Advocating for Yourself At The Doctor's OfficeWhen newly diagnosed with blood cancer, I was faced with complex choices, fear, and uncertainty. I needed to learn about my disease, treatment options, and how and where to obtain... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Helping Cancer Patients Deal with Emotional IssuesThe emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. When first diagnosed, I felt anger and a tremendous feeling of loss of control. Expected reactions to this life-threatening illness... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments13 comments
Describing Blood Cancer to a Person Who Doesn't Have ItA cancer diagnosis is a very distressing event. As a cancer survivor, I had to learn to explain what blood cancer is in simple terms. Friends and family wanted to... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
The Next Chapter of My Life After CancerI am a survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During chemotherapy, my life was “on hold" while I focused on treatment. What would I do next in this new world post-cancer? Get... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Watchful Waiting Treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma PatientsWatchful waiting is a form of active surveillance that can be used for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) when there is no immediate threat to their health. Watchful waiting is... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments10 comments
A Healthy Heart as a Cancer SurvivorLiving a healthy lifestyle is the goal of most cancer survivors. After dealing with a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, staying well and doing all that one can do to promote... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Optimism and Its Impact on HealthIs your outlook positive? Do you see the glass half full rather than half empty? I recently had a discussion with my husband about this topic. I expressed worry and... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
Suggested Gifts for a Cancer SurvivorGift-giving can be hectic and stressful for many of us and may be more stressful if the intended recipient is a cancer survivor. One may know a family member or... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
What to Bring with You During Your Chemotherapy TreatmentHaving a cancer diagnosis has been the most frightening event of my life. Even as an experienced RN, I did not know how to prepare for or what to expect... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
My Experience During ChemotherapyThe experience of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Initially, my oncologist recommended a “watch and wait” approach as this was the standard of care for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Unfortunately, my... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
A Strategy to Handle the Uncertainty of the Future of a Cancer SurvivorWe are motivated to find meaning in our lives. This is especially true in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. I can remember struggling with the uncertainty of the future... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments10 comments
The Biopsy Experience for Blood Cancer DiagnosisDepending on a patient’s symptoms or abnormal lab values, the physician may consider a biopsy in order to examine the cells and make a definite determination of the diagnosis. Frequently... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Strategies in Talking to Your Partner About Blood CancerCoping with a life-threatening health condition such as blood cancer is such an incredibly stressful time for both cancer patients and their families. Cancer affects your physical health and causes... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Staying Healthy as a Cancer SurvivorAs a cancer survivor, you can imagine that we can become tired of physician appointments, tests, and treatments. However, we need to take action to maintain our health. Your oncologist... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
My Unsung HeroIt was not until a recent family brunch at our home that I began to realize the critical role that my husband played in my recovery from cancer. Today, I... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Strategies for Talking to Children About CancerAs a newly diagnosed blood cancer patient, I was very concerned about telling my child about my illness. My first reaction was to keep the news from them or to... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
My Blood Cancer Symptoms and TreatmentAs I celebrate my five years of remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, I thought about my initial diagnosis. I had just finished with the best summer of my life, enjoying the... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Do You Have a Cancer Survivorship Checklist?A survey was done by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) to explore the experiences and needs of cancer survivor patients. The online survey of over thirteen hundred cancer... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
My Cancer Was a Wake Up CallWhile I enjoyed a terrific life before my blood cancer diagnosis, I have now realized that some additional positive things have become part of my daily life as a cancer... By Carole McCue2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Questions You May Have Before ChemotherapyA blood cancer diagnosis is a frightening event in so many ways. The thought of needing chemotherapy or any treatment can be overwhelming. Knowledge can be powerful and help provide... By Carole McCue3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments