I’ve been in my share of toxic relationships—ones where I didn’t respect myself enough to set boundaries or walk away from disrespect. I kept hoping this time would be different. But it never was.Romantic relationships that were abusive. Friendships that were one-sided. But the hardest? Family—the people who should love you unconditionally.When you don’t receive…
How anyone thinks privatizing health care and letting insurance companies dictate treatment and support is a good idea… baffles me.Insurance companies are FOR PROFIT, which means their goal is to pay out as little as possible—that’s how they make money. They’re not ‘good neighbors’; they’re businesses.I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in August…
I don’t want anyone to mistake my sense of humor or positive attitude for happiness. I’m not happy. I’m not happy about any of this.In fact, I’m pissed right off.I’m angry that my mother never talked to me about her symptoms, disease or treatment. I’m angry that my sister and I don’t talk so she…
In just five days, I’ll be heading into surgery to remove my cancer. PIMA (pain in my ass), my tumor has shrunk to just under 3 cm, but because she’s less than 1 cm from the anus, my surgeon won’t know until he’s in there if I’ll be able to have a reconnection that will…
Reading Dead Mom Walking by Rachel Marlow felt like looking into a mirror I had been avoiding. As someone battling stage 3 rectal cancer, I am facing the very surgery Rachel’s mother, Elaine, refused. Like her, I have struggled with fear—the fear of losing control, my dignity, and the life I once knew. The thought…
Women are taught from a young age how to check for breast cancer. We openly discuss mammograms, lumps, and mastectomies. Cancer awareness has come a long way. But you know what’s still off-limits? Butt cancer.Bowel habits, gas, hemorrhoids, stool changes, shoving cameras up our butts—it’s embarrassing. No one wants to talk about it. Not even…