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

Relaxation During Cancer Treatment

I know that it will not come as a surprise when I say that cancer and its treatment can be stressful for people with cancer and their caregivers. Understatement of the decade, I’d say.  When I was sick, for the first time in my life, I started using relaxation techniques and other mind/body practices to… Continue reading Relaxation During Cancer Treatment

4th Cancerversary: The Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Four years ago today, I was diagnosed with FBC, known to many of you as f-bomb breast cancer. Today is a day of great reflection for me. I remember October 15th, 2010 as if it were yesterday. Amazing how four long years have passed since the moment that my life was changed forever. In some… Continue reading 4th Cancerversary: The Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Reduced-fee and Free Breast Cancer Screening

Reduced-fee and Free Breast Cancer Screening On a radio show last week in Chicago, I was asked about reduced-fee or free resources for breast and cervical cancer screenings. It occurred to me that I knew about them but hadn’t yet posted the information. Whoopsie! Regular check-ups (that include screening) are so very important!  The primary… Continue reading Reduced-fee and Free Breast Cancer Screening

How to Break the News of a Cancer Diagnosis

How to Break the News of a Cancer Diagnosis Well, yet another friend has been diagnosed with f-bomb cancer. I swear, it is everywhere. In addition to contending with the emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual issues that are inherent in a cancer diagnosis, there is also the issue of breaking the news to family and friends. “Breaking”… Continue reading How to Break the News of a Cancer Diagnosis

Study Places Doubt on the Value of Mammograms

Study Places Doubt on the Value of Mammograms You may have heard about the study (published in the British Medical Journal on Tuesday)   and reported on the front page of the New York Times citing that “annual mammography in women aged 40-59 does not reduce mortality from breast cancer beyond that of physical examination or… Continue reading Study Places Doubt on the Value of Mammograms

Being Your Own Patient Advocate

Being Your Own Patient Advocate Today I had the great pleasure of giving a speech at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a quick 36-hour trip from Santa Barbara to Louisville and home again. The Silver Lining is that I was only away from home for one night. It was quite a schlep to… Continue reading Being Your Own Patient Advocate