Recently, I was informed of a new process at my cancer center. This information was provided by a scheduling person who was clearly extremely taken aback when I questioned what she wanted me to do and then refused to do what she had been told to schedule. I figured out a workaround for the unacceptable … Continue reading When Convenience and Patient Care Collide
Category: Advocacy
Strength
It took me some time after my Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) de novo diagnosis in 2017 to figure out how open I wanted to be about my diagnosis and living with cancer. That was partially because I didn’t know what I was going to do with my law firm and my clients. I’d always been … Continue reading Strength
Allostatic Load
I had a Twitter account for my business before I was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in 2017 but I didn't "know" anyone on Twitter or really understand how Twitter works. Oh, how times have changed!! A few years ago, I started getting more active on Twitter, specifically in the cancer advocacy … Continue reading Allostatic Load
Vulnerability
I hate being vulnerable and I suspect that most people don't particularly enjoy the feeling either. Recently, I had to be in a situation of physical vulnerability (i.e., naked) in order to access radiation treatment and I started thinking about how often those of us who are patients are put into a position of vulnerability. … Continue reading Vulnerability
I understand … another rant
I warned you, didn’t I?! I hate it when people who have no idea what they are talking about make a vague and surface-y attempt to appear empathetic by saying “I understand.” Also, the tone is a big issue. When I am attempting to advocate for myself and demonstrate to someone how their behavior demeans … Continue reading I understand … another rant
IV Our Lives
I've written before about the play that Dr. Andrew Silver at Mercer University has written based on interviews of men and women living with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). I had the honor of reading Anya Silver's poetry in the first reading of the play back in Washington DC pre-Covid, in October of 2019. … Continue reading IV Our Lives
#PullUpaSeat
As many of you know, I'm white and my husband is black. Before I met Elliot, I didn't understand much about the experience of those who are black in our country. Elliot (and his family) have taught me so much about race and the experience of those who are not white in our country. After … Continue reading #PullUpaSeat
Glossary of my Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Experience
A is for Advocacy, because I don't know any other way to do this living with MBC thing. B is for Baths since soaking in an Epsom salts bath each night has been so helpful! C is for Camaraderie, since MBC is the worst club with the best people. C is also for Cowabunga, which … Continue reading Glossary of my Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Experience
Betrayal
Definition of betrayal 1: the act of betraying someone or something or the fact of being betrayed : violation of a person's trust or confidence, of a moral standard, etc. the betrayal of a friend, a betrayal of trust, a betrayal of one's principles.2: revelation of something hidden or secret a betrayal of one's true feelingshttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayal Betrayal is such a tricky thing. The definition is seemingly straightforward; yet the experience of betrayal … Continue reading Betrayal
Pain, Healing, and Purpose
Pain can take many forms. As a pretty concrete person, when I hear pain, I first think about physical pain. Since I live with chronic pain, I'm well acquainted with this kind of pain. However, I'm also acquainted with psychological and emotional pain, not just as a woman living with terminal cancer, but also as … Continue reading Pain, Healing, and Purpose
No Half Measures 