Cancer

Guest Post from Lisa Bonchek Adams: I Just Want

More than six years ago, Lisa Bonchek Adams heard the words, “You have cancer” for the first time. She started writing about her experiences as a wife and young mother of 3 with breast cancer. Lisa wrote about the darker, richer emotions that she was feeling — aimlessness, fear, despair — but also the dogged commitment to… Continue reading Guest Post from Lisa Bonchek Adams: I Just Want

The Girlfriend's Guide to Constipation Relief

There is nothing – absolutely nothing! – like being constipated after surgery. Oh dear heavens is it ever wretched. (Unfortunately!) I’ve had to walk several girlfriends through the process in the last month. So, I thought I’d share my (tried and true) step-by-step tips for preventing and eliminating constipation.* Post surgical constipation stems from taking narcotics.… Continue reading The Girlfriend's Guide to Constipation Relief

The Power of Pain

Though being diagnosed with FBC (f-bomb breast cancer) Rocked. My. World., one Silver Lining is that (as a nurse and social worker) the experience gave me a whole new consciousness and sensitivity to the patient experience. Gary Zukav’s quote about the ability to feel another’s pain only after having felt your own pain resonates with me in a… Continue reading The Power of Pain

The Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic Gala

  The Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic Gala Last week, I had the great honor and privilege of speaking at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and Sansum Clinic Gala (held in the tent above). Speaking before a crowd of over 500 people (yes, 500!) with Jay Leno (yes, Jay Leno!), Rickey Minor… Continue reading The Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic Gala

C California Style Magazine + Dream Foundation = Compassion is always in fashion

Boy oh boy, do I ever have an inspiring Silver Lining for you on this beautiful Monday Morning! And it’s not what you might think it is based on the photo above. Please allow me to explain…and prepare for goosebumps. Dream Foundation, the first and largest national wish- granting organization for adults and their families suffering… Continue reading C California Style Magazine + Dream Foundation = Compassion is always in fashion

Bookworm: How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who is Sick

Now, HERE my friends is an absolute MUST read: How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who is Sick by Letty Cottin Pogrebin! It is a must read because the truth is – and I know this all too well! – we are all either going to be sick or have a friend who… Continue reading Bookworm: How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who is Sick

The Angelina Jolie Mastectomy Factor

The Angelina Jolie Mastectomy Last week was a full-ON Angelia Jolie kind of week. Because so many people have asked my opinion about her decision to have a double mastectomy, I thought I’d weigh in with my reaction to her Op-Ed piece in the New York Times. So many references have been made to Angelina… Continue reading The Angelina Jolie Mastectomy Factor