“Finally, the thing decided not to decide,
let us wash out with the tide. We are swimming again
and the ocean is very blue.  But there is a fin moving
beside us on the horizon, and though it disappears
from time to time in the bright sun
at dusk it is always there
circling.”
from Chronic Lymphocytic  Leukemia by Gail [...]

There is some currently promising research being done on brain plasticity.  Below is a recently published study.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-09-cognitive-brain-function-cancer-survivors.html
This is not the only perspective available. The practice of mindfulness meditation as well as the effects of depth psychotherapy have all shown that the mind has a capacity for growth and change.  I explain this to myself and [...]

“The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released a report: “Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care:Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis.” The report proposes a framework for improving quality cancer care that puts engaged patients at the center and emphasizes informed decision- making. A key recommendation to support the goal of engaged patients is as [...]

If Diana Nyad can swim over 100 miles, I can swim 1 mile for women with cancer!
Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer is a fantastic yearly event at the Mills College pool in Oakland, California.  Every October swimmers in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages take the plunge and labor up and down the [...]

The “Boogie Man of Cancer” lurks in the dark corners of our psyche waiting to pounce on us when a symptom grabs us and spins us around.  It’s really confusing to know when to pay attention and when to just get on with the day feeling lousy.  In an August 29, 2013 New York Times [...]

Check out this wonderful online resource at
www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/thirdage-health-close-up-i’m-a-breast-cancer-survivor

Recently I’ve been thinking about what it is like to have cancer when you are a young person.   By young I mean in your teens, twenties, and thirties.   While there are  common threads of fear and uncertainty, concerns and sorrows; the impact of a cancer diagnosis, treatments and post treament phases, is different for those who face these challenges [...]

Seems like a good day for an old song that speaks of  choice and hope and personal freedom! 
Cat Stevens – If You Wanna Sing Out
Have good day!
 

“It seems that one of my greatest teachers or teachings came from the times in my life when illness came upon me.  The gift in the wound that illness seems to provide for so many is to remind the heart to move toward difficulties rather than turn away from them.
Ondrea Levine, “The Healing I Took [...]

“Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.” Walt Whitman
When we are exploring ourselves and our lives after treatment for cancer there are moments of beautiful, profound light as well as times of despair, confusion and fear in the darkness we confront within ourselves.
Don’t push, don’t rush, don’t pressure yourself to move through [...]