Before my Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) diagnosis in 2017, most of the waiting I can remember was for good things -- waiting for holidays or special family events; waiting to get married, waiting on the arrival of the kiddos or for them to open up a gift. There were some not so great … Continue reading Waiting, waiting and more waiting
Category: Advocacy
Documenting Life: Photography and Metastatic Breast Cancer
Over the weekend, we had a photoshoot. It’s not an abnormal experience, in fact I’ve prioritized photoshoots with my family for Christmas and Mother’s Day every year since my de novo Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in 2017. This past weekend was our annual Mother’s Day photoshoot and I can’t wait to see the … Continue reading Documenting Life: Photography and Metastatic Breast Cancer
Navigating Patient Vulnerability During Medical Procedures
Recently, I had my ninth (9th) procedure since my Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) diagnosis in 2017; it was the third procedure involving a port and the sixth (6th) or maybe seventh (7th) location. Many details aren’t at my fingertips or at the top of my mind, but I’ve learned a lot since 2017 … Continue reading Navigating Patient Vulnerability During Medical Procedures
Implications for Patients under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. This 800+ page law covers a wide variety of topics and issues, including healthcare, which is my major concern right now. As with any significant legislation, there are often unintended consequences and questions swirling as the healthcare provisions affecting patients directly become effective in January … Continue reading Implications for Patients under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
It’s October Again …
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.
Accessing Supportive Care
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
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, P-Z
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 every MBC patient needs to know, H-O
A reshare from Advancedbreastcancer.net: A new Vocabulary, terms MBC patients need to know, A-H
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
On being Immunocompromised
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
No Half Measures 