My Furry Purry Friend Part 2Quick recap, in the last article I was explaining how I found my cat Isis and how raising him was very tough for quite a while with his behavioral issues...reactions9comments
Tips for Out-of-Town Appointment AnxietyRecently I headed to Mayo for a yearly visit that was postponed due to the pandemic. It had been two years since I had seen my blood cancer specialist, and...reactions12comments
Epic, epic newsI had my 4-week appointment today with my consultant and as in all likelihood, by the time I have my next one, the baby will be here, I asked a...reactions13comments
Humpyear - Beyond the Halfway Point“Mike...Mike...Mike...Mike...Mike...What year is it? It’s hump year.” I didn’t quote that iconic advertisement perfectly, but I’m sure you all get the point. Maybe not as good as me, considering my...reactions8comments
Two Canes and a WheelchairOr...How I’m Rolling with Side Effects Does anyone else remember the movie, “Four Weddings and a Funeral?” Well, these days my life has become “Two Canes and a Wheelchair.” And...reactions8comments
The Importance of Good Communications By DoctorsA good relationship with your doctor can make a difference in the treatment of your blood cancer. Good communications with your doctor can improve your ability to navigate the challenges...reactionscomments
"Remission." That Word Has Power. Or Does It?Not long ago was an auspicious date for me. Yes, it was my birthday. Which one? Well, the scientists back at MIT are still trying to work it out, but...reactions37comments
Aging with Blood Cancer: You're Going to Miss Us!"OK, boomer!" is a dismissive retort, often disregarding or mocking baby boomers. Fellow baby boomers, do you remember how we would roll our eyes when our parents talked about how...reactions2comments
Hitting 60 While Coping With Blood CancerMy heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest, as sweat drips into my eyes. My breath is laboring as I head down the last hill and...reactions33comments
Now for Something Different: GVHD of the FingernailSince the days when I started out as a cub reporter longer ago than I care to admit, the search for information has grown both easier and harder. Easier, of...reactions8comments
Tone Deaf to the PainI’ve been living with leukemia for a little over a decade now. To see me, you’d probably think I’m doing ok. I mean, I’m not one who likes to complain...reactions32comments
Healthcare Team ConflictsAfter speaking with a friend who was stumped by a medical staff that was not on point in serving her, I thought further about how many people deal (if at...reactions14comments
Recovering from RecoveryMany have asked if I have recovered from my run-in with blood cancer. My answer is a qualified YES, followed by a qualified NO. What the heck does that mean?...reactions14comments
Tips for Bad DaysWhen you have cancer you are going to have bad days. Sometimes they are related to blood cancer treatments and appointments, but some days you may just be depressed. We...reactions14comments
Experiences Surrounding My Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin LymphomaA fellow cancer survivor recently asked me about my cancer experience. She discussed her initial symptoms and was surprised that I had none. My diagnosis was an incidental finding. While...reactions9comments
Ode to PhilDo you ever encounter someone who restores your faith in humanity? I did. But, in my case, he restored my lagging trust in the medical profession. Don’t get me wrong...reactions6comments
My Furry Purry Friend - Part 1Animals are wonderful. Not only to watch in their natural habitat, but also if you’re lucky enough to have one waiting for you at home, it’s a pretty special experience...reactions19comments
What To Expect In That First Month After Diagnosis“You have cancer.” Those three words change your life forever. Nothing is ever the same from then on, but that doesn’t mean it has to be all bad, especially if...reactions13comments
Bidding a Not-so-Fond Farewell to PrednisoneIf you saw me walking years ago, when I was on 40 milligrams of prednisone, you might have thought I was drunk. I swayed back and forth. I sometimes drifted...reactions9comments
The 2024 Social Health Awards ProgramWe are very excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Social Health Awards program! The Social Health Awards is an awards program recognizing Health Leaders who make a difference...reactions1comment