cancer

Coping with Cancer and a Pandemic on my 5 year "Cancerversary"

Coping with Cancer and a Pandemic on my 5 year "Cancerversary"

If you are a cancer survivor, a lot of this pandemic chaos probably feels remotely familiar. Anxiety over health and uncertainty, financial woes, the spreading of misinformation, the fear of impending viral doom- these emotions can be triggering and send us over the PTSD cliff. I’ve already had a few meltdowns.

If you haven’t had a major health crisis in your life yet, you’re getting a taste of the emotional world of those of us who’ve dealt or are dealing with cancer. Here are some coping tools and mindsets that have helped me get through my own personal health crisis.

Support a Loved One Through Cancer Treatment

Support a Loved One Through Cancer Treatment

“Supporting someone you love through cancer treatment really doesn’t take a lot of effort. By simply being a shoulder to cry on, a heart to listen, and hands willing to help, you are making a real difference in the life of your loved one. Even something as simple as letting them know you’re there can help them stay strong. So show your support in whatever capacity works for you. Just be there."

PLC20: An Open Letter to Tim Howard and Cremo

PLC20: An Open Letter to Tim Howard and Cremo

"November is commonly known as No Shave November, a month for men to grow their beards freely. What's less well-known, but infinitely more important, is the why. It was originally designed as a month to spread awareness about men's cancers and health. The creators? A family who lost a father and a husband to colon cancer. 

Unfortunately, on social media, it's become an excuse for men to skip shaving their beards and to instead post vain pictures for a month. We must do better, and in fact I have a few ideas on how to get the ball rolling. But this letter isn't about me. It's about you. 

You are part of the problem."

Breast Cancer as Fairy Tale

Breast Cancer as Fairy Tale

As October rolls along, with its endless pink ribbons and pep rallies for breast cancer awareness, Andersen’s old tale comes to mind as an apt metaphor for what it is like to live with breast cancer. If you go to one of the pep rallies, also known as “Race for the Cure” events put on by Komen, you may be left with the impression that breast cancer is an illness akin to a bad case of the flu. Go to the doctor, do a bit of treatment, maintain a super-duper attitude and voila! you are a “Survivor.” Good as new, bye-bye cancer.