When I was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in 2017, I thought I knew what fatigue was. I've powered through many nights of none or little sleep in my life, through graduate school, through starting a business that occupied every waking moment, through two pregnancies, and two children while managing said business. … Continue reading Why is Cancer Fatigue so debilitating?
Category: General
Support Groups
I have found myself encountering different crisis throughout my life and the times that I've handled that crisis better (not particularly well, just better) was when I found a group of people in the same or similar phases of life so that we could face that crisis together. Whether it was wanting to be married … Continue reading Support Groups
An Anniversary and a Radio Show
WordPress told me that I’ve now officially been blogging on this site for two full years the other day ... I’m rather amazed that two years have passed and while I know that’s not abnormal from being a parent, the realization that the days indeed appear long but time passes quickly, can be sobering. I … Continue reading An Anniversary and a Radio Show
Orlando Metsquerade 2020
The inaugural Orlando Metsquerade was in February of 2019 and I wrote about my experiences attending this lovely event here. I put together a collage of some of my favorite pictures from that time where we spent time with some amazing friends below ... Starting in the top left, and continuing clockwise: 1) Heather Rich, … Continue reading Orlando Metsquerade 2020
Did you know!?
The beautiful Adiba Barney, who made the lovely graphics I’ve been sharing all month, is also living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer and she just published a book!! I highly recommend learning more about her experiences with MBC and taking the worst thing that has happened to her and turning it into purpose. Her … Continue reading Did you know!?
BCAM: October 28th
Pain. It's my constant companion. Adiba and I share the status of having bone only metastases. While having bone only metastases is associated with a statistically longer life expectancy (approximately 10 years rather than the overall 2-3 year median life expectancy), the constant and chronic pain can really wear on a person. Here's how Adiba … Continue reading BCAM: October 28th
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
No Half Measures 