Dr. Denise Millstine is joined by author Allison Ashley and hematologist Dr. Jeanne Palmer to explore the emotional and medical journey of leukemia treatment and stem cell transplantation through the lens of Allison’s romance novel IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES The conversation touches on the steps of bone marrow and stem cell blood donation, the anxiety and worry following transplant, and the power of human connection. 

This episode was made possible by the generous support of Ken Stevens.

We talked with:

• Allison Ashley is a science geek who enjoys coffee, craft beer, baking and love stories. When she's not working at her day job as a clinical oncology pharmacist, she pens contemporary romances, usually with a medical twist. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and beloved rescue dog. Her books are filled with lots of happiness, love and laughter. 
• Dr. Jeanne Palmer serves as the Vice Chair, and Section Chief for Hematology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She also is the Program Director for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. She teaches at the Mayo Clinic Medical School and University of Arizona in Phoenix. Her clinical interests include bone marrow transplantation, where she strives to offer innovative therapies to patients. 

Purchase “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”

• From Bookshop.org. 
• From Barnes & Noble.  

Got feedback?

• If you've got ideas or book suggestions, email us at [email protected]. 
• We invite you to complete the following survey as part of a research study at Mayo Clinic. Your responses are anonymous. Your participation in this survey as well as its completion are voluntary.
• Connect with others talking about the podcast in the Read. Talk. Grow. group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online community moderated by Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Connect is free, trusted, moderated, welcoming, safe and easy-to-use.

The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not designed to replace the physician’s medical assessment and judgment. Information presented is not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional medical assistance with specific questions pertaining to your own health if needed.