Just like the progression through stages of grief. Everyone’s response to trauma is different. Some remain stuck, and struggle to move on. Others use that trauma as a catalyst for change. For the latter, it’s not called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but rather, post-traumatic stress growth (PTSG). The phenomenon of PTSG was identified by psychologists …
Why Media Depiction of Breast Cancer Gives Me Pause
A woman with breast cancer. What picture do you conjure up in your head? If you are an advertiser or content creator that buys into the media depiction of breast cancer, she is probably depicted as weak, pale, harnessed to an IV pole and wearing a scarf on her head. She’ll definitely be wearing pink. …
Managing Stress During the Early Days of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Managing stress after a breast cancer diagnosis is so vital, but also very hard. I vividly recall the way I felt after my doctor broke the news to me that I had breast cancer. It was my worst nightmare come true. I could barely breathe let alone think. I recall saying to my brother I …
The Death of a Friend from Breast Cancer
We like to say in cancerland that it is the shittiest club with the best of members. You do meet some tremendous humans through this experience. However, the hard part in all of this is that it’s cancer after all. And sometimes people die. This was one of these weeks. Today’s blog is about the …
Breast Cancer-Inspired Artists I Admire
I adore art and dabble in watercolours. I feel a peace when I paint. That said, I have struggled to pick a brush back up since my diagnosis. I hope that part of me returns soon. In the meantime, while I wait for my muse to reveal itself again, I can admire the work of …