Preparing for the Big Day I have spent a year with night sweats, my first symptom, not counting the white blood count that called for a hematology referral. The mouth sores began with a vengeance in April and have stopped. Just to try and keep them at bay, I gargle with salt and baking soda […]
Big Girl Pants Early in my diary entries, after my first bone marrow biopsy, I thanked the doctors who approved administering conscious sedation to me during the procedure. I referred to the men and women who didn’t receive it, most ungenerously, as “screaming meemies,” because presumably they couldn’t tolerate the procedure awake. Now that the […]
Now, it Begins… It’s been a long, hot summer with family around most of the time. But no cancer treatment, a good thing so I could fully enjoy them. Big girl pants, the time has come. It’s September 11. I’m scheduled to have my port implanted in two days, at 8:00 in the morning. So, […]
Circling the Wagons A message from my care team at Fred Hutch: “Hi Marilea, Dr Poh asked me to reach out to let you know that unfortunately, the trial she discussed with you during your visit was just paused for a safety evaluation. The FDA is requiring that all patients 60 years or older who […]
My Doctor Levels With Me, and a Period of Reflection July 8th. I had my blood drawn at Fred Hutch and met with my care team shortly thereafter. This was the big moment I had been waiting for, the one where I found out staging and next steps. The one when I’m handed my prognosis. […]
Down to the Hutch Again I have to say that Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is like a luxury hotel. The whole 7th floor is dedicated to just lymphoma patients. There seem to be quite a few of us spread across the globe, compared to other kinds of cancer. I have a lot of company. Gene […]
