Author: joselynmiller

I am a survivor of two extremely rare diseases, thanks to over 100 blood transfusions and ultimately, a bone marrow transplant. My blog, joselynsbrawl.com, chronicles my adventures through medical offices, operating rooms, clinics, transfusion centers, hospital transplant floors, victory celebrations, and finally my bucket list items – all with a humorous and sometimes profane twist. My goal is to inspire others not to give up on life or anything else, and to understand that it’s actually possible to enjoy any experience, even battling a life-threatening illness (or two).

One Year, One Transplant, One For Sale Sign, One Arm

June 4, 2013.Reading time 10 minutes.

Today marks Day 172 post bone marrow transplant! One year ago, I went to see my internist, Dr. C., for “stiff muscles,” and she referred me to a rheumatologist, an infectious disease specialist and a neurologist within a week. I had no idea what the next year would entail: 263 blood tests, 4 bone marrow […]

It Was the Best of Days, It Was the Worst of Days

May 21, 2013.Reading time 9 minutes.

Increasingly nauseas, developing big white sores on my gums, itching all over my entire bod, numb and painful feet, blistered lower lip, sore (streppy) throat. Todd emailed Dr. Fantastic on Sunday evening with these charming newest symptoms, and he immediately replied with, “Come in to see me tomorrow, I’ll squeeze you in.” So yesterday I […]

#nomorePICCforthischick

April 29, 2013.Reading time 10 minutes.

So after 217 days, my trusty little PICC line finally came out of my body last week. It served me well, especially for my 90 days in the hospital, sparing me needle pokes on several hundred occasions, both for transfusions and for blood draws. It even delivered my brother’s life saving super duper bone marrow […]

Cha Cha Cha Chia

April 11, 2013.Reading time 3 minutes.

————————————————————————————————————————————————— Cha Cha Cha Chia! (Did you notice the letter that was coincidentally (or not) assigned to the last pic? 🙂 UPDATE: Todd and I drove once more to City of Hope today for my weekly blood test, PICC dressing change, and check up with Dr. F. Because IHFATEOML – I Have Footballs At The […]

Who Gives a Flying F*@k?

April 4, 2013.Reading time 4 minutes.

Who gives a flying f*@k? I’ll tell you who gives a flying f*@k: Marvin Drandell gives a flying f*@k, that’s who! Marvin, Todd’s best buddy from grade school had a flying f*@k sent to me, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic with his kind and thoughtful gesture 🙂 Don’t you want someone to give a […]

Footballs, Feasts and the Big Five-Oh

April 1, 2013.Reading time 5 minutes.

Dear Readers, I am writing to you today from a somewhat inverted position. I am lying on the floor with my feet above my heart. Due to several of my meds’ side effects, my feet have been blowing up beyond recognition and have become very painful to walk on, let alone fit into any shoes […]

Day 100: Look Mom ~ No Mask!

March 24, 2013.Reading time 4 minutes.

I really can’t believe it’s been 100 days since my transplant! I still wake up at night, thinking I hear that damn vitals machine approaching. I’ve been virtually cut off from the outside world for 7 months – no restaurants, no visitors, no leaving the house except to go see a doctor or check into […]

A Day in the Life of an Impatient Patient

March 12, 2013.Reading time 10 minutes.

Thanks to all of my supporters who are still helping me get through each day! All the cards and messages bring a smile to my puffy face! So, this kinda blew me away: WordPress recently named my blog one of the “Blogs of the Day,” which they describe as a blog that has gained the […]

Calculation Errors, Beach Trends & The Jeffersons

February 28, 2013.Reading time 5 minutes.

Now, about that March 17 date: Let me start by stating that my husband, Todd is very smart. Annoyingly smart. We’re talking all A’s at Corona del Mar H.S., and only one with a “-” mark following it (he’s still quite pissed off about that). He had his choice of any school in the nation, but […]

Hairdo You Do?

February 22, 2013.Reading time 3 minutes.

At yesterday’s visit to City of Hope, Dr. F decided that I need to have blood drawn and meet with him only once a week, compared to twice a week ever since I was released from the hospital. Yay! Yay! Yay! We were so stoked to hear this new schedule, because recently my blood counts […]