In a mix of sorrow and blessings, I’ll have 4 weeks in Italy between May and July. I’m in my way home from the first of two trips. The first was with my mom and sister. My mom and dad had always planned a dream trip to Italy after they sold our childhood home and... Continue Reading →
Disabled. Spoonie. Chronically ill. These are just a few ways those of us with a lot of health issues identify. I prefer to be called “Differently-abled.” Years ago, my husband and I talked a lot about my new status as “disabled,” telling him how I felt that saying I was disabled seemed inappropriate and didn’t... Continue Reading →
If you're a cancer survivor and still work, this is a must read. It's long, but extremely important to protect your income in case you develop long-term side effects from treatments and at some point can no longer work. Or, you get cancer again. 
I developed long-term, debilitating side-effects from the surgeries, radiation and... Continue Reading →
Nine years ago - to the day - I finished chemo treatments for stage 3 tongue cancer. I still had a week of radiation treatments left. It saved my life but also completely changed my path many times over. Grateful the treatments worked for me, but I struggle still with the trauma of that experience.... Continue Reading →
Living with a Chronic Illness and Finding your Identity
I used to be a different person. I used to feel vibrant and fun, I was professionally driven, and I saw myself as successful, growth oriented, a high-achiever and powerful. I don't work anymore due to my current health challenges. I live with chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive issues. So the things above that I... Continue Reading →
Rewind Oct. 17, 2009: I just found out I have cancer
I had just moved to Seattle and started a new job. I was married to my best friend and I thought everything was amazing. Little did I know that within three months of moving, I'd be diagnosed with stage 1 oral cancer in my tongue, in one year I'd be recovering from stage 3 cancer... Continue Reading →
Head and Neck Cancer is a Lifetime Disease
When I was diagnosed with cancer it was truly awful and devastating, but over time you come to accept your diagnosis and treatment plan. You get through it because you think "this is temporary" and I will get back to my normal life after a year or two. I can't speak for other cancer patients... Continue Reading →
Reading for the Chronically Health-Challenged
I read a lot and I like sharing things that I think can help others. One reason I started this blog is because I want to put down and make available more broadly the resources that helped me when I was going through cancer and what helps me now. I've shared some of this over... Continue Reading →
Who needs your support?
My mom posted this and I have to share because it’s relevant to everyone. Cancer effects everyone, whether directly or as a friend or family member of someone with cancer. After treatment of radiation and chemo, it takes years to feel somewhat normal. And some people never feel like their old self again. The side... Continue Reading →
No sleep till….
When you have chronic pain or illness, sleeping can be inconsistent and difficult. The occipital nerve pain in my head flared up last week and by Saturday night I was in terrible pain. I slept all day and night Sunday and Monday because the pain tires me out, but it wasn't restful sleep. I'm sort... Continue Reading →
Living the Goody Life 