The power to heal
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to… Continue reading
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
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to… Continue reading
Viewers were unaware that Sally Whittaker was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time as her soap character I was really quite shocked to read that the actress Sally Whittaker, who plays the… Continue reading
I do admire Jamie Oliver for his passion in empowering everyone to learn how to cook easy meals for themselves. He is, by all accounts, taking the US by storm and aiming to… Continue reading
I admit to having somewhat ambivalent feelings towards the positive self talk brigade. While I can see the benefits of maintaining a positive attitude in life, I also see how for many it can quickly turn… Continue reading
I heard this poem recited for the first time this week, and instantly fell in love with it, particularly the celebratory tone of the second stanza. I dedicate it especially to those of… Continue reading
I came across this tip for restoring balance in your day and thought it was such a beautifully simple ritual, worth sharing with everyone. Even taking just five or ten minutes to do… Continue reading
Can this Indian spice help to prevent cancer? As regular readers know, I am careful not to promote any claims that certain products can prevent or cure cancer. I have come to believe… Continue reading
Laughter can do as much good for your body as a jog around the park, scientists in California have claimed. Doctors describe “mirthful laughter” as “internal jogging” because it can lower blood pressure, reduce… Continue reading
I am a big fan of couscous for its convenience – the quick-cook couscous just involves soaking or simmering the couscous in boiling water for about ten minutes to rehydrate it. Couscous is… Continue reading