Kelly’s Journey: Finding Strength with Healthy Habits
My name is Kelly Salus, and I am two years into my Waldenstrom’s diagnosis. I am a mother of four as well as a first-grade teacher! I was 54 when I was diagnosed after pain in my neck from a motor vehicle accident. The pain in my neck became so severe that I was having trouble sleeping. That brought me to my orthopedist, who ordered a CT scan and physical therapy.
One year prior to the accident, I had fatigue, dizziness, and often was short of breath, so my general practitioner (GP) sent me to a cardiologist. It turns out that my heart was fine, but when I tried to donate blood on school breaks and during the summer, I was turned down every time due to low hemoglobin. My GP told me to take iron supplements. It was not until I had the CT scan of my neck that my orthopedist discovered shading in my bone marrow. So, everything was a process—not only my diagnosis, but also finding a doctor who knew what it was and how to treat it.
Once I found a doctor who listened and understood my diagnosis, we began Rituxan weekly for six rounds and then Rituxan maintenance for two years. Since beginning this treatment, my hemoglobin level has come up and my Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is stable at 1300, but I deal with the Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) bottoming out. My immune system is most definitely compromised, causing repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and moderate psoriasis. I treat these side effects and believe they are worth managing so that I can continue
treatment of the overall cancer.
Upon reaching a better understanding of Waldenstrom’s, I focused on things I could control. I began seeing a therapist weekly, allowing me to share my fears and frustrations with someone other than family and friends. I also began taking my health seriously. I changed my diet to include a daily regimen of healthy protein-rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and I even bought a juicer. Today I continue to practice “clean eating” and include movement into my life every day. Exercise and movement mean everything! I tried something new by signing up for Pilates and I love it! My husband and I have started hiking whenever the weather allows. I feel so at home when I am out in nature.
My journey is not over, but I truly celebrate the days that I feel good and take NOTHING for granted. I acknowledge the days I am weak and listen to my body if rest is needed. My oldest daughter got married in December, and my second daughter is getting married next April. I am blessed, and I know it. I ride out the bad days, and I rely on therapy, exercise, and meaningful time with people in my close circle!
My husband and I are traveling to Ohio to the Educational Forum, and I could not be more excited to connect with others and learn from doctors about anything new and upcoming to make my days brighter!
My strength comes from my positive outlook. I don’t look back—only forward. I also find strength from teaching my little seven-year-olds. They have zero idea that I am living with cancer, and they are the greatest distraction anyone could have! When people ask how I am, I simply say, ” I am learning to live with cancer.”
Pompton Lakes, NJ
March 2026