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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scanxiety Supports: Before, During, and After
If you are facing imaging and feeling anxious- you are not alone! Many of us contend with scanxiety, whether we are heading into imaging or another doctor’s appointment. As I approach my mammograms, I do some things to plan for and live with the scanxiety. I’ve been through these anxious times before, so I wanted to be proactive rather than…
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Owning My Lumpectomy Decision, Again
After choosing a lumpectomy in 2019, I hoped I made the "right choice." I had an opportunity to re-evaluate my decisions as I faced another lumpectomy in 2022. I needed to own my lumpectomy choice in 2019 once again.
