On November 7, 2019, one day after my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, my surgeon visited me in the recovery center. She asked me how I was feeling. I was honest and said I was overwhelmed. She responded with a comment that really struck a chord. She said:… Continue reading
My grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005. I had just turned ten years old and had arrived back home from overnight camp. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen having my mom explain the BRCA2 gene to me. She told me that my grandmother is a carrier,… Continue reading
I am so very lucky. Each day is a gift. Like many others, I wasn’t one of those who did monthly breast exams, but I did find something that shouldn’t have been there. I checked with my doctor, during my yearly exam, and, after some prodding from me, agreed that I… Continue reading
It’s hard to believe that the High Holidays are here already! 2020 has been a weird vacuum of time. We’re all quarantined now and the Jewish holidays will certainly feel different than they ever have. For me, the Jewish holidays will always feel different. Dealing With… Continue reading
I’ve often thought that cancer and anxiety should be synonymous. And when you add pandemic to the equation…well…stress and daily meltdowns come to mind. I finished chemo for ovarian cancer one year ago and still wrestle with fear and control issues. But after two years… Continue reading
Summary: Fear of Recurrence is a common and often disruptive concern for people who have been treated for cancer. Psychologist Pamela J. Ginsberg, PhD, shares the basics of fear of recurrence and some tools to help you cope. Intro: Fear of recurrence is a common and often… Continue reading
If we ask our loved ones to describe their experience with COVID-19, they would invariably talk about their fear and social isolation; worry that the world will “never return to normal;” lack of control; uncertainty; powerlessness. Do any of these emotions sound familiar… Continue reading
At the beginning of April, we began counting the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. As we count each day of the Omer, we are engaged in a process of ‘counting up’ and increased mindfulness of where we are on this journey from slavery to receiving the Torah at… Continue reading
When you’re a cancer patient or survivor, there’s often a lot weighing on your mind. But for 45 minutes every week in my Cardio Drumming class, I am so focused on where my feet and my drumsticks are going that I can’t think for a minute about my troubles or worries. The… Continue reading
The WHO (World Health Organization) declared the Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on 3/11/2020. This led to immediate action around the world aimed at decreasing the spread of infection. Many different recommendations have emerged regarding safety and precautions that are… Continue reading
