Nancy started getting annual mammograms at age 30. In October 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation, finishing in March 2020, just as the pandemic began. During recovery, she spent a lot of time isolated, unable to be around people. She cried every day after returning from radiation,...
Navigating life during cancer treatment and recovery requires adjusting not only your daily routines but also your long-term goals. Striking the right balance between pushing forward and practicing self-compassion is key to setting realistic expectations. When living with cancer, the mind often yearns for “normalcy,” but the body may not always cooperate. This dissonance can...
When faced with a serious illness like cancer, it can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging—not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. While modern medicine offers a range of treatments aimed at curing or controlling disease, there’s another crucial aspect of care that’s often overlooked: palliative care. Palliative care is comprehensive...
In November 2023, a prostate cancer diagnosis altered the course of one man’s life. Facing late-stage cancer, Kwami was referred by his urologists in Everett, Washington, to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, where he began treatment in January 2024. His treatment plan was intensive, combining androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. His...
In 2015, Edna received a life-altering cancer diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma during routine blood work. Initially, she thought she was just dealing with anemia, so the news came as a shock. She struggled to come to terms with the diagnosis and hesitated to share it with her family, friends, and students at first. As a dance...
Balancing work, a cancer diagnosis & treatment can be overwhelming. It involves managing schedules, treatments, and possibly dealing with side effects that can impact your energy level, ability to concentrate, all while maintaining your professional responsibilities. Whether you choose to continue working through treatment and recovery, reduce the number of hours, or take time off,...
In 2023, Kristina was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer (Triple Negative) and finished her treatment 6 months later which showed a complete response to treatment, meaning no evidence of disease. This made her feel so relieved and grateful for the amazing care she received at EvergreenHealth. When she was in treatment,...
Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that affects not only physical health but also emotional and psychological well-being. One of the often-overlooked aspects of cancer’s impact is on body image. As patients navigate through surgery, treatments and beyond, their relationship with their bodies can shift over time and undergo significant changes. We’ll explore the multifaceted nature...
In 2006, as a cancer survivor, and the President of Washington Women Lawyers, I and two other survivors co-authored the “Breast Cancer Legal Resources Guide” for the Washington State Bar In 2006, as a cancer survivor, and the President of Washington Women Lawyers, I and two other survivors co-authored the “Breast Cancer Legal Resources Guide”...
Cancer is a journey filled with numerous challenges, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological battles. While traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation play a critical role, the importance of complementary, holistic, and supportive therapies has gained significant recognition. Among these, the companionship of pets stands out as a powerful source of comfort and healing. Pets,...
