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!
- It’s probably nothing (but still get it checked)
Jelly bean sized lump of nothing? *crosses fingers and toes* - Should you exercise during chemo?
Let me start by saying I am only sharing from my own experience. It’s my opinion only, not medical advice. And the best answer I can give you is both honest yet ambiguous. It depends. Including the breaks between infusions, I received chemo treatment for seven months. During that time, there were days when I… - 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! - Staying vigilant in survivorshipWhen in doubt, get checked out
- 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). - 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. - 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.