AYA Cancer
A Mother’s Diagnosis
It was a difficult and painful decision to write about my struggles in life, but I have learned over the years that I am not alone in my journey. For years I have not spoken to my friends while avoiding family as I gripped through my depression for almost a decade.
Read More...The First Patient I Diagnosed with Cancer
The first person I ever diagnosed with cancer was me. Until that point in my medical training bad news had always been broken to patients before I met them. By the time of our introduction, their shock had subsided, and the initial fractures of their premorbid identities had ossified into therapeutic resolve.
Read More...Finding Support with Vivibot
While I wish I weren’t even eligible to use Vivibot, I’m grateful to have stumbled upon her. The two main reasons that many cancer patients and survivors stay silent about their struggles are: fear of judgment and lack of understanding. With Vivibot, there’s no fear of judgment involved.
Read More...A Letter to My Younger Self: Lessons Learned in the AYA Oncology Field
Dear 23-year-old baby social work student, Lauren – OK, so I want to share a handful of the things I’ve learned over the years from my time spent with AYA cancer patients and their families. We’ve got a lot to cover, but before we jump in, we need to get a few things straight:
Read More...Vulnerability as an AYA Program Manager
I’ve thought about writing this article for weeks now. I’ve even attempted multiple drafts, all of which ultimately got deleted. The thing is, I’m not afraid to be bad at writing. I’m afraid of how what I am writing will be perceived. Social workers are rigorously trained in maintaining personal boundaries, so it isn’t natural or comfortable for me AT ALL to focus on myself in this role.
Read More...When Cancer Strikes: The Silver Lining
Several weeks ago I made a promise to God – to serve Him and to share my story in order to glorify His name. I prayed that He would present me with opportunities to help others who are struggling. I want to use my past and current trials to reach others who are going through life altering – life shattering – experiences.
Read More...Happy Cancerversary: “You Can Take Your Mask off Now!”
There are many milestones to which we pay joyful homage. Weddings, graduations, having a new baby. But there is one that generally goes unnoticed. Being a cancer survivor. And rightfully so. We’re not the majority of the population. Interestingly enough, depending on who you talk to, this celebration doesn’t always bring the kind of joy […]
Read More...COVID Reopening: Part 2
I just reread the article I wrote last May about reopening. Who knew it would be another 12 months before Ohio actually reopened? But the sentiments haven’t changed.
Read More...From Caretaker to Patient
Some people say things like, “It could have been worse,” but you feel as though enough is enough at times. As I hit rock bottom in my life, I often wonder: how did I make it out of that dark tunnel? Was a rope extended to me in my dreams for me to climb out one day without me remembering?
Read More...Parenting an Adult with Cancer
Many things weren’t my decision. Many things he had to do on his own, like figure out social security, disability, food stamps, insurance. His dad helped some, but when it came down to it, Kyle was legally an adult.
Read More...