How Do We Win when Even Doctors Buy into the Stigma?My son, a smoker, once went in the VA hospital complaining of chest pains. They took him seriously, performed all manner of...reactions5comments
This is for You, MommyWhat brought me here as a contributor and vocal lung cancer advocate was in memory of my ace, my friend, my protector...reactionscomments
Why Does Cancer Cause Insomnia?Cancer can rob you of the sleep you need to heal. Published research confirms that insomnia affects between half and three-quarters of...reactionscomments
Embracing Life and Moving ForwardI just saw this heading -- Embracing Life and Moving Forward -- on a Web page. It resonated with me. It is...reactionscomments
Cancer Is a Horror StoryBack in the seventies and eighties, I read a lot of horror literature. Often to the dismay of my parents, I insisted...reactionscomments
Should You Take That Trip of a Lifetime?Everyone on a lung cancer journey should consider taking another—more pleasant—journey. Take a journey where you determine the destination. Remember the catchy...reactions2comments
The Burden 2.0A while ago, I posted an entry about feeling like a burden to other people. I also mentioned that my ex, who...reactionscomments
Lessons from Cats: Suffering to JoyI have heard a few too many heartfelt and inspiring stories from dog and cat owners over the years. And I have...reactionscomments
Fighting Misinformation and Fake News About Lung CancerThis is often called the era of fake news due to the sheer volume of websites that spread faulty information, whether to...reactionscomments
Lung Cancer Anxieties: Financial StressIn this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing a physical illness like lung cancer and its side effects. Phrases...reactionscomments
It’s Ok to Not be Ok - Being Honest About DepressionRecently, Haley Epstein, a very close friend of the family, came home from her freshman year at college to speak at her...reactions1comment
Don't Call Me a WarriorI am called a "warrior" fairly often these days. I am not a warrior. People also call me "heroic," "strong," and even...reactionscomments
Cancer is CancerThere is so much disparity between cancer groups. Of course, lung cancer is the most underfunded. But, when you think about the patient as...reactions2comments
Reaching Back to My Newly Diagnosed SelfSitting in the emergency department. Ebb and flow of patient care flowing around me. Dramas big and small. Doctors in hushed tones...reactions7comments
Sing for the Joy of It, Sing Because It is Good for YouWhen God passed out singing talents, He skipped right over me. I can't carry a tune no matter how hard I try...reactions2comments
Drug Pricing, Co-Pays, and Other NonsenseSometimes dealing with insurance and healthcare companies just feels ridiculous. Take the following example, a true story culled from my experience. Filling...reactionscomments
The Surreality of Chronic IllnessIf the name had not been co-opted so many years ago by the MTV Networks as they ushered in a new age...reactions3comments
DeadlinesAs a writer, I have been dealing with deadlines most of my life. Some have been arbitrary, some have been self-imposed, others...reactionscomments
Celebration of Chinese New YearI would not consider myself a very cultural person. I left China at age 23 soon after I finished my undergraduate studies...reactionscomments
Gut Bacteria Could Affect How We Respond to ImmunotherapyDid you know that your gut bacteria might predict whether or not you will respond to immunotherapy? Three different studies have found...reactionscomments
