Once a notion mostly found in news stories, cancer today permeates all element of daily life. A general uncertainty permeates the expectation of the next scan, the next conversations, and the next periods of doubt. Even the basic action of firmly wrapping a shawl around one’s shoulders might be seen as a small act of…
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Living with the constant shadow of cancer
Living with the constant shadow of cancer forces patients to confront unanticipated questions about survival and purpose. In those fragile moments, the decision to sit upright or glance into a hospital mirror can feel like an act of monumental courage. Hope, then, is not a distant star; it arrives each morning in the rhythm of…
Read more10 Acts of Everyday Courage from Cancer Survivors
People often associate courage with dramatic acts, such as rushing into a burning building or confronting a bully. However, for someone who has battled cancer, bravery frequently manifests in more subtle ways, often wearing ordinary sneakers. It appears in the morning when you choose to get out of bed despite aching joints, or when you…
Read moreThe Complicated Path: Life Following Therapy
The complicated path of life following therapy frequently feels like reaching an unanticipated goal. You celebrate your accomplishments, but you also feel conflicted as the never-ending cycle of appointments and observation starts to wane. As you search for stability and confront a new chapter that requires bravery and self-compassion, uncertainty may begin to creep in….
Read moreSmall Gestures, Big Changes: Empathy’s Quiet Influence in Hard Times
Sending a warm text or gentle smile are small acts of compassion that can serve as a lifeline during difficult times. Such actions not only heal the person being sheltered but also help to build trust, belonging, and courage in those around us. These micro-moments are beautiful in the sense that they can cut through…
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