WHAT DO PEOPLE WITH CANCER AND BUMBLEBEES HAVE IN COMMON?

During my long 10-year cancer journey I have had the pleasure of meeting many cancer survivors. Honestly, this is one of the few plusses from having this insidious disease. I have watched people survive unbelievable assaults on their bodies ranging from surgeries, to radiation, to chemo, to bone marrow transplants. Somehow, they keep on going,......

CANCER SURVIVORS, BE LIKE THE BIRDS AND HELP EACH OTHER

I, like most people, enjoy hearing birds sing and watching them fly. My parents had birdfeeders in the yard, and we would watch them all the time. However, I never knew how intelligent they were until I toured a bird sanctuary. The shelter took sick and injured birds from all over the......

WHY ARE WE SO OVERWHELMED?

A cancer survivor explains why those of us who face cancer and now COVID-19 feel the way we do when confronting an ongoing crisis. I think every one of us feels overwhelmed these dark days during this difficult year. Every one of us has a personal story of struggle. I have several......

A COMPARISON OF AUTUMN AND CANCER

I admit that fall is my favorite time of the year. There is nothing more beautiful than driving or walking on a sunny fall day and marveling at the changes in the leaves. Maybe part of the reason I feel this way is because I am a fall (October), baby. But I......

IT’S OK TO CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK WHEN DEALING WITH CANCER

A cancer survivor talks about how to cut yourself some slack during these eventful and troubled times. It is amazing how much the coronavirus has changed our lives and routines, even for us retired people. I wake up in the morning feeling a weariness that is unusual for me. I know how......

FOR CANCER SURVIVORS MUCH HAS BEEN GIVEN

With the extra time we have, cancer survivors can make a lasting impact in their communities with others on their cancer journey. “Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves: and we can shirk neither. “- Teddy Roosevelt.......

WHAT TO DO NEXT AFTER FINDING OUT YOU HAVE CANCER

Every one of us remembers our shock when we were told we had the dreaded C-word. We usually recall with clarity the doctor’s words, the size of the room, and who was with us. We share similar feelings of bewilderment, fear and the huge question—are we going to die? We undergo treatments......

THE THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED EVEN AS CANCER SURVIVORS

A cancer survivor writes about the indirect consequences of COVID-19 on her and others. I am a cancer survivor and consider myself incredibly fortunate. I have lived longer than anticipated and been in remission for a long time. Presently I am not on any chemo, but am taking weekly shots to keep......

LOOKING OUT FOR THE LIGHT

A cancer survivor describes the dark days we are facing right now and expresses a ray of hope for all. I have just passed my seventh decade. I can honestly say that I never remember being so affected by what is going on in the world and feeling this hopeless. Between a......

THE LOSS OF A HEALING TOUCH DURING COVID – 19

A cancer survivor laments the inability for a comforting hand during COVID-19. This is a story with two ideas. One is about the beautiful oncology nurses, who selflessly take such good care of us. The other is about the importance of touch. I have written several articles in the past on these......

HOW TO LIVE IN PRESENT AS CANCER SURVIVORS

A simple quote reminds a cancer survivor of what is important for every one of us to remember. Like many people who live in a northern climate, I have to brace myself during January, February, and March for the short days, lack of light and the inability to be outside with friends......

FINDING MOTIVATIONS DURING COVID – 19 AS A CANCER SURVIVOR

A cancer survivor laments the difficulty of dealing with the pandemic and discusses one possible solution. I have to admit, that after battling cancer for over ten years, I presently am struggling more with the pandemic than the cancer. I hate being uncertain when I will go out of remission—and it is......