Survivorship

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.

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).

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.

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.

Dear Cancer, You Will Constantly Lose

Dear Cancer,

I never would have thought that I would be given an opportunity to send a letter to you and tell you how much you have meant in my life.

We Are More Than Our Diagnoses

Dear Cancer,

You might think you’re strong.

You’ve shown up like a thief in the night, uninvited and unapologetic.

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.