Blogs
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.
Flowering Lifesaver
A common — but toxic — flower is being used to treat cancer.
I’m in Awe at How My Oncology Team Works Together
My oncology team works together to take great care of myself and other patients.
'How You Doin'?' Can Be a Tricky Question to Ask Someone With Cancer
When I was in the throes of cancer, I didn't know how to answer well-meaning people who asked, "How you doin'?"
Replacing Cancer Memories
When my daughter was going through cancer treatment, we often heard the beeping of her chemotherapy IV. But recently, the memory of that sound was replaced with something much happier.
Prepping for a Colonoscopy: Tips from The Colonoscopy Queen
I’ve had many colonoscopies over the last two decades, so here are my tips for preparing for and going through the procedure.
I Feel Cheated as a Cancer Survivor
Cancer took so many experiences away from me, yet I sometimes feel guilty that I survived and others did not.
A Post-Bone Marrow Transplant Scare
After undergoing a bone marrow transplant for my leukemia, I started to have some odd symptoms, and sent wacky texts to my loved ones.
Scanxiety Made Me Change My Cancer Surgery Decision
After experiencing intense scanxiety after my single mastectomy, I decided to go back and have a prophylactic mastectomy.
Tomorrow Begins Today: My Life After Cancer Treatment
I finally finished cancer treatment, and for the first time in a while, tomorrow feels more certain.
Hanging From a Pull-Up Bar Helped Me Release Post-Mastectomy Scar Tissue
After undergoing a partial mastectomy, scar tissue caused pain and stiffness. Then, I found a simple exercise that helped immensely.
Cancer-Related Hair Loss the Second Time Around
I didn’t think that I’d lose my hair again after starting my latest breast cancer treatment, but I did — and with that hair loss came both new and familiar feelings.
Early Aging and Cancer
Research backs up my personal experience regarding aging and cancer.