Emotions
Emotions are a key component to our well being. They can signal to us that there is something wrong with a situation. It is important to listen to our emotions, but at the same time, not let them take us over. I write about listening and tuning in to your emotions, and about techniques to help you manage them.
-
Medical Anxiety
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.
-
When Good Results Don’t Feel Good
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?
-
Managing Anxiety Before Breast Cancer Doctor’s Appointments: What I’ve Learned
I feel anxiety every time I have a breast cancer doctor’s appointment on the calendar. It doesn’t matter what kind of appointment it is— I can count on the scanxiety. In this sponsored post with HealthGrades, I share how I manage my anxiety as the appointments approach.
-
Persisting Through Our Breast Cancer Storms
Breast cancer can often feel like a torrential rainstorm. How do we persist through the storm of treatment and recovery?
-
2023: My Four-year Cancerversary. 4 Things I’ve Learned
Four years have passed since I heard, “You have breast cancer.” In honor of my cancerversary this year, I decided to share four things I’ve learned about cancer since my diagnosis.
-
Biopsies and Anxiety: Acknowledging and Accepting Our Emotions
Breast biopsies can be an anxiety-provoking procedure for us. If thinking about a biopsy makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone.
-
Living in the Pause: In-Between Journeys
What is it like to live in the pause? What if we are in-between journeys? Why does it feel so uncomfortable? Aren't we supposed to celebrate the end and then ride that emotional wave to the next journey?
-
It’s Not “Just” DCIS: Stage Zero doesn’t mean Zero Challenges
It’s’ just DCIS. It’s just Stage Zero. Just Stop it! Stage zero breast cancer doesn’t mean zero challenges.
-
Just Stop It! Eliminating the word “Just” in Patient Communications
Just is a four-letter word that ought to be eliminated from patient-practitioner communications. Completely. Just minimizes our lived experiences, implies our emotions aren’t valid, and makes it easier for the speaker but harder for the receiver.
-
It’s Not All Sunshine and Roses in Breast Cancerland
It’s not all sunshine, ribbons, and thorn-free roses in the cancer community. The losses are real, and they have a profound impact on us.
