We know from Dr. Ethan Basch's work that those who track symptoms tend to have better outcomes. We know from behavioral science that being organized and systematic leads to feelings of control. From BJ Fogg's work we know that subtle nudges can help us learn new behaviors (e.g., not eating certain types of foods). Lastly, we know that staying grateful and hopeful can improve our ability to ride this cancer train.
Setting up your team after a cancer diagnosis is similar to managing a complex project at work. Think through the work streams - food, logistics, advocate, decision making, exercise etc. Give your loved ones a specific set of tasks. They'll feel better about concretely helping you. You'll get tangible support!
The ending of Herceptin marked the end of infusions. I went to the hospital every 3 weeks for 19 months. The infusions got progressively harder for me emotionally. It seemed like a never ending road. When I had my last infusion, it was as if an emotional dam was about to break. This blog piece is about closure, a new normal and the path forward.
The Big C's - Cancer and Covid took over my life. This blog is the first of my writings on the emotional roller coaster, the glimpses of normal, the new definitions of normal that my life took on.
What is radiation? Do I need it? What questions do I need to ask my doctor? How will it help me? What are the symptoms? How do I manage it? This post summarizes how to decide and plan for radiation.
Can the cancer journey be easeful? Easeful is the combination of peaceful and easy. This seems like the antithesis to the cancer journey. As a cancer survivor, I've gone from losing control over the fundamentals of my life, to evaluating which of these broken pieces I'd like to pick back up.
I created this planner while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Like many other cancer patients, the journey through diagnosis, treatment and thrivor-ship has been overwhelming, with good days and some terrible ones. This planner is meant to be a companion, a steadfast advisor through the cancer turmoil.
