Raphael, Zimbabwe

How cancer turned my life upside down.
My name is Raphael. I was diagnosed with Multiple myeloma (blood cancer) in November 2021. 
I used to suffer from backpain until I sought medical help. When x-rays were done, I was further referred for CT scan, that's when they discovered that I had cancer. 
My life changed in the twinkle of an eye, denial, frustration, depression, anger and confusion all came at once. "How can this happen to me ?" was my question. 
With the support of my wife and family, I managed to accept my new status and told myself that I'm going to fight this. From there, life has never been the same. You wake up tired already as if you've been chased or chasing demons all night. 
Now my life has changed, doctor's visits regularly, blood tests and medicines. Eye sight has deteriorated significantly, I've lost a bit of the strength that I used to have. I grow tired easily and can not stand for too long without feeling overworked.

This story was published with the consent of Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.