Waldy, Myelo, & Me - by Carol Turner (Hardcover)

About the Book

Prepare to meet Waldy, Dr. Turner's pet name for Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia.

Then, just as it seems like the shock is clearing, his pal, Myelo--Myelodysplastic Syndrome--enters the scene. In the process of fighting them off, we'll also meet enough doctors and varied care providers to fill a small bus: Dr. Blood Expert, Dr. Know It All, Ms. Smooth-as-Silk Social Worker, Dr. Second Cancer, Dr. Gatekeeper, Dr. Good Ideas, Dr. Italian, Dr. Believer, and more. Some work miracles, while one caused our protagonist to storm out of their office in disgust. Much of what's in these pages is about self-advocacy. As a doctor herself, Dr. Turner is less intimidated than most by going toe-to-toe with care providers and taking her care into her own hands, whether with doctors, nurses, or administrative personnel. Though she's a doctor, and her words are medically accurate, her writing is squarely intended for regular people--as are the lessons it conveys.

Book Synopsis

At fifty-seven, Dr. Carol Turner was in peak health and avidly participating in the full gamut of outdoor sports that Colorado has to offer. Then, on her way to watch her sons compete in the state's annual high school mountain bike championship, she pulled into a gas station, received a call from her doctor, and learned that she had cancer. As a doctor herself, she instantly knew that what was to come would have personal and universal significance, and started taking notes immediately, from the passenger seat of the car. Those notes turned into this book―a candid, unvarnished chronicle of her cancer journey, from diagnosis to recovery.

In Waldy, Myelo, & Me, Dr. Turner courageously shares her remarkable journey of resilience, hope, and triumph over two rare blood disorders: Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. With unwavering determination and a heart full of positivity, Dr. Turner takes readers on a compelling ride through her experiences, offering insights and inspiration for anyone facing similar health challenges.

• A Personal Chronicle of Triumph: Join Dr. Turner as she navigates the intricate web of medical diagnoses, treatment protocols, and emotional highs and lows. Through her candid narrative, readers will witness the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
• Navigating the Unknown: Gain valuable insights into coping strategies, communication with medical professionals, and the importance of building a robust support system. Dr. Turner's story sheds light on how to approach the unknown with courage and strength.
• Fostering Hope and Positivity: Discover how Dr. Turner's unyielding optimism and determination became instrumental in her healing journey. Waldy, Myelo, & Me is a testament to the transformative effects of maintaining a positive mindset in the midst of life's challenges.
• Empowering Others: Dr. Turner's story isn't just about her own journey - it's about empowering others to advocate for their health, seek knowledge, and find solace in shared experiences. Readers will find a wellspring of encouragement to face their health battles head-on.
• A Beacon of Resilience: Waldy, Myelo, & Me stands as a beacon of resilience, offering a heartwarming reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found. Dr. Turner's unwavering spirit serves as an example of the incredible strength we all possess within.

Dr. Turner's Waldy, Myelo, & Me is an empowering testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome life's most daunting challenges. With candor, wisdom, and a touch of humor, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own path to healing and resilience.

From the Back Cover

If you, a loved one, or one of your patients is suffering from a blood or bone marrow cancer, this is your book

At fifty-seven, Dr. Carol Turner was in peak health and avidly participating in the full gamut of outdoor spots that Colorado has to offer. Then, heading out to watch her sons compete in the state's annual mountain bike championship, she pulled into a gas station, received a call from her doctor, and learned that she had cancer. She knew instantly that what was to come had personal and universal significance, and started taking notes immediately, from the passenger seat of the car.

Those notes turned into this book--a candid, unvarnished chronicle of her cancer journey, from diagnosis to recovery. The path oscillates between denial and acceptance, hope and despair, expectation and reality, and endless appointments bookended by interminable waits. There's a one-night descent into madness, a one-month descent into hell, and in the middle of that, a moment of pristine clarity in which time almost seems to stop. While there's plenty of fear and pain here, both are trumped by positivity, gratitude, and humor, all of which made her recovery possible.

This is the story of what Dr. Turner went through, what her family went through, what she spared them from, as well as a cast of all-too-human caregivers who shepherded her along the way. This is a great read for cancer patients, and a must-read for bone marrow and blood cancer patients. Beyond that, this book isn't just for those facing cancer themselves--it's for the people who love them, and the people who have dedicated their lives to caring for them.