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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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.
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HealthGrades Post: Finishing Breast Cancer Treatment Doesn’t Mean You’re Done
When I walked out of the radiation center in December 2019, I was relieved to be finished with breast cancer treatment. I was finally done. Little did I know at the time that finishing breast cancer treatment doesn’t mean you’re done.
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Confessions of an Anxious Traveler: Is It Possible to Avoid the Pre-Vacation Panic?
I have a confession to make. I am an anxious traveler. There, I said it. Beneath the smiling faces I share in the photos, there can be an undercurrent of panic and anxiety. Sometimes I think I like the idea of traveling rather than the actual traveling part. I’m especially prone to pre-vacation panic.
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Cancer Survivorship: Living in the In-Between
When I finished breast cancer treatment, I eagerly awaited the time that I could move back into the normal phase of my life. Treatment was done, and now everything could fall back into place. But, it turns out, there isn’t a back to normal. Cancer survivorship, for me, means learning to live in the in-between.
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Specialized Walks for Creativity, Connection, and Cooling Off
Specialized walks for inspiring creativity, building connection, or cooling off emotionally are important to have in our well-being toolbox.
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Four Feeling Books: Understanding and Voicing Our Emotions
These four feeling books will help us understand and voice our emotions, especially as we navigate the emotional challenges of cancer.
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Decision-Making During Breast Cancer Treatment: Solving A Puzzle I Never Wanted To Do
Decision-making was so difficult, especially at the beginning. I was just learning about the language of breast cancer, and I needed to make treatment choices without feeling like I had all the answers. There was a weight to the choices. What if I made the wrong one?
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A Cancer Diagnosis is Shocking- It is Okay to Have Strong Feelings
A cancer diagnosis of any stage or type is shocking. In one split second, we go from getting some routine scans to being a cancer patient. Strong feelings come with the territory.
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Recognizing Anxiety and Returning to Calm
Over the last several weeks, I’ve recognized that my anxiety has resurfaced. My mental well-being has been challenged of late through a combination of personal habits and circumstances. I want to share what I’m doing to be more aware of the presence of anxiety and how I’m addressing it.
