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 […]
The Peace That Comes From Knowing I removed the question mark in the title. It’s not an uncertainty any longer. And it’s not so bad. I’d rather know the name of my enemy so I have a chance to fight it. For all of my life I’ve enjoyed nearly perfect health. Oh, an annual cold […]
Listen to Your Gut I determined to continue being a squeaky wheel. The secretary I called daily told me to pay attention, instead, to my garden. Yup, she really said that. Then she stopped answering my calls. So I messaged Dr. Malakoti and asked what the two-month delay since my last PET scan was about. […]
