I remember when I was first going through this journey

Everything felt uncertain
Everything felt heavy

There were days I did not recognize myself
Days I wondered how much of me this illness would take

But one thing I had to keep reminding myself was this

I am still me

Even in the middle of treatments
Even in the middle of fear
Even on the days I felt like I was just getting through

I had to learn that multiple myeloma was part of my life
but it was not all of my life

And now, looking back
I see how much strength was growing in me
even when I did not feel strong

So if you are in that place right now
whether newly diagnosed or still walking this journey

Give yourself grace
Take it one day at a time

You are still here
You are still becoming

And there is still so much ahead of you.