Author: Abigail Johnston

I'm a daughter, a wife, a mother, and I've been living with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer since March, 2017. All of the words I publish are my own.

BCAM: October 25th

I've mentioned the SEER program a few times this month and promised to share more. Well, here it is! SEER stands for "Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program." and can be accessed here. The bill that created it was signed by President Nixon, so it's been around for a long time. Any database that has … Continue reading BCAM: October 25th →

BCAM: October 24th

Medication--those of us with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), we take a LOT of medication, every day. Sometimes, we have no choice as to the modality or location the medication is taken. Some examples of the modality are: 1) pill; 2) injection; or 3) infusion. Some examples of location are: 1) home; 2) doctor's office; 3) … Continue reading BCAM: October 24th →

BCAM: October 23rd

Advocacy. What is advocacy? Adiba demonstrates one element of advocacy, testifying before elected officials here ... Does this seem daunting? Not everyone will testify before Congress in Washington, D.C., although I have to say I that's one of my goals! Each and every person can advocate in their own ways; the quiet, unacknowledged, and ongoing … Continue reading BCAM: October 23rd →

BCAM: October 22nd

Did you know that Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) patients need to wait five (5) months after a terminal diagnosis to be eligible to receive social security? And then another twenty-four (24) months after eligibility for social security to receive Medicare? Here's how Adiba highlights the issue ... In 2019, for the annual Metavivor Stampede, I … Continue reading BCAM: October 22nd →

BCAM: October 21st

Identity. It is made up of many different components and is often different for different people. For those of us who went to school for years and years to attain a certain degree or status or position, that effort and attaining that goal becomes a part of our identity. Here's how Adiba view her loss … Continue reading BCAM: October 21st →

BCAM: October 20th

Fertility is a topic so many of those of us diagnosed before menopause have to struggle with. This is what Adiba had to say: I know many young women that are living with mbc that are longing to have a baby, and are scared and feel hopeless. I want to share how I did it … Continue reading BCAM: October 20th →

BCAM: October 19th

Before I had children, I didn't understand the phrase: "It takes a village." Yes, I'm a weird introvert who loves to spend time on my own, so it just didn't make sense to me. Anyway, then I had kids and WOW, it made a lot more sense. I'm forever grateful for the village that we … Continue reading BCAM: October 19th →

BCAM: October 18th

"This METAvivor Research and Support Inc.#METAvivor * ribbon has a very big meaning for us metavivors (a/k/a "metastatic breast cancer patients"). We choose to identify with this instead of the pink one for a variety of reasons. Text to why straight from metavivor.org: "The pink ribbon is well-known for representing the fight against breast cancer, … Continue reading BCAM: October 18th →

5 Love Languages and Those Who Contribute in the house

The work around a home or house has actually got to be a few of the least thanked work ever produced. Whether it is the lawn deal with the weekend, …5 Love Languages and Those Who Contribute in the house

BCAM: October 17th

Those of us who are terminally ill often hear -- what can I do to help? For all of you who are wondering how to help, read on ... Know first that it's very hard for people to ask for help in general. I had to force myself as it did not come easy to … Continue reading BCAM: October 17th →