January, 18th 2025: Join us for food, drinks, dancing, and author sharing — all to support our mission. Learn more here!
Survivorship
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...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...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 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.
Read More...The Aftermath: Nobody Told Me This Part Would Hurt Too
“Well, good news is you don’t have COVID; bad news is, it looks like you have lymphoma – so we’re going to have to admit you.” I was 23 years old, lying in my local ER department, fighting to breathe, in November of 2020 when the ER nurse told me this.
Read More...Chemo Bath
I’ve never been the biggest fan of baths. Ever since cancer attacked my body, showers have also been annoying. Probably the daily ear infection due to my extra ear hairs (thanks Panitumumab).
Read More...The Waiting Room
I sit here in the hospital waiting room, pondering platitudes, since I have nothing better to do. Perhaps the best way to become friends with time is to decide it doesn’t exist.
Read More...Survivorship Songs
I do not know about you, but music has helped me through some of the best and worst parts of my life. Take cancer, for example. When asked what my fight or survivor song is, I say, “Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato.
Read More...