Blood Cancer and COVID-19Since 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"...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Caregiver Tips (Part 4)In case you missed it, check out Ann's caregiving tips Parts 1, 2, and 3. Caring for someone you love can take a toll. It can be a demanding job...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
Leukemia Deaths Spark ReactionsIt’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...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
I Feel Good?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...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Feeling Let Down AgainI'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...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Stories and Experiences of a Cancer CaregiverThe diagnosis of blood cancer affects both the patient and family in numerous ways. My loving husband took terrific care of me during my cancer journey, especially during the chemotherapy...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Rain, Rain Go Away“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...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
Greetings From A CML AlienI’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,”...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Doing The WorkI 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...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
InfertilityI know that infertility can be a hard subject to speak about - it is for me. Not every cancer patient has to deal with infertility. Some people diagnosed with...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Energizer Bunny is BackThe 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...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Turning 60 & Following The Advice of an Earlier ArticleIn 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...Reactions0reactionsComments21 comments
The Power of FriendshipsThe 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...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
My Purple Wig Helped Me SurviveIn 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...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
What I Bring To My Chemotherapy TreatmentChemotherapy may be administered in different settings. These may include an outpatient clinic, physician's office, or hospital. The total time for the treatment may vary from one hour to several...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Here's Why I Don't Call It My Leukemia 'Journey' (or 'Battle')One time when I was interviewing a breast cancer survivor for a story on “the pinking of America” – a trend towards turning everything pink without looking at real issues...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Fighting For Disability Benefits (Part 3): The DecisionIf you haven't already, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. I knew the letter was in the mailbox before I even opened it. I could feel...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
Take the Person Before Patient SurveyThe Person Before Patient Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! What makes us the people we are? Living with a serious health condition like blood cancer can...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Fatigue and Post Cancer (Part 2)Do you ever get frustrated with trying to balance the fatigue, but also try to explain to others how it feels to be so tired and trying to get back...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Trusting Your InstinctsLook, for many of us, where would we be if we didn’t trust that in the gut, “I told you so” instinct. When blood cancer or any word of cancer...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments