Walk 40 Miles in My Shoes
This weekend, blogger and breast cancer survivor Elissa Bantug is walking nearly 40 miles in Washington, D.C. at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She's there… Read More »Walk 40 Miles in My Shoes
Search Results for: cancer matter
Twenty-One Years Ago Today
I hate April 25. It’s the day my mother died of breast cancer, 21 years ago. I don’t think anyone is really ever prepared to… Read More »Twenty-One Years Ago Today
Caring for the Caregiver
Speaking at a breast cancer caregiver support group recently, I listened closely as they joked with one another about remaining in the “doghouse“ during the entirety… Read More »Caring for the Caregiver
CJ’s mission
As an oncologist, I am fascinated by the ways cancer patients bring meaning and satisfaction into their lives. Several months ago, I met a woman… Read More »CJ’s mission
Teachable Moments
My role as a social worker in the cancer center can be very humbling at times to say the least. Complete strangers often share their… Read More »Teachable Moments
5 Ways Social Workers Can Support You
Do you know your social worker? You should. We’ve listed 5 ways that social workers can help cancer survivors. Elisabeth Tamasi, clinical social worker at… Read More »5 Ways Social Workers Can Support You
Seize the Days
As an oncologist, I am privileged to care for people who are fighting cancer. I'm also fortunate to see the interesting and meaningful ways my patients bring joy and satisfaction into… Read More »Seize the Days
“My message to fellow health care professionals: Make the time …”
Consider this blog to be a "pep talk" of sorts to those of you who are working so hard on a regular basis to support and help those living with cancer. All great coaches and teachers lead by example. You owe it to your patients, family, and most importantly yourself to exercise and eat right.
We work in a busy environment where time often moves at the speed of light. Therefore, one may make the argument that there isn't enough time to dedicate to your health and well-being. I am here today to challenge you on that notion. There are 24 hours in a day and you CAN find 30 to 60 minutes to move. I know, because I do it. I am not going to mislead you, "making the time" can be difficult and the list of excuses are plenty. But, the benefits far exceed the excuses .
Read More »“My message to fellow health care professionals: Make the time …”
Students Offer Handmade Hope
This post is written by Shaun Morris, Public Relations Intern, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
The Gerstell Academy varsity girls’ basketball team delivered 50 hand-painted Believe Mugs to cancer patients and family members in the Weinberg Building on January 5th.
This is the first year that the students have delivered the mugs, expanding on the work of cancer survivor Ivelisse Page, food service manager at Gerstell. She created and delivered similar hand-painted mugs to fellow patients during her stay. The students hope to continue the mug delivery as an annual event.
Fatigue
Five weeks into radiation, I decided that the hair on my legs had become so long that an intervention was necessary. Going somewhere to have my legs waxed was too overwhelming in my current state, and cutting myself while shaving seemed like a small risk, as I’d internalized my doctors’ advice about the compromised nature of my immune system. I enlisted my sister to help; although neither of us had ever done anything like this before, we decided the best thing would be an at-home waxing party…This very quickly became one of those situations where the task at hand seemed like a good idea in principle but turned out to be a very, very bad idea. The wax was either too hot or not hot enough, we put the strips on backwards, and we had only minimal results. Wax went everywhere; we made a huge mess; and ended up in nothing but our t-shirts in fits of hysterical laughter on the kitchen floor. We managed to sort-of passably wax a small piece of my shin before I had to throw in the towel and retreat to my room for a nap.
My fatigue hit an all time low towards the last week of treatment. During this time, I had one burst of energy—a precious state of mind and body that had felt on hiatus for many weeks—and I decided that I needed to go grocery shopping.