Palliative Care: The Superheroes of Oncology
After seeing how palliative care helped me through cancer, I now advocate for these services to other patients.
Advocating for My Brain After Metastases from Breast Cancer
My metastatic breast cancer has caused metastases to my brain, so it's important I advocate for my brain when symptoms arise.
The Uncertainty of Brain Metastases and Leptomeningeal Disease
When I found out I had a metastasis to my brain, I felt so uncertain, until I learned more about leptomeningeal disease.
Naming my Tumors Helped Me Process My Grief
I've found a little bit of joy in naming the six active tumors in my body.
Speaking Up About Symptoms Led to the Discovery of Cancer Progression
Soon after experiencing headaches and other symptoms, I spoke up to my oncologist — and I’m glad I did.
Socktober: How Socks Help Patients with Cancer
Who knew how impactful socks could be!
Living With My Stage 4 Hourglass Timer
This is how I accepted that I am running out of time and options.
Radiation Tattoos
I didn't have a choice but to get tattoos for my radiation.
Beads and Breast Cancer: Lighting the World with Greenlights, One Bracelet at a Time
A year ago, I attended a cancer camp called Camp Make-a-Dream, and I found a specific calling: creativity in jewelry.
Five Years of Metastatic Breast Cancer: My Survival Stats
The statistics for metastatic are grim, so I made a list of my own numbers instead.
During Cancer, I Find My Inner Goddess With Dinosaurs and Old Movies
Who would have thought that a small dinosaur toy helped give me the strength to fight metastatic breast cancer?
I Bravely Voiced My Cancer Pain and Chose Radiation
I'm thankful that I spoke up about my bone pain related to cancer metastases.
Cancer Taught Me There Are So Many Forms of Support
When I was first diagnosed, I wasn’t sure what kind of support to ask for, but now I’m thankful to have many wonderful forms of support around me.
Staying Grounded with Cancer
Here are a few ways I stay grounded throughout cancer.
Cancer-Related Hair Loss the Second Time Around
I didn’t think that I’d lose my hair again after starting my latest breast cancer treatment, but I did — and with that hair loss came both new and familiar feelings.
On Birthday Celebrations and Proving Oncologists Wrong
After I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, clinicians told me I wouldn’t make it to my 35th birthday, but I recently did — and look forward to celebrating many more.
I’m Embracing Enhertu in 2023
Last month, I learned that the treatment for my metastatic breast cancer stopped working, but was thrilled to learn about Enhertu — a new drug for a new subset of patients with breast cancer — as the next line of therapy.
My New Year’s Resolution is to Embrace the Mess of Life With Cancer
As we enter 2023, I’m looking at life a bit differently, and will prioritize things that make me happy.
Why I’m Grateful to Make it to December Every Year as a Cancer Warrior
After being diagnosed with cancer, my love for December is not just Christmas.
I’m Sometimes Grateful for My Chemo Brain and Multiple Jobs During Cancer
I’ve realized that my forgetfulness and business of working multiple jobs through cancer might have actually helped my mental health.
My Team of Local and Research-Based Oncologists Is the Best of Both Worlds
Since I have stage 4 breast cancer, I wanted an oncologist affiliated with a research institution. However, I hated the prospect of frequent long drives for care. Luckily, I got the best of both worlds.
From Cancer Progression to COVID-19, I Searched for Light During My Darkest Days
On the same day that I learned of my cancer progression, I also found out I had COVID-19. Here’s how I handled that dark period of life.
5 Ways I Turn Anger Into Cancer Advocacy and Get Busy Livin’
I’ve channeled my cancer-related anger into advocacy, and made a “living list” of things I want to accomplish.
A Letter to Those Newly Diagnosed With Cancer, Including My Younger Self
As I reflect on four years of “warriorhood” since being diagnosed with cancer, I wrote a letter to my younger self and others who are just receiving diagnosis.
Losing My Hair Helped Me Empathize With Others
Losing my hair from breast cancer treatments was an emotional experience for me and helped me empathize with others who also lost their hair.
Rejecting Breast Reconstruction, Accepting Myself and Going Fabulously Flat
After experiencing complications from breast reconstruction, I’ve decided to go “fabulously flat” and evict my implants.
The Power of Being Grateful Through Cancer’s Hardships
As I reflect on the month of June, I see it as my “rebirth,” as four years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my life has not been the same ever since.
Team Sunshine: How Sharing My Cancer Story Filled My Cup
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I struggled to discuss what was going on, but once I started a blog, the sunshine began to pour in.
My Third and Fourth Cancer Opinions Gave Me a Second Chance at Life
Getting other medical opinions for my cancer diagnosis not only saved my life but also taught me self-care.
Let It Go: A Popular Disney Song Taught Me How to Live After Cancer
I let go of knowing I won’t ever be without anxiety of my cancer growing again and let go of the idea of any “old me” returning. I was now focusing on the “new me.”