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.

Here We Go Again: After Already Overcoming Multiple Obstacles This Year, Another Cancer Treatment Regimen is on My Horizon

April 02, 2022

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The year 2022 has already been filled with obstacles and heartache — as well plans for a new cancer treatment — but I’m putting away the bad thoughts to get ready for the fight ahead of me.

Birthday Reflections on My Cancer Experience: I’m Fighting the Best I Can

March 26, 2022

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Today is my birthday, and while I’ve had some unforeseen changes in my cancer treatment lately, I’m grateful to still be here to celebrate.

The Return of Spring is a Reminder That the Rough Days of Cancer Will Pass

March 17, 2022

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The season of spring represents new awakenings for me, and this year, I’m determined to bring an air of positivity to my life and my cancer experience.

How I Get Through Cancer Survivorship When the Dark Days Take Over

March 08, 2022

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While a recent health scare ruined a family vacation, I vowed to keep making plans and always look ahead to brighter days.

As a Cancer Survivor, I Can Relate to the Struggles of Olympians Like Mikaela Shiffrin and Simone Biles

February 10, 2022

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As I sit here watching the Winter Olympics, I am immediately reminded of all the ways in which my grueling and stressful journey with cancer feels akin to the struggles of these Olympic athletes.

My Experience Enrolling in a Cancer Clinical Trial: The Verdict Is ‘Yes’

January 26, 2022

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A patient with ovarian cancer describes how she enrolled in a clinical trial, and how it has given her a renewed sense of hope that she may find a successful treatment option.

Regardless of How Many New Year’s Resolutions People Make, A Patient With Cancer Advises Advocating for Oneself

January 05, 2022

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After a challenging year due to COVID-19 and rising blood test numbers, a woman living with ovarian cancer shares on what she’s learned and how she’s approaching 2022.

Why I View the Cancer Treatment-Related Changes of My Body With Humor

December 07, 2021

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An ovarian cancer survivor describes the changes her body endured after treatment and explains why she chooses to laugh at them.

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.

While Cancer is Not Fun, There is Hope Every Day

March 04, 2021

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An ovarian cancer survivor shares that although she’s been frustrated and mad about a recent recurrence in her lymph nodes, she still celebrates the life that she’s been blessed with.