December 2020 Vol 6 No 6

Mary Trouba, who was encouraged by her sister to write about her experience as a patient with metastatic breast cancer, tackles the importance of the words we use when discussing cancer, explaining her problem with the phrase “battling cancer.”

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 3, Tiffany R. Easley learned the power of owning one’s story, detailing her powerful “SOAR” survivor mindset.

Dean Quick, MT-BC, explains how music therapy combats the stresses of dealing with cancer, noting that listening to and creating music increases our bodies' production of dopamine and oxytocin, which act as natural painkillers.

Crystal Ortner, PsyD, chronicles her difficult experiences with advanced-stage colon cancer and offers a heartfelt affirmation on the power of love.

Caring for her husband Bill as he deals with skin cancer, Cathie Balthazor shares the importance of being there to listen to your loved one and care for his or her emotional life.

After he was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer in 2017, “Art became my love,” says Larry Taylor.

After being diagnosed with throat cancer, Ed Rossman kept in contact with others through the online CaringBridge service, remaining hopeful through music sessions and practicing a weekly mantra.

Neelam Shinde, a 2-time breast cancer survivor, reflects on the power of positive thinking and remembering that setbacks are integral parts of life.

Mark Ryan, RN, emphasizes the importance of communication between doctors and patients, using as an example the stressful time his wife Anabel had because of miscommunication related to the results of a CT scan.