The results from my first follow-up PET scan were less than stellar. The written analysis of the scan is always available first; the scan comes a day or so later. After reading the report, I wasn't terribly interested in seeing the scan. I guess in my mind I had already determined it wasn't very positive. Has this million-dollar therapy been a waste of time and resources?   I began to wonder.   I was expecting to see an immediate improvement, and instead, most of the SUV (sta

Waiting used to feel like wasted time. Lately, I’m learning it’s just another form of faith in motion.

As treatment days blur together, I’m reminded that healing is more than medicine—it’s gratitude, patience, and the steady practice of hope.

Friday's visit brought encouraging news — and a renewed sense of gratitude for small mercies along the way. We again met with APRN Michelly who covered my labs from earlier that morning and answered all our questions. Through MyChart, the online patient portal, I can see my lab results as soon as they’re available. Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned what to look for — especially my white blood cell count. If it’s too low, I know I’ll get a Filgrastim shot. They’re not real

At my visit last Tuesday, APN Michelly told us the FDA had approved a shorter monitoring period following CAR T.

Welcome to the 15th floor of the MD Anderson Cancer Center. This is where I eventually ended up last Thursday morning, although when I...

It's long past time that I wrote a proper update, so over the next few days, I'm going to give it my best. John and I have been in...

I’m going to drop a quick note here to let everyone know I’m doing all right. This experience has been a challenge, and I look forward to...

I think I could never be an addict. It takes too much effort. It's more than just swallowing pills or guzzling alcohol. It's a constant...

UPDATE: Our return to Houston has been postponed until 9 September. I will be undergoing additional chemotherapy through the last week...

This relapse truly hit me like a ton of bricks. I have so many thoughts to share.

Last night I had a tornado dream… the first one in a long, long time. Tornadoes are one of two recurring themes for me. The other...

It's hard to believe it's been more than a year since I last wrote. It wasn't due to having nothing to say. On the contrary, a draft is...

A few friends have inquired about me via email or text – thank you! – so I thought I would write a quick update and send a selfie or two....

It’s been a busy time for medical appointments and some time since I wrote an update. The title of this post is from a quote attributed...

Here’s a new term for you: Minimal Residual Disease, or MRD. During my May visit with Dr. Joudeh, he told me how pleased he was that my...

Yesterday I saw a neurosurgeon, Dr. Charles Wolff, to whom I was referred by Dr. Joudeh. It was actually my second visit to his office. ...

Maybe it's the chemo... On my last visit to Dr. Joudeh on November 24th, I again complained about the pain. I hate the word "complain." ...

Good news! The PET scan was clear! The “lesion” that showed up in the MRI was likely an old one or possibly scar tissue, according to...

On Tuesday, I will have a full-body PET scan. I’ve had one before, almost exactly a year ago. The purpose of the scan will be to “light...