Today was dark and gray, like many of Portland’s short winter days. It’s easy for my spirit to fade into the gray, bringing listlessness as the day wears on, even anxiety if I recall that this weather could go on until May or June. I have two strategies to deal with this. First, I take… Read More »
Fear of Recurrence and Cancer Prevention
“I get completely frozen by the fear.” “It’s like a cloud over me all the time.” “I worry that this holiday or camping trip may be my last.” These are some ways you described your fear of cancer recurrence during my recent survey. You’re not alone: research demonstrates that a convincing majority of cancer survivors… Read More »
Has Cancer Empowered You?
A survivor recently described cancer treatment to me as “walking through a maze blindfolded, with someone holding both your hands. When it ends they open a door and there’s just a wide open field. You have no idea which way to go.” Treatment’s tough, but typically you know exactly when to show up and who’s… Read More »
7 Common Mistakes Cancer Survivors Make & How to Avoid Them: Part 3
If you’ve ever flown in an airplane, you’ve heard this announcement before you exit: “Be careful when opening the overhead bin because objects may have shifted during flight”. After cancer treatment, parts of your life may have shifted and may not feel or look like they used to. Body image, relationships and career are just… Read More »
A Survivor Speaks Out
Today I received a thoughtfully written email from a survivor who’s been reading my “7 Common Mistakes Cancer Survivors Make” posts. She said she appreciated the content I’m sharing…but wished I wasn’t using the word “mistake”. Her point was that many survivors are already dealing with self-blame, and the word “mistake” comes across as harsh… Read More »