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Brenda Burk MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CSSM, CNOR, serves on the Board of Directors for Hospice and Palliative Care for Iredell County, is a national spokesperson to reduce incivility and bullying in nursing, and serves on the Executive Round Table of the Association of Operating Room Nurses. She is a recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award by LNRMC, where she served as Director of Surgical Services before her recent retirement. Brenda volunteers for cancer survivor events through various organizations and volunteers at RainbowKidz, serving children experiencing grief and loss. In her free time, Brenda loves to cook, bake, sew, read, do jigsaw puzzles, travel the world, and spend time with her adult children. The day that changed my life… I had my first colonoscopy on a Friday, almost twelve years ago. I knew that I was three years late in getting the colonoscopy done per the American Cancer Society guidelines, but I was not worried about it as I was fit and healthy. Additionally, my three older siblings had been screened and were cancer-free. The reason that I delayed it was that I had a hectic job in a high-pressure environment and (stupidly) did not think I could take the time off. Boy was I wrong! I remember being woken up after the procedure by the Gastroenterologist (GI Doctor) who was holding a full-page photograph. Being a surgical nurse, I was able to recognize the image… a polyp, the size of my thumb, surrounded by a mass of about six inches in my colon. I said to him, “whose is that?” and he looked at me with concern and said, “it’s yours!” Believe me, I woke from the anesthesia right now and went into panic mode. I vividly remember saying to my husband, “what are we going to do?” We have three children, two were in college and the youngest in high school, so my immediate thought was of them not having a mother if it was cancer. Believe me, I had some crazy thoughts and emotions! There was a flurry of activity in the ENDO unit, and the next thing I remember was a general surgeon walking in. He very calmly explained that I was going to need a colectomy (a surgical procedure) to remove the part of my colon with the tumor. He said he was available to do the surgery on the Monday morning. I was scheduled for a CT scan on the Saturday and was instructed to be on a clear liquid diet for the weekend. That weekend was surreal, calling friends and family to tell them the news. We did not know if it was cancer yet, as the biopsy results would not be available for a few days. I had just resigned from my position and was scheduled to start a new job in two weeks. I called my new boss to tell her that I was not sure when, if ever, I could start; she was so kind and compassionate and told me that my health came first and they would wait for me! Colectomy surgery Monday came quickly and I was wheeled into the OR to have a sigmoid colectomy, which went very well according to the surgeon. The colon, or large bowel, has three sides: the ascending colon (right side), the transverse colon, and the descending colon (left side). The left side of the colon has four sections: the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, the rectum, and the anus. The surgeon was able to remove the tumor laparoscopically and reattach my descending colon to the rectum, so no colostomy (bag), which was a fear. On the Wednesday, the surgical team came in to break the news that it was Stage 1 colon cancer. It was really pretty weird being told that you have cancer when the surgery had already rendered me cancer free!!! I was very blessed that the surgeon was able to get clean margins and that all the lymph nodes were clean, so I did not need chemotherapy. I was in the hospital for five days and was able to start my new job six weeks later. My cancer journey opened a new door for me Two years after my procedure, I walked the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k to show gratitude for my survivorship, and to walk in memory of a good friend who died 13 months after his Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. He was having symptoms and only went to be screened after he learned my diagnosis. The crazy thing was that I did not have any symptoms. I subsequently learned that colorectal cancer is referred to as a “silent killer” because by the time you are having symptoms you are typically in an advanced stage. I am now a big proponent for early colon cancer screening and prevention. I started this blog saying my life was changed, so let me tell you why. I really believe that my cancer journey opened a new door for me and a reborn and better me emerged. For this, I will always be grateful. Through connections made at Get Your Rear in Gear, I was able to attend a cancer wellness retreat. At this beautiful nature retreat, I was treated to a session of Healing Touch therapy. This is an energy therapy in which the practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. I do not know how or why, but I felt amazingly lighter and brighter - it was life-changing! The transformation continues to be amazing. I used to be very rigid and science-based. I am now much softer, more creative, and have channeled my focus on helping others through their cancer journeys. I look at my diagnosis as a blessing which is allowing me to live my best life. I am now a student of Healing Touch. I do a daily walking meditation in my backyard labyrinth and love to host spiritual and creative gatherings. I assist at cancer wellness workshops and retreats where I have met many remarkably brave and wonderful people. I have made many new friends through our common diagnosis of cancer. In Charlotte NC, we are truly fortunate to have wonderful programs like TheAfterCancer.com with trained professionals to support us as we navigate our cancer journeys. I now have routine colonoscopies and have had numerous precancerous polyps removed during these procedures. I often think that if I had delayed any longer the outcome would possibly have been vastly different. So please, if you are reading this blog, go for your screening on time. The ACS recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. Book a FREE call with a survivorship mentor to talk about your experience with colorectal cancer

Howard Brown is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, best-selling author of Shining Brightly, award-winning international speaker, inspirational podcaster, survivorship coach, health technology consultant and two-time stage IV cancer patient and survivor 30 years apart. He shares the keys to leading a resilient life with hope that drives successful community leaders, business innovators and healthcare advocates. Be prepared to be inspired! https://ShiningBrightly.com A Cancer Journey is a Team Sport I am a two-time stage IV cancer survivor, 30 years apart—so I know that the moment we hear the words, “You have cancer,” everything comes to a screeching halt. I was that deer in the headlights at age 23 in 1989 with stage IV non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. My story changed after the shock of my second diagnosis. This time, I became like a Marine on a mission when I was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic colon cancer after my 50-year-old colonoscopy. Even though my awareness of what I was facing and my commitment was different than when I fought cancer in my 20s—these diagnoses both filled me with fear. Cancer I In October 1989 at the age of 23½, I was diagnosed with stage IV T-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (blood cancer of my lymphatic system). I moved back home with my parents, and they became my caregivers. As we started this journey, we knew nothing—and there was little we could find, compared with today’s Internet. We kept searching for answers, because I failed all the chemo regimens the doctors tried. I kept relapsing. In February of 1990, my twin sister turned out to be an exact 10-for-10 HLA match for a bone marrow (now called stem cell) transplant at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Miracle No. 1: My twin sister had a 1-in-25,000 chance of being a donor match for me. On May 17, 1990, I checked into an isolation room for a blasting of chemotherapy and twice-daily full-body radiation to knock out my immune system. On the morning of May 24, 1990, my twin sister had bone marrow extracted from her hip bones. That marrow was treated and infused in me at 5:44 pm that day. We watched to see if the transplant would kill me right away, cause any type of severe graph-vs-host disease—or, we hoped, begin to rebuild my immune system. My twin sister saved me and I was able to put Humpty-Dumpty 1.0 back together again. As a result, I moved far from home to Marina Del Rey, California. One important side note: Before I did one drop of chemotherapy, my liver function tests were running too high for safe infusion. While we waited for those levels to subside, my oncologist spoke to me about fertility options and going to the cryogenic center to leave a sperm sample preserved. Miracle No. 2: Because I beat cancer, that decision to visit the cryogenic center allowed me to get married—then my wife and I could call for the frozen sperm eleven years later and be blessed with our miracle girl—our daughter Emily. Cancer II Those early successes gave me 26 years of life. I got married; put my career as a Silicon Valley technology entrepreneur back on track; became a dad; and involved myself in volunteer community service. Then, lightning struck again. At age 50 in June 2016, I went in for my routine colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. Back to more surgeries and chemotherapy. This time, my wife Lisa stepped in as my primary caregiver. One year later, I was metastatic stage IV with the cancer spreading to my liver, stomach lining, and bowel. Would I get to see my daughter, who was then in 9th grade, graduate from high school? Why was I hit twice? I learned that young-onset cancer patients can develop a secondary cancer. I wish I had gotten screened for colorectal cancer years earlier. In the US, the recommended screening age was just lowered from 50 to 45, unless you have family history or symptoms. Because I learned from my first bout with a deadly form of cancer that this fight is truly a team sport—I knew that I needed to reach out for allies. In 2016 there were many more digital support options and my wife and I found www.colontown.org for patient and caregiver information and support. It was there I learned about CRS HIPEC—a massive surgery to remove all cancer cells from my stomach lining, liver, abdomen, bowel and then my doctor used heated chemotherapy placed in the pelvis and abdomen to kill micro-cells of cancer. This life-extending mother of all surgeries helped me to reach NED (No Evidence of Disease)—and has kept me there for four years at this time. Once again, I am a work in progress, reassembling Humpty-Dumpty 2.0 day by day. Battling cancer, we share a lot—but we’re each on a unique journey There is no one-size-fits-all all survivorship plan. Whether you are still battling cancer or trying to reassemble the first pieces of your old life again—or you’re somewhere along the journey toward consistent reports of NED at your checkups—you have discovered that there are many different paths we can take. Our journeys likely start with chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, side effects and often we are placed on “surveillance” mode. Typically, there are quarterly blood tests and CT scans. For me, I have the hidden side effects of chemo brain (also called brain fog / PTSD), peripheral neuropathy and digestive / bathroom issues still persist. They are hidden. People assume you look and feel great and many days I do — but I carry with me an enormous legacy of my treatments. If that’s your experience, you are not alone! We share so many challenges: Getting our emotional well-being back on track Building our physical stamina and fitness moving forward Figuring out our finances and career situation Nurturing relationships with our family, friends and co-workers That’s all part of what I call “putting Humpty-Dumpty back together again.” Many people are overwhelmed with trying to navigate “after cancer.” Our lives are not the same after what we have just lived through. These changes may be very difficult — including finding a job again. I chose to publish my memoir Shining Brightly to help others. I speak at conferences to share my stories and experiences so that others may find inspiration for getting back up again. I started an inspirational podcast to highlight others’ human resolve and ability to help lift up others. Survivorship, like fighting cancer, is a team sport. Build your team or let others like me help you take the positive steps forward to help you shine brightly every day. My heartfelt advice to others facing cancer: Do not go at it alone. It’s time to rally the troops and build your team. Surround yourself with a care partner, mentor and people who care for your well-being. Time to be selfish in your time of need. Be able to accept help from family, friends and even strangers. Get smart and educated about your diagnosis. Online resources and cancer advocacy networks have an abundance of resources. Collaborate with your caregivers—and thank them! Care partners, doctors and nurses are your lifeline. Thank them repeatedly. Make memories. Spend time with loved ones and experience things that lift your spirit. Find your happy place and go there often. Hiking, biking, nature, art, sports, cooking, yoga, meditation, travel—whatever lifts your spirit can be your “happy place.” Love yourself and share your light Each day, go to the mirror and say “I love myself because—" More and more people are living longer with cancer, I hope and pray you will too. Cancer is a team sport where we can all join hands and face it together. Book a FREE call with a survivorship mentor to talk about your experience with colorectal cancer

Rev. British Hyrams is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) currently serving as a college chaplain. Blindsided As a health-conscious woman, I was naive when I went to check off my first “let’s get this over with” colonoscopy at age 50. So, when I awakened to find that I was not going to have a fun-filled, celebratory feast with my husband and instead the two of us were being counseled to visit a surgeon immediately to schedule the removal of a “suspicious” mass, I was blindsided! I was oblivious to the statistics indicating that Black people are diagnosed and die from colorectal cancer at rates significantly higher than any other racial group. I also had no idea about my own family’s history of polyps. I. DIDN’T. KNOW! My family was blindsided too. The family matriarch who encouraged eating plenty of vegetables, brushing of teeth, regular medical checkups and dental care among other things was now facing something serious. My husband had just been through several years of major surgeries and this seemed like a nightmare that just would not end. Little did any of us, including my high school and college-aged children, along with the rest of my family and friends, know that the initial surgery was only the beginning. Role reversal while tackling Stage 3 Sure enough, the surgery revealed that the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes. This suggested chemotherapy as the best course of action to address my Stage 3 condition. Now, as a church leader (serving in an associate pastor type of role at the time) I was the one who needed the consistent prayers. I was the one who was sick, needed cooked meals, visits, and comfort from others. Words cannot describe how hard it was to lead a congregation while going through chemotherapy with all the physical, mental, and emotional difficulties it brings. As well-meaning as people are, and as much as you know they care, this “role reversal” situation was challenging even on the best of days. As a woman of faith, I could only trust that God would lead me to complete healing. I was blessed to have each of my three children rallying to take care of their mother. My out-of-town family and friends flew in for moral support. My beloved husband never left my side and committed to be physically present at every appointment throughout my journey. It's a necessary conversation - our lives depend on it! Now by the grace of God, I am feeling strong again and am 7 years cancer free! I am also a relentless advocate in the Black community and willing to talk to anyone approaching the age of 40 about being screened for colorectal cancer. It’s a necessary conversation to have with our own families and throughout our community. Our lives depend on it! Book a FREE call with a survivorship mentor to talk about your experience with colorectal cancer

A cancer diagnosis is never easy, but it may be even more challenging for older adults who may already be managing issues related to aging, such as decreased mobility, vision or hearing. Unfortunately, aging is also a risk factor for cancer, with the National Cancer Institute reporting rates of diagnosis increasing steadily with age. From 2013 to 2017, more than 1,000 per 100,000 people aged 60 and over were diagnosed with some form of cancer, while those under 20 faced rates below 25 per 100,000 people, and those aged 45 to 49 only faced rates of 350 per 100,000 people. In this guide developed by Caring, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support, older adults will learn how a cancer diagnosis may affect their senior living options. This guide also offers detailed information about how to find assisted living and nursing care facilities that provide cancer care to aging adults. Barriers to Receiving Cancer Care as an Older Adult Older adults may face barriers that younger persons aren’t subjected to when seeking care after a cancer diagnosis. This includes barriers to screening prior to receiving a diagnosis, as well as treatment and cancer therapy obstacles. Common Screening Barriers Unfortunately, there’s a lack of clinical trials and resulting data when it comes to cancer screening for seniors. According to Hopkins Medicine, the most likely reason for this is that it can be difficult to assess the efficacy of screenings in older adults. Researchers may also struggle to qualify or quantify risks vs. benefits of screenings in older adults. Unfortunately, the problems mentioned above aren’t something that older adults can control when it comes to cancer screenings. However, there are factors that often influence seniors’ decisions about screenings that are within their control. Although recommendations suggest that adults over 65 should have regular screenings, including mammograms, PSA testing, gynecological checkups and colonoscopies, many make a conscious decision not to have these screenings. While reasons to delay screenings differ, there are some common personal barriers that older adults face. That includes: A lack of education about the benefits of cancer screenings Concerns about the health impacts and side effects of cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, should test results come back positive Personal preferences regarding their quality of life Religious beliefs and family values Common Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment Although cancer prognosis tends to worsen with age, instances of delayed diagnosis continue to occur among seniors. Often, symptoms are excused as aging or being related to other health conditions instead of being checked by a doctor immediately, and unfortunately, by the time the patient seeks care and raises concerns to their health care provider, the prognosis has worsened. This barrier, along with several others, can create a significant delay in receiving timely and accurate diagnoses and opportunities to obtain effective treatment. Aside from a delay in obtaining a proper diagnosis, older adults may also struggle to access appropriate diagnostic testing to determine the original source of cancers that have spread throughout their bodies. This is often the result of denial in the patient or their family members as well as pessimistic attitudes about treatment or test results. Once cancer has been diagnosed, seniors may face further barriers when it comes to obtaining adequate care for their condition. Unfortunately, the most common barrier in this scenario is ageism — whether subconscious or intentional — among health care providers. Examples of this include: Assuming that, as a senior, the patient is unable to afford appropriate cancer care Assuming the patient may have personal beliefs about accessing advanced or experimental therapies Attributing discomfort and symptoms to aging and other medical conditions instead of investigating cancer symptoms appropriately Underestimating the patient’s ability to withstand treatment options, such as chemotherapy or radiation Underestimating the patient’s life expectancy and assuming they won’t want to undergo treatment Common Barriers to Cancer Therapies When it comes to making decisions about cancer therapy after a proper diagnosis and initial treatment has begun, many barriers can stand in the way of making the right choices. These may come as a result of patient or caregiver opinions and beliefs, caregiver or family stress, or the beliefs of the patient’s primary health care provider. The most common barrier to cancer therapy for older adults is the beliefs or stress of their family caregivers, who are typically spouses and/or adult children. Because a cancer diagnosis is a lot to take in, most older adults opt to bring a family member to their appointments to help them remember medical instructions and ask questions, but in some cases, this companion’s concerns and beliefs may overshadow those of the patient, resulting in: Patients acting less assertive when discussing treatment options or asking questions about their condition and prognosis Caregivers feeling overprotective and making harsh decisions on the patient’s behalf Physicians providing less information in an attempt to calm patients and their family members, which can lead to a lack of education for patients as well as a lack of treatment options Senior Living Options for Individuals With Cancer More than 15% of the U.S. population is aged 65 or older and according to 2019 data published by the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 2 million of those seniors reside in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. While some of these long-term care facilities don’t provide specialized care for residents with cancer, many do offer services that can make living with cancer easier, and in some cases, these facilities may offer on-site oncology care and cancer-focused nursing services. Each of the facilities varies in what services they offer residents. That said, those that provide cancer care typically provide services such as 24-hour medical supervision, medication administration or assistance, personal care, transportation to and from medical appointments, and nutritional support. There are several types of senior living options available for those seeking residential care. Assisted Living Assisted living facilities help seniors and those with disabilities to live as independently as possible while providing help with activities of daily living, such as grooming, mobility, hygiene, eating and toileting, whenever necessary. Assistance is available around the clock in these facilities, with many offering additional memory care services for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related disorders. Some assisted living facilities in the United States also have an on-site nursing staff that can provide cancer care services, such as medication administration, wound care and wellness checks, as well as health care service coordination. Other services that are typically provided in assisted living facilities include: Housekeeping Social activities Transportation to and from appointments, errands and family visits Daily meals Case management Nursing Care Seniors with advanced cancer or other underlying disorders in addition to their cancer may want to consider nursing care. In a nursing home, residents are provided with 24/7 medical supervision by a registered nurse or physician, along with a team of caregivers and licensed practical nurses. Often, nursing facilities have doctors or oncologists on staff who can conduct regular wellness checks on cancer patients and provide other health care services on-site. Home Care Home care enables older adults to age in place at home. It can provide a variety of services on a schedule that works best for the patient, whether that’s having a temporary live-in caregiver, weekly visits or something in between. Home care agencies typically employ nurses and professional caregivers who visit seniors to provide personal care and homemaker services. When cancer care is provided, additional services may include medication administration, wound care and wellness checks as well as transportation to and from medical appointments. Hospice Care Hospice care is reserved for those facing the end of their lives. When cancer has reached its final stages, hospice care ensures that the final days or months of a person’s life are comfortable by administering medication and treatments that address cancer symptoms or side effects from cancer therapies, as well as personal care and wellness services, as needed. Hospice care is typically provided in the patient’s home, but may also be administered in a facility. Choosing the Right Cancer Care Setting After a cancer diagnosis, it’s important to select a care setting that’s most appropriate for your needs. That means finding a facility or home care agency that understands the care you need to remain comfortable and preserve your health, as well as one that’s equipped to provide that care. Following are some steps to help you and your loved ones find the right care setting: Understand the diagnosis: Meet with your oncologist or other health care practitioner and, if needed, bring along a spouse or family caregiver to help you take in the information they provide. Make sure to ask questions about your prognosis, treatment and medications as well as any additional symptoms or changes to watch for that require you to seek further care. Make age considerations: When determining the right course of action, your age is a factor that should be considered. If you’re approaching or into your senior years, you may find it more difficult to navigate aging while battling cancer, making senior living options, such as assisted living, a more appealing option thanks to the extra help that’s offered in these facilities. Evaluate your options at home: If recovery at home feels like the best and most comfortable option for you, take time to review home care agencies that offer cancer care in your area. Medical equipment loans for beds, wheelchairs and other necessary supplies are available from charitable organizations in most areas across the United States to make healing at home a more affordable option. Re-evaluate regularly: As your condition changes or progresses, regularly and frequently re-evaluate your needs and reconsider whether you need to upgrade or downgrade the care you’re receiving. To learn more about cancer care and assisted nursing facilities for elderly cancer patients, please visit this guide.

My name is JJ Singleton I'm a colorectal cancer patient from Canton North Carolina. I was diagnosed in 2015 at the age of 27, been on chemo for life since 2016. I'm an advocate for colorectal cancer and breaking down stigmas and hurdles around screening and talking about colorectal cancer as well as mental health and the hurdles of living with cancer. It's hard to find words Sometimes it is almost impossible for me to find words that correctly describes or paints the right image of what I’m going through feeling and just my overall place in this thing called life. Today and these last few weeks have definitely been one of those times and as the words escape me to truly encompass where I’m at mentally physically emotionally I feel it’s fitting to say I feel lost in almost every sense of the word. What does it mean to feel lost? What exactly do I mean when I say I feel lost because it can mean so many things and honestly it’s complex feelings and emotions that I’m wrestling with. On one hand I’m not sure what’s next in life, my life revolves around cancer and advocacy but as this year ends I have no clue what’s next or where things are going but realizing I don’t have anything else outside of that has scared me in a sense. So many things I look at in my life add to this lost feeling changes in friendships, changes in life, missed opportunities, regrets of decisions I’ve made, and the awareness about my life and how I’m feeling each day has contributed to this. I’ve not reacted to a lot of things in the best way out of ignorance or fear of change or just being to in my head and all together for me it equals feeling completely lost. This is one side of it but at the same time it don’t truly paint the full picture of what I feel especially in the silence of my life the times where I'm there and no voice except my own thoughts this is where feeling lost takes on a new level for me and I’ve finally realized it has a name. Feeling detached Derealization or where you feel detached from your surroundings. I constantly feel detached from almost everyone and everything from people I’ve known my whole life to even people in the amazing cancer groups I’m in I still feel like I’m watching everything from the other side of a glass wall. This feeling can be small at times to just a dissociation to a single thing or event, person but then it can develop and morph into me feeling like I’m detached from the world and everyone and everything is going on growing have life experiences and more without me as I sit and watch it happen. I just feel so lost when im here. Feeling lost might come as a shock to some and I know I’ll get messages comments and everything about how can you feel lost when you belong so many places and do so much good work etc as well as so many solutions from talking to people in those communities to therapy to religion and more Everyone feels differently Talking about how I feel lost can mean as I’ve stated above something that is specifically unique to me and unique to each and everyone but unfortunately as a society when people read or hear that they automatically think about what that phrase relates to their life and go from there when in reality it is something different and we all deserve recognition and understanding for our own feelings and emotions. Note: JJ gave us permission to repost this article from his blog. Feeling lost? Book a FREE call with a survivorship mentor

My name is JJ Singleton I'm a colorectal cancer patient from Canton North Carolina. I was diagnosed in 2015 at the age of 27, been on chemo for life since 2016. I'm an advocate for colorectal cancer and breaking down stigmas and hurdles around screening and talking about colorectal cancer as well as mental health and the hurdles of living with cancer. Feeling I'm not alone is important, but not enough Positivity, encouragement, motivational quotes prayers, good thoughts and so on are all good things that most of the time I love seeing receiving and feeling as I go through this life with cancer and everything that comes with it. There is a huge and important need for that and to make sure individuals hear that feel it and know they’re not alone. But sometimes I don’t want to see or read or even feel those things and why I feel this way I think is important and not talked about much especially if others feel this as well. Sometimes I feel the world and society and expectations of us is to always look on the bright side, no matter what your dealing with or going through the expectation is positivity and hopefulness or to still be an inspiration or motivational tool and that’s all well and good when you feel like it and when you want to be in those things to yourself or to anyone in the world. I need to lean into my negative emotions There are times I need to stay in that feeling of sadness or anger or disappointment, depression, frustration, tiredness and any other feeling emotion or mood that comes along. I need to lean into these times to begin to process and understand what they mean to me and my mental health. Most importantly for myself is if I don’t accept and feel these and I end up pushing it all away and numbing myself to all the preconceived bad thoughts emotions and feelings, which in turn build up and will eventually blow up and land me in a dark place and spiral that scares me. We don't have to be a positive inspiration every day This isn’t meant to say don’t send positive and loving messages or gestures don’t quit putting motivation and love in the world and especially to people dealing with so much. It’s that those feelings emotions and thoughts that the world doesn’t like to hear, they can and do serve a purpose and it’s okay to lean into and feel them and experience them and to not want to be positive and outgoing and to not on the brightside everyday or be anyone’s inspiration. Note: JJ gave us permission to repost this article from his blog. Get started with The After Cancer

Donna is a former Hospice Social Worker, a former Elder Law Attorney, and an ovarian cancer survivor. Check out her website: www.survivingtoflourishing.net. This picture is from Donna's garden, one of her newly discovered passions! During treatments, my sole focus was to continue living Cancer, its treatment, and survivorship bring along with it many surprises. It is not unexpected that an initial cancer diagnosis is shocking to most of us. Then along comes treatment which unless you have been through it before or have been intimately associated with someone who has been, also brings along many surprises. For me, once treatment ended and I started on maintenance medications, I was left bewildered and with a feeling of, “Now what?” I had no idea what my life would look like going forward, and more importantly, I was looking at my future feeling like I didn’t know who I was anymore. How could I figure out what I wanted my life to look like if I didn’t even know who I was or what I liked anymore. I spent most of my time in treatment focusing on one thing, doing what I had to do to continue living. In some ways this was quite a treat and blessing, because I was present in every moment, mindful of what was happening right now, and purposefully not thinking of the future. And while mindfulness can be a good thing, by only being present in the moment and by not thinking about the future, I also stopped paying attention to simple things about how I wanted to spend my time or what I liked. See, during treatment it didn’t matter that I didn’t like taking my medicine, or that I wanted to be outside when I had to spend the day in the infusion center. My wants didn’t matter because I needed to do certain things to live. Cancer diagnosis and treatment change you After treatment, I was left with a wide-open vista with which to view my life. As you know, a cancer diagnosis and treatment change you in a fundamental way. You now understand on a much deeper level about the limited time you have. Certain things that you valued before are no longer as important, and other things begin to take center stage. There is a newfound depth to living now as you are acutely aware of the limited time that this thing called life is. You want to make the most of every moment and increase moments of joy. So where do you find these moments of delight when you feel like you don’t know who you are anymore. After feeling completely lost, I started to think about what I valued the most. Keeping up my most important connections, something that I know I let lag in the hustle and bustle of pre-cancer life, was vitally important. That was and is the thing that brings me the most joy. Seeing the people I love, especially since I had not seen many loved ones for quite a while because my surgery and treatment was during COVID, meant more to me than I could ever express. I wasn’t sure I was going to see anyone again, so every face-to-face reconnection was and is profound and deeply moving. I captured a piece of delight. But what else brought me joy? I wasn’t sure, but here is how I started to find out. I had no idea what I liked to do anymore, what hobbies I liked, what, if anything, was on my bucket list. With small baby steps I started by thinking of the things I liked to do as a child. For me, I was an avid reader. This primarily went by the wayside due to the obligations of my pre-cancer professional life. I tried reading again. I was transformed back into a world of imagination, sparking memories of things long forgotten about, and spurred into thinking about old things with a new perspective. I regained another little bit of delight. Then I started thinking about what I always wanted to do if I had time. Well for me, gardening was close to the top of the list. I’m not sure if it’s in my DNA as my ancestors were farmers or if it’s just the joy of caring for or watching something grow, digging in the dirt and feeling connected to the soil and to the earth. Whatever it is, I started gardening, growing both vegetables and flowers. As silly as this sounds, I was truly joyful when I saw a little green sprout pop up out of the dirt. Being outside in the healing sunshine, hearing and watching the birds was a bonus. Another little slice of delight was found. During this trial-and-error period I discovered that there were some things that I used to love that no longer brought me joy. While I still love cooking and a comfy home, I no longer enjoy watching the cooking or home design shows. Some hobbies I loved when I was younger, like needlework, felt more like a chore to me now so I no longer do them. I also quickly realized that I can’t do everything that I’ve always wanted to try. While I am expanding and trying new things, some of which I enjoy, I try and stick with the things where I feel the most joy and delight. Rediscovering yourself and finding delight So here are my takeaways in rediscovering yourself and finding delight in the after cancer. If you feel like you don’t know who you are after cancer, figure out what you value. It will help you determine how you want to spend your time and who you want to spend it with. If you can’t figure out what you like to do anymore, start by looking at what you liked to do as a child and see if rediscovering those things still resonates with you. If you don’t know what to do, try something that you’ve always wanted to do and see what happens. It may bring you delight and joy or it may seem like more of a chore. Either way, you will know. The thing is to set out to intentionally rediscover yourself and you will find your delight after cancer. Schedule a FREE call with our Survivorship Mentor

Dr. Lisa Jervis is The After Cancer's Programs' Medical Director. Phase 1: Medical School As a first year medical student, I had no idea what specific path I wanted to follow with regards to my career—but I knew it would not be Obstetrics and Gynecology…or would it? Welcome third year of med school and clinical rotations. It was here that I discovered that I enjoyed at least some aspect of every rotation I did. I loved the challenge, mystery and excitement of surgery; the intellectual thought processes of internal medicine; the emotions, communication and intricacies of human brain function in psychiatry, and the wide variation and oftentimes fun aspects of pediatrics. When I got to my OB/GYN rotation, I found a little bit of everything mentioned above, and then (by the way)…there is this amazing process of human gestation and being an integral part of the sacred and emotional life event and miracle of birth. Life as an OB/GYN My years as an OB/GYN were extremely rewarding on many levels and oftentimes exhausting. Over those years, I learned that one of my strengths in my life and practice is my ability to listen, communicate and share knowledge. I found that I was always running behind in my schedule, because I felt compelled to listen to what my patients were saying not only verbally, but also silently as they would convey in other ways that something else was going on and needed to be addressed. The current culture and model of conventional medical care does not allow for that style of medicine which I knew was right for me and my patients. Phase 2: Integrative Medicine Chronically running behind in a busy office setting creates its own source of stress and dissatisfaction both with practitioners and with patients. While I loved taking care of my patients and engaging in the practice of medicine, something was missing for me. As I became more and more aware of this realization, I also began reading and hearing more about the concepts of integrative medicine. Patients would ask about these “other” mysterious options that sounded fascinating to me: Healthy (plant based) nutrition, herbs, supplements, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, etc. Many of these concepts were things that I am naturally drawn to, but many were new and intriguing to my curious mind. After some research and contemplation, I found some courage and took the plunge for a shift in gears and direction in my career. I applied for the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship/University of Arizona. As I started my Fellowship, I was offered a position at Novant Health Cancer Institute to help establish a new department of integrative medicine. Integrative Oncology Support The transition from conventional OB/Gyn to Integrative Oncology Support was a complex whirlwind of learning new concepts, re-learning old concepts from an integrative perspective, exploring new ways to open my mind and heart, and sharing happiness, pain, suffering and everything in between while connecting with others in a way that felt very comfortable to me. I learned as much or more about life and healing from my patients as I did from any class, book or journal. There is a massive amount of research, facts, information and resources out there, but putting it all together and learning to meet patients “where they are”, is what hits home and matters most. The Here and Now As I now have the opportunity to combine my remote and more recent experiences of practicing medicine together, I cherish and am grateful to be able to help fulfill the need of providing support and knowledge to (patients) at any point in their journey of cancer diagnosis and life. I have been hoping to create and provide a group support series for several years.  The positive energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of The After Cancer team is the perfect environment and opportunity to create this program.  We are in this together, and we all have something to contribute to help each other find peace, happiness, comfort and healing. Discover our group programs!

Lori Drummond is a Registered Dietitian who is joining The After Cancer Care Team soon! In the vast realm of healthcare, individuals often find their calling through a profound combination of personal passion and unexpected life events. I became a registered dietitian with multiple state licenses and board certification in oncology nutrition, through that journey. My story is one of heartfelt dedication to the well-being of others, inspired by a new-found pursuit toward a lifelong commitment to healthy living and the transformative power of nutrition. Embracing the power of food Delving into the world of healthcare was not just a career choice; it was a calling that resonated with my desire to help those in need. Long before I embarked on my professional path, I was captivated by the idea that food could be a source of healing and vitality. Life took an unexpected turn, opening doors for me to pursue my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutrition from the University of Alabama. Over the past 17 years, I have worked in various hospitals, gaining extensive experience with diverse patient populations, from the critically ill in ICU units to those battling cancer, heart issues, diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, and more. I played a pivotal role in the transplant program at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, where I assisted patients preparing for and recovering from liver, kidney, and heart transplants. My multifaceted experience equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition and overall health. A heartfelt connection to cancer patients My profound connection with cancer patients is deeply personal. Having supported two close family members through their battles with cancer, I intimately understand the challenges these individuals face. My grandmother's struggle with pancreatic cancer and my mother's journey with lung cancer became the catalyst for my unwavering commitment to oncology nutrition. As the primary caregiver for my mother during the final months of her battle, I gained invaluable experience and empathy. This lived-out experience became the cornerstone of my passion for oncology nutrition, allowing me to connect with patients on a level that transcends professional boundaries. A beacon of support and expertise In addition to my board certification in oncology nutrition, I hold a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management, bringing years of experience in guiding individuals toward better well-being through weight management methods. My expertise extends beyond the clinical setting, as I dedicate myself to teaching group weight management classes. Beyond my professional life, I'm a mother of five and a grandmother of 11, highlighting my deep commitment to family health. Continually seeking knowledge to adapt to our evolving world, I find joy in beach walks, sandcastle building with local grandchildren, boating, and embarking on outdoor adventures with grandchildren in Alabama and Oregon. In my journey, I hope you find a powerful narrative of passion, dedication, and empathy. My commitment to the well-being of others, particularly those facing the challenges of cancer, is not just a profession but a deeply personal mission. My story is a testament to the transformative potential of combining personal passion with professional expertise, creating a beacon of support for those in need. Discover our Care Team --

The holidays are fast approaching, and with it comes the excitement and joy of being with family and friends and the anticipation of the festivities that come with the holiday season. There is also that natural stress that is associated with the holidays: the shopping, the cooking, attending those holiday parties, and planning those traditional holiday activities.  It is an exhilarating and exhausting time of year for anyone. Add to that being a cancer survivor also dealing with long-term or residual effects of treatment or maintenance and it can be downright debilitating. So how do you take care of yourself this holiday season? How to practice self-care when there is no time? Look up self-care on the internet and you’ll find all sorts of ideas – take a bubble bath, unplug, light a candle, grab a cup of coffee or tea and read a book. And these are great ideas when you have the time and when you just need a day to rest to feel rejuvenated.  But when the holidays and its demands are bearing down on you the one thing that you don’t have is time. And when you are also fighting that all-consuming fatigue that comes with cancer survivorship, a one day of rest isn’t really going to do it for you. So, what can you do? First, understand that self-care at any time is more than just bubble baths, candles, and a cup of tea. When life has you frazzled, exhausted, or burnt out, you need more than just a bubble bath, candle, and a cup of tea. You need a reset. Or maybe you just need a way to incorporate true self-care into your daily life.  Here’s what I’m talking about. Saving my energy and time to do what matters the most During the holidays there are lots of activities that we feel that we must do. We must put up outdoor lights. We must decorate the house. We must have a massive tree with beautiful decorations. We must wrap gorgeous presents. We must go to all the holiday parties that we have been invited to. But here’s the thing. We don’t have to do any of it. If cancer taught me anything it is to save my energy and my time for the things that matter most. Love decorating that tree? Then do it. Hate going to all those parties? It is okay to say, “No thank you, I can’t make it.” Love baking cookies? Bake them. Or maybe you only have energy to bake one batch. Then pick your favorite and do one batch and say no to more. Simply said, the best way to preserve your energy and your sanity is to figure out what means the most to you and to say no to the rest. On a good year you can’t do it all, and this is no truer than when you are a cancer survivor.  Your friends and family will appreciate you being able to be fully present rather that wiped out from doing a multitude of activities that you probably won’t remember years from now. When you slow down and bake those peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies only for the holidays, or spend time together snuggled on the couch every year to watch “Home Alone” or “Elf,” then it becomes special. It is during those special times that we will later remember with fondness. Not the overscheduled holiday obligations. Be brave. Change those traditions if you must and say no to everything but what is important to you. Those important things will later become your magical holiday memories. Surround yourself to people that make you happy While self-care during the holidays can look like saying no to everything but what matters to you, it can also mean surrounding yourself with the people that make you happy. If being around certain friends or family members stresses you out, then either elect not to spend time with them or limit your time with them. Stress is not a good companion to cancer survivors so do what you can to limit stress.  If that means limiting time with certain friends and family, then give yourself permission to do so. Maybe there are some activities that make you feel rejuvenated like taking a walk, meditating, talking to your best friend,  journaling. Whatever activity that is for you, make time for those activities instead of making time for people or events or activities that stress you or drain your energy levels. Remember, from now on your health is your priority. It doesn’t matter what everyone else can or wants to do. Hurt feelings aside, if you don’t have your health then you can’t fully live. And we now remember how important and precious life is. To honor that gift, value it and safeguard it. Protect your health, physical and mental, at all costs. Saying no, changing traditions, and limiting your time with people and events that cause you stress and drain your energy can be difficult to do. But this is true self-care. As cancer survivors, we had to learn how to advocate for ourselves during our cancer treatment. Now we need to do that outside of the medical community and start doing it in our day to day lives. There is no better time to start than during the holidays. You can set the tone now and for the year ahead. Let others know you are prioritizing your health so that you can be around for future holidays. Let them be disappointed if they must or pick up the slack if it’s something really important to them. It’s not your job to make others happy.  It’s your job to protect your health and well-being and to embrace this life you have been given. That includes enjoying the simple pleasures of the holiday. However simple they need to be or however simple you want them to be. They will be perfect because you will be there. Nothing else really matters. Don’t forget that. Check our Care Team and book your first video consultation

Taffie Lynn Butters is a board-certified health coach at The After Cancer. She's a breast cancer survivor and is passionate about helping others recovering from cancer with lifestyle interventions. Hi I’m Taffie! I am a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a background in working with women who have been affected by breast cancer. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2020. Lifestyle medicine has made a huge difference in how my body heals, how my body feels physically and mentally, and it has given me autonomy over my health outcomes. Maybe you have probably already read all the books and social media blogs and now you are overwhelmed with all the new information, and you want the support of someone who has been in your shoes. Whether you are newly diagnosed or just finishing your treatments, cancer recovery and defending your health can start now! Where to start your cancer recovery. Deep down you know that some things need to change, but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you know that changing your diet, increasing your exercise, reducing your stress, improving your sleep, and avoiding risky substances are powerful in your recovery, but after trying to integrate them into your life - you fall back into old habits. It’s not your fault, you just don’t have the support you need. Maybe you are looking for someone who knows about evidenced based lifestyle interventions and can answer your questions every step of the way. Whether you are preparing for surgery or managing the aftereffects of chemo. You want to equip yourself with real actions and strategies instead of more drugs and doctor visits. I know because I have been there. For me, one of the hardest parts of my breast cancer journey was after treatment. It was almost like a trifecta of being overwhelmed, the fear of recurrence and depression had set in because my care team was done. I was sent off to return to “normal” and told to just watch and wait for symptoms. I started to have questions like what MORE could I be doing, and how was I going to create “health” in my body. My body was different now, and there were so many changes. I wanted to do everything I could to reduce my risk for recurrence, but I needed help. A different relationship with your body. Cancer recovery requires a different relationship with yourself and your body. Coaching is a different relationship than with your traditional healthcare providers. It allows you to engage with an introspective look at your health and habits. You can develop a healing mindset and understanding about what’s important to you, implement actions that align with your goals, and map out a path with lifestyle interventions to get you there. Imagine acting each day to improve your health, instead of waiting and watching for cancer to come back. Imagine creating space and time in your life for your health. When challenges arise, together we will dig deep to get a true understanding of how you can navigate toward your goal. You will have the support and guidance of a coach, as you make each actionable step toward your future health. That’s why I became a Cancer Recovery Coach. I want you to have the faith and confidence that you are doing everything you can to defend your health. I want you to fill in the gaps between your healthcare and putting your plan into action! Ask yourself, “Does it make sense for me to take control of my health?”. If the answer is YES, then we should connect. Schedule your first appointment for a free consultation. Check Taffie's profile and book a free intro call

This article published by MD Anderson, features insights from Dr. Adaeze Iheme, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. Dr. Iheme provides valuable information for cancer survivors who have completed chemotherapy. Here's a summary of the key points: 1. Variability in side effects: Short-term side effects like hair loss and nausea usually improve soon after chemotherapy completion. Long-term side effects such as fatigue, chemobrain, neuropathy, weight gain, infertility, heart problems, and mood changes may persist for months or years. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help mitigate some long-term side effects. 2. Follow-up Care and monitoring: After chemotherapy, survivors need ongoing follow-up care to monitor for cancer recurrence or secondary cancers. Individualized surveillance plans, based on cancer type, stage, and treatment, are established, often involving scans, blood tests, and regular check-ups. Survivorship clinics provide specialized long-term surveillance plans, and patients are educated about potential signs of recurrence. 3. Managing anxiety after cancer: It's normal to feel anxious after completing treatment, often due to concerns about cancer recurrence or a shift from a structured treatment routine. Recommendations to manage anxiety include joining support groups, connecting with other survivors, and seeking support from survivorship clinics. 4. Reducing the Risk of Recurrence: Survivorship clinics offer guidance on lifestyle changes to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence, such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, engaging in preventive screenings, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet. 5. Seeking Support in adjusting to the "New Normal": Life after cancer treatment may require adaptation to a "new normal." Support groups, survivorship clinics, and resources like Integrative Medicine can assist with various challenges, including body image issues, spiritual concerns, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Encouragement for survivors to reach out to their care team for assistance with any challenges they may face. The overarching message is that survivors should be aware of the potential long-term effects, stay vigilant through follow-up care, manage post-treatment anxiety, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and seek support to navigate the challenges of life after chemotherapy. At The After Cancer, we understand the unique journey that cancer survivors embark on after completing treatment. Our digital clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive support in alignment with the valuable recommendations outlined by Dr. Adaeze Iheme and MD Anderson. Through our video consultations and group programs, survivors can access personalized resources addressing the variability in post-treatment side effects, receive guidance on follow-up care, and find a community where they can share experiences and manage anxiety. Our services assist individuals in reducing the risk of recurrence through lifestyle adjustments and help them navigate the challenges of adapting to a "new normal." The After Cancer is committed to being a reliable partner for survivors, ensuring they never feel alone in their journey, and encouraging them to seek the support they need as they move forward with life beyond cancer treatment. Contact us for more information: general@theaftercancer.com Get started with The After Cancer