The Power of Friendships...The last week of January 2021 was emotionally rough for me. Two of my longtime friends passed away. I know they are both in Heaven and no longer suffering, but...reactions15comments
My Purple Wig Helped Me Survive...In June of 2015, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Immediately, my world turned upside down. I was facing fear and living in emotional turmoil. As...reactions19comments
What I Bring To My Chemotherapy Treatment...Chemotherapy may be administered in different settings. These may include an outpatient clinic, physician's office, or hospital. The total time for the treatment may vary from one hour to several...reactions5comments
Here's Why I Don't Call It My Leukemia 'Journey' (or 'Battle')...One time when I was interviewing a breast cancer survivor for a story on “the pinking of America” – a trend towards turning everything pink without looking at real issues...reactions14comments
Fighting For Disability Benefits (Part 3): The Decision...If you haven't already, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. I knew the letter was in the mailbox before I even opened it. I could feel...reactions9comments
Take the Person Before Patient Survey...The Person Before Patient Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! What makes us the people we are? Living with a serious health condition like blood cancer can...reactionscomments
Fatigue and Post Cancer (Part 2)...Do you ever get frustrated with trying to balance the fatigue, but also try to explain to others how it feels to be so tired and trying to get back...reactions1comment
Trusting Your Instincts...Look, for many of us, where would we be if we didn’t trust that in the gut, “I told you so” instinct. When blood cancer or any word of cancer...reactions13comments
Blood cancer...My husband has systemic mastocytosis. The doctor said it is pre cancer. Can you tell me if it is cancer and how do you know when it is?...reactions3replies
Hill Runners: Have People Sprinted Out Of Your Life Since Diagnosis?...I’ve hesitated to write about this topic. I’ve learned, though, that many blood cancer patients have had this experience. I believe it is more common than not. So, here it...reactions19comments
Why Crying Can Be Good For You...In the morning while I’m making coffee, I record “The Today Show” and “Morning Joe.” Then I can skip through the commercials and get my dose of morning news without...reactions7comments
Caregiver Tips (Part 3)...If you missed it, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. Being a caregiver takes many forms. Sometimes it involves being there for the person you care...reactions11comments
Fighting for Disability Benefits (Part 2): The Hearing...In Part 1, I wrote about my Social Security Disability (SSDI) review and how Social Security no longer considered me disabled. My benefits were about to be terminated unless I...reactions7comments
Acknowledging Your Diagnosis Day...It’s been a few years now since I heard the words, “you have cancer.” On one hand, I can’t believe so much time has passed. On another, it feels like...reactions3comments
What are some tips for managing fatigue?...Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms and side effects of blood cancer. Share tips on how you manage your fatigue....reactions6replies
Basic, Easy On The Tummy Chicken Stew...Chemotherapy can wreak havoc on the appetite. The best recipes for me are the ones that are versatile with ingredient changes that match what my stomach can tolerate at the...reactions12comments
Blinders On...We humans are strange animals. Despite all evidence to the contrary, we sometimes think things will always stay the same. Like a horse with blinders on, we only see what’s...reactions6comments
You Are Enough...As you reflect on your life and where you are on your cancer journey, please allow me to encourage you with three simple yet powerful words. YOU ARE ENOUGH!! I...reactions11comments
National Cancer Survivors Day 2021: Motivation During Our Darkest Days with Cancer...On National Cancer Survivors Day, observed each year on the first Sunday in June, we honor and celebrate all of those who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Every...reactions3comments
Looking for Mumpsy and Finding Blessings...In 1967, my dad and I were looking at photos at my grandmother's house. He held up a picture and said, "Here I am when I was about your age...reactions13comments