Blogs

Some cancer survivors mark the end of their treatment by getting tattoos, but could that body art cause potential health risks? Here a cancer survivor — who has more than 10 tattoos — shares her perspective.

Survivor’s guilt is not just felt by individuals who overcome a deadly disease like cancer, writes a cancer caregiver. She explains how she has experienced it too but knows that not all caregivers are as lucky as her.

Sorting out symptoms as survivors age can be challenging, writes a cancer survivor. She notes that survivors have special needs that they need to be aware of to make the most of their “new normal.”

It makes sense to take stock of cancer treatment — its physical, emotional, and spiritual cost, and what people want out of life going forward. Here, a patient with cancer writes how It’s OK to say, “Cancer treatment sucks and I hate it, even when the big prize, our buddy NED, has taken up residence in our bodies.”

A person with metastatic breast cancer writes about how she just wants to be “normal” again and for people to stop pitying her.

A cancer survivor writes about all the little things she has missed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those little things — such as going to a diner and connecting with friends — are now appreciated more than we ever would have imagined, she writes.

What happens when health is affected by an unexpected illness such as cancer? Does their quality-of-life decline? Here, one survivor writes how she used the gift of recording the details of her journey to better her life after a cancer diagnosis.

A playwright with male breast cancer examines some beliefs that may influence our survival.

A patient with metastatic cancer writes about how the unknowns of her disease have shaped her life and health experiences, and how she has learned to live with that uncertainty.

A prostate cancer survivor recalls a time when the cancer center’s staff helped him realize that its OK to have fun while receiving cancer treatment.

A woman who is living with metastatic breast cancer pens a tribute to a late friend and fellow patient, Penny, who continues to send her signs that help her keep going.

A cancer survivor yearns for the “touch starvation” brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to be over. She writes about how just one hug can make a huge difference for people.

Many cancer survivors may feel the urge to use their disease as a convenient excuse for avoiding unpleasant situations, writes a survivor. However, she urges others to avoid giving into that power.

The old saying is that spring is the season of hope, and this cancer caregiver writes how it feels like this spring has a bit more bounce in its step.

A patient with metastatic cancer writes what it has been like to face the dilemma of receiving an effective cancer therapy that may put her heart at risk.

Instead of using the cliché of calling the story of her and her husband’s relationship a classic “love story”, this caregiver who lost her husband to glioblastoma after just 26 months reflects on why she prefers to focus on the fact that they weren’t superhuman – they were just lucky enough to find each other.

It’s time to smile and give thanks as people can start to emerge from their bunkers to rejoin society now that there are multiple COVID-19 vaccines, writes one cancer survivor.

After enduring an extensive treatment of 60 chemotherapy infusions, a patient with metastatic breast cancer has developed a superpower — an extreme sense of smell.

Life is like a book, writes this cancer survivor. And people shouldn’t be afraid to turn the page to see what’s on the other side, she says.

Why do some survive cancer, while others don’t? And why do those who survive often feel the aches of survivor’s guilt? Here, a survivor shares how she learned to cope.

A caregiver crosses her fingers that those who love her can have patience as she heals from the trauma of her experiences.

A cancer survivor encourages other patients and survivors to talk more about their thoughts as it may help ease their fears and concerns and help them accept their “new normal.”

Never say to someone that at least they have a “good” kind of cancer or that they don’t really look that sick, writes one cancer survivor.

Body image and body positivity are very important, especially after a life-changing surgery such as a mastectomy, writes a breast cancer survivor. Here, she offers fashion suggestions for “flatties” to feel their best.

Learning to set boundaries can be a healthy project, writes a cancer survivor. She provides insight into how the hobby of gardening and setting boundaries share commonalities.

A cancer caregiver shares how she provided support for both her daughter and mother-in-law who were being treated for breast cancer at the same time, and what she learned from those experiences.

A cancer survivor explains how in difficult times — such as living amid a pandemic or receiving treatment for cancer — just getting out of bed in the morning is a sign of bravery and magnificence.

A breast cancer survivor who opted for a unilateral mastectomy advises people to look at all treatment and risk reduction options when first diagnosed with breast cancer so they can avoid any regrets years later.