Spotlight on Bonnie Korbely:
Living Life Positively
Bonnie and her partner
My name is Bonnie Korbely, I am 45 years old and living with multiple myeloma. 
 
In the spring of 2015 (at the age of 42), I wasn’t feeling well. I was very tired and at times nauseated. I was working as a caregiver, doing 12-hour shifts, and thought the fatigue was caused by my work and ignored it. Several months later I started to feel pain in my stomach along with tenderness and bloating. I shared the situation with my boss, a registered nurse, and she suggested I go to the hospital. At the emergency, the doctors felt I probably had a bleeding ulcer. They referred me to a GI specialist where lots of tests followed. I underwent a gastroscope and a colonoscopy; both of which came back negative. 
My GI specialist reassured me by saying he wouldn’t give up until he found the source of the problem. I was scared, and knew something was not right. After many tests including X-rays, MRI’s, CT Scans, and ultrasounds to name a few, it was discovered that I had an enlarged liver, enlarged heart and a leaking valve. At that time, it was still unclear what was wrong. I underwent excessive blood work and eventually a bone marrow biopsy. When the test results came back, they discovered my hemoglobin was dropping. During that visit, as I sat with my mother by my side, I was given the horrible news that I had multiple myeloma. In my case I didn’t show any signs of bone lesions like many do. My case was different. They discovered that my enlarged liver, enlarged heart and leaking valve were the result of cancerous plasma cells making their way into my organs which caused the inflammation. After learning the news, I was partly heartbroken and partly in denial. I couldn’t believe this was true and was happening to me.  
Bonnie (right) pictured at the Halifax Multiple Myeloma March in 2017 with Julie Salsman, Halifax’s support group leader and co-chair of the Myeloma Canada Patient Advisory Council.
In December 2015 I began 16 weeks of treatment. I was taking Velcade (bortezomib), Zometa ( zoledronate) a nd calcium. After a few months my heart, liver and leaking valve went back to normal. My cardiologist was astounded and had never seen this happen before in myeloma patients. We were overwhelmed with joy that my heart was now just like any other healthy heart. I felt very lucky! 
 
After my induction treatment, I began my G-CSF injections to strengthen my immune system. Not long after, I began heavy doses of chemotherapy to prepare for my upcoming autologous stem cell transplant and this is when I began to lose all of my hair. This was another huge obstacle to overcome, but over time I realized that hair is just hair and it grows back!
The transplant took place on June 28, 2016, and I was in the hospital for two weeks. Luckily, I faced very little complications. In October 2016, I was informed I was in full remission; I was overjoyed. To celebrate I had a unique photoshoot with Ed Boulter, a photographer who is also a cancer survivor. Ed offers free photo sessions to those dealing with cancer. They planned a special day for me at the casino in Halifax. I had a wardrobe artist, makeup artist, photographer and assistants. Their goal was to make me feel extremely special for a day, just like a movie star. The stage was set with large lights and Ed had a friend lend his motorcycle for the photo shoot. I was dressed up to look like a tough chick who had just robbed a bank. I had a fake gun in my hand and I was on a mission! It was an incredible day where lifelong memories were made. 
Bonnie at her photoshoot with Ed Boulter
It was now time for me to recover. My recovery went well, and I got stronger every day and I continued to be positive and strong. Many people have told me that I am an inspiration to them and to others, but I was only just being myself. I’ve always looked at things in a positive light; taking the good and the bad and keeping strong.  
In 2017, I applied for an administrative job at my workplace as my doctors suggested that caregiving would be too hard on my bones. I listened and decided to try something new. I got the job and was excited for this new venture. After a tough two years, my life was beginning to feel normal again. 
In June of 2017, after my stem cell transplant and 8 months of full remission, my blood counts began to change. They were doubling monthly and I was informed that my cancer was coming back with a vengeance. I was heartbroken. The new job I was about to begin would now have to be put on hold. I had to go back to the hospital and start “Round TWO” of my journey!  
  
I signed up for a clinical trial called the MYX1 stud, which is high-dose weekly dosing of (Kyprolis) carfilzomib, in combination with dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide. The summer of 2018 marked my second-year on the clinical trial and I am in good partial remission. I’m back at work part-time and feeling pretty good for the most part. It’s certainly been a journey! 
Bonnie and her children
When I look back at my life and the challenges I’ve faced over the past few years, I know it has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be. Positivity is a must for me and I am thankful more than ever for all the blessings in my life. I really cherish my friends, family, incredible boyfriend as well as my amazing son and daughter. 
 
Always remember that no matter what cards you are dealt, you only have one life to live. If you want something, go for it because life can change in a heartbeat. Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t take life for granted. My daily goal is to make people happy and see them smile; it fills my heart with so much joy.
 
As my fight continues, I am blessed with many things in my life and plan to be around for a very long time. 
Bonnie
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