Sometimes in the summer here in the foothills of the Rockies, we have severe thunderstorms and hail. One such storm last month included funnel clouds, a precursor to tornadoes. Although hail came pelting down, no harm to people was reported that afternoon because our whole city was alerted by a tornado watch. My husband Dilip and I were glad not to be out driving around, since some underpasses were flooded and cars were stranded.

There was a silver lining to those ominous storm clouds, as we found out later. They had been seeded by small planes that dispersed silver iodide in an attempt to change the weather pattern. Before we even saw a rainbow after the storm, we were glad that not too much severe damage had happened in our area.

When I think back on my own stormy weather, my myeloma journey, I can see in my reflections many silver linings too. Apart from the sheer relief of having gotten through a lot of treatments and having healed up a lot from damage done by the myeloma, there are other changes that I think have made me a more mature person.

I am braver now than I used to be. I worried a lot, had to face down a lot of fear a few years ago, and was more or less on edge for a long time regarding my prognosis. I may have now become a bit complacent or inured to the reality of having this incurable disease, but I don’t worry as much as I used to.

In addition, my squeamishness factor has really decreased. I could hardly stand the sight of blood before my diagnosis. I would cringe at getting any vaccinations, but I am fine with that now. I have had procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, 24-hour urine tests, dozens of blood tests, the installation and removal of a central line, apheresis to harvest my stem cells, and intravenous infusions of Velcade ^[1] (bortezomib) and Aredia (pamidronate), as well as a stem cell transplant. I don't know what lies ahead for me me in the future, but chances are that I have already had some experience with it, and that I will not be as apprehensive as I was before.

The treatments I have had so far have made me stronger and healthier. My bones have really strengthened a lot due to the bisphosphonate treatments. In addition, my myeloma is at a very low ebb, so it can’t do much damage. As long as my medical team can help me to keep the myeloma counts to a minimum, I have a fight­ing chance to keep this as a chronic condition. Turning the condition from a ‘life-threatening’ to a ‘chronic, manageable’ situation is a huge step in the right direction in my situation.

I need to go for blood tests monthly in order to have my Revlimid ^[2] (lenalidomide) prescription renewed, and I see a silver lining in that too. If anything were to start going awry with my blood counts, it would be noticed right away by my doctor.

Through myeloma, I have met some really terrific, hardworking, and dedicated people who are trying to help us patients get the best outcomes. That is humbling, and I try to express my appreciation to them for their efforts.

By studying the topic of myeloma, I am learning more about the body, in particular the immune system. This in turn helps me to understand this disease better and make me a well-informed patient.

Maybe it’s because of the medications I’m on, or just the realization that I mustn’t think that life goes on forever, but I also have made time to turn to creative pursuits. I am enjoying writing, singing in a choir, and working on crafts. I think that is time well spent, since it is relaxing and allows me to live in the moment.

I feel the same way about exercise. Not only does it help me relax, it also strengthens me. Getting out in nature on walks with our "grandpuppy" also reminds me of the beauty of the world.

My family and friends have always been really central to my life. Since my diagnosis, I have become even closer with them, which is a great boon to me.

Overall, I have an enjoyable life now. My silver linings are in the now of my life.

Can you see some positives in your situation too?

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The quotation for this month is from Emily Pauline Johnson-Tekahionwake (1861 - 1913), a Canadian writer and entertainer, who said: "On, sweet water, on, Never still, never humble, Never mourn days that are gone" (from 'The Kicking Horse River').