The post reflects on the fatigue and frustration associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, particularly focusing on Pinkwashing and the need for genuine support for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Acknowledging the complexities of cancer experiences, it urges thoughtful engagement, awareness of financial contributions, and recognition of all cancer patients' realities.
Recently, I was asked to participate as a patient partner for a webinar through the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC; https://mascc.org) on Precision Medicine for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: New Therapies and Supportive Care Strategies. Dr. and Professor Maryam Lustburg and Dr. Aditya Bardia presented about medications and strategies and I … Continue reading Accessing Supportive Care
Many of you are aware that I have been writing for AdvancedBreastCancer.net for the last several years. You can read all the articles I’ve published there via this link: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/author/abigail-johnston-esquire, I wanted to share here a series of articles I wrote for them that many of you made suggestions for some time ago … When … Continue reading A reshare from AdvancedBreastCancer.net: A new Vocabulary, terms every MBC patient needs to know, P-Z
Many of you are aware that I have been writing for AdvancedBreastCancer.net for the last several years. You can read all the articles I’ve published there via this link: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/author/abigail-johnston-esquire, I wanted to share here a series of articles I wrote for them that many of you made suggestions for some time ago … When … Continue reading A reshare from AdvancedBreastCancer.net: A new Vocabulary, terms every MBC patient needs to know, H-O
Many of you are aware that I have been writing for AdvancedBreastCancer.net for the last several years. You can read all the articles I’ve published there via this link: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/author/abigail-johnston-esquire, I wanted to share here a series of articles I wrote for them that many of you made suggestions for some time ago … When … Continue reading A reshare from Advancedbreastcancer.net: A new Vocabulary, terms MBC patients need to know, A-H
Since my de novo diagnosis of Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in the Spring/Summer of 2017, my immune system has been compromised to varying degrees. From IV chemo to targeted therapy and oral chemotherapy, it's all affected my body's ability to handle germs. In 2022, I was diagnosed with sepsis and spent substantial time … Continue reading On being Immunocompromised
While feeling pretty crappy after my first infusion of Enhertu, I came across a “positivity” social media campaign touting, among other things, that Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a chronic disease and then listened to the memorial episode about the death of Natalia Green from MBC on the podcast OurMBCLife. I found myself … Continue reading Whiplash and Hope
As much as I hate the war metaphors as applied to cancer, I also very much feel as though I’m jumping from battle to battle as I prep for the next line of treatment. Perhaps that is unkind to healthcare workers who are probably doing their best (a mantra I repeat to myself over and … Continue reading Reporting from the trenches …
If you've read Brene Brown's book, Dare to Lead, you might recognize this phrase from her discussion about resilient leaders. She provides a personal example of how this question can be helpful in personal relationships as well as in a larger setting. The basic premise is that as we experience the world, we interpret it through the … Continue reading The Story I tell Myself …
For those of you who missed my previous post, Here We Go Again, suffice it to say that my recent progression has caused all kinds of consternation and doctor's appointments and late nights and research and angst around here since we learned that my current line of treatment has failed me. It's hard to describe … Continue reading Making Plans
No Half Measures 