Turning to Faith When Times Are Tough...I debated for a while whether I should write an article about religion. Faith is essential in my metastatic breast cancer journey, so I wanted to share this aspect of...reactions6comments
Do You Know Your Colors?...Lately, I've been thinking about people like traffic signals: red, yellow, and green. Do you know your colors? Do you know the people in your life by their actions, which...reactionscomments
Zometa From a Caregiver’s Point of View...There comes a time every 3 months when my partner, Steph, receives an infusion of a drug called Zometa. Zoledronic acid (brand name Zometa) is a medication delivered via an...reactionscomments
Portrayals of Cancer in Movies and Shows...It happens pretty often. You'll be watching a television show or movie, and then suddenly, BAM, the main character or someone they love has cancer. Can we ever escape portrayals...reactionscomments
Box Breathing and How It Can Help With Stress...Our lives are filled with family obligations, work and school responsibilities, healthcare appointments, and busy schedules. Stress is a normal part of life. But sometimes, stress can get out of...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactions6comments
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?...reactions32repliesSymptoms
Active 4 days agoConsidering 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...reactions6repliesTreatmentTips & Advice
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...reactionscomments
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...reactions2comments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactionscomments
