My Recurrence: Please Don't JudgeYes, it is true for me ~ I believe that God has a plan for my life. My story of recurrence might appear to be “causal” or “careless”. Every story... By Linda C2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Understanding BRCA1/2 Gene MutationsEveryone — male and female — has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (often written as BRCA1/2). BRCA1/2 are a type of gene called tumor suppressor genes, which means that they play... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Living Life Like You Are Dying When You Really AreIn mid-2017, I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Before I knew what was happening, my breast cancer started in my left breast and then spread through my... By Abigail Johnston, Esquire5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Breast Cancer and Mental Health - My StoryIn the last few years, I have seen conversations about mental health come out of the shadows, the whispers, and into the forefront of larger conversations about health and medical... By Emily Garnett2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
FDA Recent Approval of Kanjinti (Biosimilar to Herceptin)Last month, the FDA approved Kanjinti, the 5th biosimilar to Herceptin. Kanjinti is approved for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing adjuvant and metastatic breast cancer. Kanjinti is a HER2 receptor antagonist... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
ATM Mutation, Part 1I've never met anyone diagnosed with breast cancer who didn't, at some point, wonder about the cause or origin of their cancer. Could it be related to choices made by... By Abigail Johnston, Esquire3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Advanced Breast Cancer Anxieties: Isolation & MisunderstandingIn this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing physical health conditions. Phrases in quotes are the words of our community members across various conditions on what it’s... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What I Wish I Knew as a New Parent Diagnosed With Breast CancerHaving small kids during cancer adds another level of exhaustion to an already difficult experience. On March 6, 2015, my world changed when I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple... By Sarah Kelly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Three Legal Documents Caregivers NeedAs caregivers, you may be in charge of a partner, parent, grandparent, or other loved one with advanced breast cancer. Although every patient’s cancer experience and diagnosis is different, it’s... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I Am More Than a Set of ProtocolsRecently, I underwent a breast mammogram and ultrasound on my right breast, due to some skin changes occurring in the last few months. On and off, but particularly after showering... By Emily Garnett3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Medical MistakesDoctors make mistakes. I realize this is not an astonishing or novel statement overall, but it can be extremely unsettling when one is receiving treatment that is hopefully going to... By Abigail Johnston, Esquire4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Discover Your Clinical Trial OptionsThe process of finding a clinical trial for advanced breast cancer, from finding one in your area to sorting through eligibility criteria, can be overwhelming. But connecting to clinical trials... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Are the Differences Between Early & Advanced Breast Cancer?The key difference in identifying early versus late-stage breast cancer involves the location of the tumor. In addition to the diagnosis, there are many other contrasts between early and late-stage... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Functional vs. Allopathic MedicineFirst of all, let me disclose that I am not a medical professional nor am I a doctor. I have no formal medical training. What I am, now that I... By Abigail Johnston, Esquire3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Breast Cancer Anxieties: Financial StressIn this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing a physical illness like breast cancer and its side effects. Phrases in quotes are the words of our community... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Long Distance Caregiving: Staying ConnectedWhen someone you love is sick, it can cause stress and anxiety. Illness, especially cancer, can take a physical and emotional toll on caregivers and family, particularly when they are... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Scars, Seen and UnseenI see my physical scars before others do. The ones from my childhood, faded, but still present from when I played too hard or wasn’t looking. My C-section scars are hidden from... By Abigail Johnston, Esquire6 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Is There a Role for Primary Surgery in Stage IV Breast Cancer?Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women after skin cancers. There is about a 1 in 8 chance that a woman will develop breast cancer during her... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
How to Help a Loved One in Denial About Their IllnessGetting news that you have been diagnosed with cancer can be very scary. Finding out that your cancer may be terminal or is terminal can be terrifying for a patient... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Clinical Trial Consent Form: Understanding Your Rights & ResponsibilitiesInformed consent is the term that signifies a person has been given information regarding all possible consequences for treatment, including both potential risks and benefits. While informed consent frequently is... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments