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After being diagnosed with stage 3 liposarcoma, my life’s choices came sharply into focus.

Now having conquered three cancers and am fighting metastatic pancreatic cancer, scars from all the surgeries within the last 26 years have shown victories and hope.

There is hope with cancer! Do not let anyone tell you differently — even a physician.

I used my tools as a psychotherapist after being faced with my own cancer diagnosis.

Looking back, here’s what I would tell myself shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.

After being diagnosed with cancer, I decided to turn my “whys” and “what ifs” into education and advocacy work.

Please don’t tell me I have the “good” kind of cancer or comment on how much weight I’ve lost.

While many parts of my cancer experience were extremely difficult, I tried to embrace it — and accept help when needed.

If I could go back and talk to my newly diagnosed self, this is what I would say.

Where I grew up, cancer was not openly discussed.

My diagnosis of prostate cancer gave me an unsuspected gift.

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, it stays with you 24/7.

When I was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the “stump” of my appendix, I was surprised, considering I had my appendix removed more than a decade ago.

I was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2007, and it shaped who I am today.

After experiencing a relapse of acute myeloid leukemia, I thought about giving up, but then remembered my guiding principles.

After the fear of my cancer diagnosis subsided, I decided to swing at it with all my strength.

Cancer forced me to face my mortality — and in doing so, I crafted a bucket list and embraced the true meaning of life.

There are limits and adaptations that are needed during childhood, adulthood and retirement, and I can say the same for every step of my cancer experience.

After receiving two cancer diagnoses, I became more vigilant about my health — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.