Articles

In Part 1, I talked about how I sometimes had a difficult time working while living with blood cancer. In those early years as a chronic myeloid leukemia patient, I...

It’s hard to always know exactly what makes you want to call or email a certain friend or family member on any given day. Is it something that reminds you...

Throughout my 6½ year journey with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), I’ve always worked. When I was first diagnosed, I was working as a reporter at a large daily newspaper. One...

When I was first treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it helped me to speak to someone who had “been there, done that.” Specifically, in Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s One-to-One Volunteer...

“This is a life and death decision.” How many times have people around you thrown around that phrase? Probably a lot when it comes time to ponder things like, “Do...

Fred Rogers once said in an interview, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say, 'Look for the helpers. You...

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...

Technology is now a common way to deliver healthcare. Digital health products help prevent, diagnose, or manage chronic conditions. Devices range from wellness apps to artificial intelligence and wearable devices...

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...

Have you ever heard of survivor's guilt? Before I started volunteering for cancer organizations, I could say no, I had never heard the term and I never knew there was...

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...

What was your reaction to being diagnosed with cancer? Speaking from one cancer survivor to another, truly, how did you process the news? I know people who have never been...

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.”...

Since late 2019, COVID-19 has become a household name. It has changed many aspects of daily life. Especially for those living with chronic conditions. "Quarantine," "social distancing," and "herd immunity"...