The Deck I Was Handed After years of living with cancer, I have learned that an accurate view of my situation matters more than a hopeful one. Hope without accuracy is a house built on sand. So let me start with the facts. This cancer can be treated, but it cannot be cured. Doctors can…
Difficulty Swallowing Pills: Questions for Cancer Care
Difficulty swallowing pills during cancer treatment deserves a conversation with your oncology team before you change a dose or try another method. Your safety comes first, especially if food or water also causes trouble. A task that once took seconds can carry fear when you already face a life-threatening disease. We can make room for…
Radiation Pneumonitis: Symptoms After Chest Radiation
Radiation pneumonitis is inflammation in the lungs that can follow chest treatment. Report a new dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, or chest discomfort to your cancer care team promptly. Sudden or severe trouble breathing needs emergency help. After care, we often long for ordinary days without another medical concern. A change in breathing can…
When Strangers Meet: Finding Support During Serious Illness
A serious diagnosis can leave you unsure of what tomorrow will ask of you. Friends and family may surround you with love, yet some fears remain difficult to explain. When strangers meet through a shared experience of illness, a few honest words can ease that loneliness. Someone else may recognize the waiting, the exhaustion, or…
Choosing a Health Plan During Cancer Treatment
Choose a health plan that includes your cancer team, covers your treatment, and limits the costs you must carry. When choosing a health plan during cancer treatment, the lowest monthly premium doesn’t always offer the most affordable care. A life-threatening disease already asks so much of you, and insurance decisions can add another weight. We…
