Jane Biehl Ph.D.

As a survivor of MDS, I’ve learned to make the best of every day and to be thankful for life. Sometimes this means avoiding others who are less grateful.

I spent my life racing against time, until my cancer diagnosis forced me to hit the brakes.

With my myelodysplastic syndrome and age, I find it hard to keep up; however, cancer and fatigue have taught me to live at my own pace.

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.

Cancer has changed my self-image, but I’ve learned a few tricks to help boost my self-confidence.

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.

Although MDS didn’t leave physical scars, the invisible ones, like side effects from treatment, are ones that linger.

As a cancer survivor, I realize that life doesn’t always go the way we think it will, but it doesn’t erase the guilt.

I’ve experienced mixed emotions during my periods of remission for my myelodysplastic syndrome.

As a cancer survivor, I’m pleading for more research on cancer related fatigue.

I must admit when people call us cancer survivors "strong," it's a double-edged sword.

I was surprised that COVID-19 taught me how to cope with the daily annoyances of cancer.

A cancer survivor described the agony of making a life-or-death decision.

The moment when I was told that my immune deficiency and rare cancer were linked.

My visits to the local cancer center were very impactful as a cancer survivor, and I consider that staff a part of my family.

COVID is unpredictable and scary, much like cancer.

Trust me, I made the mistake of blaming every symptom on my cancer.

I was devastated when I had to stop working due to my cancer diagnosis. However, I eventually found a new line of work that I'm grateful for.

The bonds that you make with your doctors can last a lifetime, and I’m so glad to call many of them a friend.

I experienced unexpected rewards of decluttering.

Cancer taught me not to worry about the little things.

Sometimes I feel lazy and berate myself instead of admitting that I am ill.

Slowing down due to cancer and COVID-19 made me realize the parts of life I’ve been missing, though my new pace isn’t all bad.

As a cancer survivor, I feel that the song, "Here comes the sun" can inspire us all.

I’m happy to be alive and thankful for all that I have, but cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from me, physically, emotionally and financially.

My oncology team works together to take great care of myself and other patients.

A book I read made me realize the importance of positive thinking — even when going through cancer.

Muscle aches related to cancer treatment were having a major impact on my life.

My family is scattered throughout the country, so I often rely on friends to lend a helping hand.

As a cancer survivor, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect me and force me to miss activities — and people — I love.