At 55, Jo was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018, following an MRI scan for what she had believed was bursitis in her hip. She now shares her journey from diagnosis through treatment and into life beyond it.
After a year of physiotherapy and steroid injections failed to ease her symptoms, she was referred for further investigation. The MRI, initially arranged to check for a stress fracture, revealed something far more serious.
“I was called in to discuss the results, and the consultant looked as shocked as I felt,” Jo recalls. “The scan showed white patches across the bones from my waist down — and likely beyond.”
Seeing the extent of the disease, her first question was, “How long have I got?” With no immediate answers, the shock was overwhelming. She was urgently referred to a specialist, but the two-week wait for a diagnosis felt unbearable. “I didn’t know if I had days or weeks to live. No one should have to wait like that.”
Further tests, including a bone biopsy, confirmed multiple myeloma. By then, the impact on her body was severe — her right femur was so weakened it was at risk of fracturing. She was told not to walk or even stand, and her life changed overnight as she became reliant on a wheelchair and adaptations at home.
Once a diagnosis and treatment plan were in place, Jo found a sense of focus. “My survival instinct kicked in.” During this time, she also faced personal loss — her father died from leukaemia just days after her diagnosis. Visiting him in hospital, she chose not to tell him about her own illness. “Watching him fight until the end made me more determined to live.”
Jo began a six-month course of targeted treatment — a combination of Revlimid, Velcade and dexamethasone — alongside bone-strengthening infusions. The treatment was effective, but not without challenges. Liver complications meant her medication had to be reduced, while side effects included nerve pain, digestive issues and severe insomnia.
Preparing for treatment, Jo cut her hair short in anticipation of losing it. In the end, she lost it twice — first during chemotherapy and again following her stem cell transplant. “By then, it didn’t matter. My priority was simply waking up each day.”
In May 2019 Jo underwent a stem cell transplant, that proved to be the toughest stage. Reactions to medication meant she spent weeks unwell. “At times, it was hard to hold on to the thought of going home. What kept me going was reminding myself that children in the same hospital were going through this too.”
Throughout it all, Jo remained focused on her family. While she was in hospital, her son was sitting his GCSEs. “My goal was to call him every day to wish him luck and tell him I loved him. I managed it — and I’m incredibly proud of how well he did.”
Small routines became anchors during recovery — from simply washing each day to looking out of the window, then eventually stepping outside. “Those first breaths of fresh air felt like medicine.”
Support also became a turning point. Though initially hesitant, Jo joined a myeloma support group (The West Lancashire and Merseyside Support Group), ahead of her transplant. “It was one of the best decisions I made. Hearing from others who had been through it gave me strength — if they could do it, so could I.”
Today, that experience has come full circle. Jo now supports newly diagnosed patients and their families, helping them navigate their own journeys. “Myeloma affects everyone differently,” she says, “but it also brings people together in the most powerful way.”
Living with Cancer
Living with cancer has brought a mix of emotions. At times I’ve felt strong and determined; at others, I’ve struggled with a loss of confidence. But I keep rebuilding — and I’ve adopted a “no time like the present” mindset.
During treatment, my days varied depending on how I felt. I tried to maintain as much normality as possible, even from a wheelchair — going out with my son, seeing friends, and taking short breaks. I also learnt the importance of pacing myself. Two years later, I even achieved a goal I’d set early on: walking up Catbells in the Lake District — slowly, but proudly.
Cancer inevitably affected those closest to me. My husband became my rock, bringing both organisation and humour when I needed it most. Our son showed incredible resilience throughout, and my wider family, though sadly familiar with cancer, faced it with strength and unity.
What surprised me most was that cancer is not always the end people fear. While myeloma is incurable, I’ve learnt not to let it define me. We adapt to challenges in life — this is no different. I’ve also come to understand just how many families are touched by cancer, and how much strength can come from shared experience.
Life After Treatment
After treatment, we made a long-held plan a reality and moved to Cornwall. The change of lifestyle has brought space, perspective and precious time together as a family, while still staying closely connected to our son in London.
Physically, I’ve regained much of my mobility, but I live with lasting limitations due to bone damage. I’ve adapted and learnt to manage these carefully. Ongoing health challenges remain — including a weakened immune system and a second diagnosis of thyroid cancer in November 2024— but I approach them with knowledge, resilience and optimism.
My outlook has shifted. Life is no longer just about surviving, but about finding balance — between rest and activity, caution and joy — and making the most of every opportunity.
Reflections
This experience has shown me that I’m mentally stronger than I ever realised. It has also reshaped my sense of purpose: to be present for my family, to care for my health, and to support others going through similar journeys.
There have even been moments of humour along the way — from experimenting with wigs to unexpected mishaps — reminding me that joy can still exist alongside challenge.
If I could tell someone newly diagnosed one thing, it would be this: there is life after cancer. It may look different, and you may need to adapt, but you are not alone — and you will find your way forward.
Today, I share my story not for sympathy, but to offer hope. Living with cancer brings challenges, but it can also bring strength, perspective and a renewed appreciation for life.
Jo has now been in remission from Myeloma for 7 years and from thyroid cancer for 1 year (June 2026). She will be closely monitored for the next 10 years.
