Four months after my allogeneic bone marrow transplant, I left Stanford to build a new cancer-fee life. Now I had to go into my local lab three times a week for blood work to monitor my progress. In checking my computer for results of my blood test today, my liver function tests—indicators of liver injury—panic…

In the middle of my Hyper-CVAD treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma, an on-call oncologist entered my room. A balding, professorial-looking fellow—wearing a bow tie and appearing to be years past retirement—he pulled a dry-erase maker from his pocket and began writing on the white board. I’m going to be released from the hospital today and…

Promoted to an Essential Topic in Psychology Today, in the Neuroscience and Near-Death Experiences Blogs. February, 2022   Key Points: Understand the two types of death The natural physiology of the brain is to keep functioning Just before death, neurochemicals in the brain surge Even in a life not well lived, death is likely to…

By Susan Keller From Psychology Today, 8-24-21 Key Points: People sometimes deny symptoms of illnesses—such as cancer—which can hamper diagnosis and treatment. Reasons for symptom denial include fearing the outcome and not wanting to be “weak” or waste others’ time. People should seek medical attention—even a second opinion—if they notice any of the potential signs…

Published in CURE Today Magazine December 17, 2021   In September 2005, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Active treatment would last nearly a year during which I endured the brutal in-patient chemo Hyper-CVAD, a psychotic drug reaction, and a septicemia that almost did me in. By mid-January, I’d completed six rounds of…

Published in Patient Power, August 24, 2021   At age 55, I had it all—or thought I did. I was happily married and at the top of my career as a medical writer. But one morning I awoke with blinding back pain. Google diagnosed a kidney infection. I booked a doctor’s appointment, resentful of the…