SunglassesHi ~ Thanks for stopping by. In the writing and online world I’m known as LK Griffie and outside of the writing world and in real life, I’m known as Liana. This site has been set up to provide a place for me to post updates about my journey through chemotherapy so family and friends can check to see how I’m doing, leave words of cheer, and ask any questions, etc.

My journey down the road toward chemotherapy began July 19, 2013, when I received blood results from an unrelated issue indicating I was in the early stages of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Additional blood work confirmed the diagnosis and added small cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (SLL) to the diagnosis. After completing scans and a bone marrow biopsy, my doctor and I reviewed the final results November 7th, and in addition to the CLL/SLL there are abnormalities which make chemotherapy a now thing instead of a later thing.

I begin my treatment November 12th, and the course will be one treatment cycle every four weeks for six treatments. My aim is to post how I’m doing — whether good, bad, or horrendous — and hope you will stop by often to check up on me. It’s gonna be a long haul. If you want to leave words of encouragement, ask any questions, or if you’ve been through this and have some tips to help make my journey better, please click the Chats button above and post away.

About the header:

Thanks to DeviantArt’s Thelma1 for creating such an awesome rainbow fractal butterfly (Fly, Fly Away). It was the perfect thing to put in my header. While cancer is a dark topic, and chemotherapy might be a rough road to travel, my base personality is founded on optimism, so rainbows, butterflies, and flowers were the best thing I could think of to symbolize me (and perhaps to remind me when I’m feeling so far from being me). Not that I view everything through “rose-colored glasses”, but roses have always been a symbol for me. They are my birth month flower—beautiful to behold, yet have a layer of protection in the thorns. The wildflowers symbolize optimism and a gritty determination to live no matter the conditions. And the wilted rose in the center is what I’m going through.

**Warning** Any hate-filled posts will be deleted. This is a place for support and to invite open discussion about a difficult journey and there is no room for invective.

35 Comments on “About”

  1. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. But if ever there were a time in medicine to have a lot of hope, it’s now. Wishing you the absolute best, Liana.

    1. Thanks so much Kristen. I have a great support network, and good doctors, so while it won’t be fun, I have good feelings about the ultimate outcome.

  2. You are in our prayers and hope all goes well with chemo. Which hospital are you going to? And we know your positive attitude will help you beat this.

    1. Point number one I forgot to include in my lengthy inaugural post… I’m having chemo at the doctor office and not a hospital. It’ll be in Fountain Valley/Irvine.

  3. Liana, prayers to you during this journey.

    I have had two friends who have dealt with Lymphoma. Both are survivors–alive and kicking. Both are two of the most positive people I’ve ever met–embracing life with a smile.

    I will continue to pray for you and wish you and your family the very best. God bless you.

    1. Thanks so much, Christy. I can use all the prayer I can get… and as someone recently told me, the only thing I’m serious about is my writing. 😉 I should be fine.

  4. I’m so sorry about this diagnosis. Simply put, cancer sucks. I will pray for you daily and post as much encouragement as you can tolerate!
    Let me know if I can do anything else!
    Love and hugs
    ~Jolynn

  5. LK (since I’m from your writing life), I’m so sorry you have to go through this but I’m glad you’ve managed to find a positive outlet for your thoughts. I frankly don’t have a lot of advice or wisdom, there really isn’t a lot that can be said other than I will keep you in my prayers for a full recovery. You still have more characters to write about, more adventures to dream up, and more dreams to fullfill. Hang in there, best of luck in this journey, and we’ll all be following along.

  6. Wishing you all the best, LK. My sis is undergoing chemo for breast cancer right now. It’s a rough road full of both physical and emotional ups and downs.
    But we’re all right here with you. Every treatment.

    Advice? For now, embrace a short haircut. It helped sis deal with hair loss easier. Family, friends, and keeping things simple. A strong support group is key.

    1. Thanks, Michelle. The doc said I probably won’t lose my hair, but I’m ready for it if it happens. I’ll just go have my head shaved rather than deal with hair loss a clump at a time. And then I’ll get some rockin’ wigs, and fabulous scarves, and break out all my hats. 🙂

  7. HUGS!
    I think documenting your journey will not only be a healing outlet for you, it will also let people know how you are doing with them having to constantly ask you.
    I will also send you as many prayers and just as many uplifting thoughts your way as I can!

    -Melissa

  8. My dear friend, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. The days ahead will be difficult but hang in there, I know you can kick this thing’s butt. You’ve been my strength over the years – if I can be yours in any way, let me know.

  9. Well, I wish your news was different, but you certainly seem to have the right attitude to get through this and come out on the other side happier and healthier! It’ll be a lot of hard work, but you are used to that so you can handle it! I’m sure we will hear some rought spots, but am looking forward to hearing that you have beat this.

    1. Thanks Linda. The road ahead will be difficult, but I truly believe there is a purpose in everything, though we may not know what it is. I may forget that at some point along the way, but I’ll remember eventually. 😉

  10. Lianna,
    So surprised to hear of your news. Will be sending prayers for support and quick positive results. Know that every time I look at my bookshelf and see your books, I remember the good times we had growing up and I get a smile on my face. I hope you can feel those smiles all the way from CO.
    Hugs,
    Laura

  11. Hi Liana,
    This blog is a great way to keep everybody posted while also giving you a place to vent…something that I’m quite sure will be needed over the next few months. I will continue to pray for you and support you in any way I can. In fact, if you DO get to the place where you think a wig is necessary, let me know. I’ll go shopping with you. With my disappearing hair, I may need one too soon.

    I only have one other friend who has gone through Lymphoma, but he is completely healthy now, so there is every reason to be encouraged. Success stories are all around you, and there is no reason not to claim one for yourself!

    Hugs sweetie. Keep your head up and your hopes high. And holler if you need anything.

    — Susan

    1. Thanks so much, Sue. I have my plan in place should wigs be necessary… not quite sure you’ll want the ones I’ll be going for, but yes, we can go shopping together for them. It’ll be a blast. I am thinking about matching eyebrows to paste on as well. 🙂

      And you are so right, success stories abound. Those are the ones I want to focus on. And finding the positives in the situation. If I can keep my focus on those things, I will sail through this—even through the rough waters.

  12. I have been staring at this post all day long trying to think of something to say. What I’ve come up with is not much so you’ve been warned.

    First and foremost, I just wanted to let you know that am so sorry to hear this news. This is not something I wish upon anyone but it is especially harder to hear when it happens to someone I know. Even if we have never met in person, the world of books and Twitter have introduced me to you and the kind, wonderful person that you are. With that being said, I also know that you are going to so kick cancer’s butt. Just know that if you ever need anything, I am just a tweet away <3

    1. You don’t have to say much, hello is enough for me to know that you’ve been thinking of me… and in the months ahead that is going to be increasingly important to me.

      One of the major purposes for starting this blog is for me — and everyone else — to feel free about expressing their feelings. Cancer is everywhere in our lives, lurking just around the corner, but while we no longer whisper its name, we still don’t discuss the process of killing it freely. I hope to. It may be hard to write, and it may be hard to read, but there will also be good that comes. And you know me well enough to know I’ll have some smart-alecky comments in there somewhere along the way. I can only be serious for so long. And yes, I’ll still tweet you. 😉

  13. Hi Liana, Dana shared the latest news with me the other day. I know your family will be close by your side as you go down this path. As extended family, we are here too. You have an incredible number of people who love you and I am happy to call myself one of them. If I can help with anything let me know. I’m in Anaheim and I’m a stay at home mom. Pretty flexible and close to Fountain Valley and Irvine. Sending love and light your way beautiful lady.

    1. Thanks so much, April. The one thing I know in this life is I have been blessed with family and friends. 🙂 And that is what is going to see me through this.

  14. LK – all of that work you’ve done to reach out to other writers, friends and your readers over the years has created such a wellspring of support and affection for you. I have always admired the energy you’ve put out toward us all and now you can dip your bucket down as you need it and pull up nurturing support and love. Thanks for being you – I’m counting on your focus and determination during this time, and you can count on us.

  15. LK! I have no words right now! :'( *big hugs* I have no doubt you’ll pull through this and I send as many healing vibes as possible! <3<3<3

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