Blogs

Before my biopsy, the doctor assured me it was nothing. He said he was just doing this to prove it to me. We definitely didn’t expect what followed next.

After getting over the shock of being diagnosed with a rare cancer, I could only think about returning to my “normal” self, but I later discovered that the normal I was trying to return to would change.

I like to think that I always checked off the “be an organ donor” box on my driver’s license forms, but of course that just may be the way I remember it.

I always enjoyed writing about my summers, but this is what I would write today.

For three-and-a-half years, my cancer was stable.

Sitting vigil next to an end-of-life patient.

Cancer is truly @#%^%# %#*$!, so go ahead and let the anger out!

My experience with multiple surgical procedures for breast cancer showed me just how important it was to have the total support of my husband.

Becoming an advocate after my cancer diagnosis made an impact not only on others, but for myself.

Constantly replaying scary cancer situations or drowning in anxiety isn’t only depressing it wastes valuable energy that could be used for healing.

Someone was watching over me the day I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.

Once a friendship turned toxic, I had to put myself first.

I became a frequent shopper at the hospital gift shop throughout my cancer experience.

I only allow anxiety to take up 15 minutes of my days.

Beginning in the long, cold winter of 2022, I began a series of hospitalizations to treat my stage 2 non-specific non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. For the next six months, I would spend a week in the hospital every single month.

I am a big believer in the proverbial toolbox.

I had acute myeloid leukemia in 2016 and tackled it with chemo. I had a recurrence in 2020 and tackled it with chemo and a bone marrow transplant.

Over the years, I have found social media to be a powerful tool for connecting people with Lynch syndrome.

The day before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I didn’t pay enough attention to my brother-in-law’s arduous journey with Parkinson’s disease.

A year ago, I attended a cancer camp called Camp Make-a-Dream, and I found a specific calling: creativity in jewelry.

The countdown to my CT scan has begun.

After a certain amount of time in the day, bras become devilish and must be removed immediately!

Don’t waste your cancer.

The importance of cascade genetic testing has led me to advocate through my artwork.

“I flow, I change constantly, I am my grief, I am my joy, I am human, I am divine light, I can submerge when I make the time.” — Shosh Madick.

One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment must be the chills, feeling cold all the time.

I was devastated when I had to stop working due to my cancer diagnosis. However, I eventually found a new line of work that I'm grateful for.

I’ve heard of many stories of friendships dwindling after someone has been diagnosed with cancer. One thing about it is that I can relate.