It's Election Day in the United States for 2024. My husband and I decided to take advantage of early voting here in Florida, so we're not physically going to the polls today; at the same time, it's very much top of mind today and it may be for you too. While I'm sure that most … Continue reading When you go to the polls …
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.
Analysis Paralysis
I started Enhertu, my 7th line of treatment since my de novo diagnosis with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in March of this year. As many of you have noticed, I've not been as consistent with writing and many other things since starting this treatment. There are many reasons for that, the foremost being … Continue reading Analysis Paralysis
Medical Updates after PET #2 on Enhertu
On August 2nd, I traveled up to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for the 2nd PET/CT since I started my 7th line of treatment, Enhertu. If you aren't familiar with the refrain: "treat, scan, repeat," let me just say that it's a vicious rollercoaster I've been riding since my de novo Stage IV Metastatic Breast … Continue reading Medical Updates after PET #2 on Enhertu
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
My 7th Metaversary
March 8, 2017, I received my breast cancer diagnosis and on June 27, 2017, I was told that I had actually been Stage IV from the beginning (aka de novo). I've marked the former as my cancerversary for the last seven years (check out the post I wrote in March about that 7th cancerversary here) … Continue reading My 7th Metaversary
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
Extra Spoons: A Ritalin Experiment
One of the most devastating side effects of my new line of treatment (Enhertu) is the crushing fatigue. This is a type of fatigue that is difficult to describe. It's like every cell has an anchor to it, like each body part is tied to the bed, even my eyelids feel heavy, and taking a … Continue reading Extra Spoons: A Ritalin Experiment
ReBlog from Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer: Weekly Round-Up
Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me … Weekly Round-Up
No Half Measures 