Below you’ll find all the breast cancer posts I’ve written to date, on topics ranging from what to toss in your chemo bag to the more gritty stuff, like when depression creeps in and your usual “you-ness” comes to a screeching halt.
If you know anyone dealing with a new diagnosis, in active treatment, or trying to figure out survivorship – even if you’re a caregiver of someone walking any of these paths – consider me a resource if that would be helpful. We were put on this earth to help one another!
- Figuring out post Big C fitness (and asking for help)
Cancer (so far as I know) is squarely in the rearview mirror and I want to get back to feeling toned and trim and to enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing that I look as good as I feel. There is a bit of a reckoning that I’m working through though, and I don’t quite know what’s real and what’s an excuse. - How fast will my hair grow back after chemo?
If it helps you benchmark what to expect, understanding that everyone’s cancer is unique, our treatments were likely different, and that individual hair growth varies from person to person, here are pics and timeframes for my own hair regrowth, Year 1. - I don’t want to have a colonoscopy (and I’m doing it anyway)
Thinking of skipping your colonoscopy? Don’t. - Just because you’re bald doesn’t mean you can’t…
Rock a runway. In a wedding dress. With a fascinator attached to barely-there peach fuzz. - It’s probably nothing (but still get it checked)
Jelly bean sized lump of nothing? *crosses fingers and toes* - Should you exercise during chemo?
It depends. Mine was erratic, but I’m still glad I made time for it. - I declined this blood test. Here’s why.
If cancer cells are still circulating, I don’t want to know. - Scar tissue pain two years later? Yep, it’s a thing.
Be neither afraid nor ignorant when breast pain presents. - Ways to pass the waiting (for test results) time
You can fret or… you can find healthy ways to wait it out. I choose the latter. - What I wish I’d known about Taxol
You have options! Don’t suffer silently. - When in doubt, get it checked out
Being your own advocate isn’t just for active treatment. - Stop saying “that doesn’t apply to me”
We can all give of our time, our treasure, and our talents to bless those who are hurting. Share your gifts! - Tamoxifen thoughts, so far (1 year down, 4 to go)
I dreaded starting this medicine. Many months later, I’m glad I didn’t give up on it. - 8 of My Favorite Cancer Support Services
Here are some of the best cancer-related support resources around. - Essential supplies for your mastectomy
Whether the one facing this body-altering surgery is you, or someone close to you, mastectomies can be a scary and emotional procedure to think about. One way to calm the nerves is to focus on the practical ways you can be prepared for it. - How to pick a chemo bag and what to put in it
Here are the top 10 essentials to keep within reach of your infusion chair. - Staying vigilant in survivorshipWhen in doubt, get checked out
- The best skincare products to use during and after chemo
Where skincare and makeup are concerned, I have always been a minimalist. I want to look my best of course, but I’m also not one to waste a lot of time or money. - Where are the “good” breast cancer charities?
There are four organizations that I have gotten to know this year (so far), and they have captured my attention for all the right reasons. - Sentinel node injections and pre-op bracketing: what to know before you go
Taking four needles to the nipple is as painful as it sounds. Here’s how to deal. - Pink: Little color. Big emotions.
Love it or loathe it, pink is forever linked to breast cancer awareness. - If I go before you
Fear of recurrence is always in the back of any survivor’s mind. - If you decide to bring food, please do these two things first.
These are the absolute must-dos before you bring a meal or have one delivered. - Comfy headbands *do* exist!
Styling chemo hair is a challenge. These headbands make it easy and effortless – as bonus, they are super chic and affordable too! - If depression creeps in
When active treatment ends, things don’t just go back to normal (whatever that word even means).