Bonnie Annis

Leaving a legacy is essential for many, especially for those who have faced cancer. We long for our friends and family to understand how cancer impacts our lives.

The shift in seasons reminds me I’m alive, grateful, and still changing as a cancer survivor embracing life’s new chapters.

What does standing up to cancer mean to me? It meant I got to choose the terms of my fight instead of relinquishing that to an uncurable disease.

After my breast cancer diagnosis, blogging became a way to process emotions, share updates with loved ones, and connect with others facing similar journeys

A diagnosis of breast cancer isn’t something most people would think of as a teacher, but sometimes important lessons come to us in unexpected ways.

After my diagnosis, I found a healing balm in an unexpected place. I never knew art would become so vital to my healing.

Watching a true-life story about a woman’s battle with cancer has given me a new perspective on life.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I never dreamed I’d learn so many valuable life lessons along the way.

A subtle ad about breast cancer self-checks led me to reflect on my own experience and the complex role of pharmaceutical companies in awareness.

After eleven 11 of survivorship, I’ve been waiting to hear the words, “You’re completely free of cancer! Go in peace,” but I’m wondering if it ever will happen.

Fear is a powerful enemy of the mind but there’s another word that has the same power. That word is a six letter one, cancer.

After years of survivorship, I’m realizing that shedding extra pounds may do more than improve comfort — it could reduce my risk of recurrence.

Breast cancer surgery can disfigure the body in some way, and often the scars are more than skin deep, which may worsen by the actions of others.

Even after many cancer-free years, the fear of recurrence still lingers, and many long-term survivors struggle to keep those thoughts at bay.

Summer heat can worsen my lymphedema, but I’ve learned simple ways to stay cool, reduce swelling and protect my arms — here’s what helps me most.

Eleven years post diagnosis and issues related to breast cancer still frustrate me.

Cancer memories often sneak up on me when I least expect them to.

As a breast cancer survivor, I feel it is incumbent upon me to give an accurate picture of cancer to others, particularly newly diagnosed patients.

A revelation has given me perspective for the New Year, inspiring me to embrace change, set new goals and upgrade myself to a better version in 2025.

Breast cancer affected my looks and self-esteem, but I found small things could make a big difference in feeling pretty again.

I've learned to embrace the changing nature of my body as I age, accepting the challenges and finding gratitude in each day.

I’ve learned to live in the present by avoiding clocks, a necessary change in my life after having breast cancer.

After my breast cancer diagnosis, I decided to take a more active role in my treatment plan, opting for radiation therapy over chemotherapy due to concerns about side effects.

When I underwent surgery for breast cancer, reconstruction was highly recommended, but I decided to remain flat — a decision I think about sometimes.

As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned to navigate the annual sea of pink, but I don’t like it.

A disease, such as cancer, that affects a person’s physical limitations can catalyze learning to rest, which is something I recently realized.

After a decade of surviving cancer, I’ve wondered if it’s possible to truly forget I had breast cancer. After a small incident, I thought perhaps it was possible. Now I’m not so sure.

I get upset when I read something thinking it’s true and then find out later it isn’t, especially when it’s something important regarding cancer or lymphedema.

This year, I celebrate 10 years of being free from breast cancer. It’s hard to believe, but I am cherishing this milestone and plan to celebrate big.

After a friend sent me a link to her GoFundMe page for her cancer care, I had to think long and hard about how to respond.