Why Do I Blog?

I still remember wondering, "What is a "blog"? I had never heard the term, and once I understood "what" it was, I did not understand "why" any one, in their right mind, would want to create one!

That is, until I was diagnosed with chronic mylogenous leukemia, in February, 2011. My "blog" was never intended to be anything other than an informational place for my friends and family, to check in on the status of my health, and to learn about my cancer.

In the beginning, I was just too sick to repeat the same information, over and over and over; I knew that those that cared about me were concerned, and just as scared as I was, and that they were calling to lend their support and to see how I was doing.

I loved that I had such a great support system, and so many people that loved me, but I just did not have the energy to personally speak with each and every one, which is precisely "why" I started my blog.

It was the easiest way for me to reach out to everyone, at the same time. It offered me a place to put all of the information that I was gathering, in layman terms, and to reassure everyone that I was going to be fine!

I decided that it was best to be open and honest, so that they could better understand the changes that were taking place in my life. I hoped that they would understand that I was no longer the "drop everything and head to Mexico on whim", kind of person, and that my new normal was going to be an adjustment; for all of us.

I wanted them to understand my limitations, my frustrations and my determination to establish an altered life plan, and to realize how much I appreciated their compassion, and thoughtfulness. I wanted them to understand what a chronic cancer was, and how it was treated; what types of testing were done on a regular basis, and what the results meant.

As time went on, I found that my blog was also therapeutic, to me; it gave me a place to "park" my fears, frustrations and disappointments, while also giving me a place to celebrate my triumphs and joys. It became a remarkable documentation of my CML journey.

What I did not anticipate was that it would become a source of information and comfort to others, who were also living with chronic mylogenous leukemia, and other chronic illnesses. It was never my intent to create a blog that strangers would read, and share. I never dreamed that I would be an inspiration to any one. I never dreamed that I would offer hope and compassion to people I had never met and I never dreamed that my blog would actually be considered "important".

It just happened! 

It was simply meant to be, and it is words of encouragement, like the words from my dear friend Ed Stagg, that keep me going;

"With few exceptions, my friends do not know this woman but I encourage you to read at least this one post of her's. Diagnosed with leukemia ten years ago, and having suffered nerve damage before that from a popular antibiotic, she suffers most days but remains an exceptional inspiration to herself, her family, friends and others. She is proof that a person can overcome if they are willing to fight and never give in. She has a lot of ups and downs, but every opportunity she can, she lives life to its fullest. A wife, mother, grandmother, dancer, dance instructor, former competitor, and one of the most gifted crafters north of the Rio Grande. She shares details for understanding, then shares how she overcomes. She has a large following and her blog has been voted one of the very best for education and inspiration by the association for her illness. She is Michele, and she is my friend."

Thank you, Ed, and thanks to each and every one of you that I have "met" along this crazy journey!

You all keep me, keepin' on!

FB: CML (Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia) : A Place for Hope and Humor!

Instagram: CMLMichele

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