Survivorship

After going through cancer, Mother’s Day feels a bit different.

A decade ago, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and underwent aggressive chemotherapy and an allogenic stem cell transplant. Though I still have complications related to my cancer, I’m thankful for what I still have.

Slowing down due to cancer and COVID-19 made me realize the parts of life I’ve been missing, though my new pace isn’t all bad.

Even though I’ve had no evidence of cancer for the last five years, I still stay up to date about the latest developments for the disease.

At first I was skeptical about how meditation and breathing techniques could help me with fear of cancer recurrence. But once I started practicing, I noticed a difference in my anxiety.

We asked our audience what advancements they hope to see in the oncology space within the next decade or so. Here’s what they had to say.

I’m 16 years out from my breast cancer diagnosis, but every now and then, panic still creeps up on me.

It’s essential that I maintain a sense of urgency, as well as long-term stamina, in my cancer survivorship.

After receiving clean cancer scans, I rewarded myself with a trip to the thrift shop.

When survivorship becomes long-term, it can be an adjustment to move from active treatment to periodic surveillance.

After hearing others' cancer stories, I found myself feeling "less than" because I didn't undergo radiation and chemotherapy.

Nowadays, I think of myself more as a cancer survivor and advocate than patient. Here's what I learned along the way.

Patients with cancer may decide to share their diagnosis with their employer but approaching it in a way that is most comfortable to the patient may make it a more effective conversation.

People who have never experienced cancer may think that life continues as normal after treatment is done, but that’s far from reality.

We recently asked our audience how they advocate for themselves and others in the oncology space. Here’s what they had to say.

A multiple myeloma survivor discusses how continued minimal residual disease negativity made her feel more confident in coming off of maintenance therapy.

When I was in the throes of cancer, I didn't know how to answer well-meaning people who asked, "How you doin'?"

Cancer took so many experiences away from me, yet I sometimes feel guilty that I survived and others did not.

Spring brings a plethora of refreshing veggies into season, and these salads make the most of their natural flavors and health benefits.

How do survivors of head and neck cancer cope with drastic changes to one of the most visibly identifiable body parts — the head?

Over a quarter of adolescent or young adult patients diagnosed with sarcomas will have difficulties financially, romantically for an extended period after diagnosis.

I thought my sensitivity to breast cancer scenarios on television shows had gotten stronger, but it hasn’t.

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors should avoid associated risk factors of developing colorectal cancer such as smoking, alcohol usage and being overweight.

Many survivors see significant hair changes during cancer treatment, leaving a difficult reminder when they look in the mirror.

I finally finished cancer treatment, and for the first time in a while, tomorrow feels more certain.

Cancer survivors who are experiencing side effects from treatment, such as chronic fatigue, may benefit from a healthier diet.

After receiving supportive care during her college cancer journey, this survivor now works to guide other patients through their treatments.

We cancer survivors are complicated — not more complicated than others who have faced their mortality head-on, but there’s a certain bucket we get put in when we let others know about our diagnoses.