What Friends Should Know About My MDS JourneyI was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 2017. Yes, it's a real thing. I've always thought it sounded like something from Star Trek, maybe something Mr. Spock would acquire...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
My Blood Cancer Journal Giveaway (Now Closed)From doctor’s appointments to medications to treatment plans, keeping track of everything related to your blood cancer can feel overwhelming. Staying organized and having a place to keep track of...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
TriggersAs I write this post, I’m challenged as I think about the recent, devastating passing of all-time sports hero, Kobe Bryant. The news that pulsated every television channel last Sunday...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Questions You May Have Before ChemotherapyA blood cancer diagnosis is a frightening event in so many ways. The thought of needing chemotherapy or any treatment can be overwhelming. Knowledge can be powerful and help provide...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
CluelessAs most anyone born during the period spanning the mid-to-late 1960s to the early ‘80s will undoubtedly recall, there was a well-known board game from that era by the name...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Sharing Your Diagnosis with Loved OnesI found it really difficult to share information with friends and family about what I was dealing with before and even during my diagnosis. My mom and I sat down...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Cancer Made Me Break Up With FoodMan, I loved to eat. I mean, who doesn’t right? I really enjoyed food itself, though – the taste, texture and look. I loved to explore the flavor of everything...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
World Blood Cancer Day Giveaway Terms and ConditionsOfficial Rules, Terms and Conditions for the World Blood Cancer Day Giveaway NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Playing the Waiting GameI’m having a weepy Wednesday and it’s only Monday. Let me explain. I was never much of a crier. I think a lot of that came from being a round...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Ten Year ChallengeIf you’re on social media, perhaps you noticed folks posting pictures of themselves from 2009 and 2019. It’s called the 10-year challenge. I’m not sure how it got started, but...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
The End of a Year – the End of a DecadeWell, 2019 has been a big year. I turned 35 and I am definitely not where I thought I would be or where I want to be. But so much is out...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
5 Steps for Curing the BluesAuthor’s note: This article is not about clinical depression. That’s a more serious condition so we’ll save it for another post. I’m a double minded man. There are days when...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Finding Hope at Hope LodgeOne day I was running and teaching high school, and the next I was lying on my floor, screaming in pain from a broken hip. An MRI later that week...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Symptoms and Side Effects with RacheliIn this three-part video series, Racheli talks about important topics for blood cancer patients: symptoms, side effects during treatment, and long term side effects after treatment. Start a conversation in...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Traveling with Chronic PainI actually started writing this article prior to our last pre-winter trip to the beach over Veteran’s day weekend. What I experienced over the weekend certainly had an impact on...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
Things People Say About My NeuropathyYou’ve probably heard about stupid things people say about cancer. Maybe, if you have cancer, or had it, someone has said a stupid thing to you. The stupidest – or...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
What Inspires MeOne day a few years ago, I felt like something needed to change. I am not and have never been an “athletic” person, but I decided I wanted to start...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
My PV DietWhen I was first diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) three years ago, one of my first questions was what should I be eating. I have always eaten healthy…well…at least ever...Reactions0reactionsComments23 comments
Pretty Amazing News (Part 2)I have changed drugs so many times in the last 6 years, I think one of the most constant sentences to come out of my consultant's mouth has been, "Don’t...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
We Versus I: Forming a Team as Patient and CaregiverMy daughter, Crystal, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2016 at the age of 25. It was one of the hardest times in our lives. My husband and I were...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments