AYA Cancer
The “In-Between”
One day, someone who just finished their active treatment asked me, “So what is survivorship?” At that moment, I suddenly froze, even though I’ve been in “it” for several years, I didn’t have an immediate response for her.
Read More...The Give and Take of Cancer
Cancer is greedy, in the most ravenous and insatiable way. It has taken my energy, my routines, my sense of stability, and any sense of predictability I ever thought I had.
Read More...My Resilience
The cancer journey can take a lot from you. Outsiders may think it’s only the physical things that get to you, like your hair. They’re wrong.
Read More...Cancer Molded Me
I don’t like talking about what I have lost from cancer because it is an enormous reminder that some abnormal cells in my body that I created, which are so tiny, have had such a humongous impact on my life forever.
Read More...The Uneven Scales of Cancer Survivorship
Cancer leaves an imprint on every survivor, reshaping lives in ways both visible and hidden. When I reflect on my own journey, the losses stand out immediately. The most tangible is my career in special education.
Read More...The Worst Has Yet to Come
What would you say to your past self if you could prepare for a cancer diagnosis? Being told you have cancer is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to hear.
Read More...The Glorious Gap
Heading into the interview, I look into the car mirror one last time, and adjust my head scarf. Hmm…will they discriminate against me for wearing a headscarf?!
Read More...Cancer Never Ends
I’ve never felt right calling myself a cancer survivor. I say it because it is the most common term people understand. I do not wish to be a dictionary for terminology when I choose to share my experience.
Read More...The Unseen Battle of Life After Treatment
After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 last year—and completing active treatment (chemo, surgery, radiation) a few months ago, with one more surgery still ahead—I’ve found myself stepping into survivorship.
Read More...Erection Protection: The Sexy Side of Heart-Healthy Habits
“You’re too young to be worrying about your heart health!” Hmmm . . . where have I heard that sentiment before? I don’t know about you, but as a young adult (YA) cancer survivor, I’m highly skeptical of anyone who tells me that I’m “too young” to worry about anything related to my health.
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