What Qualities Do You Look for in a Physician?The possibility of a cancer diagnosis can be most frightening. Choosing the right physician for follow-up, diagnosis and treatment is so important. The process may take time as you look...reactions12comments
Role Reversal: Survivor Becomes the CaregiverLife can certainly be filled with challenges. I survived non-Hodgkin lymphoma with much support from my caring husband and family. Now it would be my turn to become the caregiver...reactions23comments
How Having Cancer Shaped How I View My LifeMy life was turned upside down with my unexpected cancer diagnosis. It was initially difficult to plan for the future. I considered things I would miss or no longer enjoy...reactions19comments
Things I Wish I Had Known on the Day of My Cancer DiagnosisDear Carole, I know that you are feeling overwhelmed and out of control. How could you possibly have blood cancer while feeling fine? Is this really happening? You just had...reactions4comments
Making Life-Changing Decisions as a Cancer SurvivorCancer survivors are acutely aware of our limited time on earth. Mortality can be in our face. As a cancer survivor, I think more about what really matters and how...reactions3comments
How To Tell Your Employer About Your Cancer DiagnosisA cancer diagnosis can overwhelm all aspects of your life. We experience different stages of grieving in our attempt to return to normalcy. One area of concern that might need...reactions3comments
Volunteering: Giving Back, Mutually BeneficialAs cancer survivors, we have experienced emotional scars and challenges. I was looking for inspiration and thoughts other than my life with cancer. I discovered that volunteering could provide comfort...reactions8comments
How I Practiced Self Care During My Blood Cancer TreatmentThrough self-care, we pay attention to our needs, strengthen ourselves, and build resilience. A study by Yale University in 2011 reported that benefits include improved quality of life, better treatment...reactions1comment
Who Me? Feeling Overwhelmed?Cancer affects each of us with a range of feelings and emotions that may change daily, hourly, and even from minute to minute. I am usually an “in control” person...reactions2comments
Dental Health During ChemotherapyChemotherapy may harm normal cells in the mouth, affecting your teeth, gums, the lining of your mouth, and the glands that make saliva. These side effects can alter your ability...reactions6comments
The Emotional Journey Of Cancer - Managing the Ups and DownsMany cancer patients experience psychological and emotional issues after their diagnosis. The mix of reactions includes a wide range of feelings that may change daily, hourly, or even minute to...reactions8comments
HopeEarly on during my cancer diagnosis and journey, I felt overwhelmed, angry, and worried. In addition, I was out of control and sad. When my second oncologist said my outlook...reactions5comments
Stories and Experiences of a Cancer CaregiverThe diagnosis of blood cancer affects both the patient and family in numerous ways. My loving husband took terrific care of me during my cancer journey, especially during the chemotherapy...reactions5comments
What I Bring To My Chemotherapy TreatmentChemotherapy may be administered in different settings. These may include an outpatient clinic, physician's office, or hospital. The total time for the treatment may vary from one hour to several...reactions5comments
Transitioning to Life After CancerDuring my chemotherapy for blood cancer, I looked forward to life after cancer. I thought this new chapter would be filled with hope and happiness, but I felt fear and...reactions5comments
Relationships and the Cancer PatientRelationships are like gardens - they need to be cultivated. Chronic illness can affect even the strongest relationships. Cancer and its effects may push each partner to its breaking point...reactions9comments
The Importance of Nutrition for the Blood Cancer PatientGood nutrition can help cancer patients maintain strength, keep healthy body weight, and decrease side effects during and after treatment. Nutrition is a process when food is taken in and...reactions11comments
The Importance of CommunityHuman connections can help us feel less alone after a cancer diagnosis. A community can be stronger than cancer and help manage the disruptions caused by the disease. I was...reactions11comments
Blood Cancer Related Post-Traumatic StressPatients with a cancer diagnosis may experience feelings of fear, helplessness, and shock. I can remember all of these emotions when first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A range of reactions...reactions9comments
Combatting Chemo BrainDuring my chemotherapy treatment for follicular lymphoma I began to feel a little foggy, forgetful and at times had difficulty concentrating. I began to forget things that I usually remembered...reactions22comments