Late last month, my husband Dilip and I went to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra along with our older daughter and her husband. On the pro­gram were Sibelius’s powerful Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, the "Pathétique."

All the music was wonderfully played, but I was particularly moved by the "Pathétique," Tchaikovsky’s last work as a musician and composer. He died only nine days after the premiere performance.

It was the fourth part, with its sombre tones and low strings vibrating throughout the hall, that seemed to have foreshadowed the end of the composer’s life. While listening, I could hardly keep back tears, for it so reminded me of the sadness I have encountered in the world of multiple myeloma.

On the drive home, the four of us started talking about all of the other works by Tchaikovsky that we have enjoyed. From the ballet music to his other symphonies, he was very prolific and developed a tremendous repertoire. My daughter and I had also gone in December to see "The Nutcracker" ballet, another one of Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces, which has become a seasonal favorite for many young families.

The next day, I was still mulling over the music I had heard. That’s when I realized that Tchaikovsky’s music has influenced me throughout my life.

When I was a girl, my mother sent me for ballet lessons at our community center. The Russian ballet teacher used music from "Swan Lake" for one of her recitals. Far from being a swan, I was cast as a leaf or a snow­flake in any of her dance performances, but I loved the music.

We still live in the same neighborhood I grew up in, and I have now rented the community hall for events put on by my local multiple myeloma support group. Every time I go there, my mind flashes back to the ballet classes, and I have to smile at the image of my nine-year old self struggling with dance class. Actually, just a few weeks before my myeloma diagnosis, it was my inability to jump or leap anymore, due to low back pain and aching bones, that made me finally realize that I had a severe health problem.

I have also seen ballet productions of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Sleeping Beauty." I remember going to the ballet a year or two after my myeloma diagnosis. At the time, I doubted that I would ever be quick and nimble on my feet again. I so admired the dancers up on pointe and the whole corps de ballet whirling and twirling around the stage. Now I have more equanimity and can see the dancers as being young and well trained in their specialty – dance. I admire them, but am not in any way expecting to be like them. I am glad, however, to be active again and out walking and enjoying late winter here.

Also shortly after my diagnosis, I was at a talk for multiple myeloma patients given at our local cancer center auditorium and there was a harpist playing in the lobby. At that point, the music was very helpful to my peace of mind. It made me feel that I had not left the world of the symphonies behind.

One of the bonds that drew Dilip and I together back in the 1970’s is our love of music. At our wedding in 1977, we played a selection from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, nicknamed "Winter Dreams." The melody is so charming, and to think that over 40 years later we are still travelling through time together is very special to both of us. Over the last few years of us coping with my myeloma diagnosis, he has been my rock, and has helped me so much with his grace, energy, and intelligence. I could never have found a better husband than Dilip, and we still enjoy listening to music together.

All in all, I am amazed by the effect music – in particular Tchaikovsky’s music – has had on my life, both before and after my diagnosis.

I am grateful that music continues to play an important part in my life. I still enjoy learning and listening to music. I can still go out and enjoy live musical performances. If I were not feeling well enough to do that, I could still enjoy music at home. I am fortunate to be singing in a choir, which to me is a sign of good health.

Sometimes I think that musical memories are just as vital as any other to our emotional well-being.

How has music affected your life with multiple myeloma?

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The quotation for this month is from by Khalil Gibran (1883 - 1931), Lebanese-American artist, poet and writer, who said: "Yesterday is but today's memory, and tomorrow is today's dream."