MUSCLE PAIN LINGERS IN PEOPLE WITH CANCER AND IT DOESN’T GO AWAY

A cancer survivor notes how her 16-year-old dog makes it up the steps faster than she does. And although she recognizes she’s getting older, she highlights the side effects of her medications are muscle and joint pain. Now that wonderful and long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines have arrived, some of the side effects have......

LIVING WITH CANCER NOT DYING OF IT

A cancer survivor offers some statistics about the longevity of cancer survivors. I think if any of us are honest, the first thing we fear when we are told we have cancer of any kind is asking if we are going to die. Then, when some of us are told it is......

SLOWING DOWN IS OK

A cancer survivor laments the fact that she no longer moves as fast as she once did when she was younger. However, she has come to the realization that moving slow is OK as it allows her to enjoy life. There are disadvantages to being a Type A personality. What can make......

THERE IS MAGNIFICENCE AND BRAVERY IN JUST GETTING UP IN THE MORNING

A cancer survivor explains how in difficult times — such as living amid a pandemic or receiving treatment for cancer — just getting out of bed in the morning is a sign of bravery and magnificence. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on, the entire world is weary. We were excited when the......

IF YOU DON’T TURN THE PAGES IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU

Life is like a book, writes this cancer survivor. And people shouldn’t be afraid to turn the page to see what’s on the other side, she says. I think all of us have been reflecting a lot more since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least I know I have. We......

HUGS ARE IMPORTANT FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

A cancer survivor yearns for the “touch starvation” brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to be over. She writes about how just one hug can make a huge difference for people. I never cease to be amazed at the long arm that extends from CURE® readers to readers across the United States......

CANCER IS A STARK REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LITTLE THINGS

As I ponder over the past year and the COVID-19 pandemic, my gauge for the memories is the weekly visits I make to the local cancer center for shots to keep up my white blood cell counts. Every single week for almost two years, I have driven to the hospital, parked my......

WHAT IS LOSS

A cancer survivor describes her interpretation of a quote about loss by philosopher Marcus Aurelius. The impact of COVID-19 on our lives has been tremendous. Some of us have had enormous losses and said goodbye to loved ones. Others have lost a job or income. Still, others have recovered from COVID-19, but......

IS YOUR LIFE BEING RUN BY CANCER OR ARE YOU RUNNING YOUR LIFE?

Cancer survivor explains how she prevents an overwhelming and exhausting amount of doctor appointments from spoiling her appreciation for life. The short answer to this question (in my mind) is “it depends.” I think most of us are determined when we’re diagnosed with cancer and after undergoing our various treatments not to......

WORK STOP REPEAT – THE STORY OF CANCER SURVIVORS

A cancer survivor explains how she finds time to be productive while dealing with exhaustion. I have written several articles about slowing down. I find myself getting slower and slower as the years roll on. Now I have a new mantra: Work a little, Stop a little, Repeat. Along with the fatigue of having......

WE ARE STRONGEST WHERE WE ARE BROKEN

A cancer survivor explains how she applies the meaning of a book quote to life with cancer. I am a huge fan of books written by Louise Penny. I love mysteries and read them voraciously, but her novels are special. Because of my background with a Ph.D. in counseling, I like to......

HOW DOES A PATIENT WITH CANCER NOMINATE ONE NURSE?

A cancer survivor describes how oncology nurses have had a deep impact on her during treatment. Every year, CURE® asks the cancer community to nominate a favorite oncology nurse. I never have been able to do this and the reason is positive. Every oncology nurse is special – how can I possibly......