Well, today is my birthday. How old am I? Hmmm, let me think….Wait a sec, I have almost got it….Just kidding, hehe, I know how old I am: 63.
![](https://margaret.healthblogs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5430-225x300.jpeg)
63 and counting! After my diagnosis, I didn’t think I’d make it to my mid 40s (when all I knew about myeloma was, well, alarming and scary…not to say that myeloma isn’t scary, of course, but I don’t think about it as much as I did in the past…), so every year that passes is a HUGE deal for me…well, for all of us! Birthdays must be celebrated!
And so this morning, even though this is going to be the HOTTEST day for Florence thus far this summer, I picked up a close friend, and we had a lovely breakfast in one of our favorite pastry shops.
A brief anecdote: as we were walking toward the pasticceria (pastry shop), I noticed a woman (daughter) trying desperately to hold up an elderly woman (her 94 year old mother). She, the daughter, was really struggling, and they were both slipping to the ground. We rushed over to help. A few minutes later one of their neighbours brought out a chair, and we lowered the lady into it. We chatted while waiting for their taxi to arrive. Once we got her mother inside, the daughter blessed us, which was so sweet…I’m an atheist, but I certainly don’t mind getting blessed. So there you go: I even got blessed on my birthday!
Now I’m at home under the ceiling fan, at my computer (planning our trip to Scotland in August). And this evening Stefano and I are going out to dinner. No cellphones. He promised. 😉 Perfect.
Anyway, all is well here. And soon we’ll be in Scotland for 3 weeks…Can’t wait…! Take care, everyone, and…birthday hugs from Firenze, Italia!
Lovely birthday, all these (good years) post diagnosis.
Happy Birthday and may you celebrate many, many more!! I could not live without air conditioning so a ceiling fan sounds so brave! I’m in the Pacific North West and we have had some record temps here too. Stay cool and have a fabulous trip!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY super survivor!!??? I too have a birthday on 25th July
69 and exactly 10 yrs since AL Amyloidoisis onto my 6th week of my 4th treatment. On velcade as my very 1st…my flc was very low, but I jumped on it early as my LV heart pumps 20 -25% with a pacemaker/defibrillator. All good. So you enjoy your day Margaret, so much to celebrate. Xxx
Happy birthday and best wishes, great stable health and positive energy