Happy almost 2020! It’s hard to believe that not only is a new year rolling in tomorrow but we’re also kicking off a new decade! I feel like every year brings new hopes and excitement at what’s to come. But before looking too far ahead, I’ve been reflecting on all that the last decade brought
One year ago I heard the words “you have cancer” – for the third time. Three separate cancers. Stunned. Disbelief. Anger. Disappointment. All immediate emotions. After that diagnosis, I didn’t expect this to be a year of joy. Lots of joy. Finding joy Clearing a third cancer was…surreal to say the least. Difficult to describe,
Do you live fearlessly? Do you open your arms and mind to new experiences? Are you open to love? Afraid of change? Appreciate each day? Are you living your best life? I’m always looking for motivation and tips for living my best life. As a bone cancer, melanoma and now breast cancer survivor, I try
People often don’t understand that although cancer treatment ends, it doesn’t really end. What does that mean? Many of the drugs that work to save your life from cancer can cause other side effects – heart issues, bone degeneration, hearing loss, hot flashes, whatever. So you’re always on your toes, being proactive or managing some
Last week I attended the awesome American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership Summit & Lobby Day in Washington, DC. It’s one of my favorite cancer advocacy in action events. Our goal: fight cancer. We achieved that – 588 cancer advocates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico attended more 400 meetings with our federal
Today is my birthday. The start of a new year. An opportunity to refocus on life’s wishes and dreams. A day to enjoy my life. A thousand moments to feel gratitude. A time to reflect on life lessons learned and birthday wishes. As a three-time cancer survivor, birthdays are not something I take for granted.
Most of you know my personal connection to cancer. A few months ago, I finished treatment for my third cancer. My younger sister is a melanoma survivor. Our dad died 15 years ago from multiple myeloma. Too many of my family and friends are affected by cancer. With more than 16 million cancer survivors and
Seventy cancer fighters biked across Iowa last week to raise awareness of and more than $118,000 for LIVESTRONG’s programs supporting people facing cancer. It was my third time riding with Team LIVESTRONG at the Register’s Annual Great Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), a seven-day bike ride from the Missouri to Mississippi Rivers. Four weeks post-treatment for
I’ve been mentoring some young adult cancer survivors in their 20s. Among their questions is how to navigate dating as a cancer survivor. My answer: Dating as a cancer survivor is not any different than dating as a non-cancer survivor. Yes we had a health issue and some side effects may remain. But I compare
Today I celebrate 21 years since finishing treatment for my first cancer. Two weeks ago, I celebrated the end of treatment for my third cancer. I guess June will be a month of celebrations and recognition going forward. When I walked out of the hospital, done with a grueling 13-month treatment that included inpatient chemo
