Bonnie Annis

January 27, 2023

I always viewed my doctors as being unapproachable on a personal level. I thought they were there to examine and diagnose me, imparting wisdom I could never hope to attain, but one day I realized I was very wrong.

January 07, 2023

Fighting for something I believe in was worth it, especially since it came to my health after cancer.

December 19, 2022

Now that I’ve met my insurance premium, I’m scheduling some year-end cancer appointments, and praying for good results.

December 17, 2022

The breast cancer community is made up of men and women who understand the importance of camaraderie. By showing each other love and support, no one ever feels alone. 

December 02, 2022

Dry shampoo has been my go-to when I was unable to shower, but a recent recall alert regarding a cancer-causing ingredient made me rethink the convenience associated with the product.

November 22, 2022

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for those with cancer, but it doesn’t have to be. I learned that it can also be a time filled with love and joy.

November 14, 2022

On a recent hiking trip, I first felt too hot with my homemade prostheses, but then self-conscious when I took them off.

October 21, 2022

When I found myself struggling with anxiety and depression after cancer and COVID-19, I decided a therapy dog might be a good idea, so I adopted one.

October 13, 2022

I recently decided to stop feeling like a victim in life after cancer. Instead, I’ll celebrate life every day.

September 19, 2022

I never thought I’d admit experiencing fear of cancer recurrence, but at a recent medical appointment I realized that I struggle with this fear daily.

September 08, 2022

When celebrities are diagnosed with cancer, they wield great power to bring awareness to the disease but being in the public eye must be extremely challenging, especially when facing a personal health crisis.

August 24, 2022

Among the many lessons I’ve learned since my diagnosis with cancer, there’s one in particular that I refer to daily. It’s a lesson learned from wearing a pair of odd-looking shoes.

August 09, 2022

Hearing the news of Olivia Newton-John’s death shocked me. I’d loved this lady since the early 70s. But shock wasn’t the only emotion I faced — along with it came overwhelming sadness and fear.

August 08, 2022

It’s hard to watch other people fight cancer, but I must remember to stay inside my safe zone — my hula hoop — and only run to aid them when they ask.

July 28, 2022

I was feeling fatigued after undergoing breast cancer treatment, but once I started walking multiple times a week, I noticed that I felt much better.

July 15, 2022

If I make a wrong turn while hiking, I backtrack until I find my way again. I’ve decided that it’s OK to do the same thing when it comes to finding a cancer care team.

June 30, 2022

When I noticed the bare shelves in a recent trip to the grocery store, I started to think about how supply chain issues might impact cancer care.

June 23, 2022

Recent clinical trial results have given me new hope that one day soon, a cure for all cancers will be found.

June 09, 2022

One of the most loving things I can do for my family is to purchase life insurance, but my application was turned down, presumably because of my cancer history.

May 18, 2022

When my brother was diagnosed with cancer, I faced challenges of reliving my own journey while trying to help him know what to expect.

May 03, 2022

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I’ve been vigilant about reading the labels of items I buy to see if they contain carcinogens, but I never thought about the potential chemicals in my drinking water... until recently.

April 22, 2022

There are so many things I wish I’d known before being diagnosed with breast cancer, but if I’d known them all in advance, I wouldn’t have learned many valuable lessons.

April 11, 2022

While wandering around an outdoor art exhibit, I found a sculpture that really spoke to my cancer experience.

April 05, 2022

After being diagnosed with cancer, I scoured the internet for ways to live as long as possible and found some helpful tips and not-so-helpful “cures.”

March 28, 2022

Since having both breasts removed in 2014, I’ve been on a hunt for the perfect replacements. Through trial and error, I’ve gone through the good, the bad and the ugly, but finally came across a product that seemed to meet my needs.

March 14, 2022

When two small spots appeared on my face, I couldn’t help but wonder if they might be cancerous. Had I failed to protect my skin with a hat or sunscreen? Suddenly, I was cancerphobic.

March 06, 2022

I was frustrated when I developed lymphedema after my 2014 breast cancer surgery, but have since turned those negative feelings into advocacy for others who may be affected by the condition, too.

February 25, 2022

As a cancer survivor, I know all too well the struggles with depression and sadness. Fold in those grey winter days and It makes for a disastrous recipe.

February 21, 2022

A look at a survivor's survivorship appointment and how being a “patient patient” helps tackle anxiety.

February 15, 2022

Many young people slip cell phones inside their bras or pockets without a thought, but I worry if that is a safe practice and wonder if it could lead to health problems — such as cancer — in the future.