by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
It’s pretty much a universally known fact that undergoing chemotherapy sucks. You don’t feel well, you’re tired, and there’s a whole lot more of your body that’s affected than just cancer cells. Hence, it’s helpful to know potential chemo side effects for...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
What in the world do you say to a friend who just told you they have cancer? Answers on this can vary. But I can certainly give you some idea of what NOT to say to a cancer survivor. Remember when you were in middle school and you’d have those school dances...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Welp, that was unexpected, wasn’t it? You’re minding your own business, doing this thing called life, and then BAM! You find yourself at the doctor’s office thinking, “I have cancer… now what??” I’ve been there. I know how disorienting it...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Like many people, I purchased several items I thought would be helpful for cancer treatment. We want to be prepared, after all. It’s one way we can have control during a situation that otherwise feels so far beyond our control. One of the items I bought...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
I had signed up for the Cancer and Careers Conference not really sure what to expect. Sure, I figured they’d help me update my resume, but beyond that? All I knew was I had no idea what I’d do when I had to re-enter the workforce. The Cancer and Careers...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Coronavirus is really putting a damper on our social lives isn’t it? Plans are canceled, restaurants and bars are closed, vacations postponed or canceled… And on top of all that we’re supposed to be practicing social distancing and being quarantined...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
This post is all about my experience with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on Adriamycin. Thankfully, I didn’t experience any nausea on Taxol. Regardless of what chemo drug you’re on, these details and tips can help you! The first session...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
When a friend is going through cancer treatment, especially something as rough as chemo, it can be hard to know what to say or do to help. You know it’s going to be a rough few months for her, but what can you do?? Even simple gifts for chemo patients can fill the...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Below is an outline of my progression of symptoms with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and delayed onset neuropathy. Since I wasn’t originally sure this was a chemo problem, I wanted to provide you with the details in case you experience something similar. This way...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Whether you’re preparing for a mastectomy or reconstructive surgery, there are certain items you can have on hand to make life easier at home, like the HealinComfort mastectomy shirt! Two of the biggest hurdles in recovering from these surgeries are the drains and the...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Note: This page contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. No one is excited to hear they have to have radiation therapy. No one. Ever. Yes, it’s a lifesaving treatment (kind of...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Adventure After Diagnosis
It’s the week of Halloween. The trees are at their peak of fall colors. And it’s a lovely day! Perhaps the last decent day before rain and cold weather settle in. Sounds like a good day for a road trip to Moonville Tunnel! Besides, what better way for a single,...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Adventure After Diagnosis
I had to chuckle at the couple hundred people standing outside the Ohio Village gates. It was a Saturday morning, almost 9am, and the line of people all wore the same facial expression: part excitement, part impatience, part zombie. It was well past the time most of...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
“My body will never look like this again.” I said that to myself numerous times leading up to my single mastectomy on October 17th. To try and preserve the moment, I attempted (and failed) to photograph myself in that “Insta-worthy” pose, capturing the female...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and its 31 days of pink ribbons have mixed thoughts amongst survivors. Personally, at least this year, I’m all for it. It feels like a second birthday party because this last year was rough. I have milestones to celebrate, life to...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
We all have a story behind our breast cancer diagnosis. Some are encouraging – doctors who believed our symptoms and advocated for us. Others are horrific – patients repeatedly being sent away, told their symptoms mean nothing. Only after a couple years of advocating...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Adventure After Diagnosis
It was our first day of Rogue River kayaking. We had already been fitted for our gear – helmet, PFD, kayak, and skirt. And now we were to get a feel for putting it all together. As with many water sports, this first day was to be spent in a more protected section of...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 | Cancer Journey
I’ve started and restarted this post at least 50 times, at least in my head. The sticking point is not in telling you about the program, or why you should absolutely, without doubt get involved with First Descents. That’s the easy part. But when I start...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 | Cancer Journey
There are an incredible number of people and organizations out there bringing renewed life or adventure (or both!) to those diagnosed with and affected by cancer. Through donations and support, many of these organizations provide FREE cancer retreats for patients and...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 | Cancer Journey
I was willing to use just about anything to help me get through chemo and radiation! So when my sister suggested I incorporate essential oils during cancer treatment to aid with side effects, I was all over it. Caveat: Essential oils during cancer treatment can...
