Blogs

Going through the COVID-19 pandemic with a cancer diagnosis made me feel jittery, and I know that many others felt the same way, too.

After being diagnosed with cancer, I scoured the internet for ways to live as long as possible and found some helpful tips and not-so-helpful “cures.”

When visiting the cancer center (or any other health care center), the people who greet me at the front desk can have a major impact on the whole experience.

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.

Motivating affirmations are one thing, but to me, labels like “survivor” and “cancer-free” are a touchy subject.

Twice a week, my local Gilda’s Club holds a “Lunch and Laughs” group meeting with cancer survivors that has kept me grounded through COVID-19 isolation and beyond.

My daughter’s radiation oncologist said that certain treatments may lead to another cancer diagnosis later in her life, but isn’t living better now worth the risk?

Spring has arrived, and along with it has come fresh challenges and new perspectives regarding my cancer survivorship.

Since having both breasts removed in 2014, I’ve been on a hunt for the perfect replacements. Through trial and error, I’ve gone through the good, the bad and the ugly, but finally came across a product that seemed to meet my needs.

At first, I struggled to keep up with the scientific jargon being presented at a cancer conference, but eventually I hit my stride and now I leave these events with a renewed sense of inspiration.

Many young adults seem to be throwing caution to the wind with COVID-19 precautions, but a neighbor of mine gave me hope for the younger generations since he was steadfast in protecting vulnerable people like me.

My survivor friends and I share the insensitive comments we have received about our cancer diagnosis.

My father was an alcoholic, and though he died in 1992, he lives on through my siblings and me because we all inherited a cancer syndrome from him.

Eventually, my daughter will stop seeing her oncologist, and while I appreciate all that he has done, I hope that they part ways forever.

I’d become an eating machine with a loathsome attitude on prednisone, so I decided to conduct my own taper of the drug.

There’s a fine line between toxic positivity and encouragement. Myself and other cancer survivors know that all too well.

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.

My heart breaks for patients with cancer and other health conditions who are forced to flee the war-torn Ukraine.

I have come to notice striking similarities between the variants of COVID-19 and the countless genetic mutations found in the cancer world, and all I can continue to do is hope for the future.

When two small spots appeared on my face, I couldn’t help but wonder if they might be cancerous. Had I failed to protect my skin with a hat or sunscreen? Suddenly, I was cancerphobic.

I’ve been feeling like I’m walking on eggshells around my doctor, so I think it’s time that we see other people.

After seeing my brother go through extraordinary pain because of lymphoma and then surviving breast cancer myself, I always pushed through the pain — even when I shouldn’t have.

My osteosarcoma has been under control for a few years now, and in my moments of free time, I start to feel guilty for lacking the drive to take on more.

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

Cancer took a toll on mine and my husband’s sex life, but after a great sexual encounter on New Year’s Eve, I wondered if adding erotica into our relationship might help keep that passion alive.

I was frustrated when I developed lymphedema after my 2014 breast cancer surgery, but have since turned those negative feelings into advocacy for others who may be affected by the condition, too.

As humans, we have an inherent need to know why everything happens in our life — including a cancer diagnosis. But unfortunately, that is not always the case.

I’ve recently joined the masses in catching up with routine health care that was put off during the COVID-19 pandemic.