Articles

It has been at least 10 years since I was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). As time goes on, unfortunately, my memories of life without blood cancer get hazier...

When I was first diagnosed with blood cancer, my oncologist took the time to lay out what the anticipated treatment plan might look like. He was anticipating my receiving 6...

As a baby, I must have found my crib boring. I tried to climb out of it as though it was my personal jungle gym. My parents put extensions on...

When you have blood cancer, you will likely set up a plan of treatment with your doctor. Now, I was raised mainly in Florida, so hurricanes are a normal occurrence...

A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure that is commonly used to diagnose and manage blood cancer. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue located inside your bones. A biopsy...

The displacement one may feel when diagnosed with blood cancer, in my case, specifically, multiple myeloma, was/can be stifling. The way you experience normality and your safe space changes when...

I just recently passed my labs and CT scan six and a half years after entering into a clinical trial for an aggressive form of follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL). FL...

Cancer patient confidence can be a fickle thing. Like the Chairman, Frank Sinatra, sang in “That’s Life,” you might be “riding high in April, shot down in May.” For patients...

My daughter was a volleyball player. Throughout her teen years, we traveled with her teams to watch them compete. One of the girls who played on both her high school...

I recently had a follow-up telehealth visit with my primary doctor. She asked me about any health concerns I was having and what she could do to help. First, we...

In one form or another, I have been in the communications business since college, both as an on-air talent and later as an adjunct communications lecturer at several universities. My...

When living with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), navigating treatment decisions and coping with challenges are a part of the experience. We’re exploring key topics like treatment journeys, managing side...

Sometimes, I look back on my cancer journey and compare it to a roller coaster ride. There were so many ups and downs, twists, turns, and bumps on the ride...

Relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is a challenging form of multiple myeloma. It is very common for people with multiple myeloma to have a relapse. And there are times when...

Living with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) can be scary and worrisome. The words used by your doctor may be confusing. The medical terms may not be familiar to you...

Relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is a challenging condition. Living with it can feel overwhelming. However, there are ways to improve your quality of life. By focusing on palliative care...

For many people, cancer is the worst health fear of all. Often, just the word "cancer" leads people to imagine hair loss, chemotherapy, nausea, and other physical symptoms. However, the...

In a series of recent polls, our community has spoken up, revealing that pain, the term "good cancer," communication with doctors, and confusion are common threads in the experience of...

“Would you like for me to play you a few songs?” I ask as I enter a patient’s room at Northeast Methodist Hospital. A lady lying on the bed wrapped...

When I meet with fellow blood cancer patients, the conversation often turns to the many physical trials and challenges we can face, along with discussions about the countless and complex...