Why Crying Can Be Good For YouIn the morning while I’m making coffee, I record “The Today Show” and “Morning Joe.” Then I can skip through the commercials and get my dose of morning news without...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Caregiver Tips (Part 3)If you missed it, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. Being a caregiver takes many forms. Sometimes it involves being there for the person you care...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Fighting for Disability Benefits (Part 2): The HearingIn Part 1, I wrote about my Social Security Disability (SSDI) review and how Social Security no longer considered me disabled. My benefits were about to be terminated unless I...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Acknowledging Your Diagnosis DayIt’s been a few years now since I heard the words, “you have cancer.” On one hand, I can’t believe so much time has passed. On another, it feels like...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Basic, Easy On The Tummy Chicken StewChemotherapy can wreak havoc on the appetite. The best recipes for me are the ones that are versatile with ingredient changes that match what my stomach can tolerate at the...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
Blinders OnWe humans are strange animals. Despite all evidence to the contrary, we sometimes think things will always stay the same. Like a horse with blinders on, we only see what’s...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
You Are EnoughAs you reflect on your life and where you are on your cancer journey, please allow me to encourage you with three simple yet powerful words. YOU ARE ENOUGH!! I...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
National Cancer Survivors Day 2021: Motivation During Our Darkest Days with CancerOn National Cancer Survivors Day, observed each year on the first Sunday in June, we honor and celebrate all of those who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Every...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Looking for Mumpsy and Finding BlessingsIn 1967, my dad and I were looking at photos at my grandmother's house. He held up a picture and said, "Here I am when I was about your age...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
How Did You Know?Since my diagnosis with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in August of 2020 I have been asked many times how I knew I had non-Hodgkin. The answer is I had NO idea. In...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
Stress BustersDo we really understand what stress is? We’ve all had the displeasure of being amongst its presence and we all know what detriment it leads in our lives. I recall...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Post-Cancer Fatigue and The Struggle (Part 1)Fatigue post-cancer is very REAL! I totally understand the frustration, because I deal with it myself. It’s hard to explain to others who haven’t been in that situation dealing with...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
How to Help a Cancer PatientThere are lots of places online that will tell you about what you should not say to a cancer patient. That includes some excellent advice on this very site. It’s...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
The ClimbA couple of years ago, we visited Big Bend National Park in western Texas to do some hiking. As we slowly ascended Lost Mine Trail to the ridge with its...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
It's All Getting Very Real NowI have a fertility appointment in a few days. It’s all beginning to get very real now. I’m excited and also hesitant. I’m also irritated with the fertility department, as...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Caregiver Tips (Part 2)If you missed it, check out Part 1 of this series. Taking on the role of caregiver will mean a lot to your loved one, but it is also a...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Rash Decisions: CML and the Skin I'm InHave you had skin issues with your chemo? In 2012, I started oral chemotherapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). As my body slowly began to accept the treatment something was brewing underneath...Reactions0reactionsComments24 comments
Introducing the PandaMy name is Amanda, I’m new to the blood cancer community. I’m a two-time cancer survivor and an allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipient. I am an open book, ask away!...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
For Me, Grief Looks Like…Grief is complex and looks different for everyone. Check out the definitions below. Then, scroll down and comment or copy and paste to share which type of grief you have...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Fighting to Keep Disability Benefits (Part 1)I applied for Social Security Disability (SSDI) soon after I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. With a broken femur and an upcoming stem cell transplant, I qualified for disability benefits...Reactions0reactionsComments33 comments