Survivorship

Mutant Reasons

Genetic mutation is something that just happens, it’s random and inevitable. Lots of times when a gene mutates, it doesn’t even matter.

The Unspoken Guilt of Living

Twice.

I’ve survived cancer twice.

It’s a statement that still feels unreal—unreal and grotesque.

Ups and Downs of Survivorship

As I celebrated my three-year cancer free anniversary, I realized just how easy it was to breathe compared to when I first became a survivor.

Struggles of Survivorship

I am about to celebrate my 5-year cancerversary. As I reflected on my own experience with thyroid cancer and what survivorship means to me. It’s not my fault that I had thyroid cancer.

When the Bell Isn’t Magic

Walking into my first chemotherapy treatment was terrifying. The reality hit me immediately: a large room with at least 10 patients already hooked up to IV poles and one empty chair waiting for me.

What the Tumors Took: Living with What Cancer Left Behind

I was 32 when I heard the words “You have cancer.” It was March of 2020 — the world had seemingly just shut down, and so apparently had mine. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, I found myself facing a second invisible enemy: breast cancer.

Controlling The Response After Cancer

One day, many years ago, long before I had been diagnosed with cancer, I remember hearing some insight phrased in such a way that it struck a profound chord within me, and ultimately changed my perspective, and my life.

The Challenge

I am alone, thrust into a world of disease. My body riddled with mutation. Internal scars begin to thicken.
I am alone, a sentinel who must lay down my guard.
I am alone, in a fight where mortality is in question.
I am alone, sequestered in fear.

Magnets

Have you ever seen magnetic tiles? They’re a kids’ toy, usually made up of brightly colored pieces and stuck together at different angles. I’ve seen kids make grand houses or castles out of them with elaborate triangle roofs and arch doors.

Survivor’s Rage

Think, “oh how the tables have turned”. You had a particular way in which you read that statement, right? Now, use that same tone and say, “Oh how the struggles have changed”.