Gratitude bracelets: A new Thanksgiving tradition
Several years ago when my cancer advanced to stage IV, the journey got a little tougher and I realized I needed something to keep my attitude positive and in a state of gratitude. One evening in a waiting room, I found my answer.
As I watched a woman gently run her fingers through the beautiful bead bracelet she wore, I commented on the beauty of the bracelet. She smiled and explained that it was her "gratitude bracelet...
Undergoing a lumpectomy and lobectomy in one year
In October 2014, I went to see a doctor for my annual breast screening. That year, for the very first time, I opted for a 3-D mammogram. The...
Receiving an abdominal hysterectomy
I have a high tolerance for pain, so I knew something was wrong when my abdominal discomfort became unbearable in Sept. 2012. The first time...
What to expect during a skin exam
There are plenty of things that I'm supposed to do for my health that I skip (like that overdue vision exam), but a skin exam isn't one of them. As a melanoma survivor, these screenings are a routine part of my life.
So when friends ask about skin exams, I try to demystify what should be an important, annual appointment for everyone, especially those at increased risk for skin cancer. Here's what I tell them.
What does the...
How to encourage loved ones to get spiral CT lung cancer screening
Spiral CT lung cancer screening can help save lives. Current smokers (or former smokers who quit in the past 15 years) and those who smoke...
How staying optimistic helped my cancer recovery
From the moment my wife and I were told I had liver cancer, our lives were turned upside down.
I had no pain, discomfort or symptoms...
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor caregiver: How my husband and I confronted sarcoma together
When my 40-year-old husband, James, was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in November 2014, we were completely shocked. Although there had...
Diffuse large b-cell lymphoma patient: How I'm teaming up to overcome my diagnosis
"It's almost certainly nothing, but we might as well check."
That's how it started. I felt my hope slide as...
Study: How you cook meat can affect your kidney cancer risk
Red meat and processed meat have long been linked to increased cancer risk. But did you know the way you cook meat also can affect your cancer...
Completing an Ironman triathlon after a partial nephrectomy
In August 2013, I completed my first Ironman triathlon -- a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26-mile run.