Zen Psychiatry
By Elana Miller, MD
In December 2013 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. I was 31 years old and six months away from graduating from my psychiatry residency program.
In August 2019, my lymphoma relapsed and a few months later I received a successful stem cell transplant.
I wrote about my experience with cancer as it happened, without knowing how it would unfold. This is my story, starting at the beginning—my initial diagnosis in 2013—until now, as I am recovering from my transplant. (In between I met my husband and got married).
This series is in descending order so you can read my experience front to end. My hope is if you, or anyone you know, have received a cancer diagnosis these articles become a solace in your journey.
P.S - the human spirit is resilient. The worst things in the world can happen to you, and you could bounce back. It might not happen overnight, but it will happen.
To read my full story and access my cancer resources, visit my Cancer Resources page.
From the beginning, there were so many signs that my cancer didn't have a chance.First, there was the rock-hard lymph node above my collarbone that disappeared with one night of steroids, even …
Continue Reading about Really, Cancer? That’s All You Got? →
This will be a brief post because, well, I'm tired and outpatient chemo isn't the cakewalk I was hoping it would be (although I'll take it over being admitted to the hospital every 5 seconds any …
I'm on the long road home.The long road home is knowing the worst is behind me, but that the most is in front of me. I am thrilled to be in remission as of two weeks ago, but still have nine …
I wasn't going to write a post today.Usually by the time Tuesday rolls around, I've had a burst or two of inspiration and have at least an inking of an idea of what to say. But this week... …
This is not a sad story. This is a story about life.I was blown away by the response to my last post, and appreciative that so many stayed with me as I described a really difficult experience …
Sorry everyone, I can't write today. I'm too tired, I'm too tired, I'm too tired.I'll be back when I can. …
