Weekly Round Up: The Just Bad Luck Edition

Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Don’t forget if you have written a post which you would like readers to see, just leave a comment below.

There has been quite a lot written in the blogosphere about a recent study that claimed most cancer was down to plain old “bad luck.” Both Susan Love and  Lisa go behind the headline in their latest blogs. And Rosie explores bad vs good luck from a different perspective on her blog.

Does what you eat cause cancer? There as many conflicting views on this question as there are cancer types. Whatever the answer, there’s no denying that a healthy diet makes a difference to how you feel as Jen‘s latest post demonstrates. As a companion piece read Caroline‘s latest blog and Florence‘s tips for a healthier new year.

There is growing awareness and scientific evidence that breast cancer biology, response to treatment, genetic factors, and prognosis vary sometimes widely across demographic groups and individuals. The leading theory as to why women from some ethnic groups are diagnosed later and have worse outcomes has been that women from different ethnic groups vary in their access to health care. While it remains true that timely access to health care is an important factor explaining some of the differences in stage at diagnosis and treatment outcomes,it’s not the full story. Breast Investigators shares more on this story.

Elsewhere in the blogosphere…

Fatigue and insomnia can be side effects of cancer treatment – and they can go on for a long time. Nicole shares some advice on coping with this side effect in her latest blog.

A weekly roundup of BRCA news and views from Amy.

Justine’s blog about infertility has become a place I return to often for wisdom and understanding. This week she shared a post by her friend at My Perfect Breakdown, which resonated with me very much.

Brilliant post by Emily on what makes a family – (hint: it’s a four-letter word) and a lovely post by proud Dad Tom on his love for his son.

Sex and the single girl – an unflinching look by Susan aka Uppity Cancer Patient on a topic we so often shy away from.

Answering the question “how are you” is not always straightforward as Stacey‘s latest post illustrates.

A wonderful post on the Yes To Life blog on overcoming our fears and a reminder from Olive that changes are for everyday – not just New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile Beth  and Joann share three words that will serve as guides for the upcoming year.

Arresting post by Eileen on chemo.

A terrific reminder by Tami on how taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessary part of healing.

Good news for Jill whose tumor markers are down and Sunny is also celebrating an all-clear scan.

As always, a thoughtful reflection and a resolve by Elizabeth.

A powerful meditation on waiting by Anna.

An image of serenity posted on the Seasoned Sistah blog.

Practical advice by Kathi on staying safe through the use of medical alerts.

Thoughts on normality from Jamie and finding the “new normal” from Sharon.

Loved reading the review of Julie Frayn’s book Mazie Baby on Telling Knots.

Good advice from Carolyn on preparing for your doctor’s visits.

Loving thoughts go to my Yvonne as she remembers her husband on their 25th wedding anniversary.

Loved Fiona‘s recent post on how e-patients make a difference to healthcare.

Nancy has written the definitive guide to words and phrases to avoid when it comes to cancer.

Wonderful post on the Yes To Life blog on overcoming our fears and a reminder from Olive that changes are for everyday – not just New Year’s Eve.

Philippa recounts her latest adventure, complete with wonderful photos.

Jackie is celebrating her first cancerversary.

How would you like to be remembered after you are gone?  What legacy do you hope to leave behind? These questions are thoughtfully explored by Terri in her latest blog Legacy And Finding The Light.

If my cancer returned tomorrow and I departed for the great unknown, I would not want you to remember me for the disease. I would want you to remember me for how I lived. The wild adventures. The friendships. The writing. The volunteering. The conversations we shared over a glass of wine or a long flight.

Right after reading Terri’s post, I clicked on Helen‘s blog and found this quote which echoed Terri’s writing:

A fitting way to end this week’s round-up.

Wishing you courage and strength for the week ahead.

Yours with love

Marie xxx