Julie S. Brokaw

Julie is an ovarian cancer survivor who was diagnosed in January 2013. She has worn both sets of shoes, as she was also a caregiver of her husband who passed away from prostate cancer. Julie was a teacher and principal in her career and retired in 2015. Since then, she has been active with walking, biking and water aerobics. Julie also likes to be creative with cooking, beach glassing crafts and writing poems. She has remarried and now her husband supports her with his healing love. Julie’s combined family consists of five adult children and spouses along with 10 grandchildren. She feels blessed beyond measure to be able to spend time with her family.

Patient With Cancer Asks, ‘To Port or Not to Port?’

November 16, 2021

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A woman with ovarian cancer explains why she was reluctant to get a port put in and why she ultimately went forward with it. “Somehow, I felt that if I got the port, I was giving in to the cancer,” she writes.

The Unknown Path of Cancer: Where to Now?

November 09, 2021

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When the road ahead is unclear due to cancer, the best thing you can do is look for a new road to offer hope, a cancer survivor explains.

3 Points: Numbers Have a Different Meaning for Patients With Cancer

October 21, 2021

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A woman with ovarian cancer describes how blood work numbers play a key role for patients with cancer and often dictate their thoughts and worries.

Reflecting on Cancer, Life and Death at my 50th High School Class Reunion

October 16, 2021

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An ovarian cancer survivor explains how attending her 50th class reunion was an emotional experience as she learned of fellow classmates’ cancer experiences and struggles.

A Patient With Cancer Thanks Her Brilliant Doctors and Nurses

September 25, 2021

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A woman writes a poem to thank the doctors and nurses who treated her ovarian cancer and changed her life.

Caretakers of Patients With Cancer Make A Difference

September 10, 2021

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An ovarian cancer survivor shares what it was like to be her late husband’s caregiver when he had prostate cancer, years before her own diagnosis.

Something to Look Forward to After Cancer Treatment

August 20, 2021

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A survivor describes the small joys in life and how she avoids letting cancer get in the way.

The Game of Cancer

August 04, 2021

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A survivor makes a comparison between cancer and a game. "Our bodies are the box the game comes in. How we deal with our cancer is the game we play," she writes.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy May Be the 'Ticket' For Inflamed Lymph Nodes

July 28, 2021

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An ovarian cancer survivor shares her experience receiving a radiation treatment on her lymph nodes.

Using Creativity to Make a Difference in Your Life

March 12, 2021

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Being creative has helped this ovarian cancer survivor during her journey. She recommends that people use their energy in a positive way and do something that will make a difference in their lives.