In 1948, two French scientists noticed something unexpected in their lab samples: fragments of DNA drifting in blood plasma. At the time, the discovery seemed trivial, even puzzling. DNA, after all, was supposed… Continue reading
You’ve likely heard people talk about “chemo brain”—or maybe you’ve even felt it yourself. It’s that foggy sensation that can make it tough to find the right word, recall a friend’s name, or… Continue reading
So few grains of happiness measured against all the dark and still the scales balance. – Jane Hirshfield “The Weighing” I’ve been reflecting on these lines from Jane Hirshfield’s poem The Weighing and how its… Continue reading
In many cultures, greetings are often seen as polite and routine exchanges. However, in some Muslim cultures, there exists a profound dimension to these everyday interactions. When someone asks, “How are you?” in… Continue reading
I discovered that today, September 16th is ‘Tattoo Story Day’. While I am not sure if this is a day that’s universally marked, it gives me the prompt I need to tell the… Continue reading
Checking my August Awareness Day Calendar, I discovered that today, August 30th is designated as Grief Awareness Day. Sometimes I feel we are awash with grief in our community. Not just in our… Continue reading
Are you looking for a new job after cancer treatment? Perhaps you left your last employment after your diagnosis, or maybe you are still in your current job but want a fresh start… Continue reading
“In a society which is much more inclined to help you hide your pain rather than to grow through it, is necessary to make a very conscious effort to mourn.” – Henri Nouwen Grief… Continue reading
T 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 […]
The Thing Is to love life, to love it evenwhen you have no stomach for itand everything you’ve held dearcrumbles like burnt paper in your hands,your throat filled with the silt of it.When… Continue reading
The Butterfly Effect For Marie Ennis O’Connor So close and still Quietly far away From the company Who chose you The day you heard The word we all Heard. Echoes In a canyon… Continue reading
26 posts. 26 days. 26 letters of the alphabet, one blog post beginning with each letter. H is for Hair I started this blog a few years after my breast cancer diagnosis and… Continue reading
The picture at the top of this week’s round-up comes courtesy of Nancy’s blog, evidence of the “nonsense that goes on every October in the name of breast cancer awareness”. As Elissa writes: “I can do… Continue reading
Today is World Mental Health Day, which is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of… Continue reading
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… Continue reading
I am heartsore to have turned to Laurel’s blog today and learned of her death. Another beautiful, vibrant, young woman taken from us. Earlier this year, Laurel was a guest contributor to a… Continue reading
I’m back – jet lagged (even my jet lag has jet lag – as my friend Carole pointed out to me) – but happy at how well things went at Stanford. Medicine X is… Continue reading
So I wonder what marketing genius thought this campaign was a good idea?!
I am honored to feature this special guest post from Lois Hjelmstad, alongside a gift from Lois to readers. I’ve known Lois online for several years now, and her beautiful poetry never fails… Continue reading
In a week’s time I am teaching a workshop on the role of stories in medicine at Stanford Medicine X. I am excited, and also a little nervous about it. I’ve spoken at… Continue reading
I am sick in bed today. I have a sinking feeling I’ve developed a chest infection and I am feeling miserable and frustrated that I am sick. In a few days time I am… Continue reading
