Blogs | News

Here We Go Again: After Already Overcoming Multiple Obstacles This Year, Another Cancer Treatment Regimen is on My Horizon

April 2nd 2022

By Julie S. Brokaw

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.

Why I'm Sensitive About Labels Like ‘Survivor’ and ‘Cancer-Free’

April 1st 2022

By Steve Rubin

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

My 'Emotional Anchor' Through This COVID-19 Pandemic Has Been a Virtual Group of Fellow Cancer Survivors

March 31st 2022

By Ron Cooper

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.

Cancer Treatment Decisions May Lead to Costly Risks, But You Can't Dwell on the 'What-If's'

March 30th 2022

By Debbie Legault

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?

Surviving Cancer Is ‘Agonizingly Slow'

March 29th 2022

By Khevin Barnes

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

The Hunt for Perfect Post-Mastectomy Boobs Continues

March 28th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

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.

Birthday Reflections on My Cancer Experience: I’m Fighting the Best I Can

March 26th 2022

By Julie S. Brokaw

Today is my birthday, and while I’ve had some unforeseen changes in my cancer treatment lately, I’m grateful to still be here to celebrate.

Cancer Conferences Helped Me Grow as an Advocate

March 25th 2022

By Robin Zimmerman

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.

As Spring Breakers Break COVID-19 Precautions, I Found Inspiration in One Steadfast Young Man

March 24th 2022

By Ron Cooper

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.

‘I Would Have Given Up a Long Time Ago’ and Other Things Not to Say to Cancer Survivors

March 23rd 2022

By Jessica Bolz

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

A Terrible Legacy to Pass Down: Inheriting Lynch Syndrome from an Abusive Parent

March 22nd 2022

By Georgia Hurst

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.

After Forming a Bond With the Oncologist, We’re Hoping Our Goodbye Is Forever

March 21st 2022

By Debbie Legault

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

After a Horrible Experience With a Prescribed Drug Taper, I Decided to Wean Off Prednisone Myself

March 19th 2022

By Susan Keller

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

Not Everything Is ‘Fine,’ and That’s OK: A Guide on How I Wish to Be Supported Through Cancer

March 18th 2022

By Marissa Holzer

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

The Return of Spring is a Reminder That the Rough Days of Cancer Will Pass

March 17th 2022

By Julie S. Brokaw

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.

Patients With Cancer in Ukraine Are Fighting on More Than One Front

March 16th 2022

By Doris Cardwell

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

While Cancer Mutations Are Scary, They Offer Hope for a Better Future

March 15th 2022

By Jane Biehl Ph.D.

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.

Cancerphobic: How My Cancer History Put Me on ‘High Alert’ for Potential New Diagnoses

March 14th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

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.

It’s You and Not Me: Reasons Why I’m Breaking Up With My Doctor

March 11th 2022

By Jessica Bolz

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

Cancer Changed My Relationship With Pain: ‘Being a Trooper’ Is Not Always a Good Thing

March 10th 2022

By Felicia Mitchell

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.

Now That I’m Cancer-Free, I Wonder if I Should be Doing More

March 9th 2022

By Steve Rubin

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.

How I Get Through Cancer Survivorship When the Dark Days Take Over

March 8th 2022

By Julie S. Brokaw

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

Can Reading Erotica Keep My Sexual Flame Burning After a Cancer Diagnosis?

March 7th 2022

By Laura Yeager

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.

Why I Advocate During Lymphedema Awareness Month

March 6th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

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.

There Must Be a Cause for My Daughter’s Cancer, Right?

March 4th 2022

By Debbie Legault

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’m Trying to Balance My Fears of COVID-19 With Returning to Routine Cancer Screenings and Health Care

March 2nd 2022

By Martha Carlson

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

Social Media Led Me to Lasting Bonds and Cancer Camaraderie

March 1st 2022

By Ron Cooper

In spending just a few minutes a day on Twitter, I’ve created a support group with other cancer survivors who know how it feels to face the disease.

Fellow Cancer Survivor Helps Me Snap Out of Post-Scanxiety Blues

February 28th 2022

By Steve Rubin

The post-scanxiety crash felt like an avalanche for me, and even though my scans were clear, it took talking to another cancer survivor to snap me out of it.

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Freeze Out Those Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder

February 25th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

As a cancer survivor, I know all too well the struggles with depression and sadness. Fold in those grey winter days and It makes for a disastrous recipe.

My Daughter Chose When — and How — She Was Going to Lose Her Hair to Cancer

February 24th 2022

By Debbie Legault

Chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer would likely cause my daughter to lose her hair, but instead of waiting for her locks to fall out on their own, she took matters into her own hands.

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