Cancer Survivorship & Survivor’s Guilt

Eleven years. Eleven years since that moment in my gynecologist’s office—long story—when I was told that my life, as I knew it, was over. How do I recount my cancer experience? There are too many stories to tell. Just take a few moments to glance over this blog and you will see why I cannot […]

Today marks the ten-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis, the day some strange doctor—not my regular one—told me about ten times in a thick accent, “You have advanced cancer.” The picture on the left was taken three hours later, right before my family’s scheduled road trip to Angel’s Camp, California. I thought for sure I […]

Because of my hyper state, I’ve been cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. I found this in a huge box of old papers. I must say, it sent a shiver down my spine. One thing I know for sure: I haven’t seen an infusion nurse for years, so if that isn’t a reason to own my […]

The meeting started promptly at seven. I was the keynote speaker, but I was not set to start my PowerPoint until 7:40. I wasn’t nervous at all. Mainly, I was thankful that I had not overslept, considering I had set my alarm for 5:30 that morning. The women went around the room introducing themselves and […]

I had just finished presenting “Marking Milestones” for my afternoon session at the Pierce County Cancer Survivorship Conference when the sturdy gentleman at the back of the room stood up and proceeded to tell his story: “My milestones: In 1919, I was born. During World War II…”—here, he mentioned so many medals, I couldn’t keep […]

I spoke at the Pierce County Cancer Survivorship Conference this past August. You may remember that I also spoke for this group in 2013 with my usual flair for the dramatic. When I first got the email asking if I would speak, I cancelled my vacation plans and said yes, I would be happy to […]

I always hear the term “Cancer Survivorship” and think to myself, What does that even mean? I know all about survivor’s guilt. You may remember that a few years ago, I spoke at the Pierce County Cancer Survivorship Conference. I donated a few of my books to this worthy cause and began to get requests […]

  Dear Fran, It’s been a really long time. How have you been? Me? I’ve been a busy, busy bee. I played piano for a Christmas concert last weekend. It was loads of fun. Halfway through Saturday’s performance, as I sat listening to the wonderful music of the other musicians, I couldn’t help but think […]

On March 7 and March 8, I recounted how I was dealing with survivor’s guilt. It doesn’t seem to be going away. In fact, sometimes it seems to be getting worse. It hasn’t helped that my Aunt Ann was just told that her cancer is back or that Jonathan’s guidance counselor’s wife also suffered a […]