**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.**

In today's episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Gregory Proctor, a 53-year-old multiple myeloma survivor from San Antonio, Texas. Gregory's story is a testament to resilience and hope, as he details his journey through a challenging battle with cancer, starting from his diagnosis in July 2022, to his stem cell transplant, and his ongoing recovery.

Gregory shares the shock and fear he experienced when first diagnosed, particularly when advised to "get his affairs in order." He describes the mental and emotional toll of dealing with such a diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and determination in facing the disease. His story took a dramatic turn with his return to the hospital just 14 hours after being discharged, due to a dangerously high fever. This event marked the beginning of a challenging path to recovery, filled with physical weakness and stringent precautions to protect his compromised immune system.

A significant part of Gregory's conversation focuses on the emotional challenges of coping with cancer. He talks about the initial period of depression and the process of accepting his new life and journey. This acceptance was crucial in shifting his mindset from despair to determination and finding a renewed sense of purpose.

Financial toxicity was another critical topic Gregory touches upon. He sheds light on the staggering costs of cancer treatment and the importance of understanding insurance policies and seeking additional resources. His experience highlights the often-overlooked financial burden of battling cancer, which can be as devastating as the disease itself.

Gregory also discussed the social isolation he experienced, exacerbated by the pandemic and his condition. He highlighted the changes he had to make in his daily routine, like visiting grocery stores during low-peak hours and carefully vetting his social interactions to avoid infections.

On a positive note, Gregory spoke about regaining his strength and the incremental progress he made in his physical recovery. He emphasized the mental aspect of this journey, pushing boundaries to rebuild his strength gradually. His story is inspiring, showing that persistence and small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements over time.

Gregory's approach to medication management was unconventional yet effective for him. He advocated for a treatment plan that made sense to him and allowed him to maintain some normalcy in his life. This part of the conversation underscored the importance of patient advocacy and being an active participant in one's treatment plan.

As for his current life, Gregory is channeling his experiences into positive endeavors. He just published his book, titled Faith, Strength, and Courage, and is actively involved in speaking engagements and consultancy work. His story is a beacon of hope for many, illustrating how one can turn adversity into an opportunity to inspire and help others.

Gregory concluded the podcast with valuable advice for those facing tough days. He stressed the importance of never giving up, finding strength in faith, and realizing that you're not alone in your journey. His message is clear: cancer may be a part of your life, but it doesn't define your entire existence.

Greg's Book: Faith, Strength, and Courage on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FAITH-STRENGTH-COURAGE-Overcoming-Adversity/dp/760919834X/

Other Resources

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to our sponsors. This season is supported by a healthcare contribution from Sanofi https://www.sanofi.com/