“I have a friend who might have Multiple Myeloma. Would mind if I gave him your contact info?”

This is how I was introduced to Mike a few months ago. I did allow my contact info to go out, but never expected a call. WRONG! Mike messaged me within 48 hours. We set up a FaceTime call, and were connected a day later.

Since that first call, Mike learned that he does have Multiple Myeloma, and like me, he is in the “high risk” category. (His is due to volume of the disease, while mine is due to the genetics.). He started treatment within a couple weeks of that FaceTime call.

Over the holidays I did my one and only outdoor two wheel flag of 2023. Cannot think of a more perfect person to do this for. That first ride, like that first treatment, was pretty nerve wracking. It went well, but I never took my hands off the handle bars. The next couple rides were tough because I got sick - kind of like learning to deal with the side effects. This last ride before I headed back north (I was in Florida) was better - more like getting into the routine of the weekly treatment, side effects, recover, and repeat.

I wish Mike had never heard of Multiple Myeloma and I value every exchange we have. I am sure I get more out of our texts every couple weeks than he does. It is nice to be able to share my “adventures” with someone who can relate. We both have significantly different experiences, but have the same base.

Mike, I hope your path gets easier as you move along. There are so many options and I hope they find the perfect combination for you. In the meantime, call, text, or send a smoke signal anytime. As you know, I am up most nights for a couple hours or more. Ha!

SHINE!
The Road Rider