Mike Verano

Mike Verano is a licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and thymic cancer survivor with over 30 years experience in the mental health field. Mike has had articles published in national and international magazines and is the author of The Zen of Cancer: A Mindful Journey From Illness to Wellness. In addition, he maintains the blog, Confessions of a Pacifist in the War on Cancer. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Lanexa, Virginia.

The Last Scan?

June 24, 2020

Article

Ten years ago, as I was approaching my first follow-up scan, I asked a seasoned cancer survivor if the anxiety of going through these rituals ever got easier. Without hesitation, she smiled and said "no."

Surviving With Purpose

April 26, 2020

Article

Purpose directs the energy outward, and when tied to a beneficent cause, the experience is that of being connected to a deeper source— worry for self becomes compassion for others.

On Cancer and Aging, Part 2

January 16, 2019

Article

It would be unrealistic to suggest that one is ever completely free of the shadow of cancer – after all, shadows are the direct result of light.

On Aging and Cancer, Part 1

January 08, 2019

Article

I often joke in training classes on aging that with every new candle on my birthday cake, a new medicine bottle shows up in my cabinet.

Paying Back the Kindness After Cancer

December 01, 2018

Article

As people who have "been there, done that," our very presence provides a new arrival on the cancer rollercoaster a sense of stability and certainty.

When Boring is Excellent: The Ups and Downs of Cancer Follow-Up Appointments

August 28, 2018

Article

Waiting to hear if one’s blood is showing any signs of the monster’s return has never been easy.

It's Not Always Cancer

March 21, 2018

Article

Cancer has taught me to be stoic when necessary, needy when appropriate and mindful at all times that the physical body is both fragile and resilient.

With Cancer, Celebrate Hope

June 12, 2017

Article

As any cancer survivor is aware, the blossom of hope can be a fragile flower.

A Chemotherapy No-Brainer

May 10, 2017

Article

It appears that we survivors have, at long last, been taken seriously about our reports of problems with mental functioning as a result of chemotherapy.

Living In The Shadow of Cancer

April 20, 2017

Article

When I think of living in cancer's shadow, my mind immediately jumps to the dark body that is my constant companion and seems to, paradoxically, grow stronger the brighter the light.