Marissa Holzer

A woman with metastatic cancer explains how she found a copay assistance program and specialty pharmacy to help manage the cost of pricey medications, though not without a few bumps in the road.

A woman who underwent surgery for breast cancer shares a transformative experience in which she posed for a photographer who documented her mastectomy scars.

A woman describes the scars that cancer and other life events have left her with.

A woman with metastatic breast cancer expresses her concerns about COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and shares an idea for those who are immunocompromised to indicate their health status.

A woman with metastatic breast cancer describes a recent zip lining adventure she took with her dad, who is a cancer survivor.

A patient with metastatic breast cancer describes how the right words can offer hope to patients and the wrong ones can haunt them forever.

A woman with metastatic breast cancer shares a story about a woman with the same diagnosis and a recipe that was distantly inspired by their conversation.

A woman with metastatic breast cancer laments the losses she’s faced due to cancer.

A woman with metastatic breast cancer describes the overwhelming dread she feels every time she must wait to hear the results of a tumor marker test.

A person with metastatic breast cancer discusses the emotional experience of learning that her dog, Heidi, was diagnosed with cancer.

The month of March has not been kind to this person living with metastatic breast cancer. Here, she recalls what it has been like to become the caregiver with cancer.

A person living with metastatic breast cancer shares a poem regarding how her life changed in an instant, and how she continues to push forward even though her disease is extensive.

A person with metastatic breast cancer writes about how she just wants to be “normal” again and for people to stop pitying her.

A woman who is living with metastatic breast cancer pens a tribute to a late friend and fellow patient, Penny, who continues to send her signs that help her keep going.

After enduring an extensive treatment of 60 chemotherapy infusions, a patient with metastatic breast cancer has developed a superpower — an extreme sense of smell.

Body image and body positivity are very important, especially after a life-changing surgery such as a mastectomy, writes a breast cancer survivor. Here, she offers fashion suggestions for “flatties” to feel their best.

As her seven-year cancerversary approaches, one patient with metastatic breast cancer shares why she is grateful to be a 'mutant'.

A patient with metastatic breast cancer recalls how she’s been told countless times that she’s so brave, so strong and so resilient. Here, she thanks those who have influenced her and helped her be so courageous.

A cancer survivor pens an ode to her port that has made her journey much less stressful.

Overdue reminders are often reminders of where we are on the cancer journey.

Skating has been an invaluable part of my life, and one that taught me a crucial lesson for handling life with cancer.

With a terminal illness of metastatic breast cancer, I qualify for Social Security Disability as the COVID-19 pandemic has retired me, but that isn't stopping me from achieving my life goals.

A song can be the gateway to memories on the cancer journey.

Looking back at my journey with wigs, or "the girls", during my early treatment for cancer.

Becoming a dog owner, and the designated dog walker, while my dog and I both moved through cancer treatment is an experience that has shaped my motivation on the cancer journey.

My grandpa always lived life to the fullest, until the day he couldn't. And while he did, he didn't have to know about my cancer diagnosis.

Recalling my double mastectomy for breast cancer treatment and the strange experience it altogether was.

Finding ways to manage the stress and anxiety of cancer can be a challenge when the disease is ever-present, but activities like baking can distract you just long enough to handle that stress and make a tasty treat.

Getting a second opinion is vital in handling metastatic breast cancer, after all, four eyes are better than two.

“Pinktober” is a major month for women with breast cancer, but sometimes that mainstream awareness doesn’t cover the experience of all women with breast cancer. Including those with metastatic breast cancer.