Healing words and ideas can change your world for the better. If facing unwanted changes in your reality, the idea of creating a “new normal for now” can help you …
Read moreIn Pursuit of a Normal Life--Part III
“New normal” after cancer refers to much more than just the unpleasant changes. This inclusive term refers to the combination of…
Read moreIn Pursuit of a Normal Life--Part II
If life feels uncomfortably “not normal” due to illness or injury, what’s a Healthy Survivor to do?
Read moreIn Pursuit of a Normal Life
“I know this sounds strange, but all I want is a normal life.” That bumper-sticker sentiment captures the yearning of many patients. At first blush, it sounds straightforward. It’s not.
Read moreSteps to Take If Your Illness Causes Pain
My June 19th post discussed a common conundrum for patients: Should they suffer silently to protect their loved ones? Or does hiding pain selfishly deprive loved ones the opportunity to help, offer comfort, or at least know what’s going on?
Read moreThe Prognosis Declaration
After receiving a diagnosis, Is it necessary to learn your prognosis to be a Healthy Survivor? The aswer depends on….
Read moreIncremental Care and Healthy Survivorship
Slow progress can sap patients’ hope. Atul Gawande is a surgeon-writer who offers a healing perspective
Read moreHow Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?
How do help a child whose young friend or relative is seriously ill? American actress and comic Vanessa Bayer offers a comforting, empowering tool:
Read morePrior-Authorization Distress
Waiting for preauthorization may significantly delay starting your chosen course of treatment. That’s a disempowering and demoralizing delay for patients with active disease.
Read moreHope and Alternative Cancer Cures
Wow. “Nearly 4 of 10 Americans believe cancer can be cured solely through alternative therapies.” Here’s my response to clinicians.
Read moreWhen Your Illness Causes Pain
A searing pain of illness is the pain of seeing sadness or helplessness in the eyes of those who love you.
Read moreI Don't Want to Follow Doctor's Orders
We call them “doctors’ orders.” You know, “Take these pills” or “Wear this splint.” It’s a terrible term. I prefer “doctors’ recommendations.”
Read moreTips for Dealing with "Losing Things" All the Time
It’s disruptive and distressing to lose things all the time, whether from cancer-related cognitive deficits, dementia, overload with life stress, grief, or any other reason. Here are some tips to decrease the risk of losing things
Read moreDealing with Losing Things
The challenges of life after cancer may include “losing things” all the time. This is not the occasional losing things of healthy busy people, but a pervasive problem with losing things throughout the day, every day.
Losing things can be a big deal during and after an illness like cancer. Besides disrupting your day, losing things may…
Read moreWendy's Eagles Helping Others Find Hope in 2019
What’s the big deal about yet another cancer walk? To answer, let me take you back to 1993.
Read moreHealthy Survivors' Hope for a Miracle
Is “hope for a miracle” a healing hope? The answer begins….
Read moreIn Praise of Gentleness
Susan Gubar opens her latest post on the NYTimes Living With Cancer blog with “I’ve been lucky that most of my care is delivered with tenderness.” The “most” signals…
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