Survivorship

Carrying chronic illness can be very difficult, but there are ways to navigate the world without being crushed by the weight of what we cannot control.

I hear friends talk about feeling old and resisting the natural process of aging. “Old” for me was a dream and a wish. Now I rejoice in every wrinkle as affirmation that I am getting older. Yahoo. I can’t wait to be 70.

Vision Boards are both therapeutic and fun for cancer survivors and everyone else!

Most people have heard the term "new normal" for individuals living, surviving and struggling with cancer. What actually does that mean?

Researchers examined the prevalence of chronic opioid use among survivors of breast, colorectal and lung cancer.

I didn't see how alone I was with cancer until I found purpose and friendships with advocacy.

When treatment ends and survivorship begins, how do those with cancer make the transition? In this post, one survivor shares her findings.

Which is more important – research or imagination? Maybe they are equally vital in survivorship!

Can a diagnosis of cancer affect a person in a positive way? One survivor seems to think so.

How can surviving cancer teach us how to endure the discomfort of a common cold and vice versa? Sometimes an ordinary illness can teach us how to vent and exercise self-care beyond self-pity.

I probe the scars of cancer treatment and realize they are my salvation.

The attitude we have makes a huge difference in our lives and with cancer, a positive attitude can help us to live longer!

The cancer journey can take you on a jagged road with too many twists and turns. It doesn't always have to be an emotional rollercoaster if you know how to walk it.

For those of us living in the wake of a big diagnosis, how we define life, living and every day can be clouded by fear and misguided ideas of what it means to truly live. What I’ve learned is that life is not about what we are doing, but why and how we do what we have to for however long we get to be alive.

When the physical effects of cancer make it harder to do things, you can still find a way to move forward.

This breast cancer and melanoma survivor encourages newly diagnosed cancer patients to hang onto their hope.

As much as patients look forward to the day they can ring the bell or hear they have no evidence of disease, it can also mean they will be sent out on their own to sort through life with the long-term damage of cancer.

By the time 14 months of treatment were through, I was watching a woman I no longer recognized and could not bear to look at in the mirror. I realized that to truly be a survivor, I had to readjust my expectations of myself.

Making the shift from survivor to 'thriver' is challenging. In this post, learn how one survivor makes the change.

This cancer survivor finds a hidden treasure in death and dying.

How to build good self-care habits for a better life with cancer.

Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but being able to find something to laugh about in the midst of the trial can be cathartic.

Connect yourself to items that can help you through your cancer journey.

Deborah A. Boyle, MSN, RN, AOCNS, FAAN, describes two types of cancer survivorship care plans that are increasing in popularity across the US.

Recovering from cancer and its aftermath is like grief; always changing, undulating and rippling like a tide.

Learn how the pain through the trauma of cancer can transform in positive ways.

At 56, after two bouts of cancer, I realized something about my life.

When and where to mention (or not mention) your ongoing cancer survivorship story?