Cancer-Champions Blog
Lessons I Did Not Want To Learn: When Grief is the Teacher
These past 12 months have been difficult. We have experienced loss both professionally and personally, and we find ourselves facing this new year with a heavy heart. Unfortunately, I know that there are many of you who have not yet realized the outcomes that you had...
Looking For A Practical Way To Help Someone With Cancer?
I am regularly inspired by the creative ways communities come together to offer support of individuals and families facing a disruptive diagnosis like cancer. There are so many of you out there and today I'd like you to meet Reagan, an eighth grade student,...
Shouldn’t my doctor be doing this?
Recently, while delivering a comprehensive plan for a client, they exclaimed with exasperation “ Why isn’t my doctor doing this”? As a result of this encounter, I will attempt to answer this question and hopefully level set the expectations of future patients....
Your cancer is “rare”. Now what?
You have been told you have cancer. And to complicate matters your tumor is considered "rare". Cancer is not just one disease. There are more than 200 different types of cancer that include solid tumors as well as malignancies that occur in the blood or are...
Mesothelioma.. not just a disease of the elderly
What do you think of when you hear the word Mesothelioma? For many, the word brings to mind televised warnings from legal firms urging you to contact an attorney if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this rare form of cancer or been exposed to asbestos. Often...
Caregiving and Cancer
In 2011, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index reported that more than 1 in 6 Americans working full-time or part-time was assisting with the care of an elderly or disabled family member, relative, or friend. Today, 7 years later, complex cancer care is shifting away...
Financial Toxicity of Cancer Treatment
What is financial toxicity? Financial toxicity or financial distress, as it is sometimes referred to, is a result of the financial burden of out-of pocket expenses incurred for medical care that is not covered by your health insurance. Examples of these costs include:...
Do I need Cancer Insurance?
Nobody wants to think about the possibility of receiving a cancer diagnosis. Such a diagnosis strikes fear, shock, and a sense of helplessness in the hearts and minds of everyone affected. In 2016 there were over 1 million new cancer diagnoses. Fortunately, due to...
September is awareness month for childhood cancer & a few more, how are we doing?
This September we highlight some of the scientific advances that have lead to new treatments for many of the cancers listed below: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month National Ovarian Cancer...
What is Palliative Care? Should you consider it?
Palliative Care does not equal hospice. The objective of both is to provide pain and symptom relief, however, there are important differences. Hospice care is provided without curative intent. Either there are no longer curative options available or the decision has...