IMPERFECTIONS BRING THE LIGHT AMONG THOSE AFFECTED BY CANCER

Sometimes the imperfections in life can bring an unexpected beauty. A famous mystery author explores this idea. PUBLISHED DECEMBER 28, 2019 I have used the books written by Louise Penny, a famous Canadian author of mysteries, several times in my articles. I am a huge fan of her work. What is unusual,......

BE A VOICE NOT AN ECHO!

A cancer survivor urges all of us to express our concerns, and assist each other through our individual and collective voices. Recently, I was shopping with a friend and came across a pretty sign that stated, “Be a voice, not an echo.” We stared at each other, I said I had to......

JUST REMEMBER NOT TO STOP

A cancer survivor laments not getting more done until she realizes she just moves slower, and that's ok. As long as you don't stop. I am an overachiever, which is part of my personality. However, I do try not to compete with other people. I do not compare wealth, material things or......

WHICH IS WORSE, CANCER OR TREATMENT?

A cancer survivor often contemplates which is the lesser of two evils – cancer or treatment? I know I have an unusual perspective on the question of which is worse, the treatment or cancer, due to my type of cancer. In 2010, I was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). I could not......

GOOD PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

A heartwarming story reminds one cancer survivor about the good people in the world that sometimes feels overwhelmingly negative. In this day of divisiveness and conflict, tragedies around the world aired 24/7 on the news and constant turmoil — we forget about all the good people in the world. A few weeks......

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

I have been on the Patient Advisory Council for our local cancer center for several years. I was asked by the staff to be on it and felt privileged to join. I realized after I became a part of this inspiring group of cancer survivors that the people on the committee are......

LET ME BE CRANKY

Recently, I wrote an article stating that we cancer survivors aren’t angels, always accepting of our disease or being grateful. We have our bad days just like everyone else. I get comments from survivors that they tire of people telling them everything will be OK and sending smiley emojis when they are miserable. Some......

FRIENDSHIPS AND CANCER

I have always treasured my friendships. Some of this may be because the majority of my family lives out of state and I am single. I have treasured friends who make sure I am not alone on holidays, and am fortunate to be considered adopted “family” by parents and children. We have......

RUNNING THROUGH THE GATE OF CANCER

I recently saw this quote on a magnet beside a picture of a horse running. It said, “Live like someone left the gate open.” I added it to my huge collection of magnets on my refrigerator. Initially, I thought this is an excellent motto to live by and thought it was “cute.”......

CORONAVIRUS AND CANCER SURVIVORS

Cancer is an insidious disease and all patients know this. We are aware that it was one little cell that went awry in our bodies, which caused the cancer to occur. It doesn’t matter which kind we are diagnosed with. Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within cells or......

INSOMNIA AND CANCER GO HAND IN HAND

Sleep – we all need it, want it and many of us do not get enough of it! A well-known philosopher, the Dalai Lama, states succinctly that “sleep is the best meditation.” However, when insomnia hits, sleep is no longer a relief because we dread going to bed. We anticipate we will......

THE FINGERPRINT OF CANCER

My wonderful pastor has a saying that I listen to over and over again. He says each of our faith journeys is a fingerprint of that person. No other person has the same experiences, beliefs or goals and is indeed unique. Our shape, the development of who we are, how we feel......