Everyone reacts differently to the news of a cancer diagnosis. For me, it was a shock to the system. Health and nutrition were always core principles in my life. Cancer was the last thing I expected.
Cancer Survivorship
Cancer patients and survivors struggle with a lot of tough questions. Will I be cured? Will I relapse? When will my body be back to normal? These are just some of the questions I think about on a daily basis, but they have an even stronger presence at the start of a new year.
A healthy body weight is not just about your physical appearance; it is a general reflection of your overall health. Obesity is a prevalent problem in the United States. Nearly 69% of adults and 32% of children in the United States are considered overweight or obese, according to data from 2009-2010. Obesity is linked to increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease — and cancer.
Most of us experience stress in our hectic, day-to-day lives. However, a person in cancer treatment might struggle with intensified feelings of anxiety, depression or fear.
"But you're so young." These words have resonated loudly in my mind over and over again in the last year. Yes, statistically, a 28-year-old should be planning other major life events that do not include a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, endocrine therapy, and several reconstructive surgeries.
At age seven, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. After my main surgery to remove the cancer, I had to go through weeks of chemotherapy and never stopped asking questions during the process.
When asked to speak about my experience with cancer, I often struggle to find the right words. There is so much to say and sometimes there aren't words for the emotions attached.
Chemotherapy is tough. It’s a long and tedious process that sometimes includes curveballs before getting better. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your chemotherapy treatment easier to navigate.
More and more people in the U.S. are surviving cancer. If you’re among them, you may be looking for ways to keep yourself healthy into the future.
As a chemo-infusion nurse at Roswell Park’s Amherst Center, I have been fortunate enough to build meaningful relationships with some truly inspiring people. The work of my colleagues and strength of our patients never ceases to amaze me.
Upon learning I had won the DAISY Award, I immediately thought of several different groups of people: the two patients who had nominated me, the incredible team I work with at Roswell Park, and my family.
I love what I do for a living. How many people are able to say that and actually mean it? I consider myself one of the lucky few because I am a nurse at Roswell Park.