I started working for Cisco in January 2019 as a Project Manager for the Bank Access Management team. My adult children and I were all healthy and making our way in life.

In June 2020, there was a stabbing pain in my back that just wouldn’t quit.

I thought it might be the onset of a heart attack, so I called 911 and was transported to the hospital. The pain was not heart-related, but my CRT scan showed blood clots in my lungs. I was given medication and kept in the hospital overnight.

A few months later, my primary care physician wanted to investigate what caused the blood clots. I was sent to a hematologist for evaluation. I was curious too, so I decided to do my own research.

On January 15, 2021, we were sitting in the doctor’s office. The doctor came in, sat down, and said, “I’m sorry to tell you, you have multiple myeloma. There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but it is treatable.”

I was diagnosed with stage 2 IgG kappa light chain multiple myeloma with translocated chromosomes.

Honestly, I didn’t feel any different.

I was the same person, the same old me as always. There was no fear that I might die — I had faith that God would see me through this journey. Many of the people at my church and family were praying for me, and it sustained me physically and emotionally. They sent cards to encourage me throughout my journey, and I kept every one of them and read them over and over.

The next Tuesday, I sat in the chemo chair for the first time for my initial dose of medications that would continue two times a week for the next four months.

During that time, my Cisco manager was very supportive and helpful. I stayed at my son’s house while I underwent treatment. Friends and neighbors walked with me to ensure I got enough exercise. Friends made me organic soups and meals. My medical team at Levine Cancer Institute was awesome. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provided me with financial support.

By doing another bone marrow biopsy, the medical team verified that my myeloma levels had dropped. I was ready to go to the next stage of treatment: Stem cell harvesting. It took two days to collect enough stem cells to go ahead with a transplant.

I was admitted to the hospital on June 16, 2021 and given an infusion of melphalan, a very high dose of chemo, to get rid of any residual myeloma cells. Two days later, the harvested stem cells were infused back into my body. The transplant was successful, and I was put into remission. June 18 will forever be my “re-birthday” date.

My blood levels were dangerously low, and it took another two weeks in the hospital to recover my immune system so I could be discharged — with multiple restrictions.

No driving for three months, no work for three months, a special diet, no pets for six months. The restrictions were hard to follow and seemed endless.

The effects of melphalan also meant my body would never be the same. In the process, I lost all my hair, and it took a year to get it back.

Last June, I celebrated my third re-birthday. I’ve stayed healthy with frequent check-ups. I share my story with others who have recently been diagnosed and need the extra support.

I participate in Time2Give, including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night event. This program has been a beacon of hope and a way to give back to the community that supported me during my darkest times.

Cisco’s amazing benefits and commitment to employee well-being, along with the support from the Cancer Support Network Inclusive Community, have made a significant difference in my life. They have allowed me to focus on what truly matters — living life to the fullest.

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, and there is still the possibility that I’ll relapse. However, I choose to celebrate life and to take it one day at a time. Cancer does not define who I am — it is just a part of my life.

I am a woman of faith. I am a multiple myeloma warrior. And I view life through a different lens, with intention, and with gratefulness.

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Related links

• Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cisco Purpose Report 2023
• Careers at Cisco
• Tech Day of Pink