Mac Howard

S.A.D. Seasonal affective disorder. The depression that comes with the seasonal changes of fall and winter. I feel it in my bones. The changing of the seasons when fall slides...

Milestones abound! This is my 50th article. When I was contacted to write for Health Union (the parent company of BladderCancer.net), I thought it was an internet scam (sorry to...

This is my 3rd (maybe 4th) attempt at writing this piece. I have put down several paragraphs only to highlight and delete it all. I know what I want to...

In response to another piece I wrote, the question was asked, "How did you find a therapist?" This is a great question, and gave me some pause to think about...

I realized while reading my initial article on finding a therapist that I may have missed a few important talking points. We live in a time where medication and physical...

In early 2006, I walked into Dr. Unni’s office for the first time. I had never seen a urologist, never passed blood in my urine. Never had any serious health...

Grey wool socks. Red toe caps and heel caps. A wide red band at the top. As long as I can remember, these are the socks my father has worn...

People mean well. They are just trying to be positive and encouraging. Their words of solace and encouragement and compassion come from a wonderful place. They speak out of their...

After the removal of my bladder tumor, I began a regimen of regular cystoscopies. In the beginning, I went every three months. For the first year, I would ride a...

A huge part of the nation receives its fire protection from volunteers. In Newton County, Indiana, all of the firefighters are local citizens who give part of their time and...

“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” -Henry Ward Beecher I agree with the above quote. That said, I would exchange the...

Cancer treatment is a buffet of choices. Each one comes with a bounty of pros and cons. When I was diagnosed, my urologist talked to me about grade and staging...

Driving in inclement weather is a challenge for anyone. You can never be sure of what is ahead of you. You are never fully in control. Often times it would...

I drive a truck for a living. 12 to 14 hours a day, 6 days a week. I have been all over the country, but Newton County, Indiana has fog...

I accepted an invitation to interview for a maintenance manager position with the largest trucking company in the nation. The initial meeting was held in Gary, Indiana. The site manager...

Death row - Indiana is a death sentence state. For several years, I was a volunteer chaplain on the row. According to the men on the cell block, I was...

Our kids were teens when I was diagnosed. Decisions had to made about what and when to tell them about my cancer. These are hard decisions and choices. There is...

I love telling stories. In my opinion, storytelling is vital to carrying on family and memories and ensuring loved ones never fade away. If you could ask anyone who knows...

I need to say, from the onset, I am angry. Exceptionally angry. More than that, I am heartbroken. Cancer has another of my brothers in it’s cold, murderous grip. I...

I have read so many articles written by cancer patients, survivors, and fighters. Name a cancer, and I have read stories and perspectives of those who are in the midst...