My life improved this weekend after listening to Dr. Weekes explain her approach to self-treating anxiety. It will continue to improve as I practice her approach while navigating the tumult caused by biologic threats and social upheaval.
Read moreKathy LaTour's Life Lessons for All
When teacher-author-activist Kathy LaTour departed this world on June 19th, she left behind legions of people whose lives are better because of her—including many patients and caregivers who never heard of her. She also left behind words of wisdom, a few of which I’ll share.
Read moreWhen Friends Risk Catching Covid-19
“Why are you taking unnecessary risks?” That question replays in my head each time I learn of friends who put themselves at risk of catching Covid-19. I fear for them because I care about them. I fear for me, living with immunodeficiency. What should I do? That’s not a rhetorical question.
Read moreSurvivor Pride: Annoying or Inspiring?
Seeing a National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) t-shirt doesn’t always inspire. For some, the sight can elicit confusion, discomfort, or annoyance. In honor of the 33rd NCSD this past Sunday, let’s look at NCSD pride.
Read moreWhat Hope Can and Cannot Do
Some people talk about hope as if it’s a magic wand. For a healthy perspective on hope, keep in mind:
Read moreReducing the Risk of PTSD in Healthy Survivors
Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz offers some tips to Reduce Your Risk of PTSD After Lockdown that sound familiar to those who've navigated the trauma of cancer.
Read moreBattle of the Emotions
Emotions can keep you from getting good care. To help you win the battle among your emotions, think about healing hope.
Read moreMaking Plans for Healthy Survivorship
I’d planned to share a marvelous piece about making plans in uncertain times. Then Covid-19 hit. Suddenly the advice offered in Dare to Plan, by oncology social worker Hester Hill-Schnipper, felt outdated. A closer look revealed timeless insights. Tweaking the specifics can help us through the uncertainty of this pandemic.
Read moreHealing Hope While Missing My Grandchildren
My first NYTimes article focuses on the hope that helps me cope with missing my grandchildren.
Read moreHealing Hope for Ending Isolation
Are you hoping for this isolation to end as soon as possible? Not me, even though that’s what I desperately want. You see, that hope does not serve my top-priority hope: to survive.
Read moreThe Terrible Truth About True Anecdotes
Mr. Zee developed fevers and progressive shortness of breath, tested positive for Covid-19, and recovered after taking ICURECOV—a drug he ordered online. Yay! Right?
Read moreDuring This Pandemic, When Do You Call the Doctor?
In the setting of this pandemic, when is the right time to call the doctor about a symptom? That simple question stirred a lot of controversy when posed to a variety of physicians. I was seeking a realistic answer that worked as best as possible for patients and caregivers.
Read moreBest Hope for the Peak of the Pandemic
What are you hoping for as we anticipate the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic washing over Americans like a tsunami? I hear people sharing what they’re sad about. Angry about. Annoyed by. Afraid of. What I’m not hearing much of is a discussion of what they’re hoping for.
Read moreWise Health Decisions During the Pandemic
What’s the single best thing you can do to protect yourself, healthcare workers on the front lines, and fellow Americans during this pandemic? Minimize your risk of needing ER or in-hospital care. You do that by…
Read moreHelpful, Hopeful Handout on Managing the Stress of the Pandemic
Please share this with friends and family in the higher-risk groups (click for full handout).
I know it’s not Wednesday (as in, Wednesdays With Wendy), but Oncology Times just published the handout online, after fast-tracking it for early release. While written for oncology offices, the information applies to people living with any medical challenge and to everyone over 60 years old. I hope it helps. Take care, everyone. With hope, Wendy
A Neverending Work in Progress
Healthy Survivorship is always a work in progress. If that aphorism discourages you because it means you can never finish, let me suggest a different way to think of it.
Read moreA Healing Gift for a Grieving Friend
My heart aches whenever someone I care about loses a loved one. I’m always looking for a gift that might bring a bit of comfort, beyond the usual sympathy card with a handwritten note or donation to a worthy cause. Lately, I’ve been gifting a small book that stands apart from most books on grief.
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