
I was devastated when I had to stop working due to my cancer diagnosis. However, I eventually found a new line of work that I'm grateful for.

Jane Biehl is a 12-year survivor of a very rare form of blood cancer, known as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). She has enjoyed several exciting careers including a librarian, counselor, teacher, and writer. She loves to write about surviving cancer, overcoming hearing loss and the wonderful benefits of having a hearing-ear service dog.

I was devastated when I had to stop working due to my cancer diagnosis. However, I eventually found a new line of work that I'm grateful for.

The bonds that you make with your doctors can last a lifetime, and I’m so glad to call many of them a friend.

I experienced unexpected rewards of decluttering.

Cancer taught me not to worry about the little things.

Sometimes I feel lazy and berate myself instead of admitting that I am ill.

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.

As a cancer survivor, I feel that the song, "Here comes the sun" can inspire us all.

I’m happy to be alive and thankful for all that I have, but cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from me, physically, emotionally and financially.

My oncology team works together to take great care of myself and other patients.

A book I read made me realize the importance of positive thinking — even when going through cancer.

Muscle aches related to cancer treatment were having a major impact on my life.

My family is scattered throughout the country, so I often rely on friends to lend a helping hand.

As a cancer survivor, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect me and force me to miss activities — and people — I love.

While the large cancer hospitals do amazing work, I am extremely grateful for my local cancer center.

Despite cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic, my dog helps me find joy in the little things in life.

As a cancer survivor, I can relate to the lyrics of the Beatles’ song, “Let it Be.”

Cancer attacks your body and puts you in a very vulnerable position.

Of course, I want the best cancer care, but I realized that the beauty of the environment where I get it is important too.

My new cancer treatment hardly has any side effects, making me wonder if researchers are focusing on making their drugs more tolerable for patients.

The last year was tough, but with a new cancer treatment center and other opportunities, I’m going to sit tight and bloom where planted.

Cancer and COVID-19 took away my yearly “benchmarks” of time, when I fly out to see friends and family.

I must remember to be kind to myself, and not compare my current abilities to my pre-cancer days.

The decision to be treated locally or at a large research center can be a difficult one, but I am lucky enough to have both.

I’ve experienced fatigue from cancer before but contracting COVID-19 took it to a whole other level.

My worst fear came true: I was diagnosed with COVID-19 while going through cancer. Now I live my life day by day.

Cancer is a dangerous disease that comes with many difficult decisions, making me constantly feel like I’m living on the edge.

Well-meaning comments can come off as bothersome — or even hurtful — to me as I navigate cancer.

Early 2022 was difficult for me, with the death of my dog and some difficult cancer-related situations, but thankfully, I know wonderful people who helped pull me out of my slump.

Going through the COVID-19 pandemic with a cancer diagnosis made me feel jittery, and I know that many others felt the same way, too.

I have come to notice striking similarities between the variants of COVID-19 and the countless genetic mutations found in the cancer world, and all I can continue to do is hope for the future.