Multiple Myeloma Remission: A Glimmer of Hope

The word "remission" carries a sense of hope and relief, like the first ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds after a storm. It means that the insidious signs and symptoms of cancer have diminished, bringing a glimmer of light to those fighting against it. This remission can be partial or complete, with the latter being the ultimate goal. In complete remission, all traces of cancer have disappeared, giving patients and their loved ones a sense of triumph and victory over this relentless disease.

But even in complete remission, there is still caution and a constant awareness. For doctors, a full remission lasting five years or more may suggest a cure, but it is not guaranteed. The risk of recurrence is always like a menacing shadow waiting to darken our spirit suddenly.

As I settled into the cushioned chair, mentally bracing myself for another round of Kryprolis (carfilzomib) and other chemotherapy drugs, a sense of dread washed over me. These medications were supposed to cure me, but at what cost? The potential side effects and the toll on my body weighed heavily on my mind. However, instead of succumbing to my fears, I chose to reframe them as "healing elixirs," hoping that this shift in perspective would help me endure the grueling treatment process.

I even performed reiki on the clear bags of fluids marked with a yellow "hazardous" label. I invited the nurses who carefully inserted needles into my arms to join me in visualizing positive energy. Reiki therapy is rooted in Eastern beliefs about the flow of vital energy through your body. The idea is that a skilled reiki practitioner uses light touch or hovering their hands above your body to guide this energy towards balance and healing.

I turned to my family and closest friends for support. They envelope me with their love and uplifting words, providing a beacon of hope during this challenging time. In addition, I hosted monthly wellness circles and joined support groups. Being surrounded by others who understood my journey helped alleviate the feeling of isolation. Every day, I hold a gathering called the Bells of Hope — a group where we take seven to 10 minutes to find inner strength and peace through moments of silent contemplation. We start by asking ourselves, "What are you grateful for?" This daily practice and its connections have given me the courage and resilience to keep moving forward.

Have you read the New York Times bestseller “Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds” by Dr. Kelly A. Turner? This book uncovers eight factors that can lead to spontaneous remission from cancer — even after conventional medicine has failed. The factors are listed below:

• Changing your diet.
• Taking control of your health.
• Following your intuition.
• Using herbs and supplements.
• Releasing suppressed emotions.
• Increasing positive emotions.
• Embracing social support.
• Deepening your spiritual connection.

For as long as I can remember, I have held steadfast to the notion that positive thinking can significantly impact our lives. However, after seeing the movie titled “The Farewell,” my beliefs have been bolstered. This poignant film (spoiler alert) follows the true story of a Chinese family grappling with their beloved grandmother's terminal illness. As they navigate through the emotional turmoil of her limited time left, they also struggle with the cultural tradition of whether to tell a loved one or keep a prognosis a secret. This ethic is considered acceptable in China, but it is deemed illegal in the United States.

Despite the doctor's grim prediction of only three months to live, the grandmother defies all odds. She continues to survive more than six years later. Is it truly the power of positive thinking at work here, or is something more mysterious and unexplainable at play? This thought-provoking movie forces me to question the fragility of life and the role our thoughts may have in determining its course. Can we overcome illness and adversity, or is it just a fleeting illusion?

Another film to watch is the thought-provoking documentary “Source: It's Within You.” Through interviews with dedicated scientists and real-life case studies, the show explores the incredible concept of using our minds to heal ourselves. One particular story captured my attention. A man who is also a doctor diagnosed with multiple myeloma claimed his cancer-free status was achieved through focused meditation. Using the combination of exploration, analysis and technology, we can witness how his mind has transformed his thoughts and blood composition. As the credits rolled, I couldn't help but reflect on how this groundbreaking research challenges our traditional understanding of healing and the incredible power of our minds.

Based on my last bone marrow biopsy in June 2023, I am grateful to be in complete remission. In the world of multiple myeloma, minimal residual disease (MRD; amount of cancer that remains in the body) negativity is considered a significant prognostic tool. It signifies that no traces of disease were detected after treatment and has been linked to improved overall survival rates. Doctors use this measure to assess the effectiveness of treatments and predict which patients may be at risk for relapse. It also serves as a vigilant guard, monitoring and confirming remissions while warning early if the cancer returns.

As of October 2023, I only receive one monthly immunotherapy injection, Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab), and no other medications. Though I am currently basking in complete remission, my positivity, combined with the accumulated results of all the healing elixirs and support, will continue to play an essential role in my journey toward defeating this illness once and for all.

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