When I was going through my treatment, having comforting items brought warmth to my heart. Each person’s preferences can vary, but here are a few gift ideas of things that I or my friends found helpful. Soft, cozy blankets and socks were my absolute favourite gift ideas – they were comforting, especially during treatment, and …
My mom has cancer. And I’m angry about it.
It’s completely normal and understandable to be feeling angry when your mom or another loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer is unfair and often brings up a multitude of complicated emotions. When I was diagnosed, it was not only a shock to me, but to my family as well. My kids, despite …
How do I tell my three-year-old child I have cancer?
Sharing news of a diagnosis with a small child can indeed be challenging. When I was diagnosed, my kids were in early 20s and already understood the gravity of it, but a three-year-old might not grasp it fully. In simple terms, you could explain to your child that mommy is feeling unwell and needs to …
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk and the Gail Model for Risk Assessment
I believe that when it comes to breast cancer and knowing your risks, knowledge truly is power. Let’s talk about the GAIL Model of Risk Assessment and why it matters. Let’s start with a story that made headlines recently. You might have heard about Olivia Munn, the actress and now breast cancer advocate, who bravely …
Celebrity Breast Cancer Diagnosis Offers a Complex Narrative of Privilege and Representation
The recent news of celebrities like Olivia Munn bravely sharing their battles with breast cancer sparks a myriad of emotions and a jumping-off point for discussion. On the one hand, the openness of Munn and other celebrities such as Angelie Jolie, Linda Evangelista, and Julia Louis Dreyfus helps shed light on an illness that affects …