Weekly Round Up

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.

This is not the first time a debate has arisen in the blogosphere on the language of cancer. While there may be divergent views on some phrases, I think there is almost universal disdain for the most common phraseology of a person “losing their battle” with cancer.  The Cancer Curmudgeon, Nancy, Lori, and Knot all offer their perspective.  And on a separate but related topic, Lara’s post on the imperative to be positive during cancer treatment and Sharon‘s on the hidden message behind a popular breast cancer meme are also worth reading (Sarah writes on a similar them this week too).

There have been times in the blogosphere when I have read stories of family members and friends who can wound us with their thoughtless comments or lack of understanding and empathy. I found this powerfully reflected in My  Perfect Breakdown this week. On the other hand, when friends and family are there for you, it makes the world of difference, as Jen’s latest post so beautifully illustrates.

So I thought it was only us northern europeans that talked about the weather – but I can see you northern US folk have a lot to talk about too if Britt’s blog is anything to go by.  And JoAnn is enjoying all that winter weather.

I was transported this week reading Yvonne‘s stories of Black History.

Dr Elaine Schattner‘s post on the recent death of journalist David Carr, highlights the need for survivorship care.

Eileen takes a trip down memory lane as she writes a tribute to singer Lesley Gore.

Gorgeous post by Justine on finding light in the darkness.

Jo shares her account of the terrifying roller coaster of emotions that a diagnosis of secondary cancer brings.

Barbara writes about the process of shared decision making this week.

Dawn writes this week of the precarious tight rope of emotional stability that so many of us walk.

I cried reading Alice‘s latest post about her mother – it brought back so many painful and still raw memories.

Rachel shares how music has helped her through tough times.

If you haven’t already done so, please lend your support to Ann Silberman’s petition to hold breast cancer charities accountable for where they spend their donations.

The story of Ambrose Kirkland, an African American male with breast cancer is wonderfully told on the Metathriving blog.

Lynnea celebrates her third cancerversary.

A lovely reflection on the power of connection by Anne Serry, a Melbourne based psychotherapist.

The Pink Underbelly‘s telling of Mary Claire King’s story (the person who discovered “the breast-cancer gene”) had been gripped this week.

A terrific read from a truly inspirational patient advocate, Carly Findlay on how patients can educate doctors

Renn offers a wealth of resources for those seeking information on how to keep from losing their hair during chemo.

Amy‘s summary of breast cancer and BRCA news contains lots of updates this week.

Uzma cautiously takes up an exercise class again, while Rebecca gets back on her bike for her first post-surgery ride.

Interesting post by Beth this week on the paradoxes cancer brings up in our lives.

Delicious recipe for healthy plum muffins on the Pink Kitchen blog.

Incredible poetry on uncertainty written by Anna on her newly revamped blog.

Check out the cool giveaway on Catherine’s blog and learn about her new writerly project.

It’s been a while since Scorchy blogged, and it is heartbreaking to read her latest post on the decision to leave her beloved library work.  Our loving thoughts go out to you x

Caroline also reflects on the impact that cancer has had on her career in her latest post.

A big warm welcome back to Jackie Fox blogging again – so good to read your latest posts Jackie.

Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal is a book I definitely must get around to reading; meanwhile I am happy to read Lisa‘s review.

There are so many decisions to make around breast reconstruction – Jackie has had to make a decision around nipple surgery and she shares her thoughts on her blog.

Some great advice on emotional regulation from Elizabeth this week ( I needed this!) As a companion piece, do read Renee on learning to regulate hurtful self-talk.

It gave me such a happy feeling to see the pictures and hear about the #BCCWW girls tweet-up in London recently.

Finally this week I leave you with some words from Philippa to guide you through the week to come.

And we are reminded that time marches on. Seasons shift. Life goes on. And these little signs of promise are there to help us move forward too. Sometimes we need to search more than other times, but they are there.

Until next week,

Yours with love

Marie xxxn