Looking Back on a Happy Christmas... Even with CancerI can find Christmas a bit challenging, and I know I’m not the only one to feel that way. The last few Christmases have been hindered and made very difficult...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Deciding When to RetreatAfter three years since my first treatment for follicular lymphoma, my doctor and I recently decided it’s time for retreatment. I had a full response to Rituxin monotherapy in December...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Thank You...But You’re Bugging MeOkay, I’m hoping to put a spotlight on that elephant in the room that most people don’t discuss. You know, those times when you may seem like the most unpleasant...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
2018 Round UpWell, what a year it has been! Sitting here now at the end of December, I can’t quite believe it is what it is. And how much has happened. And...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Managing Cancer-Related FatigueNavigating life with blood cancer can be challenging, especially when you have other co-occurring (also sometimes called comorbid) conditions. Some of these conditions may include issues like hypertension, arthritis, or...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
The Cancer Diagnosis Home GameDiagnosing cancer can be a long and unforgiving journey, and for me, it was lengthier than most. I had a three-month adventure that took me winding through a Candyland map...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Hope in the New YearI am a self-proclaimed science geek. I love learning about all things related to science. Prior to my cancer-induced retirement, I was a fifth-grade science and math teacher. I adored...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The High Cost of Oral Cancer DrugsWhen I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I had never heard of it. As the doctor gave me the diagnosis, all I heard was incurable, broken bones, blood cancer and...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
The Ins & Outs of Pulmonary Function TestingOnce you are diagnosed with blood cancer, you will likely to need to go through a series of tests to make sure that your body can withstand the harsh chemicals...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
The Circle of LifeAfter a wonderful time at the shore on vacation, I pondered the recent events that occurred in my life. Over the last few weeks, a new nephew was born, my...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Attitude of GratitudeWhen I was first diagnosed, I was hit with a whole range of emotions. Like a giant wave, I was taken over by anger, depression, fear, shock and even relief...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
Saying Yes to Life, Yourself, and Your DreamsHaving a diagnosis of blood cancer, makes one begin to question priorities, life choices and future actions. What do I want to accomplish as a cancer survivor? I recently found...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Telling FriendsWhen I first received the news that I had leukemia I didn’t want to tell anyone. I told my family of course, but not my friends. I was worried they...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
Not Feeling Very Jolly‘Tis the season to be jolly. You hear it everywhere. You’re supposed to be jolly, because the song says it’s the season for it. You’re supposed to buy the perfect...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
The Downside of Having Fun2 week’s later and I’m still paying for having a weekend full of fun. Even though I’ve had multiple 10 hour sleeps and a 13-hour sleep. It’s ridiculous. I'm functioning...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Neutropenic Not Pregnant Pregnancy DietWhen I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, I knew that it was a life-changing diagnosis. The word cancer strikes fear into your heart like nothing else. The thing I didn’t...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Research Shows Blood Cancer is More Costly for Patients than Other CancersA recent study has shown that the cost of treating blood cancers can be more costly than treating other solid tumor cancers. A study commissioned by the Leukemia and Lymphoma...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Joseph (My Naked Hospital Roommate)So, if you read my earlier posts, I promised you the story of the naked hospital roommate. People have been asking since then for me to tell it, and I feel...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Coping with Cancer During the HolidaysI can remember wondering how I would ever manage to celebrate the holidays while experiencing the debilitating fatigue during chemotherapy. My last chemotherapy was in November and I was still...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Myths and Facts About Living WillsA living will is known by several other names, including advanced directive, healthcare declaration, medical directive, and many more. There is often confusion about what these words mean and why...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments