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!
Single or double mastectomy? I made this choice.
Which procedure is best? If it isn’t clear in your case, consider this.
I felt sick, ugly and weak. So I did this.
You can find little ways to feel beautiful, even in the midst of all the awful.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
For the newly diagnosed (or family members/caregivers) reading this, at a minimum, these are the questions to ask.
Before chemo round 1, do these things
I remember how I felt in those last few sleeps before my first chemo appointment.
It’s scary and lonely. You waffle about whether or not it’s even the right decision…
Best songs for cancer treatment appointments
A playlist for cancer treatment appointments can be a real comfort. Hello, welcome distraction and calming music!
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…
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 survivorship
When 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.
When things come in threes, and none of it is good
Don’t let anyone fool you; the fear never completely goes away.
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).
Ways to care for a friend going through cancer treatment
There are lots of ways to show support to a friend affected by cancer. Your time and your talents have the power to help heal!
Things not to say to someone dealing with cancer
These are the things not to say to someone who is fighting cancer. When my husband and I heard them, it usually had the opposite of the intended effect.
Best products for frizzy chemo hair
Frizzy chemo hair can be tamed. These two hair products made a huge difference for me. They also last a long time and are easy to use.
Channel your inner superhero
Regardless of your cancer type or treatment regimen, it’s all brutal. We can get by with a little help from our (superhero) friends.
Owning the hair loss process
This is why I had my head shaved before starting chemo.
These three things make all the difference with your chemo port
Have you ever thought about your second favorite flavor of chewing gum? Or if you have enough plastic wrap in the pantry? If not, now is the time.
If microblading your brows, timing matters (a lot).
You don’t realize how important these face framers are until they completely disappear. In my case it was seemingly overnight. Rude!
Be choosy when choosing your oncologist. Here’s why.
Your medical oncologist will be a critical part of your care team not only during active treatment but also for five to 10 years afterward.
What a difference a year makes!
Same beach, different me. A retrospective on the weirdest year of my life.
The thank you note that’s impossible to write
To the faith leader of our family, who sits me down to read Jesus Calling, to the rad dad who makes an ordinary night super fun, rocking out to cheesy music blaring from the smart speaker…
Love in the waiting
Praying with someone one on one is such an intimate gesture – indeed it’s something I find intimidating to do with others. Yet here is someone who did it for me, and I will carry that with me, paying it forward as I can.