Feeling Different This YearWell another year has gone by. Another year older. (It was my birthday recently). How the hell has that happened?! And I’ve recently clocked that my mind isn’t as full...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Make It a GoalIt's 2023 and it’s going to be a better year. If you’re reading this, you probably have blood cancer. That doesn’t mean you can’t make 2023 fun and exciting. There...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
You Are What You EatWarning … the above is not some cute slogan. And if you have experienced a blood cancer journey or any cancer journey, I suggest the above “slogan” is an important message...Reactions0reactionsComments18 comments
On My Birthday, Missing My DogIf you have the good luck, as I do, to have had a happy childhood, your memories on your original birthday are likely to be better than your memories of...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
The Show Must Go OnOne of the silver linings that has come out of having blood cancer is learning how to integrate myself into acting again and being able to help others do the...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
Catastrophizing - Big Word, Big StressCatastrophizing. Oh boy, that’s a big word. A big, scary, word. Of course, as blood cancer patients we should probably be used to scary words, “cancer” being the big daddy...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
Finding Support in Tough TimesFind your "support system." One of the most common terms we will hear and use while on this blood cancer journey and even after. It is most definitely a true...Reactions0reactionsComments32 comments
How to Talk to a Blood Cancer PatientRecently, I was thinking about the question: How should a person speak to someone living with a blood cancer? The only answer I could come up with is “normally.” What...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
How to Stop WorryingSeptember was a very difficult month for me. It is the anniversary of my devastating news of a cancer diagnosis as well as the due date of my annual CAT...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
What Is the Social Health Network Community?Like our other Health Union condition communities, the Social Health Network brings people together to drive unique and impactful conversations about health. It also aims to expand opportunities for health...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
I'm Still HereI know it’s been a while. And a lot has happened. My daughter is now 9 and a half months old. We have a 5-and-a-half-month-old puppy and I’m still off...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Almost, Again and AgainIt's no secret that I'm a huge, lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan. I've lived my whole life in Southern California and the obvious question is “why?”. The reasons are many, but...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Mary's Place by the Sea - Michele GannonA few years ago, Crystal, my daughter with blood cancer, and I were able to enjoy a get-a-way at Mary’s Place by the Sea. Today, I was lucky enough to...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
PTSD and Cancer Considering the many traumatic events I have faced over the last few years, several folks have suggested writing an article on how I have been dealing with it all. More...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Thankful for CaregiversDid you know that November is National Family Caregiver Awareness Month? Are you fortunate enough to have a family member or friend who helps with transportation to your blood cancer...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Staying AfloatI never learned how to swim, so I have respect, though slight fear, of the water. After taking my toddler to swimming lessons and eyeing the trust and skill of...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
How to Stop Yourself From Projecting Bad OutcomesThe black and blue mark on my arm was easily traced to a tennis ball hit. It was a perfectly round shape. The only difference, of course was that it...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
The "Why Me?"QuestionWhy me? I think that’s a question that anyone who gets diagnosed with blood cancer, or really any cancer, asks themselves at some point. Multiple points, more likely, in fact...Reactions0reactionsComments21 comments
Cutting out the MiddlemanI’m not a big follower of The National Basketball Association, but when Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, told Forbes last year that the pricing for generic drugs was...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Old Blood Tests Lead to DiagnosisPeople who have blood cancer often learn about it while undergoing routine blood tests or other procedures. Others find out by chance. I was such a person. But that is...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments