Articles

10 years ago I had just graduated from the University of Edinburgh with my ‘fake degree’. A general arts degree. It means nothing. My diagnosis and having to take a...

Has your sleep ever been interrupted by constant thoughts? I liken it to repeated thinking about events of the day, worries or “what ifs”. This can be similar to a...

Mental health and physical health are often linked, with one impacting the other. Mental health, in particular, can be difficult to talk about with others, leaving people isolated and without...

No one told me to expect a long recovery after completing chemotherapy treatment. Or if they did, I somehow mentally blocked it out. In any event, I expected to be...

Normally around Christmas and New Year, I become a bit maudlin, melancholy and reflective. I suppose a part of that is natural. Winter is officially here. The days are short...

When faced with a life threatening illness, many people have very specific reactions to their faith and how they continue to practice their faith. I wasn’t sure how my beliefs...

I have bad luck with oncologists. I’ve been a blood cancer patient for almost 11 years. I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma from a biopsied lymph node near my hip...

People love to talk about my hair now that it’s been growing back. I think a lot of people are trying to be nice when they start these conversations, but...

Once the fear of the cancer diagnosis subsides, the telling begins. I told my mother and my husband right away, but I kept it for myself a little longer. I...

Resolution: A firm decision to do or not do something Pledge, promise, or undertaking Solution: An action or process of solving a problem An answer to a problem, specifically a...

I assume, at some point in your life, you’ve had an anthem. An anthem to a break-up, an anthem to summer love, an anthem to a new job, and if...

I am always eager to learn about new research and treatment options for my blood cancer. When visiting my oncologist, he knows I will have questions about what I have...

You may have recently learned that you, or someone you love, have been diagnosed with cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). You may have been...

Editor's Note: The following article mentions details surrounding the author’s experiences with body image, which may be upsetting for some readers. When I was in my finals year at Uni...

The past year was busy for me in regards to gaining recognition in the myeloma community. As I move forward as a patient advocate, I’m learning some very important details...

There are pros and cons of blogging in a community with people who have, or have had, the same or similar illnesses. The good part is the sense of solidarity...

I 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...

After 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...

Okay, 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...

Well, 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...