Author: rebekah
The Surprisingly Helpful (and Hilarious) Things People Said to Me
Every cancer journey is unique, and what one person finds comforting might not resonate with another. As someone who’s been through the wringer, I can tell you that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to support. However, there were a few things that really stood out to me—whether they made me laugh, cry, or just… Read more
Cancer Conversations: What Not to Say (with a Dash of Sarcasm)
Discussing cancer can be stressful, awkward, and uncomfortable. It’s just not a pleasant conversation. Period. If you find yourself talking to someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer and you’re not sure what to say, that’s totally normal. Even if you accidentally put your foot in your mouth, I’m sure the other person understands you’re coming… Read more
The 2nd Opinion: Your Health Deserves a Double Take
Alright, let’s kick this off by acknowledging how ridiculously fortunate I am to call Raleigh home. We’ve got some of the best oncologists and surgeons in the country right here. Plus, my insurance allowed me access to treatments from both UNC Health and Duke. Not everyone gets to choose between these two outstanding teams, but… Read more
Hospital Hacks: Essentials for Making a Long Stay Bearable
When Stephany whisked me off to the ER, I thought I’d get a quick IV top-up and be sent on my merry way. Spoiler alert: I ended up stuck there for weeks. Hospital stays are the absolute worst, but I found a few things that made it a tad more bearable. I hope you never… Read more
Puke & Rally
You’re in for a treat because we’ve got not one, but two literary gems coming your way this week! But before we proceed, let’s address the elephant in the room – my journey has been no walk in the park. In retrospect, I, along with my family and medical team, perhaps overlooked some warning signs.… Read more
Turtle Time & Treatment Plans
As anticipated, my phone punctually rang at 8:20 a.m. on Monday morning. I was introduced to a patient navigator who would serve as my primary contact. Armed with a barrage of questions and scarce specifics about my cancer’s stage or treatment plan, I received a list of appointments spread over the next week and a… Read more
Becky With The Good Hair (Wig)
I’m jumping ahead a few months in my cancer journey, because let’s face it, haircuts are major milestones! But fear not, I’ll rewind next time to share more about navigating treatment plans and playing the second-opinion game with medical experts. Phase one of treatment involved 28 days of radiation and daily Xeloda pills. When the… Read more
Receiving a Cancer Diagnosis
TL;DR – My only symptoms were lower back pain and nerve pain in my left leg. Advocate for yourself with your doctor if something feels off. Find moments to laugh, and surround yourself with great friends, family, and some good wine. One of the first questions I got when people found out I had cancer… Read more