Connie Hoffman Connie is kicking cancer

First off, this is not a journey! For whatever reason, I hate that term when it comes to battling cancer! My battle began in 2012 when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma (it is highest stage-not a 4). I had bone lesions on my ribs, hip, spine and skull and didn't know I had been dealing with everyday life with broken ribs. This battle has included a stem cell transplant, more chemos, bone marrow biopsies, and scans than I can count on fingers and toes, ups and downs with remissions and reoccurrences, and most recently a government sponsored NIH (National Institutes of Health) CAR t-cell trial in 2019 and now a re-infusion in 2020.  I have consulted many oncologists locally and have dealt with mis-diagnosis and incompetence but am extremely grateful for my oncologist and expertise at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I also, am fortunate to have a well qualified and compassionate family doctor, Travis Bomengen, MD, who always finds time for an appointment for infections, colds, and other sicknesses but realizes sometimes he needs to reach out to experts to team up and care for me. My family now calls all the treatments and on-going cancer battle the new normal. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Greg, for 34+ years.  He works so hard and never complains about having to care for me! I have 3 children (Kyle, Cody and Haylee)who make me beam with pride. I didn't just get cancer my whole family "got" cancer in the sense with how it has changed our lives. No more vacations (except mini-vacations planned with visits to cancer treatment) . Life is lived based on good days and bad days!  Fortunately, my friends and family's prayers and support keep me putting one foot in front of the other to fight every battle, knowing I might not win the war! God is the ultimate healer and I have found a true peace, which I didn't know was possible, but I trust in his plan for me.