It is hard to believe Christmas is here.  I’ve mentioned to some friends that, since my sister Deana’s myeloma diagnosis on April 27 this year, I’ve had little sense of the passage of seasons and holidays. I suspect many of you understand. 

Since my last column, Deana, who underwent a stem cell transplant the day before Thanksgiving, has been released from the hospital. So Christmas came early for us. 

When Deana was admitted for her transplant, one of the doctors …

Today is Day Twelve.

For those who have been through a stem cell transplant, you know exactly what that means. 

"Thankful" doesn’t begin to express my feelings for the researchers who work tirelessly and have brought about the medical advances that make these myeloma treatments possible.

My sister Deana, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April, was admitted to the hospital on Monday of Thanksgiving week to undergo a stem cell transplant.

I was right there with …

In this week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for many things, including the opportunity to share my family’s myeloma journey with you and the relationships that have grown as a result.  

While I am still not thankful for the myeloma diagnosis, the last seven months have been filled with blessings.  It is generally not my style to repeat words over and over in my writing, but for this week, please bear with me, because there’s going to be a whole …

It had been my intention to write this column about the terrific experience I had recently when I attended the MMRF Gala.  What a spectacular event – so inspiring.

But, I am going to have to save that for next time, because last Thursday was The Most Difficult Day – the most challenging 24 hours my sisters and I have experienced so far in our myeloma journey.

The Most Difficult Day made me appreciate even more all the wonderful people …

Still in post-marathon euphoria, I boarded the plane Sunday afternoon a week ago, and headed to Pittsburgh for my sister Deana’s Monday oncologist appointment.  All my energy was directed toward us getting the report we hoped for – clearance to move to transplant.

Deana picked me up and was wearing a Texas A&M baseball cap – an appropriate choice for Team BTHO MM.  I could see that she was bald underneath, and she later …

I finished the Chicago Marathon yesterday. I ran it to raise awareness and money for multiple myeloma, and it was an amazing experience.

First, I must acknowledge my sister, Darrie, and niece, Kate, who are the best pit crew a girl could have. They were tremendous support, especially Kate, who fixed my iPod when it froze. For a moment, I thought I would have to spend 26.2 miles alone with my thoughts.

Throughout the race, I focused on friends …

At the beginning of our cancer journey, a dear friend, whose husband has been battling various cancers for nearly six years, shared the best piece of advice she was given about coping with cancer: Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.  This week, those words have rung true in several ways.

The Chicago Marathon is two weeks away.  I’m so excited to participate that I can barely stand it.  Last Sunday, I ran (perhaps traversed would be the better …