I'm not sure if that was your intention, but nonetheless it made my day. Hehehe.
Maybe that's another thread we need here on the forum. A joke or funny story section. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Yours Vicki
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vicstir - Name: Vic
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 39
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