"My ex-husband and his friends got together and made you some cookies," my relative said. "Oh, that's so nice" I replied, though I thought it was incredibly strange and out of character for her ex-husband to bake cookies. "No, no, these are (eye brows raised) special cookies," she said, as if letting me in on... Continue Reading →
If you have ever taken a psychology class then you have probably heard about Norman Cousins, who healed himself through laughter (and vitamin C). He discovered that ten minutes of good belly laughter would give him two hours of good sleep. He was able to get off of pain killers and went from being given... Continue Reading →
What do you say to someone who has cancer? It is so hard to find the right words to say to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. I can't tell you what to say, but I can tell you the nicest thing that someone said to me when I was sick. Setting I was... Continue Reading →
I'd like to say that it was like a scene out of G.I. Jane, where there was a great song playing in the background while my locks fell to the ground. I'd like to say I became tougher and after all of the hair was shaved from my head I reached down, grabbed some dirt,... Continue Reading →
When I was diagnosed with cancer I created a notebook. I was going back to school and the topic was cancer... my own. In a one inch, three-ring binder (I feel like such a geek right now) I put in notebook paper with notebook dividers, page protectors, and a business card sheet protector (oh yeah,... Continue Reading →
“You have to be ready for battle!” When I was first diagnosed with cancer we waited to hear if it was Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I read that Hodgkin's had a higher survival rate. That was the one I wanted to have and that is exactly what it turned out to be. After my second... Continue Reading →
The elevator doors opened and four of us walked in. We entered the elevator from the ground floor of a hospital. The doors closed and everyone took their position facing the doors, waiting for their floor. Then, the unheard of happened, someone turned around and faced the three of us. Okay, guy... elevator etiquette... small... Continue Reading →
Never underestimate the power of the mind. It is truly incredible. Athletes use visualization in sports. They visualize the ball going in the hoop, jumping over hurdles, or performing a complicated move for gymnastics. This is a huge tool and one that, I believe, is under utilized by most. My first experience with the power... Continue Reading →
"Do you want me to tell people?" That was the response of one of my friends after I told her I had cancer. In that moment I realized what she was asking, should I keep it a secret, or can I tell people? I responded with, "If there is ever a time I need my... Continue Reading →
It is amazing to see what happens when you are faced with something unimaginable. I've experienced people who responded and people who reacted to finding out that I had cancer. The people who responded instantly wanted to know what they could do to help. They drove or flew hours to see me, sat with me,... Continue Reading →
The Survivor's Gift 