Columns

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Brukinsa (zanubrutinib). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. I was angry, but I didn’t know why. Last week, I went for my first checkup since I began taking Brukinsa…

When I was in middle school, a book I read had the following advice: “In order to have a good time at the party, I try to help others have a good time.” Decades later, I had forgotten that advice as I sank into the emotional abyss of cold…

It was touch and go on Sunday about whether I would make it to church. My sleep patterns have been less than consistent, with severe insomnia keeping me awake nights, so scheduling anything before noon has been challenging. But I managed to drop off to sleep early on Saturday night,…

There was no bell at the cancer center in 2018 when I was first treated. The place was small and crowded. No one who finished treatment rang a bell to mark the end of their infusions. The end of my treatment was recognized with a farewell and best wishes. But…

I gave up. I bought a snack box of 12 little chocolate cake rolls. I have loved them ever since my granddad served them to us grandkids when we were at their house every Tuesday afternoon. The chocolate rolls are filled with a sweet, creamy scrumptiousness and covered with a…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Brukinsa (zanubrutinib). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. On Saturday, Andy Burcham, the radio play-by-play voice of the Auburn Tigers football team, began his broadcast by saying, “And we’re…

My mom returned to her college studies in 1963 when we first moved to Auburn, Alabama. We lived across from the campus of Auburn University and she could easily walk to the buildings where her classes were held. The winter quarter began in January just after the so-called New Year’s…

Monday, Aug. 17, was a good day. I don’t usually classify my days as good or bad. They’re just days; something happens or doesn’t happen, and then I go to sleep, and I open my eyes to another day. But something happened on that Monday that had me smiling all…

The garden behind the old family property had been neglected for many years when my husband and I began whacking and hacking at the weeds and vines some years ago, frequently pausing to enjoy what we’d find beneath the dense vegetation — a brick walkway that surrounded a rose garden,…

My summer came to an end last week. It is still hot here in Alabama, and the days are still long with daylight. But summer is over. My husband, Mike, has gone back to Indonesia. I remain here in Auburn because my blood work has not yet reached a stable…