Living

Chemotherapy can often result in fatigue, nausea, and sleep disruption. From a personal perspective, I experienced debilitating fatigue and questioned my oncologist as to whether massage would help. At that...

10 years ago I had just graduated from the University of Edinburgh with my ‘fake degree’. A general arts degree. It means nothing. My diagnosis and having to take a...

Has your sleep ever been interrupted by constant thoughts? I liken it to repeated thinking about events of the day, worries or “what ifs”. This can be similar to a...

No one told me to expect a long recovery after completing chemotherapy treatment. Or if they did, I somehow mentally blocked it out. In any event, I expected to be...

Normally around Christmas and New Year, I become a bit maudlin, melancholy and reflective. I suppose a part of that is natural. Winter is officially here. The days are short...

I have bad luck with oncologists. I’ve been a blood cancer patient for almost 11 years. I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma from a biopsied lymph node near my hip...

People love to talk about my hair now that it’s been growing back. I think a lot of people are trying to be nice when they start these conversations, but...

Once the fear of the cancer diagnosis subsides, the telling begins. I told my mother and my husband right away, but I kept it for myself a little longer. I...

Resolution: A firm decision to do or not do something Pledge, promise, or undertaking Solution: An action or process of solving a problem An answer to a problem, specifically a...

I am always eager to learn about new research and treatment options for my blood cancer. When visiting my oncologist, he knows I will have questions about what I have...

Editor's Note: The following article mentions details surrounding the author’s experiences with body image, which may be upsetting for some readers. When I was in my finals year at Uni...

The past year was busy for me in regards to gaining recognition in the myeloma community. As I move forward as a patient advocate, I’m learning some very important details...

There are pros and cons of blogging in a community with people who have, or have had, the same or similar illnesses. The good part is the sense of solidarity...

I can find Christmas a bit challenging, and I know I’m not the only one to feel that way. The last few Christmases have been hindered and made very difficult...

After three years since my first treatment for follicular lymphoma, my doctor and I recently decided it’s time for retreatment. I had a full response to Rituxin monotherapy in December...

Okay, I’m hoping to put a spotlight on that elephant in the room that most people don’t discuss. You know, those times when you may seem like the most unpleasant...

Well, what a year it has been! Sitting here now at the end of December, I can’t quite believe it is what it is. And how much has happened. And...

Navigating life with blood cancer can be challenging, especially when you have other co-occurring (also sometimes called comorbid) conditions. Some of these conditions may include issues like hypertension, arthritis, or...

Diagnosing cancer can be a long and unforgiving journey, and for me, it was lengthier than most.  I had a three-month adventure that took me winding through a Candyland map...

I am a self-proclaimed science geek.  I love learning about all things related to science. Prior to my cancer-induced retirement, I was a fifth-grade science and math teacher. I adored...