Because of significant pain in my back and leg I attended a physiotherapist, who recommended an MRI Scan. As I was relatively young, 48, and very fit I was convinced that my pain was linked to over training.

I used to attend a lot of her appointments and got to know a little about Multiple Myeloma and her consultant Oonagh Gilligan. She was monitored every 3 months for approx. 4 years.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in November 2020, after watching MGUS and smouldering Myeloma quietly progress over five years. In some ways, that time was a gift – it let me read, understand, and prepare for what was coming.

Today, I am in remission, but living with an incurable cancer brings a quiet uncertainty that never fully leaves you. It has changed how I see everything — my health, my time, and the importance of truly living.

I had never heard of this disease before and this is an almost universal experience for others diagnosed with Myeloma. My life was turned upside down over the course of a few short days.