Some survivors spend a lot of time worrying that their cancer might come back. That is totally understandable. But it’s also something I make a conscious effort not to do — even after having six recurrences of cervical cancer over the last 11 years.

Don’t get me wrong: facing a cancer diagnosis is frustrating, scary and tiresome, whether it’s your first time or your seventh. It’s overwhelming to have to figure out what your options...

It's been almost four years since my cervical cancer recurrence, but my two sons, Matthew (17) and Ethan (13), never traveled with me to MD Anderson until my check-up last month. I planned my appointment over their spring break so we could fit in a few college visits in Texas. I knew it might be emotionally difficult for them to go to MD Anderson. So, I did my best to handle the visit the same way I handled my treatment. I tried to let...