Cancer. Cancer is a complicated word that takes on different meanings given the extent it has impacted people. For some, it is a scary and daunting word with many negative connotations. For others, it may trigger emotions that are associated with a diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. For others, it may represent … Continue reading No Cancer Journey is the Same
Growing up I was shy, I lacked the confidence Janelle projected, and I let anxiety control my day-to-day life... to the point where a psychologist even told my mom, “good luck with her, she will always have anxiety.” I used to cry every morning before school and would cling to my mom’s leg as if … Continue reading Navigating Through Life Without a GPS
Janelle, I don’t know where to begin – you have taught me so much. I constantly find myself reflecting on my life after you have passed and the many ways that it has transformed me into a better person. I used to have a naïve perspective on this world. I was content going through the … Continue reading A New Perspective on Life
I’ve always enjoyed writing and have always wanted to continue Janelle’s blog posts but have always made excuses. I thought that I would continue her blog while I was abroad in a similar way that she did but I never made the time. Other times I have written journal entries intended to be a blog … Continue reading Carrying on Janelle’s legacy
The past month has not been easy that is for sure. Following my emergency back surgery, I had to receive 20 rounds of radiation on three sites on my back and neck. My body did not tolerate these sessions well at all. They say no one does. This caused me to be in and out … Continue reading Strength and Gratitude
I don’t really know how to begin this blog post but a lot has happened over the past month and I wanted to update everyone. My goal is to answer questions so that when I’m out and about I don’t always have to be talking about my cancer diagnosis. The month started off pretty great … Continue reading August
A few months ago I was very fortunate to get a gift card to Maison Esthetique from 31 families that I am close with. Maison Esthetique is a local spa that offers many services, but what has been most helpful to me for pain management has been the Oncology Massage and Reflexology. Reflexology is an … Continue reading Reflexology
When I first heard I had cancer the world stopped moving beneath my feet and I had to take a million steps backward from where I had gotten myself to. I had lived a pretty healthy lifestyle and chose organic products when I could afford them, stayed away from chemicals in cleaning products and personal … Continue reading Positive Vibes
Well, I have been back home in America for about a month now which has given me some time to catch up with friends and family and of course answer all their questions about my time abroad. Responding to everyone has also given me time to reflect on my experience. My last month in Europe … Continue reading Four Months That Changed My Life
I've completely fallen in love with Amsterdam and all the quirky things I always stumbled across in this city. I can 100% say I have never been bored here. I've done so much over the past few weeks I wanted to blog about some of the highlights. Friends Visiting Despite coming abroad alone, I knew … Continue reading The Dutch are on to Something
