Articles

Seven years ago, I learned that I have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). I didn't know what this strange-sounding disease was! I had to learn how to pronounce, spell, and explain it...

The cost of blood cancer. We have gone through endless posts here talking about the emotional, physical, and social cost of cancer and all of its effects. It can wreck...

It’s a good thing I live by myself, because I sure do talk to myself a lot. Or do I talk to myself a lot because I live alone? It’s...

I do not do well with physical pain. Not that many people do, but I feel like I especially don't tolerate it well. I'm in awe of people who get...

One of the best and most well-known hiking trails in the United States is the Appalachian Trail (AT). Starting at the top of Springer Mountain in Georgia, it terminates at...

I recently had my quarterly visit to my oncologist. These visits are always a bit nerve-wracking with multiple cancers, including blood cancer. I often feel like I’m playing the slots...

I recently saw a video where a woman declared that she was leaving her husband of many years. What was the problem? The husband had cancer, and according to her...

Recently a big topic of discussion on the blood cancer forums was about what pieces of advice people would give to those who are newly diagnosed. Now, I know this...

Blood-Cancer.com has a forum in which members of the community share their thoughts and ask advice from others living with blood cancer. It is a place to connect and feel...

When hit with a blood cancer diagnosis, it can feel like any sense of control over our own lives has been zapped in an instant. The future may initially seem...

I have something called OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. I was diagnosed as a child. It can be passed on genetically. I thought it didn’t bother me anymore because the way...

It was a whirlwind of activity once I entered the CAR T trial for my blood cancer. I was struggling with recurring pneumonia since the stem cell transplant. My ears...

For over a decade I worked while undergoing treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia. I experienced a delicate balance between work commitments and health challenges while fully employed. Throughout that time...

Reflecting on my time in active treatment, it was challenging to accept that everyone's treatment journey is different. Some people have shorter treatments, while others have longer ones. I often...

As a blood cancer survivor, our immune system may be altered because of chemotherapy. I've noted that I now have more frequent upper respiratory infections and colds. The function of...

Do you know that feeling when someone tells you they are going to do something, but they don’t do it? Or what about feeling very excited to do something, and...

Once again I’ve started writing various different blog posts in my head on dog walks, never writing them down or dictating them in a voice note. So by the time...

After years of going through scanxiety, I have finally graduated to labxiety, transitioning from bi-annual scans to just having labs. I am about to hit my six-year anniversary of my...

As a retired elementary teacher, I enjoy reading aloud to second graders as a monthly volunteer project. Despite technology, children still enjoy being read to. I recently reviewed Just Because by...

One of the reasons I love the Netflix series “Never Have I Ever” is the role of tennis legend John McEnroe as the narrator in comedian Mindy Kaling’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age...