Survivorship | News

My Experiences With My Cancer Support Systems Were Unfortunate

May 19th 2022

By Jessica Bolz

When you put your feelings out there in cancer support groups — be it in-person or virtual — you’re opening your ideas up to others’ interpretation, and some might not like what you have to say.

How Naming My Lifesaving Ostomy Helped Me Gain Confidence and Find Body Positivity

May 19th 2022

By Kimberly Holiday-Coleman

After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, my ostomy — which I named Toodles — opened up a world of body positivity for me.

Years After My Diagnosis, I Still Can’t Shake the Cancer Hound That Chases Me

May 16th 2022

By William Ramshaw

As I go in for another cancer follow-up, I need to remind myself that what could happen is different from what would happen.

Fertility Discussions Before Treatment Starts Can Mitigate Decisional Regret in Cancer Survivors

May 13th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

Discussing fertility risks and preservation options before starting cancer treatment can help patients feel empowered and have less regret in the future, explained a nurse practitioner.

No Matter the Obstacle Thrown in Our Faces, Cancer Advocates Will Always Succeed

May 13th 2022

By Robin Zimmerman

I like to think that cancer advocates live the motto of the postal service, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from their swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

The Start to Rolling the Dice After my Cancer Diagnosis

May 12th 2022

By Khevin Barnes

I was never a gambler … that is, until I was diagnosed with cancer.

The Search for a Post-Mastectomy Swimsuit Can Be as Puzzling as Wordle

May 12th 2022

By Felicia Mitchell

Finding a swimsuit if you have not chosen reconstruction after breast cancer can be a challenge, but there are many ways to find what best works for you.

Recognizing an Oncology Nurse Who Has Been a Guardian Angel And Co-Pilot During a Patient’s Unexpected Cancer Journey

May 12th 2022

By Elizabeth de Jong

Every year, she helps coordinate fundraising for other lung cancer groups and research efforts. She is totally committed to the lung cancer community and her patients.

Can a Virtual Reality Program Reduce Chronic Pain From Cancer?

May 10th 2022

By Ryan McDonald

Researchers are set to launch a new study to examine the feasibility of using an in-home virtual reality-guided mindfulness program to mitigate the effects of chronic cancer-related pain in patients and cancer survivors.

Cancer, COVID-19 and the Choices We Make

May 9th 2022

By Martha Carlson

When it comes to both COVID-19 precautions and life with cancer, I feel like I have to sacrifice some privacy to gain understanding from the people around me.

Emergency Moves to Help Respond to Cancer Triggers

May 9th 2022

By Steve Rubin

The cancer experience is far from over when scans turn up clear. Here’s how I deal with triggering reminders of the disease.

Patrick Dempsey Notes Mental Health in Cancer Care Has ‘Changed Tremendously’ Over Past 2 Decades

May 5th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

Mental wellbeing is more of a focus than ever before in cancer care, and while treatments continue to get better, there is still a long road ahead, according to Patrick Dempsey.

I Didn’t Expect to be Dropped Back into the ‘Cancer Blender’

May 5th 2022

By William Ramshaw

A recent injury reminded me that I could be dropped into the “cancer blender” at any time, though I should not focus on all the “what ifs.”

Non-Drug Therapy Can Help Insomnia in Cancer Survivors, But More Research Is Needed in Those Undergoing Treatment

May 2nd 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to improve insomnia in cancer survivors, but research is lacking in patients who are currently undergoing treatment or who have advanced disease.

Post-Chemo Fatigue is Nothing Like Your Typical Tiredness, It Can Stop You Dead in Your Tracks

April 21st 2022

By Michelle Velez

I can’t plan anything without planning time to rest. I literally have to schedule my whole day around when I can lie down to nap.

How Can Patients With Cancer, Caregivers Find the Best Mental Health Care Available?

April 21st 2022

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

Experts from Cancer Treatment Centers of America explain why mental health is important from cancer diagnosis through survivorship, the types of therapy and more.

Less Surgery Shown to Preserve Better Long-Term Quality of Life in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

April 19th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Patients with early-stage breast cancer are advised to ask their provider what the least invasive treatment option is available to them that gives them both a great cure rate and a much better quality of life.

'Give Yourself Grace’ Amidst the Potential Fear of Cancer Recurrence During Survivorship

March 31st 2022

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

As a patient moves from treatment to survivorship, the fear of cancer recurrence may overshadow the ability for them to recognize how much they have endured, but support is available to hopefully lessen the burden.

Support Groups Are ‘So Good’ For Survivors Who Don’t Want to Burden Family With Fear of Cancer Recurrence

March 29th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

Cancer survivors may often struggle with talking about their fear of recurrence with loved ones, which is why one expert recommends they seek solace in support groups.

‘Authentically Empathic’ Late-Stage Patient Inspires Fellow Cancer Survivor

March 28th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

When lovers of “Pinky and the Brain,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and other cartoons gathered in voice actor Rob Paulsen’s hospital room, he took particular notice of one exuberant woman with cancer who was extroverted and kind, despite not having long to live.

There’s No Denying Cancer Survivorship Is Hard, But We Can Get Through It

March 21st 2022

By Lorelei Colbert

During my treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, there was a plan for every situation, but once I entered survivorship, I was in uncharted territory.

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.

Body Image After Breast Cancer: Regaining Confidence Takes Time

March 8th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Sara Montiel shares her experience and how time helped her find the confidence she needed for herself and her young daughter

Addressing Psychosocial Needs in Cancer Care Has Improved Over Past 20 Years, But More Work Still Needed

March 7th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Increased resources and technological advances have allowed cancer survivors experiencing psychological side effects to seek help that might not have been available to them 20 years ago.

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.

Staying Aware With Self-Checks After Surviving Testicular Cancer

March 4th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

During his college years, Matt Froestad received the diagnosis not once but twice following self-exams.

Listen Up: Hearing Loss Among Cancer Survivors Often Overlooked and Understudied

March 3rd 2022

By Heather Stringer

Significant challenges include improving detection and response to inner ear side effects among cancer survivors following the use of certain drugs and therapies.

Did Surviving Cancer Flip the Script on How I Was Treated on Social Media?

February 23rd 2022

By Brielle Benyon

Nina Luker has shared her journey with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on social media with more than 100,000 followers, but says she noticed a difference in the kinds of comments she received after treatment was over and she was deemed “not as vulnerable” anymore.

Cancer Survivorship and the ‘Patient Patient’

February 21st 2022

By Bonnie Annis

A look at a survivor's survivorship appointment and how being a “patient patient” helps tackle anxiety.

The Waiting Game: She Doesn’t Have Cancer Today, But What About Tomorrow?

February 20th 2022

By Debbie Legault

Although my daughter’s cancer scans currently show no evidence of disease, I am haunted by the fact that there is always a possibility it could return and uproot our lives yet again.

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