When You Become the Caregiver: Practical Tips...We all know this metastatic breast cancer "game" we have to play is challenging for us and our families. The constant doctor's appointments, monthly scans, medication side effects, and never-ending...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Committing to My Wellbeing as a Full-time Caregiver...I said, "I look alright," as I glanced at myself shirtless in the mirror. "Even though I'm a bit chubby, this baggy shirt still makes me look decent." My dog...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Caregiving and Trauma...As many of you know, I've been a caregiver for my friends and family since I was 18 years old, which is 52 years in total. In 1970, I gave...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How Can You Boost Your Immune System?...Our immune system is an important part of our bodies. It protects us from getting sick and helps us heal. Having advanced breast cancer can weaken your immune system. But...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Patient-Doctor Connection...A common experience among folks living with metastatic breast cancer is we spend a ton of time inside doctors' offices. I travel downtown several times monthly to check in with...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Speaking Up: The Importance of Self-Advocacy With Your Oncologists...Recently, my hip was bothering me. I was experiencing pain to the point of using a wheelchair to get around. My breast cancer metastasis is present in my brain and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Love Letter to the Thrivers...I am a survivor of stage 3 breast cancer. I will celebrate 11 years post-diagnosis this coming June. I remember waking up from the first surgery (there were many) with my...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Featured What were your initial symptoms of breast cancer that led you to see a doctor?...Whether it was a noticeable change in appearance, sensation, or any other symptom, what clued you in that something wasn't quite right?...Reactions0reactionsComments24 repliesSymptoms
Considering treatment for pleural effusion...I have bilateral pleural effusions. I have had one thoracentesis. I have decided to stop systemic treatment of cancer, my focus is comfort and quality of life. I am interested...Reactions0reactionsComments3 repliesTips & AdviceTreatment
How to Handle Insurance Denials and Limits...Finding out that your health insurance company has denied a claim can be frustrating and complicated. Understanding what an insurance denial is and what you can do about it may...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Setting Boundaries: Prioritizing Well-Being at Home...Love is in the air, and you know what else is? Germs. That probably wasn't the first thing to come to mind, right? It certainly should when you are going...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Fallible Caregiver Series: Finding Strength and Connecting to Empathy...I consider my wife and I a relatively young couple. Rebekah is 35, and I'm 45. We've been married for 8 and a half years. Rebekah has been fighting stage...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Marlena Murphy...Marlena Murphy, a mother of one daughter, was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative breast cancer in 2018 when her daughter was 11 years old. She maintained a positive attitude throughout...
Why Does Self-Care Really Matter?...At my age (I'll turn 73 in September), epiphanies are few and far between. That could be the price of grasping at life and all its experiences so greedily for...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Playing “Twister” With Cancer...Cancer doesn't consider the calendar. It doesn't avoid birthdays or important dates. We've spent holidays, anniversaries, and even some dates holding hands in a waiting room. We've said no to...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
FeaturedIn America survey: Help others understand the impact of living with stage IV breast cancer...The In America survey is now closed To better understand the patient experience and realities of living with stage IV breast cancer, we are fielding our annual In America survey...Reactions0reactionsComments0 repliesCommunity
Don't Forget About My Family...This is for those who know a family dealing with terminal cancer. Back in the spring, I had to go to the emergency room for what we believe was a...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Facing a Terminal Illness...Being diagnosed with an incurable illness can be an incredibly difficult experience. It may affect you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is important to learn how to deal with practical...
My Pursuit of a Full-Flat Life...Almost 8 years ago, I had a modified radical left-side mastectomy. For nearly a decade, I have been a real-life unicorn. For a long time, I had pockets sewn into...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
The Fallible Caregiver Series: How to Connect When You Feel Alone...My biggest, number one struggle as a caregiver and spouse is feeling alone. This feeling is hard for me to articulate in words. I don't feel the kind of lonely...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments