Bonnie Annis

I thought my sensitivity to breast cancer scenarios on television shows had gotten stronger, but it hasn’t.

Cancer often brings with it bad news, including expensive bills, but one day, a surprise came – one I’ll never forget.

I always viewed my doctors as being unapproachable on a personal level. I thought they were there to examine and diagnose me, imparting wisdom I could never hope to attain, but one day I realized I was very wrong.

Fighting for something I believe in was worth it, especially since it came to my health after cancer.

Now that I’ve met my insurance premium, I’m scheduling some year-end cancer appointments, and praying for good results.

The breast cancer community is made up of men and women who understand the importance of camaraderie. By showing each other love and support, no one ever feels alone. 

Dry shampoo has been my go-to when I was unable to shower, but a recent recall alert regarding a cancer-causing ingredient made me rethink the convenience associated with the product.

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for those with cancer, but it doesn’t have to be. I learned that it can also be a time filled with love and joy.

On a recent hiking trip, I first felt too hot with my homemade prostheses, but then self-conscious when I took them off.

When I found myself struggling with anxiety and depression after cancer and COVID-19, I decided a therapy dog might be a good idea, so I adopted one.

I recently decided to stop feeling like a victim in life after cancer. Instead, I’ll celebrate life every day.

I never thought I’d admit experiencing fear of cancer recurrence, but at a recent medical appointment I realized that I struggle with this fear daily.

When celebrities are diagnosed with cancer, they wield great power to bring awareness to the disease but being in the public eye must be extremely challenging, especially when facing a personal health crisis.

Among the many lessons I’ve learned since my diagnosis with cancer, there’s one in particular that I refer to daily. It’s a lesson learned from wearing a pair of odd-looking shoes.

Hearing the news of Olivia Newton-John’s death shocked me. I’d loved this lady since the early 70s. But shock wasn’t the only emotion I faced — along with it came overwhelming sadness and fear.

It’s hard to watch other people fight cancer, but I must remember to stay inside my safe zone — my hula hoop — and only run to aid them when they ask.

I was feeling fatigued after undergoing breast cancer treatment, but once I started walking multiple times a week, I noticed that I felt much better.

If I make a wrong turn while hiking, I backtrack until I find my way again. I’ve decided that it’s OK to do the same thing when it comes to finding a cancer care team.

When I noticed the bare shelves in a recent trip to the grocery store, I started to think about how supply chain issues might impact cancer care.

Recent clinical trial results have given me new hope that one day soon, a cure for all cancers will be found.

One of the most loving things I can do for my family is to purchase life insurance, but my application was turned down, presumably because of my cancer history.

When my brother was diagnosed with cancer, I faced challenges of reliving my own journey while trying to help him know what to expect.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I’ve been vigilant about reading the labels of items I buy to see if they contain carcinogens, but I never thought about the potential chemicals in my drinking water... until recently.

There are so many things I wish I’d known before being diagnosed with breast cancer, but if I’d known them all in advance, I wouldn’t have learned many valuable lessons.

While wandering around an outdoor art exhibit, I found a sculpture that really spoke to my cancer experience.

After being diagnosed with cancer, I scoured the internet for ways to live as long as possible and found some helpful tips and not-so-helpful “cures.”

Since having both breasts removed in 2014, I’ve been on a hunt for the perfect replacements. Through trial and error, I’ve gone through the good, the bad and the ugly, but finally came across a product that seemed to meet my needs.

When two small spots appeared on my face, I couldn’t help but wonder if they might be cancerous. Had I failed to protect my skin with a hat or sunscreen? Suddenly, I was cancerphobic.

I was frustrated when I developed lymphedema after my 2014 breast cancer surgery, but have since turned those negative feelings into advocacy for others who may be affected by the condition, too.

As a cancer survivor, I know all too well the struggles with depression and sadness. Fold in those grey winter days and It makes for a disastrous recipe.