Jennifer A Douglas

Grief Is Part of the Breast Cancer Community

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:28:55 +0000

After breast cancer takes someone we love, we’re left to carry both grief and gratitude. In this reflection, I remember a friend, honor her life, and sit with the reality of loss within the breast cancer community.

The post Grief Is Part of the Breast Cancer Community appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

2026: New Year, New Mammogram

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:30:49 +0000

The New Year began for almost everyone on January 1st. But for me, it began when my annual mammogram results arrived...

The post 2026: New Year, New Mammogram appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

My Star Trek Moment: How AI Is Supporting Me in Breast Cancer Survivorship

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:48:56 +0000

After years of navigating breast cancer survivorship, I found myself wishing for something that could help me think more clearly and feel less overwhelmed. This post shares my “Star Trek moment” — when AI became a supportive tool in my survivorship. I walk through how it helps me ease mental fog, stay organized, and move through each day with more peace.

The post My Star Trek Moment: How AI Is Supporting Me in Breast Cancer Survivorship appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Progressive Christmas Decorating: Getting your Home Decorated While Preserving Your Energy!

Jennifer Douglas — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:47:03 +0000

Progressive Christmas decorating is all about prolonging the enjoyment of making the home festive, and also preserving your energy. It has been my secret for decorating the home for Christmas for years (even before breast cancer).

The post Progressive Christmas Decorating: Getting your Home Decorated While Preserving Your Energy! appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Cancer Treatment Over The Holidays

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:25:31 +0000

Cancer treatment doesn’t stop for the holidays. The appointments, treatments, and surgeries don’t take the month off. So, how do we look ahead to this holiday season while we are facing treatment?

The post Cancer Treatment Over The Holidays appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Podcast Appearance: The Many Faces of Cancer

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:21:37 +0000

I was a guest on The Many Faces of Cancer Podcast, hosted by Melissa Grosball. We talked about my DCIS experiences and writing my book.

The post Podcast Appearance: The Many Faces of Cancer appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

18 Breast Cancer Reflections Inspired By An 18- Inning World Series Game

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:31:44 +0000

Watching Game 3 of the World Series in 2025 was a long haul, full of tension, history, and ultimately victory by the Dodgers. In honor of the 18-inning World Series Game of 2025, here are 18 of my breast cancer reflections.

The post 18 Breast Cancer Reflections Inspired By An 18- Inning World Series Game appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 22:40:48 +0000

Feeling overwhelmed after a DCIS diagnosis? This comprehensive toolkit is your guide to navigating treatment decisions, building a support system, and managing recovery with clarity and confidence. Explore practical tools, personal insights, and resources to help you take your next steps with strength and support.

The post DCIS Toolkit: Your Newly Diagnosed Resource Hub appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

DCIS Patients: Your Access to Biomarker Testing is at Risk – Take Action Today

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:25:53 +0000

Medicare’s draft policy could take away coverage for DCIS biomarker testing—an important tool that helps patients and doctors make personalized treatment decisions. Without it, patients could face unnecessary treatment, miss critical care, or be forced to make life-changing choices without knowing their tumor biology. Learn why this matters and how you can help protect access for DCIS patients.

The post DCIS Patients: Your Access to Biomarker Testing is at Risk – Take Action Today appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

When Mastery Creates Margin: Rebuilding Routines and Rethinking Productivity After Breast Cancer

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:30:17 +0000

Productivity after breast cancer involves rebuilding our routines and embracing margin when we have time to rest. Do we add one more thing to our list, or do we choose to relax with the extra time we have?

The post When Mastery Creates Margin: Rebuilding Routines and Rethinking Productivity After Breast Cancer appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Managing Home Life During Breast Cancer: The Mental Load Doesn’t Pause for a Diagnosis

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 02:23:50 +0000

Breast cancer doesn’t press pause on the laundry, dinner, or school drop-offs. If you’re overwhelmed by the mental load of managing home life during treatment, this post offers honest reflections and simple ways to share the load—without guilt.

The post Managing Home Life During Breast Cancer: The Mental Load Doesn’t Pause for a Diagnosis appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Introducing Encourage: Breast Cancer and Beyond

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

When I was newly diagnosed, I longed for a space that could guide me through each step—with clear information, real support, and a place to ask the hard questions. That vision became Encourage—a survivor-led membership designed to support you from the moment of diagnosis through treatment and beyond. In this post, I’m sharing how it came to life and how it can support you today.

The post Introducing Encourage: Breast Cancer and Beyond appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Choosing Where My Energy Goes After Breast Cancer

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

After breast cancer, I realized I no longer had the energy to do everything I once did. The “both-and” life I used to manage became “either-or”—and that shift changed everything. In this post, I’m sharing how I began honoring my energy, making intentional choices, and letting go of the pressure to do it all.

The post Choosing Where My Energy Goes After Breast Cancer appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

The Sunday Reset That Changed My Week

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

I used to reset my week on Mondays—until I discovered the peace of a slower Sunday reset. Here’s how one small shift helped me start the week peacefully.

The post The Sunday Reset That Changed My Week appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Protecting and Preserving Your Well-Being

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 18:37:55 +0000

How do we protect and preserve our well-being during seasons of uncertainty and challenge? Sharing some helpful strategies and reflections in this post.

The post Protecting and Preserving Your Well-Being appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:52:58 +0000

When you’re told you have breast cancer and then offered a choice between surgeries, the weight of that decision can feel overwhelming. In this post, I’m sharing a clear, compassionate framework to help you move from confusion to clarity. Whether you’re deciding between lumpectomy and mastectomy—or simply trying to process your options—this guide walks through the steps I took (and now teach others) to make surgery decisions that feel informed, supported, and true to you.

The post Lumpectomy or Mastectomy appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Breast Ultrasounds: Why They’re Ordered & What It’s Like to Get One

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 09 May 2025 19:10:39 +0000

I’ve had more breast ultrasounds than I can count so, it’s easy to forget how unfamiliar they can feel at first. In this post, I’m sharing what they’re like, why they’re ordered, and a few ways to prepare that have helped me feel more at ease.

The post Breast Ultrasounds: Why They’re Ordered & What It’s Like to Get One appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Medical Anxiety

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:10:40 +0000

Medical anxiety doesn’t always end when treatment does. Sometimes it sneaks in during follow-up appointments, scan results, or even when supporting a loved one. In this post, I’m sharing how it showed up for me—and the tools I reach for when it does.

The post Medical Anxiety appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

When Good Results Don’t Feel Good

Jennifer Douglas — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:10:28 +0000

The scan results were in, and they were good. So why didn’t we feel the joy? We were overwhelmed, exhausted, and still had questions. This was supposed to be the finish line. Or was it?

The post When Good Results Don’t Feel Good appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Experiencing the Power of Community with the PreludeDx Team

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:47:41 +0000

When I stepped into the PreludeDx Sales Meeting, I expected to give a talk. What I didn’t expect was to feel like part of a team. This experience reminded me just how powerful patient communities can be—and how companies that truly listen to patients can make a real impact.

The post Experiencing the Power of Community with the PreludeDx Team appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Breast Cancer & Natural Disasters: Resource Guide

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:06:26 +0000

A breast cancer a natural disaster resource guide designed to help you access resources and get the help you're looking for.

The post Breast Cancer & Natural Disasters: Resource Guide appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

New Year, New Word: Focus

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:57:00 +0000

I’m not a New Year’s Resolution type of person. I don’t resonate with beginning-of-the-year goal setting. But, I have developed a practice over the last few years of choosing a word of intention to guide me as I enter the new year. In 2025, I’ve chosen focus. In 2024, I didn’t choose a word of intention. This was pretty fitting, especially as I reflect on a year full of many unforeseen challenges. As I find ways to reestablish rhythms and routines, I am inspired to choose a new word for this year. I’ve chosen “Focus” as my word for the year. Finding Focus after a Year of Unexpected Challenges 2024 was full of unexpected challenges. We took some amazing vacations, which were the highlights of the year. But life in between the vacations didn’t look anything like we had expected. The circumstances and challenges were overwhelming, confusing, and, at times, devastating. 2024 was a hard year, and I’m glad it is over. As I look ahead to a year that will bring its own challenges, I long for focus in my actions. Whether I’m sitting down to write a post, work on a project, share some thoughts on social media, or care for the things around the home, I want to fully focus on what I’m doing at the moment. In many ways, last year’s circumstances highlighted how important focus is. There were quite a few times when my family needed my full attention. I needed to cancel all my other obligations and be completely present. I’m grateful for the family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community who supported me when those times came. This year, I hope to harness the power of focus I learned during challenging times and apply it to my everyday life. Distraction is easy, especially digital distraction. Our phones are constantly with us, allowing us to easily divert our focus from the people and situations we are in. In 2025, I’m looking to find more focus in my everyday life. Setting the Stage for Successful Focus It is one thing to want to find focus in my life, but how do I set the stage for success? How do I ensure that I have the best opportunity to focus on each of the situations I’m in? It starts with understanding what I need in each of the situations I’m in. If I’m doing a routine task, like emptying the dishwasher or folding clothes, I can do that while holding a conversation, listening to a podcast, or watching a show. But, if I’m doing anything creative, such as writing, content creation, design, breast cancer support, or client work, I need to be engaged and focused at a much higher level. I lose my focus very quickly when there is any noise around me. In order to set the stage for successful focus, I need to understand what I need before I start the task. Do I need to turn off my notifications? Do I need to go somewhere and put in my headphones so I’m not distracted? Do I need to let my family know that I will be busy and unavailable for a certain period of time? Do I need to be intentional about when I am choosing to focus on a particular task? For me, when I choose to do a task can be critical to its success. I don’t write and create well after lunch. It is not my most creative time. And so if I put creative time after lunch, like writing, I will struggle. I can do other things like designing, house chores, meal planning, and meetings. But, if I want to create something out of nothing, I need to be intentional about when I do that. And so, for me, that’s before lunch. To set the stage for successful focus, I need to understand what will help me be the most effective with the time and energy I have. Circumstances Can Change Our Focus In 2024, circumstances changed my focus in unexpected ways. I began the year with a desire to write a second book. I even drafted a paragraph outline and started working on some chapters. But then, things drastically changed in February. My family required my full attention. The writing stopped, and my circumstances were no longer conducive to writing the book I thought I would write. I was frustrated with the challenges and my inability to keep up with the plan I had set in motion. I could not focus on my writing because I had more urgent matters to attend to. I was forced to focus on different things. And it was absolutely necessary. This fall, Dave was diagnosed with skin cancer after experiencing months of a missed diagnosis. Not only were we frustrated and angry at the circumstances that led to the situation, but he was now facing a much more involved treatment because it had progressed the entire year. Cancer changed our circumstances and our focus. Instead of having hours to write at my desk, I was navigating new doctors, travel time, radiation side effects, and processing my emotions about Dave’s treatment. I could look back at 2024 as the year I didn’t finish that book I wanted to write and shame myself for a “lack of productivity or drive.” But that wasn’t what happened. 2024 was a year our family showed up and met extreme challenges together. We came together, shifted focus, made difficult choices, and supported one another through it all. We focused on the circumstances as fully as we could. Tools for Focusing As I reached the end of 2024, I was exhausted from planning. I didn’t have the energy to write anything down. It was as if my “planning brain” was offline. The routines I’d established for work and home had been shelved during Dave’s radiation treatment. He was on medical leave and going to appointments every day. It felt hopeless to plan anything because I wasn’t sure it would happen. Trying to think and be strategic exhausted me. I had no energy to focus on anything other than getting through Dave’s treatment and Christmas. In fact, I didn’t buy a single gift until mid-December. Now that Dave has healed from the radiation and is headed back to work, I can feel my planning brain coming back online. I’m ready to reach for my tools again to help me focus. This morning, I sat down, took out a paper planner, and wrote down some goals for the next few months. Many years, I will use GoodNotes and set up a digital bullet journal. As I reflected on what would help me be intentional and focused, I kept feeling drawn to an analog tool. All too often, I get digitally distracted and end up scrolling posts on Instagram instead of focusing on my intentions for the day. A paper planner doesn’t send me notifications. And for me, right now, that is the kind of tool I need to help me focus. The tools and methods I use are less important than the consistency. Focus & Routines As I set the stage for focus in the new year, I have a strong desire to reorganize my weekly routines. I have often found that my weeks are really bunched up towards the end of the week. A lot of the work ends up landing on Fridays. I get to the end of the day on Friday much more exhausted than I’d like to be. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I can reorganize my weekly structure to have a more open schedule on Fridays. My routines should help support me, not imprison me. I don’t know exactly how I will reorganize my routines, but I know I’d like them to support me as I focus on creating and writing. The more I focus, the more I experience joy and purpose. Focus also lowers my anxiety. When I’m scattered and unfocused, I worry about what might happen. But when I take the time to focus on whatever is in front of me, I feel more empowered. I’m curious to know what you’re focusing on this year. Do you have a word of intention for the year? Do you prefer to set annual goals or resolutions? Perhaps you are where I was just a few months ago, and the idea of being intentional is exhausting. That is okay, too! Sometimes, success means getting through the next few minutes or hours. However you are approaching this year, I hope you feel encouraged and supported in your journey.

The post New Year, New Word: Focus appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Radiation, Again: Not the Journey We Expected

Jennifer Douglas — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:44:28 +0000

Radiation…again. This was not the journey we expected, especially as we approach the holiday season. And yet, here we are, orchestrating our days again around daily treatments. But, this time, it isn’t for me but for Dave. It took months to get to an accurate diagnosis. I won’t go into the nightmare here right now, but the short version is that the skin cancer on his ear had been misdiagnosed for the entire year. Finally, at the end of August, he got the real diagnosis. It was extensive skin cancer that had infiltrated through all layers of his skin, cartilage, and perhaps into the back of his ear. Wounds don’t close when they are cancerous. Cancer Decision-Making & Planning While on Vacation It didn’t matter what we felt; Dave needed to make a decision. As frustrated and angry as we both were on the journey to a diagnosis, there was no way to go back. Many hours were spent on the 405 getting down to his new care team, unpacking the treatment options, and living from moment to moment, never knowing when the latest bit of bad news was going to come via MyChart or over the phone. His options were surgery in the operating room because- it was too extensive to be treated with Moh’s or radiation. For some types of skin cancer, radiation can be curative. The surgeon recommended that Dave seek a second opinion with the radiation oncology team and see if that would be another treatment option. Before we left for France, he had two consultations with the radiation oncology team, who were very confident in the effectiveness of that treatment plan. After those consultations, Dave was leaning towards surgery. We left for our vacation to France with a surgery date on the calendar. Then, we kept noticing more changes on the skin. More areas were bubbling and bleeding. Was the cancer more widespread? We sent photos and messaged his team from France. With the possible increase in the scope of his cancer, he needed more appointments and possibly more biopsies. Communication was disjointed and hampered with the time change. We needed to get on the phone several evenings to schedule appointments and get our questions answered. Once the appointments were scheduled, there was nothing more to do except enjoy our vacation (and try not to have too much cancer anxiety) The Change from Surgery to Radiation We returned from vacation, relaxed, jet-lagged, and dove back into cancer decision-making. The cancer was much more widespread than it had appeared to be. Instead of removing a small section of the ear, leaving a pathway for reconstruction, the surgeon intended to amputate the top two-thirds of the ear to remove the cancer with clear margins. There wasn’t going to be anything left to reconstruct. We were horrified. As Dave discussed possible reconstruction options with the plastic surgeon, it became clear that radiating was the only way to preserve any cosmesis. We left the appointment, rode the elevator downstairs, and let the radiation team know that he’d decided on radiation. Newly Diagnosed? Grab my Free Workbook! Cancer is overwhelming, and sometimes it is hard to keep track of all of the details. If you’d like to explore my free workbook, sign up here and I’ll sent it over to you! GET YOURS HERE From Treatment Decision to Radiation Mapping in Less Than 24 Hours We had just returned home after slogging through LA traffic when Dave’s phone rang. The local radiation office, where he would be treated, had a mapping and planning appointment the following day. Less than 24 hours after making a treatment decision, he was lying down on the radiation table getting his mask fitted. There was no more cancer-decision anxiety but plenty of shared treatment anxiety to go around. Reflections on the Radiation Journey So Far As we have been walking through this, I’ve been reflecting on my social media accounts (@mmejendouglas). Here are some of my radiation reflections thus far. On the Eve of Treatment: Cancer doesn’t take a vacation. As we were enjoying our time in Nice, we were also dealing with cancer decisions. Tomorrow, Dave begins radiation treatment for skin cancer on his ear. It will be a long treatment regime, as the cancer is widespread and has penetrated much of his ear, including the cartilage. He will have 33 treatments. Radiation offers him the opportunity to preserve the ear. The surgical option was an amputation. As I navigate the waters of caregiver and not patient, I remember my own radiation experience. The anxiety is present and real. So is the sleep deprivation. Tomorrow, Dave’s treatment begins. Cancer is hard. The decisions are not easy. Neither one seemed like a good choice. It took many appointments for Dave to unpack the options and make his choice. Now, his treatment journey begins. Day One: It’s been five years since my radiation treatment. Today was day one for my husband. His treatment will go for a total of 33 treatments. This is going to be a long haul. I am exhausted & weary. My lived experience reminds me the side effects will be cumulative. Cancer is hard. Week One Reflection: About this week… It was hard. So much about Dave starting radiation was activating. I remember what it was like to be alone in a room while the radiation hit me. Doing it over and over again seared both my skin and also my soul. It’s hard to watch him experience it. The impact on his skin, his body, and his mental well-being is real. As we began to settle into a new routine this week, I realized my repeating calendar events weren’t serving me. I’m not really sure when I’ll be up to writing or laundry or other things. Rather than having those reminders of pre-treatment life sitting on my calendar, talking to me, I threw them out. Right now, we have a different pace. And that’s what life needs today. Slower. Gentler. Calmer. One week down. Five and a half to go. Week Two: Week 2 of radiation treatment is done for Dave. We are settling into a routine, and he is tolerating the treatment. Unfortunately, the office was running behind schedule for most of the week, so the round trips took longer… It isn’t fun, and the skin impacts are real. This week was full of non-cancer challenges (a blocked sewer drain), which added complexity and challenge. We are already emotionally drained and then to have the house problem on top of it wasn’t fun. It got fixed quickly by our awesome plumbers, and we moved on. I’m grateful for the quick resolution to a frustrating problem. Watching the Dodgers win the World Series was amazing! I am a huge baseball fan and watched almost the entire Dodgers postseason. It was such a wonderful and joyful moment to share with Dave and Ken! We are heading into the weekend, which means two days off treatment! Yay! Week 3: Day One The week has begun again, and so does treatment. I woke up with a feeling of dread, knowing that he has five more to go this week. Today will mark one-third done. So many more to go. The journey continues.

The post Radiation, Again: Not the Journey We Expected appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

My DCISionRT Test Results: A Radiation Reflection Five Years in the Making

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:27:35 +0000

I was diagnosed with DCIS in 2019 at age 41 and chose a lumpectomy followed by radiation. With the information I had during my decision-making process, radiation made sense. At the time, I didn’t know about DCISionRT.

The post My DCISionRT Test Results: A Radiation Reflection Five Years in the Making appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Vaginal Estrogen: Low Dose, High Impact

Jennifer Douglas — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 19:03:51 +0000

It is one thing to write about how vaginal estrogen can be safe and highly effective. It quite another thing to experience it first-hand!

The post Vaginal Estrogen: Low Dose, High Impact appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

My Favorite Post-Lumpectomy Bra (even years after breast cancer)

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:48:42 +0000

It has been years since my lumpectomy and I still wear my Molly Plunge Bra. It's excellent for recovery, radiation treatment, and life after breast cancer.

The post My Favorite Post-Lumpectomy Bra (even years after breast cancer) appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Enhancing Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivorship: Updated Guidance From ASCO

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

What is the latest in early-stage breast cancer survivorship? In May 2024, ASCO—the American Society for Clinical Oncology—updated its educational book in light of the newest technologies and research. This educational book is free and available for anyone to read!

The post Enhancing Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivorship: Updated Guidance From ASCO appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Getting Organized During Breast Cancer: Keeping Track of the Details

Jennifer Douglas — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:43:05 +0000

How can we keep track of all the details during our breast cancer treatment? In this sponsored post with Healthgrades, I share my organizational tips with you.

The post Getting Organized During Breast Cancer: Keeping Track of the Details appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

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

Jennifer Douglas — Fri, 31 May 2024 23:01:09 +0000

What is it like to get a skin biopsy for a suspicious lesion on your nose? Here's how to be prepared for what might happen during your appointment.

The post What is it Like to Get a Skin Biopsy for (potential) Skin Cancer— on your nose? appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.

Happy Birthday to “A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time”

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 23 May 2024 12:11:12 +0000

May 23, 2024, marks the one-year birthday of " A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time.” How is it possible that it has already been a year? I'm not sure, but I couldn’t let this important date pass by without acknowledging it!

The post Happy Birthday to “A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time” appeared first on Jennifer A Douglas.