Living

A long time again, in July 2017 (wait…was it 2016? Oh geez, the years are blending into one big blob), nonetheless, a few years back I retired/went on disability. While...

Cancer, more so than any other illness, makes us rely on others for help. Most of the time that means family, and whether your “family” is the one you were...

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat. Multiple types of treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy administration, and hospitalization may be necessary. Compared to prior years...

The first time you hear the words “You have blood cancer,” your world changes forever. The former “happy-go-lucky” person that was YOU just moments ago is now gone -- your...

Quick 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...

Recently 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...

I 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...

“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...

Or...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...

A 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...

Yesterday was an auspicious date for me. Yes, it was by birthday. Which one? Well, the scientists back at MIT are still trying to work it out, but it wasn’t...

"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...

My 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...

Since 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...

I’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...

After 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...

Many 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?...

When 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...

A 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...

Do 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...