Thoughts Entering Year 12.
January 2026 marks the end of the eleventh full year after I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. I am now living in the 12 th year since I found out. It has also been 25 months since my Car T cell procedure. That procedure was the fifth attempt by my oncologist and myself at managing this most persistent disease ( I could have used the word incurable instead of persistent, but it seemed so harsh and brother in my humble opinion, boy do we need some less harsh energy). So w
Mark Pajak
Jan 19
On Art and Healing
The first time I visited a mental health professional, I was highly reluctant and resistant to the process even though some part of me knew it would be wise to attend. It had been eleven months and two weeks since I received my MS diagnosis and twenty days since my last stay in the all-too-familiar medical surroundings of the UC Denver Anschutz hospital. But I was on a new disease modifying treatment for the MS that finally seemed to show promise and my physical and occupatio
Anne Mason
Jan 13
25 and …
To all who peruse this post, I extend to you the thought of the accomplished folk artist Burl Ives who once sang “have a holly, jolly, Christmas, it’s the best time of the year.” OK, well maybe its not the best time of the year but it certainly can bring about much good cheer. Well, Hallelujah! I made it to two years post CAR T procedure. Back in December 2023 (the exact date of receiving my reconfigured T cells was 12/26/23 – day after Christmas) the future and what was to
Mark Pajak
Dec 21, 2025
On Everyday Joy
It’s that time of year when merry cheer is lauded as the trademark of holiday spirit. Just look at the lyric sheet for any popular carol and the synonyms leap out at you: Wonder, love, light, comfort, joy, bright, happy, jolly, cheer, delight bushels of fun and a beautiful sight … to name a few. One can feel social pressure to exhibit happiness, an expectation to display laughter and smiles. Certainly, I receive joy from positive interactions with friends and family. But
Anne Mason
Dec 19, 2025
Shucks
Expectation: A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future Disappointment: A sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of a hope or expectation. Happy Thanksgiving. May the joys of the season extend to all readers. When I went in for my Car T Cell Procedure, I was told that I could expect about 12 – 18 months without treatment (chemo). As time progressed, that estimate was raised to 18 - 24 months. November 2025 marks twenty-three months
Mark Pajak
Nov 21, 2025
