True North: Creativity & Practical Spirituality

Cancer survivors: a breast lump and a warrior's fear

On the radiologist's instruction, the technician returns for additional breast images. I gather my belongings and down the hall we go to the ultrasound room. With more detailed images in hand, the technician requests I to wait until she returns.

Cancer survivors: surviving a cancer diagnosis

The biopsy reveals invasive lobular cancer. Still, the surgeon explains, he will need to remove the tumor to determine the exact size, margin and spread of the cancer. At the time of his telephone call, if he said more, I did not hear him.

Cancer survivors: cancer statistics are for statisticians

The pathology report from the surgical removal of the tumor indicates a Stage 2 tumor of poor margins. The cancer has metastasized beyond the original tumor site. My lymph system is giving a ride to cancer cells for residence and future tumor formation in other parts of my body. No one can say for certain where, only that cancer cells are on the move.

Cancer survivors: chemotherapy hair loss

Chemotherapy. So much for the vanities of me. Before the chemotherapy begins, the oncology team warns of hair loss. I am fond of my long thick hair. I identify with my long thick hair. Secretly, I hope they are wrong.

Cancer survivors: Expect blessings for healing

Pragmatic, logical, compassionate concepts for those in the healing professions: patients need to be surrounded and inspired by vibrant soothing affirming symbols of life; an equal respect for time and carefully delivered reports.

Cancer survivors: green medicine for cancer patients

Immediately following the surgical removal of a tumor not benign, the radiologists were extolling the benefits of radiation in the treatment of cancer. The oncologists were extolling the benefits of chemotherapy. The surgeon explaining the necessity of surgery. The family physician coordinating all the healthcare providers and treatment options available for review.

Cancer survivors: Racing for the breast cancer cure

Portland, Oregon -- The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race For The Cure 5K Co-Ed Walk officially begins at 9:30 a.m. With 38,000 participants, we are a sea of people in pink: survivors wearing pink hats and shirts; survivor family and friends wearing 12 inch pink square signs pinned to the back of their clothing to honor the memory of someone surviving breast cancer or someone lost to breast cancer.

Cancer survivors: Shadow monsters of the mind

Without warning, the sharp shooting pain causes me to gasp for my next breath. Attempts at deep breathing only exaggerate the level of right-sided pain.

Cancer survivors: in search of hope

The diagnosis of breast cancer, or any cancer, is more than a curious detour that life-altering experiences of life tend to represent when retrospectively measured in the spacious distance of time’s wider perspective.

Cancer survivors: cancer scare for eight year cancer survivor

In 2002, I am diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer. The cancer has spread to my lymph nodes. After surgery and cancer treatment, tests reveal I am cancer free. In 2010, one month before my eighth year cancer survivor anniversary, I find a new lump.