The holiday season can be stressful, isolating and an emotional time under the best of circumstances. Living with a cancer diagnosis during the holidays may heighten the intensity of emotions and can trigger strong feelings or memories about previous losses such as the absence of family members who have passed away. It’s important to...
As we enter the winter holiday season it can feel overwhelming if you are being extra conscientious about food choices. While there are great ideas for eating healthfully while celebrating, it is important to remember that this is a time for feasting. Being mindful of the celebrations and honoring the privilege of simply having food...
We asked the social workers who apply for financial assistance on behalf of their patients about the important impact this support has for those living with cancer, and here are a few things they wanted to share~ What do you see as the biggest financial needs that cancer patients have? To alleviate financial toxicity while...
My name is Emmie. I was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in May 2017 at Swedish. I went through radiation and chemo, but unfortunately the cancer wasn’t eradicated. I switched my care to UWMC in 2018 and underwent a radical hysterectomy surgery followed with 6 rounds of chemo. I lost all my hair and was...
Mental Health…you hear a lot about it these days. People are talking about the importance of it and are encouraging the masses to tend to their mental health. People are even beginning to talk more about and educate others on the unique barriers to optimal mental healthcare and adequate mental health services. Most of us...
John’s cancer journey began 8 years ago when a tumor was discovered in his liver. He completed surgery and radiation, which were successful, but there is a high possibility of recurrence, so he has scans twice a year. He didn’t learn about Cancer Lifeline until after his treatment had ended and wished he had found...
All around us information and ideas compete for our attention and tug at our desire to be in-the-know. With ease we connect to cell phones, or, computers, and from there the social media pages and expanses of data on the internet. Of course, we want to know what is happening in our communities and educating...
I was diagnosed June 17th, 2022, I was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma, (Breast Cancer). I waited to join cancer lifeline till after surgery on July 27, when I had bilateral breast amputations (mastectomies.) I don’t know why I waited. I think the surgery made it real so then I had to deal with it...
Cancer patients are often encouraged to stay active for best results during treatment. However, some patients in active treatment often feel guilty because they can’t always accomplish the exercising they hope to do. Whether it’s 30 minutes of cardio exercise for 3 to 5 days a week or keeping up with other people in a...
In June of 2020 (great timing, wasn’t it?), my routine mammogram showed an area of concern. “It’s fine,” I said to the concerned surgeon who suggested an excisional biopsy. “I’ve had these before and they’ve always disappeared by the time I have the follow up scan. Before we do any type of surgery, let’s do...
