
Even after all these years with small lymphocytic lymphoma, I’ve accepted that the scares will never completely go away — but neither will my resilience.

F. Linda Cohen, from Baltimore, now lives in Franklin, Michigan. She attended UMBC and attained her Masters’ Degree from Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Linda, a retired reading specialist, with a specialty in dyslexia, published a book documenting her parents’ story in February, 2019. Cohen’s book, "Sarinka: A Sephardic Holocaust Journey From Yugoslavia to an Internment Camp in America," is currently in the libraries of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. , Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Israel, the Zekelman Holocaust Memorial Center and other community and school libraries.
Cohen was diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma in 2009.

Even after all these years with small lymphocytic lymphoma, I’ve accepted that the scares will never completely go away — but neither will my resilience.

I reflect on how my family and friends showed love in different ways during the early days of my chronic cancer diagnosis.

Autumn lifts my spirit, reminding me to embrace beauty, family, faith, and gratitude even while living with cancer.

Facing a cancer diagnosis was terrifying, but determination, lifestyle changes, and a strong support system helped me fight and find hope.

Writing and reading help me stay grounded and find meaning while living with chronic cancer, balancing health, family and speaking out against hatred.

I’m in remission from small lymphocytic lymphoma and off treatment, savoring this break while learning to live with the uncertainty that still lingers.

After years off medication, I finally enjoyed a grapefruit cocktail — symbolizing freedom from cancer’s constant shadow and hope for the future.

I’m here to prove that powerful phrase; after nearly 16 years living with incurable cancer, I know there’s more to my story than the statistics.

Fifteen years after being diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma, I’ve found healing and meaning in the work I love and the life I’m grateful to live.

After cancer, lifelong infusions were tough — until nurse Angela’s care and kindness reminded me that true support can last long after treatment ends.

As spring arrives, I embrace the season’s renewal, reflecting on my journey with cancer and the freedom I’ll feel when I stop my treatment. Life is a gift.

After living with lymphoma for 15 and a half years, my doctor has suggested reducing the dose of my medication and possibly taking me off of it.

A year ago, I was told my lymphoma had worsened, but a miraculous turn of events spared me from aggressive chemotherapy, making me grateful for each day of life.

Living with lymphoma for 15 years, I developed a concerning rash post-vacation, which led to a leukocytoclastic vasculitis diagnosis.

At my routine oncology checkup, I regretted not bringing my husband when an unexpected medication changes left me feeling overwhelmed and alone.

I’m very grateful for my SLL medication, but I never thought a side effect of the medication would affect my wardrobe for the rest of my life.

When I am triggered by something related to the cancer I have, I start going down a negative rabbit hole but remind myself to be vigilant when this happens.

My quality of life has improved a lot after starting on a BTK inhibitor, but some things will never be the same — like being in crowded places without a mask!

After recently losing my aunt, I realized that cancer has given me a new perspective on life, which reminds me that every day has meaning.

Living with chronic small lymphocytic lymphoma for the past 15 years has taught me some very valuable lessons, from dieting to managing anxiety.

It was beneficial for both myself and my loved ones when I gave a concrete answer to the question of “how can I help?”

After having SLL for 15 years, I won't let it define me — now, I'm working towards larger passions in my life.

Being in nature calms me, and I realized that research backs up what I’ve been experiencing.

Having a support system of loved ones truly helps during cancer.

Intimacy was always important in my relationship with my husband, and it continued to be even after my small lymphocytic lymphoma diagnosis.

Finding out that some family members have the BRCA gene makes me worried for them regarding the prospect of cancer.

After reading a book about how Imbruvica was revolutionized for SLL and CLL, I now have a greater appreciation for the drugs I receive.

When my doctor told me, "I want to talk to you about something," I suddenly felt worried — thankfully it was good news.

For 14 years, I've been dealing with small lymphocytic lymphoma, and want to maintain a healthier diet.

My faith has helped guide me through chronic small lymphocytic lymphoma.

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