by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | Cancer Journey
This post is all about my chemo nausea 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 of Adria was the worst regarding nausea and...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | Cancer Journey
Below is an outline of my progression of symptoms with chemo neuropathy and delayed onset neuropathy. Since I wasn’t originally sure this was a chemo problem, I wanted to provide you the details in case you experience something similar. This way you can act on it...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 4, 2023 | 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. Two of the biggest hurdles in recovering from these surgeries are the drains and the inability to raise your elbows above...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Oct 22, 2024 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | 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! Besides, what better way for a single, childless woman to...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Dec 3, 2023 | 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 Nov 27, 2024 | 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 retreats for cancer patients and...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | 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...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Adventure After Diagnosis
Have you ever come across one of those towns that totally surprised you with its charm? You had a reason to stop – perhaps a friend lives there, or it’s an easy mid-point in your trip – or maybe you were literally just passing through on your way to somewhere far more...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Cancer Journey
You will likely have nurses emphasizing to you the importance of hydration during cancer treatment, both chemo and radiation. But if you don’t, then please, allow me. (ahem) DRINK PLENTY OF WATER DURING CHEMO AND RADIATION!! I’m not a huge water...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Cancer Journey
First of all, allow me to state the importance of drinking plenty of water during treatment! That said, let’s move on to #2. No, for real, #2. Because if you’re reading this article, you’re likely going through chemo or about to go through chemo...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Adventure After Diagnosis
When you think of the Jersey Shore, what comes to mind? Spring breakers and party-goers? Ladies dressed to the nines in heels and miniskirts? Maybe just boardwalks and beachgoers? I had never been to New Jersey before, and I was excited to add a new...
by Beth DeLong | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Cancer Journey
Most people don’t like a one-upper. We’ve all met them – someone who always, regardless of the topic, has to have the final say. Perhaps she had the worst illness, or he had attended the best college, or she had the worst boyfriend, or he had the absolute bestest...
