cancer

7 Year Breast Cancer Survivor and Counting

I am a 7 year Breast Cancer Survivor and Counting!
It’s been 7 years since I was unexpectedly diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. As a 42-year-old mother of two young boys, the news was devastating and my only concern was whether I was going die and leave my young boys without a mother…

Systemic Racism: Dr. Naina Mahngar, Oncologist

Medicine has long been a male-dominated field. But that is changing. Women now account for 36.8% of physician’s according to census data, and 33% of medical oncologists are women. However they still encounter disbelief of their profession on a daily basis. Racist and sexist bias against patients is a prevalent issue, but often overlooked is the existence of racist and sexist…

Breast Cancer Survivor: Four Years Later

Hey I’m still here! It’s been four years since my world was rocked and my life was forever changed… Read the thoughts of a breast cancer survivor…

Breast Cancer is an analogy for the Malibu Triathlon

I competed in the 2016 Malibu Triathlon. I was asked to be part of a relay team by my fantastic reconstructive surgeon, who sponsored a team.  Each year her office has dedicated this event to the strong women their practice has been privileged to care for – all breast cancer survivors. These survivors inspire others with their courage, perseverance, and ability to remain … Read on…

7 Things To Never Say To Someone With Breast Cancer

When you first receive that paralyzing breast cancer diagnosis, you are vulnerable, scared, and you literally and figuratively are brought to your knees.  As the news soaks in and you begin to share, it’s just a matter of time before the advice starts rolling in.  People make well-meaning comments that often come from a place of sadness, discomfort, and fear. There isn…

Cancer Recurrence: The 5 and 10 year waiting game!

The most scary word for anyone who has been through any sort of cancer is: recurrence.
It’s funny, I didn’t use this word frequently before 2015.  Now it’s used in every single appointment, cancer conversation, and frequently in my private thoughts.   As time passes, my breast cancer experience moves a little further away from me, yet at times it…

Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk and Optimize Your Health

Can I introduce you to the incredible lady who saved my life?  I was very unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2015.
Dr. Kristi Funk was my breast surgeon who performed my double mastectomy to save my life (no biggie!) Dr. Funk is now my friend, supermom to triplet boys, TV show host, breast cancer surgeon to the stars (although I like &hellip…

The Other Side Of Breast Cancer: 3 Years Later

Breast cancer permanently changed my life three years ago today. Each year I spend time thinking about my experience. In a weird way, I think I might even be happier now.  Read my thoughts about life on the ‘other side…

5 Reasons Why Your Child Should Volunteer

The benefits can be amazing when your child gets involved in community service, regardless of the capacity. Here are 5 reasons why your child should volunteer…

Breast Cancer: Dealing With Survivor Guilt

The hard reality about cancer is that not everyone survives the fight, and it’s very hard to accept that death is a part of this disease.  Read more…