Posted on July 16th, 2012 by Admin
Editor's Note: Iris Z. is a patient/caregiver who submitted the following essay as part of the Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media Patient, Caregiver Scholarship Contest. To vote, simply use the Facebook "Like" or Twitter "Tweet" buttons at the bottom of each post to share or leave a positive comment. The top vote-getters will be finalists.
Hello, my name is Iris P. Zamora. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on February 3rd. 2011. I started to notice that I was more tired than usual and it was so hard for me to stay focused.
It was a very shocking experience for me, I had never heard about multiple myeloma before. I am the mother of three boys, Emersson, 21 yrs old; Victor Andres, 18 yrs. old; and Diego, 12 yrs. Old. They have been my support all this time.
I started chemotherapy almost immediately, and it worked, however, my oncologist strongly recommended that I have a stem cell transplant. I began my journey through the stem cell transplant, back in May, 2011, and it was finally completed by June 20th, 2011.
I worked for a large retail business, as the human resources department supervisor, and I had to request a leave of absence, in order to take care of my health. I have been married for 22 years now, however, my husband left the house back in October, leaving me behind with my children. It has been a very difficult experience, but I have found love and compassion through friends and many people that I have met throughout this journey.
I have seen the bone marrow specialist at the Moffit Cancer Center, and the last report from her, was that I am in complete remission. I feel healthy, energetic and I take good care of my health. I try to eat healthy every day of my life, I enjoy laughing and having a good time with family and friends.
I have initiated a new project in my life. The White Iris Fashion Show Fundraiser, which will take place on July 14th, 2012, God willing. I am a person of faith and I think that God has given me a second chance in life, considering that there was little hope for me back in February, 2011.
I want to learn as much as I can about multiple myeloma, and I try to get as much involved as possible with cancer patients of all kinds. I have found out that when we share our experience with others, that gives them hope to continue walking and praying for a better day.
I am not currently under any kind of treatment and/or maintenance, I trust that my life will be long and productive, and I know that all I have gone through has a purpose for me, my family and others out there.
Keep believing, God is able.
Iris P. Zamora
Tags: Caregiver scholarships, Multiple Myeloma, Patient scholarships
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