Chester Freeman

When reflecting on the Japanese art of kintsugi, one can find inspiration during a cancer journey, as CURE columnist Chester Freeman explained.

Nine years after my bladder cancer diagnosis, I reflect on its recurrence, caregiving, grief, and my new life with leukemia and renewed gratitude.

There are many instances where teddy bears can be the key to opening hearts and minds during cancer care.

As a patient with CLL, I’ve found comfort in teddy bears — first as a chaplain offering solace, now as a patient embracing their quiet presence myself.

Teddy bears offer emotional comfort and connection for adults with cancer, easing anxiety and fostering trust during treatment.

Each spring, I find strength and hope in the daffodils I grow, helping me face chronic lymphocytic leukemia with renewed determination.

As a caregiver, I learned that CyberKnife radiation for metastatic prostate cancer comes with psychological and physical challenges.

Managing diabetes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia is challenging, but with proactive care, mindfulness and diet changes, I'm working to balance both.

When my spouse and I both faced cancer, maintaining a positive attitude, seeking support, listening empathetically and managing stress helped us through it.

My pet provided emotional support and helped me tolerate chemotherapy better, reducing my stress and improving my well-being throughout my cancer journey.

Hope is crucial for those of us with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or any cancer, helping us navigate the disease's challenges.

When I recognize my frustration and dissapointment with the test results for my chronic lymphocytic leukemia, I find comfort in listening to music.

I haven’t been too happy with my blood work with CLL, but I try to enjoy what I can — including apples during fall.

As a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, I recently gleaned three new insights from my oncologist and phlebotomist.

Two dear friends have introduced helpful items to me, such as a chemo jacket since I became cold in the treatment room.

I’ve recently started on chemotherapy pills instead of infusions and the bitterness reminds me to accept not only the bitterness of the pill, but in life too.

As I visit the cancer center for chemotherapy to treat my CLL, I can’t help but take note of how different cancer may look in each person.

During chemotherapy for my chronic lymphocytic leukemia, I try my best to appreciate the positive aspects of life, like flowers and friends.

During my chemotherapy treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, I had a supportive group of people surrounding me.

I had a friend who was diagnosed with the same bladder cancer as me, though our experiences were extremely different.

After reflecting on my own experience and speaking to others who also had cancer, here are 12 things I’ve learned about dealing with the disease.

I was experiencing a painful side effect from radiation therapy, but when the staff dressed up like characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” I became grateful for their willingness to brighten my day.

I developed tuberculosis — a rare but dangerous effect of certain bladder cancer treatments.

Laughter helped me get through many of cancer’s uncomfortable situations, including a recent MRI, where I was laughing despite not being able to move.