People's KindnessOver the last, well, coming up for 12 years, I have constantly been astounded by people’s kindness and generosity towards me. Especially from those who don’t really know me. You sort...reactions2comments
Understanding Palliative and Hospice CarePalliative and hospice care help to provide relief for patients from the symptoms and the stress of serious illness. Both involve teams of doctors, nurses and professional care givers. A...reactions2comments
Not the Buff I WantedOn August 3, 2017, I was officially given my buff for the Myeloma Tribe. Yep, that’s right, I was now in my battle to be a “Survivor" of multiple myeloma;...reactions15comments
Hello, My Name is Vinnie CentHi! I'm Vincent Goodwin, aka Vinnie Cent. I am a childhood cancer survivor and advocate for Blood-Cancer.com. I was diagnosed with AML at age 15 and am now celebrating 30...reactions3comments
Getting Chemo - A Caregiver's Point of ViewTaking chemo is a horrible thing, especially when you have to watch your child go through it. Crystal, my daughter, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma when she was 25 and...reactions4comments
From Passive By-Stander to Empowered Partner (Part 1)I’ve told this story before, but I believe it is worth repeating. Prior to my multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2008 I was a passive by-stander on my health care team. ...reactions13comments
Ring That BellI had heard about the ritual of ringing the bell after chemotherapy is complete, but until I was immersed in cancer treatment myself I didn’t really understand the significance. I...reactions17comments
Discussing the Possibility of Relapse with My HusbandWhen relapse and love looms over our lives, its important that we open up with our partners, especially if they weren’t there for the cancer experience, and share with them...reactions2comments
Find Your PurposeLiving with cancer sucks.There, I said it.I remember when I only had to deal with the occasional cold or flu. Where the heck did leukemia come from? I used to...reactions21comments
From Junk Shelf, Notes on Coping with Stem Cell TransplantYou might think your junk drawer is full of, well, junk, but its contents can actually reveal a lot about you. I don't actually know what to make of all...reactions1comment
Doctor NoCancer, like many diagnoses, means that you’re going to be devoting a lot of time to talking with doctors and medical professionals. Spending that long with anyone, doctors or not, means...reactions15comments
Of 'Hole Pluggers' and Repeat Bone Marrow BiopsiesWhen my doctor presented my treatment plan to me in 2003, he asked if I wanted to be enrolled in a trial for something he called a hole plugger. He...reactions1comment
Cooties and the MaskHave you ever wondered what the deal is with people wearing surgical masks? Could it be that everyone has a weak immune system or is something else going on? I...reactions6comments
Massage Therapy & Chemo Side EffectsChemotherapy can often result in fatigue, nausea, and sleep disruption. From a personal perspective, I experienced debilitating fatigue and questioned my oncologist as to whether massage would help. At that...reactions12comments
The Day It HappenedI still remember the day my daughter, Crystal, called me to tell me she thought she had cancer. I was sitting in the living room resting when the call came...reactions4comments
10 Years Since I Graduated from Edinburgh10 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...reactions2comments
Strategies to Stop OverthinkingHas 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...reactions13comments
Let's Talk About Mental HealthMental 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...reactions1comment
Fighting My Way Out of ExhaustionNo 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...reactions2comments
My Cancerversary is LoomingNormally 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...reactions12comments