I have been sick with a chest cold since John and I returned to Florida last Saturday. That's why I haven't written to update everyone. It's no wonder I'm sick because the CAR T therapy tanks the immune system. Yesterday I saw Dr. Joudeh and had labs drawn. As soon as he saw the results, he called me personally to tell me I would need to go in for filgrastim injections three days in a row starting this afternoon with another three-day regimen next week. That, along with the B

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

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...

Well, the unthinkable has happened. I must admit I had not really considered it possible. I've been doing so well since the stem cell...

We've been stuck in a cold, rainy weather pattern for several days now. The kind that hangs a curtain of humidity in the air so heavy...

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...

It’s been a long time since I last wrote a blog post. Every time I sat down with my computer to write, I felt overwhelmed by the jumble...

I thought I would share a quick update about my hair...which I hate. That’s an awful thing to say, I know. I should be thankful I have...

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." ...

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...

This past week was the most difficult of my life. It has changed me, literally at the cellular level. Over time, I know I will grapple...

It’s been a little rough these past few days, but nothing—I repeat, NOTHING—like we anticipated. As long as I have the energy to, say,...

This will likely be my last post until I come out the other side of all of this. If you text or call and I don’t answer, please try not...

The gray shroud that hid the dome of the Oklahoma capitol building early this morning faded back a little to the north, but the dreary...

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. For all people...

Before the liquid Benedryl in my IV drip hits, I wanted to let everyone know that the stem cell transplant has begun and is almost over....

Before I provide an update (and try to be brief!), I want to let you know that I will provide an update later today regarding the visitor...