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. 

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can bring on feelings of worry, fear, dread, anger, uncertainty and loss. Research indicates that, for some people, these symptoms of anxiety might actually be post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Kathleen Hoffman tackles the topic in her latest Medivizor blog and Terri writes frankly about her own personal experience of cancer-related PTSD and how she has learned to cope with it.

Scanxiety is another topic closely related to PTSD, and Margaret writes about how she deals with it in her latest blog.

Great post by Kimberly on the “magic bus” – you know that bus that we can all be metaphorically hit by?!

A powerful post on the impact of showing raw grief and pain by Lisa Thompson.

You may remember a few weeks back that I shared here about Jo’s upsetting situation with two cancer charities around an MBC infographic she created. Many of you weighed in with advice and I am pleased to let you know that there has been progress on the situation. Jo updates us in her latest blog.

Super tips from Nancy on writing and publishing your own memoir.

Beth is feeling conflicted about enjoying life with her gorgeous daughter, while also dealing with the pain of dealing with her father’s illness.

An inspiring reflection by Terri Wingham, CEO of A Fresh Chapter on finding perseverance, possibility and perspective this past year.

I am in total agreement with observations made by Chris in his latest post on patient involvement in cancer strategies and plans that will affect them.

I’m excited for Justine, as not one, but two of her Ted Talks have gone live.

For as long as I’ve been writing this blog, there have been debates in the blogosphere about the term “survivor” – so it’s interesting to read Renee‘s take on this as an MBC patient.

Grace is celebrating her first blogoversary and shares plans for her next steps in online advocacy.

What’s the latest “need to know” news in cancer research? In her latest research round-up, Lisa reviews several of the most interesting cancer research stories that have been in the news this fall. And Elaine reports back from this year’s San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and the latest treatments for advanced breast.

Both Sally and Becky share mixed emotions as Christmas inches ever closer alongside a cancerversary.

Christmas makes us miss our loved ones more than anytime during the year, particularly when we have been recently bereaved, as Catherine reflects on in her latest post.

Dee has information on her blog about participating in a clinical trial for chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.

I love how Elizabeth seamlessly draws threads of connection together between world events, her personal experiences, and nature. She is an incredible writer and is always such a joy to read her blog.

Karin always seems to write just the advice I read to read week-by-week. Her latest post tackles burn-out – something I’m struggling with at the end of another super-busy year of travel and work.

Lovely post over at the Shine Cancer blog on how pets can help us cope with cancer.

Barbara reminds us of the importance of hydration during treatment.

I felt tears well up as I read the profoundly moving question posed by Connie this week – “Don’t you deserve to be cared for”?

I’m crazy about narrative medicine and the role of storytelling in healthcare, so it’s thrilling for me to read Sue‘s published journal article on this topic.

Katie tackles her fear of needles with a visit to the acupuncturist.

Finally this week, as we approach the end of the year, it’s a time for reflection. In Stephanie‘s words, it’s:

A time of setting intentions for some, and a time of setting demands on self for others.  The difference lies in one’s ability to be compassionate with self, the ability to accept where one is, and the capacity to have reasonable expectations while finding inspiration to move ahead.

Until next week,

May you always find what you need to move ahead,

Yours with love always,

Marie xxx