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 […]

It Never Rains; It Pours This spring, while I was waiting for some definite news, my carpal tunnel syndrome came back. It had started in October of last year and it was awful, but brief. Searing, burning pain, numbness and worse, sleepless nights. I used to walk around the house like a phantom, watch a […]