Comments for Jennifer A Douglas

Comment on What is it Like to Get a Skin Biopsy for (potential) Skin Cancer— on your nose? by DEBBIE S

DEBBIE S — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:56:49 +0000

Thank you for this post! I just had my referral appointment with a dermatologist on 2 days ago. I timed the appointment knowing there was a possibilty they could be cutting into my nose that day. It was still very overwhelming and upsetting. And wow, two needles in the nose to freeze it was NOT fun. I had a punch biopsy and it looks pretty awful. The most helpful tip I took away from reading this was the pac man bandaid. The edges of the little round bandaid would not form to the end of my nose. Cutting out the little wedge is a game changer. So thank you for the tips and thank you for sharing your story.

Comment on 18 Breast Cancer Reflections Inspired By An 18- Inning World Series Game by Elsa Gutierrez-Aviles

Elsa Gutierrez-Aviles — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 02:23:37 +0000

Thank you for this ! I can totally relate to your 18 reflections. I was going through my breast cancer journey during the 2020(covid ) World Series. That series kept my mind occupied and distracted from the cancer scare. Your 18 reflections truly hit me hard( in a positive way) ! Thank you

Comment on Scanxiety Supports: Before, During, and After by 2026: New Year, New Mammogram - Jennifer A Douglas

2026: New Year, New Mammogram - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:31:07 +0000

[…] mammogram (December 2025 or January 2026), I was careful to consider when I wanted to feel the scanxiety and deal with a possible […]

Comment on One Year Cancerversary: My Diagnosis Day by 2026: New Year, New Mammogram - Jennifer A Douglas

2026: New Year, New Mammogram - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:30:52 +0000

[…] 2026 marks six and a half years since the abnormal mammogram found my DCIS and six years since I finished […]

Comment on On Tamoxifen: Sharing My Patient Experience by My Star Trek Moment: AI After Breast Cancer

My Star Trek Moment: AI After Breast Cancer — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:50:57 +0000

[…] for the mental fog of breast cancer. I remember sitting in my French class shortly after starting tamoxifen. Suddenly, I realized I was struggling to find the words. I felt mentally foggy — partly from the […]

Comment on Getting Into The Daily Radiation Routine by Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:32:53 +0000

In reply to Stacy Walling. I am glad that this helped you! Hope radiation goes smoothly for you. ((Hugs))

Comment on Getting Into The Daily Radiation Routine by Stacy Walling

Stacy Walling — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:41:00 +0000

I start radiation today and I’ve been so nervous. I had DCIS stage one, underwent a bilateral mastectomy with a DIEP flap, and finished chemo (my bald head is growing a little peach fuzz), yet now that it’s time for radiation, I’m super anxious. This list helped calm me down and get me in the right state of mind. Thank you!!

Comment on 18 Breast Cancer Reflections Inspired By An 18- Inning World Series Game by Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:09:52 +0000

In reply to Carolyn Thomas. Carolyn, Thank you for sharing your recent experiences dealing with breast cancer. What a shock, especially since you already had such a life-altering heart attack 17 years ago. I think your Heart Sisters will understand! You are going through quite the marathon of breast cancer treatments. I hope your upcoming surgery goes smoothly and you can rest and recover for the next phase in your treatment. Take care and sending you lots of encouragement along the way I had fun writing this post, thanks for commenting!! Warmly, Jen

Comment on 18 Breast Cancer Reflections Inspired By An 18- Inning World Series Game by Carolyn Thomas

Carolyn Thomas — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:52:13 +0000

Hello Jennifer,
I’m so glad that Marie O’Connor mentioned your site today on her weekly Roundup – which led me to your very clever twist on that now-famous 18-inning game (although I was not glad about that game’s winning outcome over our beloved Toronto Blue Jays! Maybe next year!!! Go Jays! I was so impressed that you were able to come up with 18 creative links between baseball and breast cancer. Brilliant!

I’m a recently-diagnosed breast cancer patient (invasive ductal carcinoma, diagnosed on April 1st) here on the beautiful west coast of Canada. I never saw this new diagnosis coming – after having survived a misdiagnosed ‘widow-maker’ heart attack 17 years ago – which I assumed would be the cause of death published in my obituary some day!) I’m guessing my longtime “Heart Sisters” readers might prefer more of the heart-related content they’ve been used to on Sunday mornings!

But lately I can’t NOT write about my current life with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma, diagnosed on April 1st of this year) finished 6 rounds of brutal chemotherapy, with 11 more rounds of immunotherapy to go. Mastectomy scheduled for November 25th.

I’m guessing my longtime regular readers might prefer more of the heart-related content they’ve been used to reading for years on Sunday mornings! 🙂

Unlike a heart attack or any other medical crisis (in which you’d feel horrible until you get treated), I didn’t feel sick at all when I was diagnosed with cancer – right up until my cancer treatments started.

Thanks for your wonderful baseball post – and also your very wise Christmas post, too!
cheers,
Carolyn Thomas
Victoria, BC Canada

Comment on Skincare During Radiation Treatment by My Favorite Post-Lumpectomy Bra (even years after breast cancer)

My Favorite Post-Lumpectomy Bra (even years after breast cancer) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:13:22 +0000

[…] I wrote a more extensive post about wearing this bra for radiation here. […]

Comment on Lumpectomy 2022: Another Step In The In-Between by My Two Favorite Lumpectomy Recovery Bras

My Two Favorite Lumpectomy Recovery Bras — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:12:59 +0000

[…] Rora Recovery Bras were my go-to bras during my 2022 recovery. They were so soft and comfortable to wear. I never felt itchy or uncomfortable in […]

Comment on Eighteen-Month Imaging after my Lumpectomy: Bilateral Mammogram with a Surprise Ultrasound by Do You Have Dense Breasts? - Jennifer A Douglas

Do You Have Dense Breasts? - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:10:31 +0000

[…] two of the most commonly used imagining modalities for women with dense breasts. I have had many follow-up ultrasounds after my mammograms. Some of my diagnostic mammogram appointments have moved into ultrasound […]

Comment on Lumpectomy Day: Sharing My Patient Experience on Surgery Day by My Two Favorite Lumpectomy Recovery Bras

My Two Favorite Lumpectomy Recovery Bras — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:10:16 +0000

[…] If you are looking for a cotton, comfortable, and cost-effective recovery bra, the Fruit of the Loom front-closure bra (Affiliate Link on Amazon) is a great one to have in stock. This bra comes in a few colors and is available on Amazon. I wore these bras quite a bit during my recovery from surgery in 2019. […]

Comment on How to Understand Your Mammogram Results by Do You Have Dense Breasts? - Jennifer A Douglas

Do You Have Dense Breasts? - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:00:40 +0000

[…] have a scale to describe breast density on a mammogram report. This scale assigns a letter to our breasts based on the combination of fatty, fibrous, and […]

Comment on Breast Imaging Focus: What is a Screening Mammogram? by Do You Have Dense Breasts? - Jennifer A Douglas

Do You Have Dense Breasts? - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:51:06 +0000

[…] how do we find out about our breast density? It all starts with our mammogram. The mammogram can detect our unique combination of tissue and reveal if it is more fatty or dense. […]

Comment on Treatment Text Shortcuts in iOS: A Quick and Easy Way to Update Your Cancer Support Team by DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas

DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:32:09 +0000

[…] Treatment Text Updates: Keeping your loved ones informed without exhausting yourself is key. This post shares how to use text updates to stay connected while conserving your energy. […]

Comment on Diagnosed with DCIS- What Are The Treatment Options? by DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas

DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:31:53 +0000

[…] DCIS Treatment Options: What does treatment for DCIS look like? From surgery to radiation, this post provides an overview of the current options available, helping you feel more informed and prepared as you navigate your next steps. […]

Comment on Walking Through Cancer Fatigue During Radiation Treatment by DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas

DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 22:41:25 +0000

[…] Dealing with Fatigue: Fatigue is a normal part of the breast cancer journey, but for me, it was one of the hardest challenges to face. In this post, I share how I adjusted my routines, prioritized my energy, and gave myself permission to rest without guilt. […]

Comment on Ask For Help When You Need It! by DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas

DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 22:41:09 +0000

[…] Ask for Help: Asking for help can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most important things you can do right now. This post shares strategies for reaching out and embracing the support you need. […]

Comment on What is DCIS: Stage 0 Breast Cancer by DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas

DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub - Jennifer A Douglas — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 22:40:54 +0000

[…] What is DCIS: You’ve been diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer—but what does that actually mean? This post breaks down DCIS in simple, clear terms so you can better understand your diagnosis and what it means for you. It’s the perfect place to start. […]

Comment on What is DCIS: Stage 0 Breast Cancer by Diagnosed with DCIS- What Are The Treatment Options?

Diagnosed with DCIS- What Are The Treatment Options? — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:03:32 +0000

[…] question of which types of DCIS need to be treated aggressively and which can be safely monitored is the subject of many ongoing […]

Comment on Breast Biopsy: Preparation and Recovery by K

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:23:59 +0000

I’m 2 weeks out from a mammogram guided core needle biopsy and didn’t realize my breast would still be bruised, swollen and sore. I did work the next day but iced frequently throughout the day and worried about people noticing my lopsided breasts since one was so swollen. While the scar is just a tiny spot, there’s a lot of internal damage from this biopsy. I have a dimple on the underside of my breast while the top (where they did the biopsy) is swollen with a big knot under the incision that should go away in a couple more weeks according to the discharge instructions. It took over a week to sleep comfortably. I wish I knew better what to expect because all the information says things like “minimally invasive”, “no down time”, ” you may have some bruising”. I do bruise easily but wasn’t expecting my entire breast to look like it had been through a meat tenderizer. When I asked how much tissue would be removed, I was told “It’s really not very much.” 10 cores 2 cm long and 6 mm wide seems like a lot of tissue to me. Would I do it again? Yes. It’s the only way to find out if microcalcifications are cancerous. Would I have liked to have been better prepared? Yes. I feel like a stereotactic core needle biopsy is misrepresented as not being a big deal physically when it is.

Comment on Wire Guided Localization Before Lumpectomy by Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:33:37 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Douglas. I am actually going for this procedure tomorrow. I am terrified!!! I am not good with needles so I hope its quick and painless. Thank you for you description of your experience. It helps knowing others went thru it. I wish they would use the other way without the wire to find the lump. Your already stressed then you have to go thru this before you even get the surgery. I hope you are doing well now. God bless you always.

Comment on Recovery Process for my Herniated Disc by Andy

Andy — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:31:12 +0000

Hey there,
Just wondering if you still have tingling in your finger. I also herniated by c7 … just wondering where you are today with your healing process. Thank you!

Comment on The Sunday Reset That Changed My Week by Rethinking Productivity After Breast Cancer

Rethinking Productivity After Breast Cancer — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:30:22 +0000

[…] laundry was going in the background. I had moved through most of my Sunday reset tasks when a thought popped into my head: Maybe I should add dusting off the patio furniture to the […]

Comment on Change the Environment: How a $6 “Red Thing” Solved a Big Problem in the Kitchen by Managing Home Life During Breast Cancer

Managing Home Life During Breast Cancer — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 02:23:56 +0000

[…] After the fight (and a few deep breaths), Dave came up with a solution: a bright red jar opener that sits in the sink. If the red thing is there, it means the dishwasher is clean—and dishes go in. It’s an unmistakable stop sign. (You can read more about that in this post.) […]

Comment on Post-Surgical Swirl: Emotions During Recovery by Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:06:36 +0000

In reply to Claire Wigman. Claire, I am so grateful that this was helpful. Wishing you all the best as you are walking through recovery!

Comment on Lumpectomy Day: Sharing My Patient Experience on Surgery Day by Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:05:42 +0000

In reply to Michelle Wild. Michelle, I am so glad my post was helpful for you and that your post-op has gone well! Take care and wishing you all the best during your recovery!

Comment on Protecting and Preserving Your Well-Being by Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:04:55 +0000

In reply to Nancy Stordahl. Nancy, Thanks so much for the note. These overwhelming seasons come and go, and this summer is one where we definitely didn't expect the problems that showed up. Thankfully, we are moving through them, and only the car was totalled, not my son! Take care, and let me know if journaling or reading helps you when you wake up in the middle of the night.

Comment on The Sunday Reset That Changed My Week by Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:02:55 +0000

In reply to Sandy Keys. Sandy, I am so glad this was helpful! Cooking and meal planning is hard- especially when you are away from the house for so long. I hope that you're able to work out a new rhythm that makes sense for your new job!