Blogs
Prioritizing Mental Health With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Integrating a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis with the life you have takes time and effort.
Life With Cancer: Am I Sick, Lazy or Just Plain Tired?
Sometimes I feel lazy and berate myself instead of admitting that I am ill.
Mothering a Child in Cancer Survivorship
As a mom, I have the “worry gene,” though it got much worse when my daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
When the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Becomes Detrimental to Health
For the past nine years, I’ve struggled with waves of overwhelming fear of cancer recurrence. I knew I had an issue, but until recently, wasn’t aware of how much fear was affecting my life.
I Got Through Cancer With Help From Friends
I was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, and am extremely grateful for the people I met along the way.
Hiking Past Lymphedema
With each hike I complete, I feel empowered and reminded that breast cancer — and lingering lymphedema — cannot keep me down.
Make a List and Check It Twice Before an Oncology Appointment
After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer — and seeing a clinician who did not know how to treat me — I learned the importance of asking questions to my providers and advocating for myself
My Difficult Decision to Stop Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer
I hated the way that hormone drugs made me feel, so I spoke with my loved ones and oncology team and made the difficult decision to stop.
Maybe Not Fearless, But Less Fearful After Cancer
After being no evidence of disease for about a year and a half, I am now fearing that I’m not fearing enough.
Picturing Germline Mutations
I don't remember the first time I heard the word "germline," but I do remember when it became a major part of my life.
Quick as a Wink: The Long (or Short) Road to Recovery After Cancer
After going through grueling cancer treatments, I thought I’d never be back to my old self again. But thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
Vacationing With a New Cancer Companion
Before leaving on vacation, I had to make sure I had enough of my cancer medication to last me through the trip.
Applying the 12 Steps of AA to My Cancer Journey
Looking back on my experiences with leukemia and with alcoholism, I realized that the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be applied to life with cancer.
Accepting the New Realities of Healing After Cancer
Anything that got in the way of my healing from cancer had to be put on hold.
Mother’s Day With Cancer: Not Just Another Day
After going through cancer, Mother’s Day feels a bit different.
Life After Cancer Is Slower, But That’s Not All Bad
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.
Something to Hold on to During Cancer
The night before my mastectomy, I had a dream about my grandmother who died of breast cancer, which gave me hope throughout the frightening process.
I Bravely Voiced My Cancer Pain and Chose Radiation
I'm thankful that I spoke up about my bone pain related to cancer metastases.
The Cancer Waiting Game
My husband is "that guy" who always takes care of everyone else, so his recent cancer scare was unfathomable.
Hello Cancer, Pleased to Meet You
I’ve learned that knowledge is the key to fighting cancer. Here are three ways I learn more about my disease.
Gifts and Grief From Cancer
I was told that I have survivors' guilt after seeing a friend while she was actively dying from cancer, but I actually see that day as a gift.
Acupuncture, Holistic Practices Provided Post-Oophorectomy Relief
After undergoing an oophorectomy, I experienced some debilitating symptoms, but acupuncture and other holistic practices helped.
Journaling Helped Me Through Cancer
Many thoughts went through my mind during cancer, and journaling allowed me to organize them and helped me to feel better.
Marking Off My Cancer Milestones
Mixed in the boxes of appointments and cancer treatments are milestones that uplift my spirits and are unique to my healing journey.
Mammograms and Mothering
Even though my children are grown up, I still worry about their health — especially when it comes to breast cancer.
COVID-19 and Cancer: My Thoughts as an Emergency Medicine Physician
People are functioning as if the threat of COVID-19 is gone, but that’s not the case for many people with cancer.
It’s OK to Stay in Touch With Cancer
Even though I’ve had no evidence of cancer for the last five years, I still stay up to date about the latest developments for the disease.
Meditation Helped Me Handle Fear of Cancer Recurrence
At first I was skeptical about how meditation and breathing techniques could help me with fear of cancer recurrence. But once I started practicing, I noticed a difference in my anxiety.
Trust is a Must During a Cancer Journey
A cancer diagnosis often means putting your life in the hands of people you hardly know.
Friends Don’t Always Cope Well With Cancer
I was surprised and saddened at how some of my friends were not there for me when I was undergoing cancer treatment. The oncology ward became a lonely place.