Blogs

A cancer survivor explains how she prevents an overwhelming and exhausting amount of doctor appointments from spoiling her appreciation for life.

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.

"Some experiences we have as cancer survivors may help inspire those reluctant to get or complete COVID-19 vaccinations to follow through. We are all role models for each other."

A mother and caregiver describes how she views each moment with her daughter differently after her daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis.

Cancer survivors have the responsibility of sharing their knowledge of living in the world of cancer with the newly diagnosed, writes one survivor. Here, she shares ways to offer help.

“We’re all blessed that there are so many dedicated, caring health care professionals willing to step in and fill the void when members of the team move or retire,” writes a patient with cancer. “We can never forget how tough a gig it is or say thank you enough.”

A cancer survivor recalls how a book quote about a blizzard became a metaphor for her own experiences with cancer.

A cancer survivor recalls how he never considered a bucket list until his diagnosis in 2014. And although he knows he can’t afford to buy a Ferrari and cruise through the Alps, he’s OK with changing course and going with something much smaller.

A seven-year cancer survivor writes how the disease is a delicate balancing act and how secondary illnesses can fuel the cancer fire.

Summer poses challenges for those who have undergone mastectomy. Learn how one breast cancer survivor found a way to embrace breastlessness while still feeling feminine.

A cancer survivor shares a journaling method that he has found to be beneficial to his mental health.

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

A cancer survivor describes her interpretation of a quote about loss by philosopher Marcus Aurelius.

A colon cancer survivor recalls how she made peace with being infertile as a result of cancer treatments.

“It’s been almost seven years since I made the decision to stop taking aromatase inhibitors and I’m happy to report I’m feeling great,” writes a cancer survivor. “There are no more unwanted side effects. The decision to stop taking the medication was right for me.”

A patient discusses her experiences with long-term side effects from cancer treatment and details her frustration with the lack of focus on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with advanced cancer.

Finding the balance between offering support and guidance while at the same time not overwhelming people going through health scares isn’t easy, writes a cancer survivor. He notes that although it may take some practice to get right, it is an important skill for cancer thrivers to get down.

A cancer survivor describes what “chemo fog” is and writes how many people are now experiencing a double whammy — “pandemic fog.”

For the patient with a rare cancer, such as sarcoma, finding hope can be especially problematic, writes a cancer surgeon. Making patients hopeful, he writes, about their medical journey is as important as the medical components of treatment.

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 wife pens a letter to her husband on the first anniversary of his death from cancer about all the things he’s missed — from the big dates to the boring days, such as just watching TV with their dog.

A cancer survivor and former military service member writes how he used to be short with people, demanded things be done his way and often made others feel little — that is until his cancer diagnosis. Here, he shares how his experience with cancer taught him to be kinder to others.

Navigating medical leave and insurance forms can be nerve-wracking and feel high stakes for some, writes a cancer survivor. Here, he offers advice on how to manage that stress.

No matter how far you think you’ve gotten away from them, cancer’s side effects are always in your rear-view mirror, writes this caregiver.

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 cancer survivor recalls an experience from early on during the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterates how more than a year later, she thinks about those little things.

Some cancer survivors mark the end of their treatment by getting tattoos, but could that body art cause potential health risks? Here a cancer survivor — who has more than 10 tattoos — shares her perspective.

Survivor’s guilt is not just felt by individuals who overcome a deadly disease like cancer, writes a cancer caregiver. She explains how she has experienced it too but knows that not all caregivers are as lucky as her.