Our cancer story is like millions of others. We certainly aren’t special. But we certainly are scared, broken, traumatized, frustrated, angry and sad. We are also hopeful, grateful, strong, supported and full of life. My husband, Thomas, was diagnosed with stage IVB pancreatic cancer in June 2018. He was 56 years old. There is no … Continue reading What I’ve learned watching my husband fight pancreatic cancer
Most of us have experienced cancer from at least one perspective — as a family member or friend, a caregiver, a patient or perhaps a volunteer. Each perspective is different, like looking through a prism. My story links all of these. My journey with cancer began as that of a loved one. My mother-in-law and … Continue reading Why I became a patient navigator
One of the first lessons I learned starting out as a young chaplain 23 years ago was to listen. My experienced supervisor assured me that the patients I encounter will be some of the wisest people with whom I’d ever have the privilege of conversing. He was right, and I’ve been listening ever since — … Continue reading 5 lessons cancer patients have taught me about faith
When you hear the word “heartburn,” you probably don’t immediately make the leap to “cancer.” But Sam Douglass does. It’s easy to dismiss that uncomfortable burning in your chest as the inevitable consequence of a particularly heavy meal, but chronic heartburn is more serious than you may realize. Though still rare, esophageal cancer related to … Continue reading How this man’s heartburn led to cancer
We all experience the occasional bout of heartburn, or acid reflux, especially after a particularly large or fatty meal. Although uncomfortable, that burning sensation in your chest likely doesn’t cause much concern. But did you know that heartburn has actually been linked to esophageal cancer? Chronic heartburn, often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, … Continue reading Chronic heartburn linked to one of the fastest-growing cancers in America
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 21 years old. Like most 20-somethings, I was innocent, carefree and just trying to figure out my place in this world. Cancer was nowhere close to being on my radar. But before you start throwing me a pity party, don’t. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 21 hasn’t … Continue reading 5 things I’ve learned fighting breast cancer in my 20s
Thanks to the keto diet, Whole 30 and other “fad diets,” the majority of our nutrition-related conversations tend to revolve around macronutrients — carbohydrates, fats and proteins — as well as added sugar and highly-processed foods. (All good things to pay attention to.) But what about dietary fiber? I’d venture to guess that you don’t … Continue reading Is fiber the secret to a healthier gut?
Would you be surprised to hear that almost half of all colorectal cancer diagnoses could be prevented with simple lifestyle changes? As colon cancer is on the rise among younger populations, it’s time to take a closer look at how we’re living. It’s those little choices we make every day that determine our future health. … Continue reading 7 simple steps to lower your risk of colon cancer
At 35 years old, I defined myself as a mortgage analyst, wife and mother. I never expected to add colon cancer survivor to that list, especially at this age. But I soon found myself part of the “invisible generation” of cancer patients — too old for pediatrics, but too young for traditional adult cancer care. … Continue reading I’m part of the “invisible generation” of young adults with cancer
As a doctor, I’m used to being the one with the answers, the one doing the comforting, the one instilling hope. But as a breast cancer survivor, I also know what it’s like to be on the other side of the equation — to be the one searching for answers, the one in need of … Continue reading When the doctor becomes the breast cancer patient
