I’ve recently returned from a walking safari in northern Kenya. The words that best describe how I feel about our trip are simply: thank you, or in the Samburu language, ashe oleng.

It was an unwritten, unexpressed dream of mine for such a long time to return to this beautiful land and its people. Ever since my multiple myeloma diag­nosis in 2015, I’ve almost been frightened to think that it might be possible. But it has happened, and I am so thankful.

It was very dif­fi­cult to know if I would be fit enough for such a trip. Myeloma and the treat­ments I've received for the disease have taken their toll on my body, and I wondered if I would be taking too much of a risk to embark on a walking safari in Eastern Africa. My husband and I deliberated about it for a while, but once we had stopped to con­sider what we were waiting for, we went ahead and booked the trip.

We had a wonderful time. I’m sad that it’s over now, but I’m thankful and happy to look back and remember.

Northern Kenya is a land of great contrasts and of great beauty. On a walking safari, you follow ancient paths and camp by rivers and on mountains. The walking isn’t particularly strenuous but never­the­less challeng­ing because the terrain is very rocky and uneven. I had a few slips and falls, but our lovely Samburu guides helped me and steadied my path. Their delight­ful caring and sharing nature helped to make it a trip to remember forever. And of course we both feel very fortunate to have done it and returned in one piece.

Since finding the Myeloma Beacon, I’ve read with admiration and amazement the various forum threads on fitness and exercise, such as 'Biking with multiple myeloma ^[1],' and the tales of incredible marathon runs and other great feats.

Since being diag­nosed and treated for myeloma, I’ve become frightened to push myself physically. I’ve lost confidence in my body, and I am unsure of my ability. Sometimes I look at my bicycle and wonder if I could cycle again. The consequences of a fall are just too awful, and so the bike has remained in hibernation. Likewise, my ski boots are hidden under a bed. I think it is the memory I have of the time when my bones were so damaged that I couldn’t walk at all. Those memories serve as a sort of line that I am reluctant to cross.

So going on this safari was a big step for me, and perhaps it will lead us to further adventures. I certainly feel stronger and fitter now, so I’m asking myself again, “What am I waiting for?”

Walking with the Samburu also gives you plenty of time for reflection on other aspects of life.

In addi­tion to its great beauty, Kenya is a country of real poverty. Even on our sanitized safari, we had a glimpse into the "other side" of Kenya. As we flew over the slums of Nairobi, I wondered what life was like for the people below me. Not for the first time, I felt simple gratitude for being born into a world where I had the chance for good treat­ment after I was diag­nosed with multiple myeloma. I don’t imagine that a similarly good out­come would be possible for anyone who I was passing over. I’ve so many things to say thank you for. Ashe oleng, indeed.

So much to think about, so many memories from a wonderful trip.

And then we returned home and got right back to reality: It was time for my regular blood tests and a visit to my myeloma consultant. I was fortunate in that all was well with the blood results for this month, and my doctor was pleased with how things are going. Of course, it did not stop the doctor from pointing out that things would not always be like this, and that I would need treat­ment again at some point. So back to reality indeed!

I had spent the days leading up to my clinic appoint­ment suffering the usual pre-visit tension and nerves. I’d certainly rather have been walking with the Samburu!