Weekly Round-Up
Welcome dear readers. I’m so glad you’re here.
This week’s reflections explore second chances, caregiving, advocacy, emotional resilience, and the quiet power of encouragement.
Beth returns with a moving and unexpectedly funny reflection on grief, second chances, and feline companionship. A week after the loss of their beloved tuxedo cat Hemi, Beth and her daughter adopt Oliver—a high-maintenance Himalayan with a complicated past and a knack for chaos. Beth captures how love doesn’t always arrive gently—and how even the most challenging bonds can evolve into something meaningful. Bonus: she includes her latest watercolour portrait of Oliver, perfectly imperfect in every way.
Terri shares insights from the inaugural DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium with a moving tribute to her son, Richard, who gave a talk titled “Facing the Dragon”, speaking from his experience as a young caregiver during her breast cancer treatment. As Sue Robins noted, “This approach to the Symposium offered a rare full picture of the health care experience, from all sides and stakeholders.”
Dee marks 20 years since her ovarian cancer diagnosis with a reflection titled “Grateful for Ten Million, Five Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred Minutes.” Echoing the lyrics of Seasons of Love, she recounts her journey—from early treatments and recurrence to becoming a fierce research advocate.
In her latest post, Carolyn introduces the concept of the Window of Tolerance—a psychological framework describing our capacity to manage stress—and reflects on how quickly that window can narrow in the face of illness. After being forgotten behind a hospital curtain for five hours, enduring debilitating chemo side effects, and reaching emotional shutdown, she candidly explores the toll of treatment, the invisibility of patient suffering, and the difficulty of self-advocacy when you’re simply too unwell to speak up. A powerful, honest piece that reminds us how fragile and human the healing process really is.
Barbara highlights the physiological toll of persistent anger, including elevated cortisol and immune suppression, as well as its effects on mental health, relationships, and self-care routines.
Gabby explores the emotional and existential transition following cancer treatment.
Jennifer shares how recovering from breast cancer means redefining productivity—not as doing more, but as rebuilding routines with intention and granting permission to rest once the work is done.
An invitation to join Our MBC Life for a special webinar on key highlights from #ASCO2025, focusing on metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Dr Ashley Schreier, breast oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, breaks down the latest research and what it means for those living with MBC.
And finally, Connie shares a reflection on feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable during a busy week when fatigue and stress weighed heavily. A timely text from a friend—reminding her that her writing is a gift and her persistence matters—shifted her energy and kept her focused on her goal. Connie reminds us that a simple message, offered with care and intention, can quietly change the course of someone’s day (or week).
Until next time,
May we continue to encourage—and lift—each other up in the days ahead.
Much love always
Marie xxx
