This year, I made it one of my personal missions to reach more women through my writing. I wanted to get the message out that more of us are living longer and living well with metastatic breast cancer.
Before 2006, I didn’t even know what the word “metastatic” meant. By the end of that year, it was a word that terrified... Read more
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, in January 2006, I was given an envelope full of information, pamphlets about available resources, a calendar (to track all the appointments) and a journal for chronicling, “my breast cancer journey.”
While I had kept a journal for brief periods of my life in the past (and most... Read more
1-Arrive at hospital. Settle in to waiting room with two 500ml cups (1000ml equals a little more than two pints) filled with liquid that looks like water but has an odd metallic taste.
2-Drink the liquid over the next 90 minutes, while ignoring scary poster outlining risks of contrast dye with which you are about to be... Read more
I regularly answer questions about breast cancer symptoms and treatment here at MyBreastCancerNetwork.com. Very often, the questions are from women who have a lump in their breast or some other symptom and they are very understandably worried.
I always try to be as understanding as possible. After all, I have been exactly where they are and know... Read more
If I Were Queen of the World:
No cancer patient would go through treatment alone. Everyone would have an advocate assigned to them who would help with coordination of care, give advice as to resources and even hold a hand through treatment.
Every social worker would be trained to meet the needs of a range of patients. They... Read more
