Cancer Journey Blog Posts

Why I Chose DIEP Flap Reconstruction

Why I Chose DIEP Flap Reconstruction

To flap, or not to flap?   Heck, that’s only part of the question. Even if you answer that and yes, thank you very much, I’d like flap reconstruction, now you have to decide which flap. TRAM flap? DIEP flap? Lat flap? (Who knew our bodies were so flappy?!)  ...

Chemo Side Effects for Adriamycin

Chemo Side Effects for Adriamycin

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 Adriamycin...

What Not to Say to a Cancer Survivor

What Not to Say to a Cancer Survivor

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...

I Have Cancer…. Now What??

I Have Cancer…. Now What??

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 feels. So I wanted to share...

Radiant Wrap: An Honest Review

Radiant Wrap: An Honest Review

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 during...

Cancer + Careers Conference and Resources

Cancer + Careers Conference and Resources

I had signed up for the Cancer + 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 + Careers conference...

100+ Things To Do During Quarantine

100+ Things To Do During Quarantine

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 at home when...

Chemo Side Effects: Vomiting and Nausea

Chemo Side Effects: Vomiting and Nausea

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...

6 Gifts for Chemo Patients

6 Gifts for Chemo Patients

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...

Chemo Side Effects: Neuropathy

Chemo Side Effects: Neuropathy

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...