Blogs
Clean Cancer Scans and Thrift Shopping
After receiving clean cancer scans, I rewarded myself with a trip to the thrift shop.
Glorious Purpose After Cancer
I felt a kinship with the main character in the book, “A Man Called Ove,” though luckily, I had a purpose after my wife died of melanoma, and that helped to keep me going.
When Cancer Caregivers Depart
After leaving the hospital, I craved the security and support my cancer care team provided me.
Sometimes Cancer Surveillance is Satisfactory
When survivorship becomes long-term, it can be an adjustment to move from active treatment to periodic surveillance.
Cancer Taught Me There Are So Many Forms of Support
When I was first diagnosed, I wasn’t sure what kind of support to ask for, but now I’m thankful to have many wonderful forms of support around me.
Cancer Imposter Syndrome
After hearing others' cancer stories, I found myself feeling "less than" because I didn't undergo radiation and chemotherapy.
How I went from ‘Person’ to ‘Patient’
The day I got diagnosed with cancer, I went from “person” to “patient” — and the title has followed me ever since.
What to Accept — and What Not to — During Cancer
After being diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer, I had to accept that much of my life was going to change.
Self-Advocacy in Cancer Care Is Vital, Though Often Uncomfortable
I learned that self-advocacy is not about proving an oncology wrong or deciding that one drug is better than the other. It’s about speaking up for what you think is right.
You Are What You Think: Staying Optimistic During Cancer
While I wouldn’t say that my cancer-related hospital stays were fun, I did my best to maintain a positive attitude and make the best of them.
The Big White Cancer Binder
Sometimes, hundreds of pages of cancer information still just doesn’t connect with the person who needs it.
I’m Frustrated at What I’ve Lost to Cancer
I’m happy to be alive and thankful for all that I have, but cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from me, physically, emotionally and financially.
Can We Have a Talk about Hereditary Cancer Risks?
While waiting for my daughter to get a prophylactic cancer surgery, I sketched a cartoon that I hope will get people talking about hereditary cancer risks.
Understanding the Cancer Experience From the Outside Looking In
People who have never experienced cancer may think that life continues as normal after treatment is done, but that’s far from reality.
Transforming Lynch Syndrome Limitations Into Opportunities
After being diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary cancer syndrome, I saw my imperfect situation as an opportunity to educate and connect with others.
Planning My Priorities After a Cancer Diagnosis
After being diagnosed with cancer and taking a look at all the stuff I accumulated, I began to think about my priorities in life.
Cancer Times 2: Synchronous But Surviving
The way I see it, double the cancer diagnoses means double the victory.
From Couch Crashing to Cancer
I’m reflecting on the distant past — a time before my cancer diagnoses.
How Music Helps Me Face My Cancer
I am amazed at how a song drenched in hope emerges out of the fog when I need it most during cancer.
How I Helped My Wife Die Peacefully
When all is said and done what is important to me was that we did all we could to save her. And when that failed, we did all we could to make her passing as peaceful as possible.
Recognizing Psychological Distress After Cancer
After going through cancer, I better recognize my triggers for heightened anxiety.
Heeding the Advice of My Breast Cancer Hero
As a breast cancer survivor, it’s not only my duty to help the newly diagnosed, but it’s also my responsibility to heed the advice of seasoned champions.
My Social Media Algorithm Keeps Showing Cancer Content
Since I’ve become a patient and advocate, my social media algorithm now mostly shows cancer-related content. Here’s an open letter to said algorithm, or as I call it, “Algo.”
Too Young for Cancer
I’ve met too many people who were told that they were too young for cancer before being diagnosed.
Keeping Cancer a Secret
While I decided to tell friends, family and even TSA agents about my cancer, others are much more private about their diagnosis, and I wonder why.
In 'Star Wars' and in Cancer, ‘Rebellions Are Built on Hope’
In part of the “Star Wars” saga, a character mentions that rebellions are built on hope. After being diagnosed with cancer, I’ve realized that the same is true for patients with the disease.
Staying Grounded with Cancer
Here are a few ways I stay grounded throughout cancer.
Sometimes You Can Prevent Cancer
I’ve had three colonoscopies within five years and am still colorectal cancer-free.
Where I Keep My Focus While Fighting Cancer
I've learned that with cancer, there’s a difference between cathartic venting (a natural stage of grief) and falling into a victim mindset.
Difficult Conversations and Realizations of Cancer
Cancer-related decisions put strain on relationships between myself and family members.