Life breaks us some days, making the work of being human hard. I often think about the connection between perfection and attitudes about health. Many strive for perfection knowing it’s never attainable. Why try? They work to master something that is not possible. Do they forget that wisdom is made of hard-learned experiences? An invasive...
Category: Cancer Lifeline
Embracing Self-Care and Self-Love
Living with cancer can be an overwhelming journey that brings forth physical, emotional, and mental challenges. In the midst of medical treatments and uncertainties, it’s crucial for cancer patients to prioritize self-care and self-love. Nurturing one’s well-being can play a significant role in enhancing the overall quality of life during this challenging time. Let’s explore...
Renewal & Resilience: Setting Intentions for the New Year
The transition into a new year is often accompanied by reflections on the past and aspirations for the future. For those living with cancer, this symbolic journey holds unique significance, representing not only the turning of a calendar page but also a chance for renewal, resilience, and a fresh start. In this blog post, we...
Monthly Blog: Coping with Cancer During the Holidays by Mary Ellen Shands, RN, MN
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 advocate...
Eating Healthfully Through the Holidays by Ami Karnosh, MSc, Nutrition
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...
Monthly Blog: Social Workers share the Importance of the Patient Financial Assistance Fund
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...
Menopause and Cancer: What to Consider for Cancer Screening by Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD
Just at a time in women’s lives when hormone changes are already causing challenging symptoms, adding cancer into the mix can seem daunting, to say the least. Natural menopause is defined as 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period and is the beginning of post menopause. For those who have had their ovaries surgically...
Cancer Lifeline’s Impact Celebration 2023
Cancer Lifeline staff hosted our annual Impact Celebration on July 13 at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture. We were fortunate to have perfect weather, which helped to make the early evening event shine even brighter. We gathered to host, recognize and honor our amazing volunteers and facilitators with food, drink and awards for their outstanding contributions...
Establishing Healthy Boundaries for Self-Care by Mary Ellen Shands, MS, RN
Living with cancer can challenge even our strongest relationships and create additional tension and stress in our conversations with caregivers, family, and friends. Thinking about our own needs and the needs of others can help clarify how we move forward in our relationships and support our own self-care. Preparing yourself for conversations can help in...
Food, Nutrients and Healing by Ami Karnosh, MSc, Nutrition
As we move through different stages of wellness, our bodies need proper nutrition to stay healthy, fight illness, and heal from all sorts of scenarios. We want to make sure to give the body as much of these nutrients as the tools it needs to do these jobs. We also want to make sure we...