4.5 stars. I learned a lot in this book about her cancers and bone marrow transplant . It was a fascinating book as well.

This book was very powerful. It was emotional and sad while being positive and upbeat! (Which is powerful- right?)

As a health care provider I haven’t worked with oncology patients during their treatments. Reading about what these patients go through via this author (and physician) was very eye opening.

I hear “transplant” and usually think of a solid organ transplant. I have never heard a story about a stem cell transplant- which sounds like one of the hardest experiences someone could go through.

I encourage everyone to read this book. Even if you are a health care provider, you have something to learn.

Advocate for yourself, ask questions, no side effect/ symptom is too mild to mention.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 9/5/23

I was surprised to find a memoir about Waldenstrom's as it's such a rare disease, and one that I also have! I was diagnosed at age 40, also a very active and athletic mom at time of diagnosis. This memoir reminded me so much of the trials and tribulations that I went through during my treatments and recovery.

I especially appreciated the author's suggestions for self-advocacy, as it can truly be the tool that saves one's life. I don't think I'd be alive today had I not advocated for a second opinion at another hospital after initial treatments failed.

I kept a blog throughout my cancer journey, mostly to keep everyone in the loop and to have a record of my treatment details. So much of this book reminded me of thoughts and experiences I had as well. I thought the author has a good sense of humor, and her writing style is very casual. I thought she did a great job explaining complex medical terms/procedures so that the average reader could understand them. I often had a difficult time explaining blood cancer terminology and felt the author did a great job with this.

A couple things that I would suggest, and of course, just my opinion... I don't love the book title--it feels a little juvenile to me, and suggests a book for younger readers. I also don't think the little quote boxes that appear throughout are necessary (these remind me of something I'd see in a magazine article). The book is short enough that I don't think key points/quotes need to be highlighted in boxes. If the author feels reiteration is necessary, I'd prefer a bullet-point recap of important points at the end of each chapter. As a person who has Waldenstrom's (basically in remission now), I had never heard the disease referred to as Waldy;.most people in the medical community and discussion forums shorten it to WM. While I believe the author can call the disease whatever she wants to, for some reason calling it Waldy felt a little juvenile. Again, this is just my opinion as someone who also has the disease.

Mostly, I was thrilled to find a memoir that talks about a rare disease, as it's so important to normalize and educate people on diseases that are not often mentioned in media. I'm so glad that the author had success with her treatment, and I hope her health stays great and that she can live the active life she desires.