Cancer Journey Blog Posts
Surviving Radiation Treatment
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...
My Mastectomy: One Year Later
“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...
Pinkwashing in October
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...
The Story of My Breast Cancer Diagnosis
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...
Cancer Retreat: First Descents
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...
The Ultimate List of Cancer Retreats in 2024
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...
10 Ways to Use Essential Oils During Cancer Treatment
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...
The Importance of Hydration During Cancer Treatment
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...
Chemo Side Effects: Constipation & Diarrhea
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...
Chemo Side Effects: Chemo Fatigue
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...
A Constellation of Scars
My radiation was put on hold for two days. Two days further behind schedule because my radiation marks had shifted and warped. Rather than a thin, straight line so my doctor could pinpoint my treatment down to the millimeter, I had a pudgy, drunken curve...
Cancer Retreat: Mary’s Place by the Sea
Along the Jersey Shore lies the modest, charming town of Ocean Grove. Its small-town feel and Victorian architecture seem a direct contrast to the stereotypical notion of a Jersey beach town. And yet this town, with its humble beginnings as a Methodist campsite in...