March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness month.
Diagnosed in 2010 at age 52, doctors in Kinston handed me a grim 36 to 48 month prognosis or 3 to 4 years tops. Multiple myeloma was attacking my bone marrow's plasma cells, bringing pain, fatigue, infections, and fear. But I declared war.
I am a fierce 16-year Multiple Myeloma Warrior, and I'm shouting it from rural eastern North Carolina: look at me now!
I ain't got time for cancer! was my initial rection when I received my diagnosis.
Thankfully, today in March 2026, I'm still here, grateful, and unstoppable. (on some days!!!)
Living rural can sometime mean long drives for care, but since 2012, ECU Health Cancer Center in Greenville and Dr. Darla Liles and Dr. Aiden Burke have been my powerhouse partners. The Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Tower team has delivered expert hematology/oncology with compassion and cutting-edge options. They've managed my infusions, radiation, side effects, and tailored regimens, turning hurdles into hope.
As a Black woman, I have faced steeper odds—myeloma often strikes our community earlier and harder, with disparities in access and outcomes. I refused to accept that. I educated myself, advocated hard, leaned on faith, and drew fire from my biggest why: being Ma to Carl, April, and Ellena.
On brutal days which has included horrendous bone marrow aspirations; tooth extractions pre-radiation, bone-crushing fatigue, I have dressed up. Lipstick, wigs, my favorite outfit. I love wrapping myself up in butterflies on Chemo Fridays. No defeated walks into that infusion room. Cancer doesn't dim my shine! (well, it does some days).
Sixteen years later, I've shattered that timeline by over a decade. How? Grit, friends and family love, unshakeable faith, and explosive advances in myeloma treatment.
When diagnosed, options centered on chemo, steroids, bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and transplants for some. Today? A revolution! Monoclonal antibodies like daratumumab (Darzalex) currently is helping me on this journey. I have been willing to go through numerous lines of treatment to keep the cancer at bay.
ECU Health has kept me current—incorporating medical breakthroughs, managing risks and helping to improve my quality of life.
I've celebrated birthdays, thanked God for every extra day, and played dress-up on tough treatment days because mindset matters. I've shared my journey online, reached out for support when I needed rides or help with costs, and kept advocating—for myself and others facing this.
I ain't got time for cancer. I've got living to do. I've got kids to love fiercely, grants and stories to write, blessings to count, and a legacy to build.
To every cancer warrior hearing bad news: Prognosis is stats, not fate. You're unique and fueled by love, determination, and medicine racing forward. Build your team, celebrate wins, dress up for battle if it fires you up. Never surrender your spirit.
At 68, I'm proof that miracles happen when you refuse to surrender. God has been so good, ECU Health has been a blessing, and my family and friends have been my strength.
Look at me now—still here, still warrior fierce, still shining bright!
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa (Miss Tee) Williams
Diagnosed in 2010 at age 52, doctors in Kinston handed me a grim 36 to 48 month prognosis or 3 to 4 years tops. Multiple myeloma was attacking my bone marrow's plasma cells, bringing pain, fatigue, infections, and fear. But I declared war.
I am a fierce 16-year Multiple Myeloma Warrior, and I'm shouting it from rural eastern North Carolina: look at me now!
I ain't got time for cancer! was my initial rection when I received my diagnosis.
Thankfully, today in March 2026, I'm still here, grateful, and unstoppable. (on some days!!!)
Living rural can sometime mean long drives for care, but since 2012, ECU Health Cancer Center in Greenville and Dr. Darla Liles and Dr. Aiden Burke have been my powerhouse partners. The Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Tower team has delivered expert hematology/oncology with compassion and cutting-edge options. They've managed my infusions, radiation, side effects, and tailored regimens, turning hurdles into hope.
As a Black woman, I have faced steeper odds—myeloma often strikes our community earlier and harder, with disparities in access and outcomes. I refused to accept that. I educated myself, advocated hard, leaned on faith, and drew fire from my biggest why: being Ma to Carl, April, and Ellena.
On brutal days which has included horrendous bone marrow aspirations; tooth extractions pre-radiation, bone-crushing fatigue, I have dressed up. Lipstick, wigs, my favorite outfit. I love wrapping myself up in butterflies on Chemo Fridays. No defeated walks into that infusion room. Cancer doesn't dim my shine! (well, it does some days).
Sixteen years later, I've shattered that timeline by over a decade. How? Grit, friends and family love, unshakeable faith, and explosive advances in myeloma treatment.
When diagnosed, options centered on chemo, steroids, bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and transplants for some. Today? A revolution! Monoclonal antibodies like daratumumab (Darzalex) currently is helping me on this journey. I have been willing to go through numerous lines of treatment to keep the cancer at bay.
ECU Health has kept me current—incorporating medical breakthroughs, managing risks and helping to improve my quality of life.
I've celebrated birthdays, thanked God for every extra day, and played dress-up on tough treatment days because mindset matters. I've shared my journey online, reached out for support when I needed rides or help with costs, and kept advocating—for myself and others facing this.
I ain't got time for cancer. I've got living to do. I've got kids to love fiercely, grants and stories to write, blessings to count, and a legacy to build.
To every cancer warrior hearing bad news: Prognosis is stats, not fate. You're unique and fueled by love, determination, and medicine racing forward. Build your team, celebrate wins, dress up for battle if it fires you up. Never surrender your spirit.
At 68, I'm proof that miracles happen when you refuse to surrender. God has been so good, ECU Health has been a blessing, and my family and friends have been my strength.
Look at me now—still here, still warrior fierce, still shining bright!
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa (Miss Tee) Williams
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