Facing Fear...I saw several suspenseful disaster movies back-to-back when I was young. Some of these included The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno and Earthquake. These movies gave me nightmares for months...reactionscomments
How did you deal with hair loss? ...Losing your hair during treatment can be a difficult process. Some people decide to take control and cut it themselves before it starts to go. Others try new wigs or...reactions20repliesSide Effects
Shades of Mean and What To Do (or Not Do) About Them...If you could choose how people would insult or put you down, would you want it to be in your face or indirect? More like a shout or more like...reactions8comments
Treatment Wonder...How often (if at all) do you wonder about the treatment you're on and is it the best option for you? Sometimes we go with the flow (rightfully) but have...reactions3repliesCopingResearch & Clinical TrialsTreatment
A Different Headspace...I think I’ve now had 2 blood cancer appointments where my consultant hasn’t talked about my going back on treatment or double checking I’ve got some ‘just in case’ which...reactions1comment
I have Essential Thrombocythemia....I have recently also been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. I will see a Cardiologist this week. I have read that 47% of people with ET get PH. Has anyone else...reactions2repliesDiagnosis
Chemo med change...My platelets recently went up drastically when my mail order pharmacy changed my hydroxyurea from one manufacturer to another in November. I just changed to a new pharmacy this year...reactions2repliesTreatmentAwareness
Considerations When Sharing Your Cancer Diagnosis...When or if to share your blood cancer diagnosis is an extremely personal decision, and there is no wrong answer for patients. Some share, some don’t. While we might feel...reactions6comments
Your Fitness Go-To......Hope the year is starting well for you. Many people hop on the exercise bandwagon in the first part of the year. What is your favorite exercise? For me, I...reactions6repliesCopingExerciseTips & Advice
Tips to Managing Health Insurance With Blood Cancer...I used to think that all insurance plans were the same. One size fits all. Just hand them your card, and you will magically have all you need covered! Once...reactions4comments
Trials of Remission...The term remission is a term that brings comfort and relief for many, and there are those who also feel “What’s the catch”? Multiple myeloma has a way of resurfacing...reactions2comments
Word of the Year and the Impact on My Cancer Journey...Every end of year, I come up with a word for the new year. For me, it seems to be a better alternative than trying to make resolutions. I try...reactions8comments
Ray Hartjen...Ray Hartjen is a writer, musician, marketer, and cancer patient advocate living in southern California. Throughout his professional career spanning five decades, Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment...
Remove the Mask: Talking About Your Blood Cancer...It's okay not to always be strong. It's fine to let others and, more importantly, yourself, know that living with blood cancer takes a toll on the patient--mind, body, and...reactions1comment
While You’re At It Doc...When I was first diagnosed with blood cancer my oncologist arranged for an infusion nurse to stop in to see me a day before any chemo treatments took place. It...reactions11comments
Now Enrolling-Smartphone Wellness Study for Blood Cancer Patients!...Mays Cancer Center is seeking US-based adult blood cancer patients with poor sleep to participate in a 20-week study to test a digital wellness intervention. Participation involves completing online surveys...reactionsrepliesResearch & Clinical TrialsLeukemiaMultiple Myeloma
CLL Changed My Life...My name is Lynn. I’m 71 and was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in May of 2021. I found my life changing slowly over the past few years; not...reactions14comments
Multiple Myeloma and Side Effects: Where Do I Go From Here?...Started Multiple Myeloma treatment late 2018, and in remission since early 2019. You would think I should be relieved and able to resume life as before the diagnosis, but it's...reactions6comments
Surviving CML: Diagnosis, Advocacy, and Triumph over Health System Challenges...Next month will be a year since my diagnosis of CML. It was found accidentally, which was shocking since I had no symptoms and had survived thyroid cancer not once...reactions3comments
