We've all heard the saying "it takes a village" when applied to child-rearing. I would submit that this same idea applies to life and, particularly, dealing with a terminal illness. Now, as an introvert, I subscribe to the onion theory of relationships, i.e., the closer anyone gets in a relationship to me, the smaller the … Continue reading Finding your TRIBE
Category: Advocacy
Nancy’s Point 2019 Summer Blogging Challenge
I've never participated in a blog hop before and I look to Nancy Stordahl of Nancy's Point as a bit of a trailblazer in the cancer blogging world. I read some of the responses to her blogging challenge last summer, but I didn't really start blogging until this year. Blogging is, by definition, a mostly … Continue reading Nancy’s Point 2019 Summer Blogging Challenge
We need Help!
Right now there’s a bill before Congress called the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 2178). It’s the second time it’s been introduced, sponsored this time by Republican Peter King (NY-2) and Democrat Kathy Castor (Fl-14). A companion bill has also been introduced in the Senate by senators Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Chris … Continue reading We need Help!
Everyone is different
I see it all the time and, at times, have done it myself, belittling and/or comparing the struggles of others. Especially when the struggles of others are specific to struggles you yourself have overcome. It is so easy to look back and gloss over the detailed bits, to forget the triggers, to urge too hard … Continue reading Everyone is different
Anger and Depression
I was listening to a piece on NPR a few months ago about how Anger and Depression go together. I've heard that a definition of depression is anger turned inward, so this link is not surprising to me. As an introvert, I'm pretty familiar with the inward turning concept, that's my normal modus operandi and … Continue reading Anger and Depression
The Bell
There have been some blog posts disseminated recently about the use of the bell to celebrate the end of treatment in infusion or radiation centers. The vitriol displayed by many has been a surprise to me. As with many elements of the experience in #CancerLand, so many people have strong opinions, yet it is the … Continue reading The Bell
Other places my writing is Published!
Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Orlando Mom's Blog: https://orlando.citymomsblog.com/?s=Abigail+Johnston+&submit=Search Wildfire Magazine: you should do yourself a huge favor and just subscribe to Wildfire right now. The online/digital subscription is fine but the physical subscription where you get a magazine chock full of amazing writing by men and women living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer … Continue reading Other places my writing is Published!
Dealing with Prejudice/Racism PART I
I know this blog is about my experiences as a woman living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, but I need to take a small break and talk about prejudice and racism. As most of you know, I'm a WASP. I'm originally from the Midwest but I am a White Anglo Saxon Protestant. I'm married … Continue reading Dealing with Prejudice/Racism PART I
Redemption
What does this word mean to you? The dictionary meaning I found is as follows: "1. The action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil: God's plans for the redemption of his world. [in singular] a thing that saves someone from error or evil: His marginalization from the Hollywood jungle proved to … Continue reading Redemption
Clinical Trials
Let me first say that anyone who participates in a clinical trial, at any stage, are my personal heros. It takes a lot to put your life and health on the line and I salute the trial participants and the families who agreed to participate. I am presently on my first line treatment, a drug … Continue reading Clinical Trials
No Half Measures 