mental health
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Reflecting on Setbacks and Hurdles
One of the most unexpectedly and unintentionally painful things anyone has said to me about my illness came from one of my best friends. About a year into being sick – when everything was still a medical mystery – she… Continue reading
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You Just Don’t Understand
Humans desire love and understanding. We want the people close to us to validate our feelings. We want to be seen – fully and authentically. When you’re diagnosed with a rare, serious, incurable disease – you need that understanding more… Continue reading
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Hopes and Intentions for the New Year
I used to be great at making plans and following through with them. I was the kind of person who set New Year’s resolutions and actually kept them. I lost 100 pounds and kept it off. I hiked 1,000 miles… Continue reading
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2024 – High Notes From a Terrible Year
I’m not going to sugarcoat anything. This year was undeniably and undoubtedly the worst year of my life so far. And yes, I say so far because I know things can always get worse. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that… Continue reading
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Darkness Falls on My Mental Well-Being
I’m almost three months into my pemphigus diagnosis. I’ve completed my initial treatment plan. And now, I’m just sitting and waiting the six to eight weeks to see how (if!) it works for me. The treatments destroyed a significant part… Continue reading
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Triggers – When a Good Day Turns Bad
I’ve been having mostly good days lately. My pemphigus symptoms are much improved thanks to the daily high doses of prednisone I take. I can eat almost all foods again. I feel good overall – no fatigue or pain. I’m… Continue reading
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Chronic Illness and the Grieving Process
Being diagnosed with a life-threatening, chronic illness transforms you. It’s elicits an unfurling spiral of loss. You can’t help but feel a full spectrum of negative emotions as you watch your body and your life fall apart. For me, grief… Continue reading
How Weird 