As a metastatic breast cancer patient, I have had questions about other patients with a similar diagnosis. If you are reading my blog you may also have this terminal disease. Because of that, I am including a timeline of my own treatment. I will update my timeline as needed. December 26, 2015 – First Symptom I found a lump in my right breast while taking a shower. I was not overly ... Read the Post
My MBC Timeline
The Waiting Game – A Health Update
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the, less, you know. - Diane Arbus After three years of treatment and scans, I don't say much about them until the results are back. If I tell someone that I will have a scan soon, they tend to mention it, which only brings the fact to the forefront of my mind — creating the opposite response that I want from my own ... Read the Post
Tips for dealing with Scan Anxiety
Scans can often bring feelings of uneasiness and nervousness, as patients cope with physical constraints during the scan and emotional uncertainty for their results. Tips for coping with scan anxiety: Distract yourself and stay busy. Staying busy leading up to your scan will keep your mind occupied and keep you from focusing on the upcoming scan or scan results. ... Share your story. ... Read the Post
Side Effects? — There’s an App for that
You go through months of chemo, and you have a follow-up scan which show's improvement. Hooray! So now what? What's next? An oncologist's primary purpose is to slow the progression of cancer and improve your outlook. There are a few different treatments that you may continue with. Yes, these treatments can help prolong your life. The bad news is that these treatments also cause ... Read the Post
ChemoCar
As a cancer patient, I have received many thoughtful messages, gifts, and selfless acts of service. I believe in doing the same for others. Today I came across an opportunity to help other cancer patients. Steve is always available to drive me to all my appointments. There are cancer patients that may not be as fortunate to have a simple ride to and from their doctor visits. Did you ... Read the Post
Stretching Beyond your Comfort Zone
I had a conversation with a friend today who asked me if I scuba dive. I said, “no”, but my mind was screaming, “HELL NO!” I realized that most new things I am willing to try and wondered why the thought of diving freaks me out? The idea of being in open water makes me nervous, yet I will dive into open water from a boat. My friend went on to tell me that I can learn scuba in a pool and see if ... Read the Post