Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.
How Alexa Can Help With Cancer Questions
How an app supported by Alexa has helped me answer cancer questions.
Looking to the New Year Is Filled With Concern For Patients and Survivors of Cancer
A recent visit to the doctor helped to put into perspective the concerns I have for the new year and COVID-19, especially for those struggling with breast cancer and its ramifications.
12 Tips For Celebrating the Holidays Differently This Year
The holiday season is upon us. For the person with cancer, this can be a daunting time. One cancer survivor shares a few tips and tricks for surviving and thriving this unique holiday season.
Imagine the Possibilities of A New Year, Even With Cancer
2020 has been a challenging year, especially for survivors and those with cancer, but you can look forward to the new year. You just have to imagine the possibilities.
October is About More Than Pink Ribbons
Every October, pink ribbons pop up as a symbol of breast cancer awareness. This year, marketing strategies have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One survivor offers some insight on those changes.
Practical Tips for People Newly Diagnosed with Cancer
Remember, knowledge is power. The more information you have about your cancer, the less power it has over you.
Cancer Can Affect A Person’s Behavior in Odd Ways
I’ve already warned my family, if I decide to act a little crazy in the future, don’t worry. I’ve got a good excuse. I can always blame it on the cancer. It’s a good excuse, sometimes.
It’s OK to Grieve the Loss of My Breasts to Cancer
It seems acceptable in our world to grieve the loss of a loved one, but unheard of to grieve the loss of body parts.
Sex After Cancer: The Topic No One Wants to Talk About
Through a Facebook poll, I discovered that some women found talking about post-cancer sex easy, but for others, including myself, it was a challenge. And I wondered why that was the case.
The Emotional Side of Recovery
After a traumatic event, such as breast cancer, it's important for a person to self-monitor. Feelings of anxiety or depression can be debilitating, but there's no reason to suffer in silence.
Financial Toxicity: the Financial Side Effect of Cancer
In this post, learn more about financial toxicity and how to combat it.
Bras, Boobs, and Blueberries
Plucking a fat and juicy blueberry from a new mastectomy bra reminded this breast cancer survivor that life can still be sweet.
A Right to Celebrate
Celebrating is a vital part of survivorship and those affected by cancer should be allowed to voice their opinions openly.
When One of Our Voices Goes Silent
In honor of CURE co-founder Kathy LaTour, who passed away June 19, 2020, a fellow VOICES writer shares the lessons she learned by reading Kathy’s insightful words.
Summer, Swimsuits and a Mastectomy
A breast cancer survivor talks about how she went about enjoying the summer to find the right swimsuit for her after her cancer journey included a mastectomy.
Learning to Cope with Lymphedema During the Summer Months
Living with lymphedema is challenging and summers can be especially difficult, but with a few helpful tips, it can be an enjoyable time.
Accepting Our Scars as Cancer Survivors
Viewing scars associated with cancer can be a difficult thing, but with a little understanding, it can become easier.
Sunshine, a Vital Key to Wellness
Vitamin D is vital for anyone, but for people with cancer it can be especially vital even during social distancing rules.
Protective of the Phrase 'New Normal'
As we enter a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic cancer survivors know all too well what that "new normal" means.
The Importance of Social Connectivity
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to shelter in place causing a rare form of isolation. One that has even challenged a group of people used to challenges, patients with cancer and survivors.
Wading Through Coronavirus
Making sense of a difficult situation feels like wading through quicksand. The more we struggle, the deeper we get. However, cancer survivors know how to face the fear of uncertainty even the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using Self-Care to Cope with Cancer and a Pandemic
Daily, we are learning more about ways to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the person affected by cancer, self-care can already play a vital role in healing and can now help during social distancing.
The Healing Power of Words
Words are powerful and precious. And cancer survivors can use their stories and words of encouragement to help others as they go through their own journey with cancer.
Personalized Cancer Treatment, A Real Possibility?
Is it possible to determine better cancer treatment with information obtained from a patient’s blood cells? One Israeli company seems to think so.
Survivorship and the Patient, Patient
A look at a survivor's survivorship appointment.
Managing The Opioid Crisis As A Patient With Cancer
The Opioid epidemic is a concern for all of us but especially for those struggling with extreme cancer-related pain.
Breast Cancer, It's All About Perspective
An optimistic attitude can prove effective in battling a cancer diagnosis, no matter who you are.
Finding Joy Again After Breast Cancer
Finding joy after a cancer diagnosis can take time. With intention and a little work, it’s possible to find that which you may have lost.
Finding Your Tribe After A Cancer Diagnosis
Breast cancer can feel lonely and isolated, but through community, a person touched by cancer can enjoy camaraderie and support.
New Year, New Attitude
Each new year, many make resolutions for change. For the person with cancer, resolutions are important but also need to be realistic.