Our story started on November 23, 2019. What we thought would be a normal CT scan in the ER for my dad, Stanley, turned into a journey we pray that anyone diagnosed with will pull through, just as my dad.
The doctor came in that evening and changed our lives with the words, multiple myeloma (MM). We had never heard of it, but it was explained in detail, which made my dad’s and my hearts sink. I thought about how we're going to get through this. So, they sent him in for a PET scan, which confirmed what we had already been told.
My dad is my best friend and the strongest man I have ever known. Chemo started, and the doctor gave us options, one being a stem cell transplant (SCT). There were many visits to see a specialist, four hours from our hometown. Dr. Z said Dad could add 15+ years to his life if he did the transplant. He explained the pros, cons, side effects, and that Dad would have to stay away from everyone he loved to get better, and he did what the specialist recommended (even during COVID-19).
It wasn't easy, but he did it, with lots of love and support, and an amazing team of doctors and nurses who guided him and treated him through the process. When he finally got through the SCT and got to come home, he did three more years of chemo.
In April 2024, dad and I went to see a new oncologist. We had a list of questions that we intended to ask the new doctor. But he sat us down and showed us scans and talked with us, answering all the questions without us asking a single one. Dad's journey through the SCT finally paid off. Because on that beautiful April day, we found out dad's cancer was in remission.
By the grace of God, support and prayers from family, friends, and folks we've never met, we are definitely beyond blessed and grateful for everyone who supported dad along the way! Also, I want to thank my cousin Heather and my husband Randy for their help and support in dad's journey, along with the Hope Center, Blood Cancer United, ALS, The Cancer Centers, and many more. Thank you all, and God bless.
Licriticia
Family member and caregiver
