Weekly Round-Up

Welcome dear readers. This week’s blog roundup features a range of themes, from navigating life with cancer to coping with loss and embracing self-care.

Connie‘s latest post offers valuable insights for goal-setting, drawing parallels between her successful completion of the Camino de Santiago and the challenges of achieving personal and professional objectives. She emphasizes the importance of breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrating each milestone along the way.

Terri writes about the multifaceted nature of loss,connecting the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles to personal experiences with illness and other life-altering events. She encourages readers to share their own coping mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of active listening and self-care practices like taking a relaxing bath.

Staying with the theme of navigating challenges, Jennifer provides valuable resources for those living with cancer who are also impacted by natural disasters. This timely advice offers practical support for individuals facing the added stress of a crisis situation.

Barbara writes about the importance of prioritizing stress reduction and adequate sleep for overall health and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing these often-overlooked factors and provides actionable tips for incorporating stress-reducing practices into daily life.

Abigail recounts a frustrating recent experience at a urology oncology clinic, highlighting the challenges faced by immunocompromised individuals in healthcare settings.

Carolyn discusses the complex ethical and practical considerations surrounding the deactivation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in terminally ill patients. This thought-provoking post raises important questions about end-of-life care and the need for open and honest conversations between patients and their healthcare providers.

Chris poses a critical question: Does society truly care about cancer? This thought-provoking inquiry invites readers to reflect on the current state of cancer care and consider potential areas for improvement.

In response to a significant political transition, Beth describes experiencing feelings of weariness and despair. To cope, she prioritizes self-care, focusing on activities like art, reading, and exercise. describes experiencing feelings of weariness and despair.

On a similar note, Nancy explores the theme of “waiting,” drawing parallels between her experiences with cancer and the anticipation of change. She reflects on how cancer has both intensified her awareness of waiting and ironically made her more patient.

Finally this week, my Substack output continues! I’ve been amazed how much shifting to another platform has unleashed my writing. Jane Hirshfield’s poem “The Weighing” inspired my reflection on hope and resilience. I explore how its central metaphor – a scale balancing “so few grains of happiness” against “all the dark” – poignantly captures the delicate equilibrium that defines life for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike.

“So few grains of happiness measured against all the dark and still the scales balance.” Jayne Hirshfield

Until next week,

Yours in love and light,

Marie xxx