My Mom – My Role Model
One of the biggest blessings of recovering at home is spending time with my mom and sister. We have had the good fortune of living together for the past 26 years, and we savor every moment we have with them. This post is about my mom who is my role model. She has the spirit … Read more
Happy Birthday, Sabrina!
March 27, 2013 – Toronto. It’s midnight and I’m thinking of you on your special day. I smile as I remember you being a tomboy for most of your life. You wore big, oversized, hand-me-down clothes from Shayne for the longest time. You could play ice hockey and baseball with the best of them. You focused your energies … Read more
Life after the stem cell transplant
Toronto – March 17, 2013: Friday marked one month since I had my stem cell transplant and it is not what I had expected. I figured that once I came home, I would be able to reclaim my life with vigour and energy. Instead, I take two long naps a day and then look forward … Read more
STEM CELL TRANSPLANT: Day +1 to Day +14
After the very high dose of chemotherapy (Melphalan) on Valentine’s Day and the Stem Cell Transplant on Day 0 (the birth of Munira, Version 2.0), the rest of the time in the hospital has been waiting for the stem cells to engraft, and for me to manage the devastating effects of the chemo. And what … Read more
Munira, Version 2.0
Today, February 15, is my new birthday. From a clinical perspective, today is Day 0, when my stem cells were transplanted into my body. It is a terrifying and exciting venture, all at once. The transplant process was really cool! Two very professional individuals in white coats ( “the stem cell technicians”), brought a rolling … Read more
The Stem Cell Transplant Process – it’s finally happening!
Toronto, February 14, 2013. “I’m off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz.” That’s how I felt when I got the call from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre on the morning of Wednesday, February 13th, that a bed was available and I needed to get to the hospital immediately for my stem cell … Read more
The Dark Side of Chemotherapy: Dexa and Chemo Brain
I love the feeling I get when I am on 40 mg of Dexamethasone (Dexa) every Friday as part of my chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Myeloma. I am brilliant on Dexa and can solve “Wheel of Fortune” puzzles with only 2 or 3 letters on the Board. I also can’t sleep all night while on … Read more
The Cancer Cab
You have heard of the Cash Cab where you can win money by answering trivia questions. But, have you heard of the Cancer Cab? Volunteer drivers who drive patients to and from appointments are an integral service provided by the Canadian Cancer Society. I call it the “Cancer Cab”. These individuals are a lifeline for … Read more
Munira’s Story featured on UHN Website for World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is February 4th The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is celebrating World Cancer Day by sharing stories of courage. Munira’s story is featured today:
My Year in Numbers
It was exactly one year ago today, on February 3rd at 4:08 p.m., when I was first diagnosed with cancer. It has been a long, arduous journey. It has come with its share of trials and tribulations , sprinkled with generous amounts of optimism and blessings. Time is a relative concept. Some days I feel … Read more
