I had been putting off seeing a doctor for over a year. Not my oncologist, mind you. I’m talking about my primary care physician—or family doctor.

As soon as I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma three and a half years ago, my primary care physician, Dr. Carrie Smith, stepped aside, turning all of my care over to my medical oncologist and myeloma specialist.

It’s hard to argue with that—fighting multiple myeloma requires a doctor who devotes their full time to learning about and treating it.

At the time, someone like me was expected to live less than five years. No need for cholesterol lowering drugs or my first colonoscopy then!

As the months passed, my condition stabilized—then improved—along with my prognosis. The new drug Revlimid (lenalidomide) was working for me. As a matter of fact, Revlimid, thalidomide (Thalomid), and Velcade (bortezomib) were working for a lot of patients, providing hope for a potentially longer life.

What now? Having recently moved from Wisconsin to Florida, I had lost touch with Dr. Smith. So what? After all, I was seeing my oncologist every three months.

But Moffitt Cancer Center is more than an hour drive from my home. It would be more convenient to get my blood tests done closer to home.

A fellow patient recommended a local physician, Dr. Randolph Nunag, to me several months ago. Last week I finally called and made an appointment. More medical forms to fill out, records to transfer, and time spent in the waiting room. I wasn’t happy.

But it was all worthwhile. Dr. Nunag was bright and well informed. He took the time to listen and understand my situation. Most of the discussion centered on my myeloma.

Then 30 minutes later, something wonderful and amazing happened. Dr. Nunag suggested I get my PSA checked as a precaution against prostate cancer. Since I am 54 years old, he insisted I schedule a colonoscopy. And he wanted to check my blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well.

I didn’t express it at the time, but my reaction was one of elation. Dr. Nunag wasn’t treating me like I was dying—he was treating me like any other 54 year old who didn’t have cancer!

I think there is an important lesson to be learned here: Don’t focus so much on treating your multiple myeloma that you forget to take care of yourself.

Stay vigilant. Treat your body like you are going to be around for a long time. Don’t spend years fighting a winning battle against multiple myeloma, only to die from heart disease or another form of cancer.

Make healthy food choices, exercise daily, and get a physical each year.

None of us know what the future holds. But I’m hoping to live a long time. So pass me the ‘goop’ they use to clear out my colon, and bring on the cameras. I can’t wait for my first—of many—colonoscopies!

Feel good and keep smiling! Pat