Coping with Women's Cancers
Once again this year, I am celebrating two lives on the back-to-back dates of July 17 & July 18. On this special numerological date of 7-17-17, I wish to acknowledge the passing of my son’s father three years ago today from lung cancer, and also my son’s 33rd birthday tomorrow. This onetime nuclear family gave my life… Continue reading Repost: For My Son’s Birthday – Reflections on Losing a Womb, and a Co-Parent, to Cancer
Yesterday, for the first time in a number of years, I got to spend time with my son on Mother’s Day. He’s grown and gone, living a full, productive, happy, rewarding life in Boston. Down here in NW Central New Jersey, I get to think about him much more than I get to be with him. So… Continue reading Happy Belated Mother’s Day, Catching Up, & Coming Soon
If, like me, you are a fan of redemption movies—and of Bill Murray—then today you tuned into AMC and watched Groundhog Day...again...and again...and again.... My favorite part of this time-warp movie comes near the end, when Phil (also the groundhog’s name) Connors finally gets it. He starts living in the ever-present moment, the only way… Continue reading But what happens on February 3rd?
Wishing everyone on “The Patient Path” a very happy and healthy holiday. Courtesy of my husband, Farok Contractor, I share these interesting reflections on our national day of gratitude: Second Helping: Thanksgiving Day and Globalization, a refreshed version of his November 27, 2015 post. The original post provides interesting historical perspectives and fun facts about Plimoth Colony and Plantation, an… Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving 2016
In Part 1–Chemotherapy, we entered Diane’s story as she was undergoing pre-operative chemo for invasive lobular cancer (ILC) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) of the right breast, a relatively uncommon form of the disease. That post discusses breast cancer statistics, as well as the details of Diane’s chemotherapy protocol and its effects. In Part 2–Diagnosis, we reviewed why Diane… Continue reading Diane’s Story – Breast Cancer: Part 3–Surgery
Preview: “Blue Nude” by Pablo Picasso, 1902 This narrative comes from Chelsea Rubinstein, a young woman I met recently at a seminar. After hearing me mention that I had a website dedicated to telling personal healthcare stories complemented with resources and information to educate, enlighten, empower, and encourage others on their own “patient path,” Chelsea shared her… Continue reading New Post on Our Sister Site – Chelsea’s Story: Spinal Surgeries for Scoliosis & Degenerative Disc Disease
In Part 1—Chemotherapy, we entered Diane’s story as she was undergoing pre-operative chemotherapy for lobular breast cancer. In this post, we will take a close look at how Diane’s journey began a year ago last month and how she is currently preparing for surgery by getting second opinions while her body recuperates from chemo. This is a cautionary tale… Continue reading Diane’s Story – Breast Cancer: Part 2–Diagnosis
In proud acknowledgment of my son, who turns 32 today, and the happy use I once made of the womb I no longer have, I am reposting a two-part story from last year: Reflecting on Childbirth after Losing a Womb to Cancer: Part 1 – Birth and Reflecting on Childbirth after Losing a Womb to Cancer: Part 2 – After-Birth.… Continue reading On My Son’s Birthday: Reflections on Losing a Womb and Also a Co-Parent
Mammary gland at 40x under lab microscope (Accessed July 2016) © MicroscopeWorld 2015 Beginning with this post, we will be following the progress of my friend Diane, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has generously agreed to tell her story. Along the way, we will provide reliable information and resources to help others… Continue reading Diane’s Story – Breast Cancer: Part 1–Chemotherapy
Still Life: Basket of Peaches by Raphaelle, Peale, 1816 Display Peach for Uterine Cancer Yesterday, June 14, 2016, I saw my regular gynecologist at the 30-month mark post-hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer. I thought the “no-Pap policy” discussion had been lain to rest . . . but not quite. You Can Say Anything If You Smile Since… Continue reading My Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Story: Two-and-a-Half-Year Checkup–Pap or No Pap?
The Patient Path 