Joanne Agnew

My name is Joanne Agnew (aka Jo, JoJo, Josie, JoJoBean, Bean, Beaner, Jowaaaan, BoBo, Mama, Mom). I have been lucky enough to be diagnosed with not one but two very rare forms of leukemia. I’ve found that since getting my first diagnosis 4 years ago (on my 48th birthday) with myelofibrosis it’s been tricky to keep people updated on my health. I’ve tried group emails but that seems so “in-your-face” to me. But I do know that there is a group of people out there who really do want to know how I am doing. Now that I’ve also recently been diagnosed with CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) I have more to say and I needed to find a better method of keeping the people I love updated. I truly don’t mind talking about my diseases - I am an open book about them honestly but I would do ANYTHING to avoid the awkward head-tilt-“how-are-you-doing”-look I sometimes get. I’m not looking for sympathy, I am sharing my struggles to help inspire others and keep track of where I’ve been and where I’m going. Come along for the ride!

I. Was. Wrong

November 2023 So.  I see my hematologist, Dr. Lee, every 3 months with bloodwork done just before my visit. At my July visit, she told me that according to the special part of my blood work that is processed at Princess Margaret Hospital, I have fallen out of remission.  She explained that she wasn’t sure […]

I. Was. Wrong Read More »

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – Emily Dickinson

Hello friends and family – if I missed sending you the link to my first post please don’t hold it against me … can you say overwhelmed  (and slightly forgetful – seriously – I missed a whole group of people ?)?!! Since my last post in April I’ve officially turned the corner from:   Scared-to-Death, 

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – Emily Dickinson Read More »