Articles

Ah, the bucket list. Almost all of us talk about it, but usually in the “if I won the lottery” kind of way. They include all those things that most...

I know we talk about fatigue a ton here, and rightfully so. It’s one of the worst side effects of any disease, and cancer gets it in spades. The disease...

I had been divorced for many years when I got leukemia in 2003, but I didn’t go into it alone. My baby sister, Diane, stepped up, becoming my primary caregiver...

The word “will” can seem loaded when mentioned in casual conversation, and it might seem morbid to talk about or even unnecessary for the average person to think about. However...

Journey. Battle. Fight. Warrior. War. Purpose. Survivor. Test. Beast, which is my personal favorite. The list of words used to describe our cancer experience is endless. I’m ok with all...

After completing my chemotherapy, I was uncertain as to who I should see for routine health care. Routine healthcare includes annual checkups, medical tests, immunizations, and occasional sick visits. My...

I had a friend call me about 3 months into the start of my chemotherapy treatment to catch up and see how treatment was going. During this conversation, he started...

When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, I didn’t think I knew anyone that had this cancer let alone someone in my own family. Shortly after I shared the news...

This month has been full of firsts for me!  Feeling good on a chemotherapy, worrying about blood test results, and, making a friend in my clinic! I have been going...

Once a diagnosis is shared aloud, life is never the same. So much changes in that moment. To move forward can be challenging; it can be a struggle to learn...

It’s time to talk about pain. Ugh, yeah, I said it. That four-letter word that we all despise that can make everything so much more, well, everything. Even though it...

As cancer survivors, many of us have experienced fatigue. I have also experienced insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep. A good night’s sleep is important to promote rest and help allow...

Navigating how to feel with the possibility of hair loss caused by blood cancer treatment can be quite traumatizing at your initial diagnosis. Our hair is such a big part...

I recently attended a fascinating discussion in precision medicine in cancer care. Precision medicine is the tailoring of treatment for the specific needs and unique characteristics of a patient and...

Okay let me start off by saying, I’ve met many people over the past 9 or so years that have meant well; however, their delivery was a bit questionable, to...

It happens every September. I don’t think I was really aware of it until I became involved with a charity over here called Bloodwise (formally Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research). This...

People who know me have heard me say this a lot: cancer is an emotional disease as much as it is a physical disease. For me, one of the emotions...

So, as many of you know, I’m single now, and sort-of, kind-of, searching for a new relationship.  I’m not going at it full steam, but I’m not kickin’ the idea...

We have experienced many challenges in our “battle” to deal with cancer. So, what is next as a cancer survivor? I personally try to enjoy all of life’s moments. Still...

I am so grateful to be this lady’s daughter and to learn from her each other every day. Our struggles and happiness have made us the good-hearted humans that we...