Blogs
My Worries About Being Old as an MDS Survivor
Having myelodysplastic syndromes has taught me to cherish every day and to pursue the things that matter to me, like publishing a book I’ve been writing.
After Breast Cancer, I Appreciate My Husband More Than Ever
Having breast cancer has allowed me to truly appreciate and love my husband even more these days.
Rest is Vital After a Cancer Diagnosis
A disease, such as cancer, that affects a person’s physical limitations can catalyze learning to rest, which is something I recently realized.
How My Daughter’s Breast Cancer Changed My Relationship With My Body
After being my daughter’s caregiver during breast cancer, I now have a different relationship with my body, especially when I feel something different.
10 Lessons I Learned from 15 Years With Chronic SLL
Living with chronic small lymphocytic lymphoma for the past 15 years has taught me some very valuable lessons, from dieting to managing anxiety.
Multiple Myeloma Remission: A Glimmer of Hope
As soon as I entered complete remission for multiple myeloma, I felt a glimmer of hope.
Take Life On: My Mantra After Cancer
I stopped pondering why cancer happened to me and instead focused on achieving my goals and taking life on.
Making Diet Changes While Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
A patient with metastatic breast cancer finds that sometimes a single small step leads to unexpected improvement.
3 Ways Friends and Family Can Support You as a Cancer Survivor
As a cancer survivor, I’ve found that support from friends and family makes a difference, so here are three ways they can help during survivorship.
8 Things to Do While in the Hospital for Cancer Treatment
While spending weeks in the hospital for acute myeloid leukemia, I tried eight fun things to keep me busy.
‘Fighting Cancer’: My Thoughts on the Phrase
The militaristic terminology of “fighting a disease” does not sit well with me. After being diagnosed, I wasn’t fighting. I was reacting.
Balancing A Love of Cats With Lymphedema After Breast Cancer
If you have lymphedema after breast cancer and want to enjoy the company of cats, there are strategies to avoid potential problems, especially scratches.
Feeling Like Cinderella Again After Cancer
In preparation for a family member’s wedding, I purchased a new bra and protheses and felt like a princess by doing so.
The Importance of Self-Image With Cancer
Cancer has changed my self-image, but I’ve learned a few tricks to help boost my self-confidence.
From Survivor’s Guilt to Gratitude
After being cancer-free for five years, I struggle with my own existence. However, I find meaning in helping others through their cancer experience.
I’m Not the Same Since Cancer — and I’m Thankful for That
Cancer gave me a new “fluffy” perspective on life.
How Physical and Emotional Scars Affected Me During Cancer
My views on scars — both physical and emotional — changed throughout my cancer experience.
The Right Mindset Helped Me Focus on Healing After Stage 4 Cancer
Reflecting on different reminders that have helped me maintain an empowering mindset and stay motivated on healing with cancer, one day at a time.
Is It Possible to Forget Having Breast Cancer?
After a decade of surviving cancer, I’ve wondered if it’s possible to truly forget I had breast cancer. After a small incident, I thought perhaps it was possible. Now I’m not so sure.
My Olympics With Multiple Myeloma
After my myeloma diagnosis, each day is my own personal Olympics, filled with trials and triumph.
Cancer Survivors and Olympians Need to Be in Tune With Their Bodies
Just like athletes in the Olympics, it's important for cancer survivors to keep track of everything they feel and to know their bodies well.
How Cancer Impacts the Perception of Illness
When I started experiencing symptoms of an infection, I was worried that my follicular lymphoma had returned.
Experiencing Loneliness as a Cancer Survivor
After receiving cancer treatment and leaving the hospital, sometimes it feels like a safety net has been pulled away and loneliness sets in.
Feeling Imposter Syndrome in the Cancer Community
Understanding how I fit in matters to me but figuring out my identity in the cancer space is not always easy.
Crossing Paths With My Breast Surgeon in Public
I happened to see my breast surgeon at an art show and, out of respect, chose not to talk to her.
How Friends and Family Helped After My Cancer Diagnosis
It was beneficial for both myself and my loved ones when I gave a concrete answer to the question of “how can I help?”
Sharing Body Positivity after a Mastectomy
Having role models who illustrated body positivity helped me feel more acceptance of changes after my mastectomy.
Connection to Others Helps Me Avoid Survivor’s Guilt
I’ve been involved in the cancer community — in one way or another — since the 1990s, when my mother was facing breast cancer.
Cancer Forced Me to Learn About Time
Cancer tried to zap my will to live and taught me to learn about time. After being diagnosed, I realized that I had to make the most of each day.
Undergoing Chemo Was Not What I Imagined It Would Be
I watched two relatives go through cancer treatment. When I received my own diagnosis, I was thankful that my chemotherapy was more tolerable.