Jose Humberto Delacruz was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019 when he was 67 years old. He recently shared his story with HealthTree to help others understand that even though a myeloma diagnosis can be overwhelming, he hopes his experience encourages others to stay positive and find healthy ways to cope.
Multiple myeloma symptoms can be difficult to recognize
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Because symptoms often develop gradually, they can be mistaken for other health conditions. Fatigue, bone pain, and weakness are common symptoms, but they can have many different causes. This can make myeloma difficult to recognize in its early stages.
Jose’s diagnosis came after an unexpected medical emergency
Over the course of a few months, Jose noticed that he felt fatigued. He had been diagnosed with diabetes years before, so he assumed the fatigue was a symptom related to his blood sugar. However, in October 2019, Jose fainted outside his home and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. He had blood work done and was immediately referred to an oncologist. After additional testing, including imaging and more blood tests, Jose was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Like many people, Jose was shocked by the diagnosis and uncertain about what it meant for his future.
Treatment helped control Jose’s myeloma
Jose began treatment with chemotherapy that November.
Throughout his experience, Jose found comfort in art therapy. One day during treatment, he met a woman whose husband was also being treated for myeloma. She taught him about creating mandalas, which gave him a creative outlet and helped him stay focused during treatment and recovery. Four months later, he was ready for a stem cell transplant. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the next phase of his treatment was delayed.
For Jose, staying busy and expressing himself creatively helped him navigate his diagnosis and treatment. Today, Jose’s myeloma is controlled, and he is on maintenance therapy with lenalidomide (Revlimid). He has continued to make art and is part of two art clubs in Louisiana.
Sharing a message of positivity
Jose encourages people who are newly diagnosed not to compare their experiences to what they see on social media, where stories may not reflect everyone’s reality. Every cancer journey is different.
Jose believes it is important to stay positive and find activities that bring comfort. Through sharing his experience, he hopes others facing multiple myeloma know they are not alone and that it is possible to move forward with positivity.
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