Weekly Round-Up: The Stories We Tell

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. 

Last week, the theme of the weekly round-up centered around cancer metaphors and Elizabeth‘s latest post has extended the theme to encompass the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our illnesses.  I love what she has written about defining her own experience which echoes my own words last week.

The stories we tell may either help or amplify our suffering. The helpful story I tell myself may be one that would cause suffering to someone else in a similar situation. …. I define my own experience. And the narrative that I am putting together is dynamic and at times, very messy. I respect myself. I respect you.

I’m thrilled to read Nancy‘s review of A Woman’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease by Carolyn Thomas. I’ve mentioned Carolyn here many, many times on the Weekly Round-Up – her blog, on which the book is based, is filled with wise, provocative and articulate writing on the nature of being a patient in a patriarchal medical system.  You can read the first chapter of the book on Carolyn’s blog.

Caroline shares the latest findings on prognostic breast cancer tests – and it makes for very interesting reading.

Amy has news about an upcoming Twitter chat on DTC DNA testing.

Looking for a gluten-free cookie recipe? Becky has just the thing on her blog for you.

What does it take to be a breast cancer advocate? Melissa shares her thoughts at The Underbelly. 

I know that many of you are involved in patient engagement projects, and if like me, you are feeling frustrated at the process, you absolutely must read Isabel‘s latest post on how not to do patient engagement and Sue‘s on the sinister side of engagement.

Another beautiful reflection from Connie on serendipity.

Barbara shares practical guidelines for follow-up testing after breast cancer.

Are you in need of some inspiration this week? Read Stephanie‘s latest post for a shot of inspiration.

“Relationships and friendships are hard enough as they are but can really be tested with a cancer diagnosis” a true statement indeed on the Cancer Carer Chats blog, which explores the changing nature of friendship and cancer.

Catherine has written a post that many of us who are dealing with grief will find resonance with.

Gorgeous Valentine-themed posts from Yvonne and Susan Rahn.

Finally, this week I am beyond moved by Kathi‘s honoring of Scorchy’s wish to post the writings on her blog she never got to post herself.  It’s a strange feeling to see a new post on The Sarcastic Boob, but a gift to read Scorchy’s words again.

Until next week,

Yours with much love,

Marie xxx