Weekly Round-Up

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

METUPUK, is disappointed with the decision made by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) not to recommend talazoparib (Talzenna ®, Pfizer Ltd.) for routine use on the NHS in England for treating HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. NICE have opened up a consultation on the provisional decision of the committee to not recommend talazoparib for use in the NHS. Any member of the public can comment on this decision. The consultation is open until 18 August 2023. METUPUK urges everyone to comment on this consultation. The recommendations are not yet final and public comments can make a difference. Visit METUPUK for more information.

A post from Gogs on why avoiding the doctor can be deadly.

During her second pregnancy, clinical psychologist Sarah Mandel discovered a lump in her breast, which turned out to be breast cancer. Preparing for maternity leave, she found out that the cancer had spread to her bones. Even though she trained in trauma work, she experienced PTSD after diagnosis. “Narrative therapy” helped her cope and heal, and she wrote “Little Earthquakes” as a result. Hear Sarah’s story on OurMBCLife’s latest podcast.

Abigail shares potential solutions for chemo-brain on the ABC blog.

The latest Shine Cancer Support podcast profiles the Cancer, Sex and Intimacy Project.

Steve writes about finding the balance between self-care and resilience after cancer.

How corrupt is global healthcare? asks Chris this week.

A poignant and moving post from Nancy on last conversations with dear ones.

A sobering reminder from Elizabeth that Covid hasn’t gone away.

Carolyn writes about new-onset depression in heart patients – a subject that will also be familiar to us in the cancer community.

Becky is dealing with the anxiety of a local recurrence. In her own words, “I think, when I look back, this diagnosis is scarier than the first one. With the first one, I could approach it with a sense of curiosity – I don’t have that coping mechanism available to me this time.”

As she celebrates eight years since founding DiepCFoundation, Terri reflects on the wins and losses over the last eight years.

Barbara is holding fast to hope and belief this week.

Sue reviews Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow’s new book Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 key to navigating a life-changing diagnosis.

Here’s a new term for me courtesy of Martha – Response Shift. Curious what it means? Check out Martha’s latest Cure post to find out.

Finally this week, I’d like to end with some words from Connie, who has been feeling the fragility of life in an acute way over the past week.

I have also seen the strength of connections with others, how that community of care becomes even more important over the years. My hope for us all is that we’ll nurture those strong bonds and reach out to others who have a less secure network. It is in this compassion that we become one in our shared human experience of life.

Until next week,

May we, in Connie’s words, reach out and support others in compassion in the days to come

Yours with much love always

Marie xxx