When 82-year-old Dottie Muñoz was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, she felt something unexpected — acceptance.

“I was probably calmer than the average person,” Muñoz said.

For years, Muñoz’s primary care physician monitored her blood every six months. The tests consistently showed abnormal protein levels, prompting a referral to an oncologist. That’s when she learned she could eventually develop a form of blood cancer.

“I thought, ‘Maybe the cancer can wait until I get to heaven and maybe it can’t.’ Eventually, it did its thing,” she said.

After a visit to the emergency room, Muñoz was officially diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June 2024. She is currently undergoing treatment at TMC Health Cancer Center on Rudasill Road. Despite the diagnosis, she says she hasn’t cried. Her faith keeps a smile on her face.

“I’m a survivor,” Muñoz said. “People say to me ‘You’re so happy’ and I say, ‘Why shouldn’t I be? I’m too blessed!’”

She credits her positive outlook to her strong faith and a deep support system. During treatment, Muñoz formed a close bond with her nurse, Katie Polignone — a connection so meaningful that when her oncologist left the practice, Muñoz chose to continue care at TMC Health Cancer Center.

“Dottie is very special,” Polignone said. “All of my patients are special, but Dottie holds a close place to my heart. I remember doing her very first treatment. We’ve sought each other out ever since.”

Muñoz now receives treatment once a month, an improvement from her previous biweekly sessions. While at the clinic, she empathizes with others going through their own cancer journeys and hopes her faith can be a source of inspiration.

“I know my disease will last my entire life and I’ll be on treatment for the rest of my life — and you know what? That’s ok,” she said. “I know where I’m going and I can look around at all of these wonderful people who have helped me along the way.”