Patients

To All of the People I’ve Been Before

To little me:

You’re going to do big things. I love you and all that you grow up to be.

Dear Future Cancer Patient

You may be thinking that this letter made its way to you late. I assure you it didn’t. What good would have been accomplished if I had warned you of the tragedy to befall you? Would you have wanted all of your present moments to be tainted with the anxiety of the arduous journey ahead? Worry will cost you twice if you let it, once in the present and again in the future.

An AYA’s Journey Through AML, Academia, and Advocacy

At the young age of 21, just a few weeks into my first semester of grad school, life took a drastic turn. A diagnosis that no one expects—Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with the FLT3 mutation. In the midst of textbooks and lectures, my world shifted to hospital rooms and treatment plans. The words “you have cancer” reverberated in my ears, altering the trajectory of my life.

My First Day of Forever

After weeks of anxiously waiting, it was finally here, my first day.

Not my first day of school.
Not my first day at a new job.
Not my first day moving into a new house.
This was my first day of chemotherapy.

What Was I Thinking?!

It had been a long, hot day, and my best friend offered to make me a bath. This was a simple yes or no question, but not for me. I paused for a few minutes to ponder her offer. I have factors to consider; I have chronic T-cell large lymphocyte leukemia. This past year, I have also taken on a mystery disease for fun, which has all the symptoms of chronic heart failure, but my heart is healthy.

Welcome to the Arena

Welcome to the arena. The cancer arena that feels like you are the only one on this battlefield. Especially since you are the young one with cancer. The arena stands are full of people you know and love.

Beyond Expectations: Gratitude for Those Who Kept Showing Up

As a military spouse, making and keeping friendships is often challenging. The constant moves and short time in any one location often make it hard to make and maintain friendships while moving from base to base. In January 2018, my husband received orders from the Army, notifying us that he’d been reassigned to work in Manhattan, New York.

A Lonely Journey Ahead

I’ve been surrounded by loved ones from the first moment I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, and never been left alone since. They brought me gifts, prepared my favorite food, and took really good care of me day and night. “Are you cold? Do you want food? Are you tired?”

What Makes a Friend

What makes a friend?

It’s a question you’ve probably been asked before in some hypothetical or philosophical type of way. Have you ever really had to answer the question, “What makes a friend,” though?

How Church Supported Me During My Diagnosis

I have always been involved in the Christian Community—I went to Christian school my whole life and I’ve been attending my church for over five years now. I didn’t tell many people at Church about my diagnosis until things got really bad.