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 like I have lived with cancer for a very long time; other times, it feels like I was only diagnosed yesterday. What I do know is that I have grown tremendously in the past year. At first, I reacted to the diagnosis with anger, shock and denial. I did not expect to live more than 6 months. It was a tough period that required every ounce of energy and resilience. It took me a good 3 – 4 months to come to a point where I not only accepted the cancer, but chose to embrace it. In the process, I think I have become more human, more patient, even more loving. It has been a transformational experience for my family as well who have gone through their own journey and learning.
Here is a snapshot of this past year, in numbers:
- Number of cancers diagnosed: 2: Multiple Myeloma(Feb 3) Lymphoma (Feb 9)
- Number of cancers in remission: 1 (Lymphoma)
- Number of bone marrow biopsies: 7 (ouch!)
- Number of visits to Emergency Dept.: 7
- Number of days in intensive care: 2
- Number of days spent overnight in hospital: 28
- Number of Chemo treatments for Lymphoma: 6 (every three weeks)
- Number of Chemo treatments for Myeloma: 12 and counting (weekly)
- Number of units of blood transfusions: Too many!
- Number of tests – CT scans, PET scans, Xrays, dental exams, pulmonary function test, MUGA scan, echocardiogram, etc.: More than enough.
- Number of stem cells collected for transplant: 2 million per Kg of weight (Enough for 2 transplants)
- Number of surgeries for Hickman Line, PICC Line and Quinton Line: 4
- Number of wigs purchased: 10 (and counting!)
- Number of hugs, good wishes, prayers & support from family, friends and community: Overwhelming.
- Feeling of being loved: Priceless!
So, Happy Anniversary Cancer! It’s been good knowing you. You obviously had a purpose: to infiltrate my bone marrow and turn my own blood/plasma cells against me. But, we got you figured out. We have a solution: An Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplant, happening on Valentine’s Day or thereabouts. I look forward to parting ways with you soon. So long! Buh-bye! Adieu! Arrivederci!
I want to live a long, healthy and happy life. So, I need you to leave my body willingly and allow me to live in vitality. Yes, I will take the lessons you’ve taught me and, hopefully, emerge a better person. You have been an exacting teacher. You have taught me the value of time and life. You’ve done your work, Mr. Cancer. Now it’s time to leave….
So…
– Munira
18 responses to “My Year in Numbers”
bye bye Mr Cancer and please make it quick
Love your sense of urgency! Munira
Happy Anniversary. Surely Cancer will leave you. Wishing you all happiness and smiled today!
Habari gani Lucy! Thanks for your good wishes for smiles and happiness…. Munira
love your blog!!! You have really inspired a lot of people.
Thanks for your kind words Yasmin. I am quite humbled. Munira
Muni:
What a journey you’ve had! And what a generous way of sharing, inspiring and teaching, too. You definitely need to celebrate – many times over. Arrivederci, Mr Cancer.
Love,
Cheryl
I so enjoyed our time together last week. You are so good for my soul Cheryl. Much love, Munira
happy anniversary! you deserve to celebrate because you’ve chosen to deal with this in the best way possible, and iA, you will be celebrating the anniversary of your complete remission soon enough.
I will hold on to your thought. Thank you! Munira
Munira,
You truly have had your shares of trials and tribulations!!! Now is time to Party!!, Mr. Cancer has to go for good:) Inshallah and Ameen! : Hugs Saira Nasirdin!
Hi Saira! I am feeling strong and optimistic. Can’t wait to celebrate the end of cancer!
Bye Bye Cancer, Hello Munira 2.0 🙂
Hi! I am looking forward to version 2!
Yep time to show cancer the door. We all want in on that party, Munira. Love BJ
Hi BJ – – I will send you a ticket so we can celebrate together! Munira
I just can’t stop smiling after having read this beautiful entry. Let’s give Mr. Cancer a farewell, bon voyage party!!! I’ll throw one like you’ve never seen before…just give me a few days to plan. That’s a promise from me to you, my dearest!!!
Lots of love,
Dilshad
You’ve got a deal! We will celebrate! Any reason for a party. Love you, Munira