Weekly Round Up: What Is Your Truth?

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.

I’m back after a month of gallivanting around the globe. Looking forward to catching up with your happenings via the weekly round-up.

Renee looks back on the last 7.5 years with cancer as she writes honestly:

I know you want me to tie this up with some pretty pink ribbon so you can read some awe inspiring story of how life is great now after all that…I want to write that for you.  But more so, I want to write the truth and for now, this is my truth.

Lulu also shares the truth in an unflinching look at the reality of her life with cancer.

My blood boiled reading Joan Lunden’s interview on staying positive – thanks to Vickie and Katie for pointing out the flaws in her reasoning. As Katie asks “In what other disease do we demand that people stay sunny side up in the face of such a poor prognosis? And why? Just so the rest of us can be more comfortable?”

Elissa writes of the daily reality of fatigue – something not exclusive to cancer.

Susana writes of the fatigue and depression which has assailed her over the past few months.

Fatigue isn’t exhaustion. Exhaustion goes away with good sleep. Fatigue doesn’t. Exhaustion just means you’re tired, but you can still interact. Fatigue can mean you’re too tired to even talk. And the dose of Prozac I was on since 2011 was no longer sufficient. My depression overpowered it, and the fatigue that came with it, well… to be more exact, I haven’t really been here at all. I’ve been on a trip to a far-away place

And kudos to Katy for writing so honestly about anger, depression, frustration and generally feeling the blahs of life.

Is cancer offensive? Facebook seems to think the reality (the truth) of it is so and Ann Marie Otis tackles the topic in her own inimitable style.

Facebook is also on Uzma‘s radar as she highlights the nastier side of social media – trolling; Jennie Grimes also touches on this topic in a packed blog post.

Claudia writes in praise of the support she received through the Pink Moon Support Group led by the wonderful and compassionate Nicki Boscia Durlester.

A must-read from Nancy on what it means to be an ally for metastatic breast cancer. Her post was inspired by Beth‘s call to action.

I hope people with early stage cancer will understand that we need allies because we’re dying. It’s not easy to be an activist when your ongoing chemotherapy leaves you too tired to get out of bed. It’s not easy to get the ear of people in power when you can’t afford to travel because you can’t work anymore. It’s not easy to demand change when you’re dead. The privilege of surviving cancer is something we in the metastatic community don’t have, and we really hope that early stage patients will use that privilege, their staying alive, to help us who cannot stay alive. We literally can’t do this alone–we need allies, who listen, and then ask “How can I help?”

Rebecca shares her thoughts on her continuing chemical romance.

Kathi tackles the holy grail of cancer survivorship plans – are we any closer to making them a practical reality in our lives?

Lori sets out to dispel some myths about metastatic breast cancer.

Is there any evidence that a bra can detect cancer? The Breast Cancer Consortium takes a look behind the headlines via the Health News Review.

Thoughts on being good enough from Julia this week.

I love how Tracy has substituted the ubiquitous word “fight” to describe cancer with the much more honest “slog”.

 Jo recounts her recent visit to the Parliament to highlight issues regarding secondary breast cancer.

Debra shares information on cancer immunotherapy from a patient advocate’s perspective.

Margaret‘s latest post on how to speak to your doctors so that they listen to you is right on point.

A rallying cry from Justine, whatever your situation, to join in supporting those who experience infertility.

The Cancer Curmudgeon ponders what she wants her obituary to say about her.

Jenny is planning her come-back run combining it with a fundraising effort she has called Bender’s Mender.

Deanna updates us on her progress after returning to work a month ago; meanwhile Lisa Chamberlin shares ten things she didn’t know about having cancer at work and Chris shares an impactful poem on the topic.

Ann has taken to vlogging as an addition to her blogging activities – check out her latest videos on YouTube. And you can now follow Carrie on Instagram – just like all the cool kids!

Florence marks her five-year cancerversary and Sally her first; while Lisa Thompson marks her third “metsiversary”.

How much of ourselves should we reveal – and how much should we keep private? Musings from Yvonne on this topic, wonderfully expressed as always.

Audrey‘s compassion and humanity shine through in her work, her life, and her writing.

Jennifer writes about the benefits of therapeutic massage from a therapist qualified to work with cancer patients

Good information from Terri on the psycho-social and psycho-sexual benefits of breast reconstruction.

It can be hard I know, but sometimes you need to think about hitting that re-set button on some aspect of your life. If you are in need of some re-set inspiration, check out Elizabeth‘s latest post.

Eileen shines a penetrating light on balancing healthcare needs with the harsh reality of healthcare insurance.

Catherine compiles a list of all the things she’d like to do in a very lovely post.

AnneMarie fills us in on what’s been happening in her world lately.

Lisa asks the question  – is there a new normal after cancer?

Debbie shares seven inspiring quotes on dealing with change.

Stacey, Caroline and Sharon have all written recently about the challenge of finding balance in life.

As always, I’ve been captivated by Philippa‘s description of a beautiful discovery.

Jen captures so wonderfully the highs and lows of bringing up her lively, gorgeous little boy Quinn; while Beth captures so poignantly the toll that dementia has taken on her family.

Finally this week, I leave you with an image from Mandi’s blog which accompanies her latest bucket list.

Until next week,

Yours with love

Marie xxx