4 February 2023

Bronwyn Picken was overseas with her husband in 2018 when she received the devastating call that she had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Some changes in her mobility including slowed movement, falls, stiffness, and dropping her left foot while walking prompted Bronwyn to seek medical advice. Although nothing of concern was detected at her first doctors visit, Bronwyn’s symptoms persisted. She was referred to a rheumatologist six months later, with suspicions of arthritis and it was the results of numerous blood tests and a variety of bone scans that sadly revealed her cancer.

“When I first got the diagnosis it was pretty scary. I turned to my husband and said I have multiple myeloma. It didn’t really hit home until I saw the rheumatologist. It was a kick in the guts,” says Bronwyn.

Bronwyn was initially diagnosed with smoldering myeloma, a precancerous condition that alters certain proteins in blood and/or increases plasma cells in bone marrow, but it does not cause symptoms of disease. About half of those diagnosed with the condition, however, will develop multiple myeloma within five years.

“I consider myself extremely lucky to have been diagnosed in the early stages, and be given five years, and albeit, five wonderful years.”

Bronwyn received the news on her birthday last year that she needed treatment. She has just returned home after an autograft; a stem cell transplant where the patient receives their own cells back post receiving high dose chemotherapy. A treatment that will allow her to hopefully return to one of her greatest loves: travelling.

Her short term goal is to be at her son’s wedding in October this year.

“We all only have a limited lifespan and it’s up to us what we do with that lifespan. I’m going to make it my goal to live life to the fullest I can and to the best I can and do what I want to do.”

Today, on World Cancer Day, we want to shine a light on the countless people in someone’s community who supports them throughout their journey. Bronwyn says her family and friends have been instrumental in her treatment, supporting her day in and day out.

“My husband has been an absolute tower of strength. He has always been a capable man but this has brought out strengths in him I don’t think he even knew he had.”

“I’m nearly 70. I’ve lived a good life and I know that I still have many good years left in me.”