Cancer

When Someone is Grieving What to Say

When Someone is Grieving What to Say We have experienced a lot of death this year.  Some loved ones have died suddenly and others have died after a prolonged illness.  Ugh. Sadness, confusion, anxiety, emptiness…just a few of the many feelings that come with grief and bereavement. It occurred to me that – just as… Continue reading When Someone is Grieving What to Say

BFFL Co.

BFFL Co. As many of you already know, sharing tips with friends is one of my favorite things to do. One company that I have been meaning to tell you about is BFFL Co. BFFL stands for “Best Friends for Life”. Isn’t that the cutest name?  Well, it’s a cute name with a very real and… Continue reading BFFL Co.

Emily McDowell Sympathy Cards

Empathy Cards As you all know, I have talked and talked  (and talked!) about what to say and what not to say to someone who has cancer. It is stupendously important for friends of people who have cancer to know how to connect and communicate about sickness and suffering without bringing dreaded false cheer or… Continue reading Emily McDowell Sympathy Cards

Breast Biopsies Can Leave Room for Doubt About Cancer

Breast Biopsies Can Leave Room for Doubt About Cancer  Recently, I came across an enlightening article in the New York Times by Denise Grady about a study identifying the doubt that can be raised by breast biopsies. Ugh. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. As I know you know, but just to remind you,… Continue reading Breast Biopsies Can Leave Room for Doubt About Cancer

Rita Wilson Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

Rita Wilson Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment Did you hear about Rita Wilson?  FBC. Yep. I was as surprised as you are.  Having been in her shoes – well, not exactly  in her shoes as I certainly am not a public figure –  I understand how hard it is to share personal and difficult news with family… Continue reading Rita Wilson Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery

Last night, I received an email alert from the New York Times with an article entitled, “Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery.” My first thought was “here we go again.” As you may recall (who in the world doesn’t), two years ago, Angelina Jolie (pre-Pitt) underwent a “preventative” double mastectomy.  I  wrote about it here shortly thereafter. Please allow… Continue reading Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery

Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy

  Recently, I came across a fantastic article about choosing between having a mastectomy versus a lumpectomy for early FBC.  Making any one of the seemingly bagillion decisions that have to be made after hearing the words, “You have cancer” can be overwhelming, confusing and twinkie-eating inducing. Just kidding on that last part. Sort of.… Continue reading Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy

Coping with Cancer During the Holidays

While I loooooove the holidays, they are also fraught with challenges You know what I mean?  Too many calories. Too little sleep.  Too many errands. Too little time. The year that I had FBC was especially difficult – obviously. DUH. I felt completely out of step from the rest of the world during that holiday… Continue reading Coping with Cancer During the Holidays