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Most of you know I’ve been battling metastatic breast cancer for nearly two years. Earlier this week, we received the shocking news that my sister also has breast cancer. Linda is one year older than me and my only sibling.

The main reason this came as such a shock is that I had genetic testing done after my diagnosis. They looked at genes for over 100 types of cancer, and not a single one showed a mutation that would put me (or my family) at an increased risk for cancer. While statistics show one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, I never in a million years imagined it would strike both my sister and me.

[Read more…] about Sad And Unexpected News

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After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer last year, I promised to share what I learn along the way. (You can find my story in the cancer journey tab on the sidebar.) Today I have two more lessons I believe you’ll find helpful.

1. Be careful what you suggest

Over the past several months, a few people have shared advice on how they believe I should manage my cancer treatment side effects. I know they mean well. They see me hurting, and they want to make things better.

[Read more…] about 2 More Lessons From My Cancer Journey

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

The past month has been another roller coaster on my cancer journey. As has happened in the past, my treatments work for a while, and then I run into complications. After lab tests, a PET scan, another biopsy, and visits with my oncologist, I started yet another new medication regimen last Friday.

Because of the ups and downs of my cancer and the related treatments, I haven’t been able to work since March 2021. (For those of you who are new to my blog, I’m an RN by trade, and I also love to serve as a volunteer at nursing homes. My diagnosis has put both roles on hold.)

[Read more…] about Is It Time To Hang Up My Stethoscope?

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted an update. That’s because things have been pretty stable over the past few months. Cancer has become more like a chronic condition for me rather than an acute illness.

When I was first diagnosed, I told you I would look for lessons to be learned from cancer and share them with you. If you click on the “cancer journey” tab on my blog, you can read about some of those lessons.

Today I’ll share another lesson, hoping my thoughts will help you support a friend, family member, or one of your nursing home residents living with a chronic illness.

[Read more…] about My One-Year Cancer Anniversary