Living

I remember when I was young and indestructible. There were only a few things to worry about like grades, the next great date, and of course getting that driver’s license...

To know or not know, that is the question. I’m no Shakespeare but I know that his characters often face catastrophic decisions. That’s no less true for patients with blood...

Early 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...

Superheroes are great, aren’t they? With their flashy costumes and exciting story arcs, most of us love to read or watch Superheroes. I never thought one would help me with...

I guess after a while you learn to adapt to the challenges, trials, and everything that comes along with blood cancer; however, sometimes those rare instances of awkwardness are frustrating...

There's a certain type of courage to facing cancer. It's a very individual experience. Leya Elijah’s article, The Pressure to be Brave, really got me thinking. What is Cancer Courage?...

Anticipatory nausea was one of the worst feelings I experienced during cancer treatment. I would usually get sick just at the thought of an upcoming chemo appointment, even days before...

When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I hoped that the disease that was damaging my body would also heal some strained family relationships. I envisioned family members bringing me...

One of the biggest hurdles I've had to face when told I had multiple myeloma was strong consideration of the side effects, and what they would be. First off, I...

Invisible illness. It’s a term that sometimes gets thrown around for certain kinds of blood cancer. Yes, cancer, the big C, the unstoppable force, sometimes gets called an “invisible illness.”...

It’s hard to explain the sinking feeling I get when I hear of someone who has died of “my” disease. Maybe that’s because it’s a combination of reactions: sadness, a...

Yes, the title is a question. Don’t get me wrong... “Do I continue to have chronic pain?” Yes. “Do I sometimes want to stay in bed because I’m too tired...

I'm feeling incredibly frustrated and angry with the fertility consultant I have been seeing. They are the lead consultant so I can’t believe they haven’t done some things that I’ve...

“Into every life a little rain must fall.” How many times have we heard that expression? In some ways, it reminds us that life is not all about unicorns and...

I’ll just come out and say it. Sometimes, I feel like an alien. I’m not saying I’m green and have antennas although sometimes I do get “green around the gills,”...

I was asked the other day, what was the key to doing as well as I am. Excellent question. I hadn’t really thought about it. I feel like I’ve just...

The commercial is familiar to us all - the motorized fuzzy pink bunny toy with flip-flops and sunglasses beating a bass drum with the Energizer Battery logo in the center...

In September of 2020, Ramae Hamrin wrote, Turning 50 with Blood Cancer. The article was about turning 50 and trying 50 new things. I loved her post and was in...

The last week of January 2021 was emotionally rough for me. Two of my longtime friends passed away. I know they are both in Heaven and no longer suffering, but...

In June of 2015, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Immediately, my world turned upside down. I was facing fear and living in emotional turmoil. As...