Blogs
Fluoroscopes, Tooth X-rays and Modern Cancer Radiation Treatments
My mom kept me safe from everything, until cancer showed her she couldn’t.
Cancer Survivors Are Stronger Together
After being diagnosed with lung cancer, I found a group of patients with a similar diagnosis to me. Together, we protect each other like the clown fish and anemone at the bottom of the sea.
A Community of Support to Lean on During Cancer
If it wasn’t for my friends and family, I don’t know how I would have gotten through cancer alone.
Having Your Cancer Story Validated Through an Unconnected Event
It’s strange how an event can unfold on the national stage, and it validates something that you have been pointing out for years.
Faster than the Speed of Cancer
New cancer treatments have offered me hope.
Blessings in Disguise During Cancer
Sometimes difficult experiences like cancer can come with blessings in disguise.
Surviving Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma with PMA
I am so happy that I was able to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my biggest supporter.
Doctors and More Doctors: A Way of Life for Cancer Survivors
The bonds that you make with your doctors can last a lifetime, and I’m so glad to call many of them a friend.
Balancing Volunteerism and Self-Care During Cancer Survivorship
After recovering from a bone marrow transplant to tackle a recurrence of acute myeloid leukemia, I started to volunteer.
The Easy Part of Cancer
Most of us dread, simply dread, hearing the words, “I’m sorry you have cancer.” I did.
Smoke Rings and Cancer Lumps
Even though I did smoke cigarettes, I made sure that I didn't smoke enough to get cancer from it.
3 Reasons Writing Enhances the Cancer Experience
Being told to write was the best advice I could have ever received.
A Few Lasting Side Effects That Aren't So Bad
I couldn't believe that I would benefit from some of the side effects of my cancer treatment.
A Wee Problem: Another Chemo Side Effect They Didn’t Tell Me About
One side effect of chemotherapy that no one warned me about was frequent urination.
Adjusting to Incorporate Cancer Into Life
After being diagnosed with cancer, I experienced the fear of missing out, but eventually replaced it with the joy of missing out.
Is it OK to Just Put a Sticker on It When It Comes to Cancer and Other Health Issues?
When it comes to a physical exam, you don’t know how much of an impact it could make.
Perceptions and Reflections on My Cancer Diagnosis
Looking back on the nine years since being diagnosed with breast cancer, here are my perceptions and reflections of the disease.
Grief and Gratitude
I think it was Theodore Geisel (aka Dr Seuss) who said “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
How My Nurses Dragged Me Across the Cancer Finish Line
I remember my first trip to the “chemo room”.
Five Years of Metastatic Breast Cancer: My Survival Stats
The statistics for metastatic are grim, so I made a list of my own numbers instead.
Don't Tell Me I'm Not a Cancer Survivor!
I will continue to say that I am a “survivor,” and that is the best title I could ever receive.
The Donkey and the Goat: How I Supported My Mom Through a Cancer Scare
Dealing with my cancer was much easier than dealing with the possibility of my mother’s cancer.
The Chemo Shortage Has Me Thinking About How Lucky I Am
I was diagnosed with cancer just as the pandemic hit.
New Roles in Life After Cancer
Raising awareness for cancer survivors is important, and I try to do just that.
Six Degrees of Separation for Cancer Genetics
In my wife’s family, the same pathogenic BRCA2 mutation is shared among 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and possibly 6th degree (too young to test) blood relatives.
My Early Encounters With Cancer Vs. My Cancer Life Today
Anticipating a cancer scan, I think back on my early encounters with cancer.
Beau’s Lines: Another Cancer Side Effect They Don’t Tell You About
After chemo treatment, my nails were like tree trunks — showing ages and environmental stress with ridges.
My Psychological Response to a Cancer Diagnosis
I have a confession: I daydreamed of a “last hurrah” should my cancer treatment not work.
Runny Nose: Another Unexpected Side Effect from Cancer Treatment
Lymphoma treatment came with a number of unexpected side effects for me, including a runny nose.
Decluttering Can Help With Cancer
I experienced unexpected rewards of decluttering.