I was introduced to a new term recently – scanxiety. Though not a new concept, the word was new to me. The term was brought up at a cancer support group. Scanxiety refers to anxiety before, during, and after medical scans. Technically, it could apply to anyone with health issues. But, as cancer survivors, we…
This is an updated blog post on being a Breast Cancer Survivor in October. October is a tough month to be a breast cancer survivor. I know. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 25, 2009. Conveniently, or not, depending on how you see it, my surgery and treatment began during breast cancer awareness…
This is a guest post about cancer by Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology. When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, it’s understandable that the family’s primary focus will change as concern may be very high. It’s not just the individual with cancer that may be struggling with complex feelings; it affects the entire family, too. A newly diagnosed cancer patient often thinks of their…
As a cancer survivor, my hope is that no one else has to experience the traumatic diagnosis, surgeries, treatments, and scanxiety. Even though I had breast cancer, I have a high risk of getting other cancers as well. Because I’m BRCA positive, I have a gene mutation effects they way my body fights cancer. In…
This is a post about what to expect when having chemo, written by a young breast cancer survivor. If you or a loved one and are about to start chemotherapy you might be wondering what to expect. First, let me say that everyone’s chemo experience is different. It depends on what type of cancer you…
When you are diagnosed with cancer, you go through a range of emotions. No matter how long it has been since diagnosis, it’s important to understand how to thrive and overcome challenges in the fight against cancer. Throughout the year, Texas Oncology holds Survive and Thrive Symposiums to help cancer patients and caregivers. This year,…