Diagnosed Alone

Posted October 6th, 2020

Six weeks ago, I was working a Sunday shift at Penn Medicine Roberts Proton Therapy Center when I happened to rub my neck. My heart sunk. I felt a hard lump. My first thoughts were “That’s not normal. How long had that been there?” I couldn’t remember the last time I had checked my neck. […]

How to Be Diagnosed With Cancer

Posted May 24th, 2018

It’s a tacky educational brochure you hope no one ever thrusts in your hands: So You’ve Been Diagnosed with Cancer, Now What? I certainly didn’t know what to do with myself. My first diagnosis when I was 28 came after a game of phone tag. The surgeon who performed the needle biopsy—the gentleman who had […]

Carolyn Vachani

The Unwanted Passenger

Posted May 19th, 2016

I visited my dermatologist the other day. “Fifteen years!” she said. So long ago, yet sometimes so close. The thing is, once you have had a diagnosis of cancer – no matter the stage or the treatment required – you have that diagnosis in the back of your mind, always. It’s a little thing we […]

Second Class Patients

Posted May 30th, 2014

There is a large group of people with cancer who may be having a very difficult time getting diagnosed and treated; it’s because they’re disabled.

Bob Riter

A Health Professional in the Family

Posted August 7th, 2013

Sooner or later, someone in your family will be diagnosed with cancer. If you’re a doctor, nurse, scientist, or other health professional, you may feel obligated to help that person navigate through the decisions that need to be made.

Don’t Go Alone When the Diagnosis is Cancer

Posted June 26th, 2013

It’s important to have someone with you at doctor’s appointments when you’re dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Parking Lot Moment

Posted May 13th, 2013

You’re initially stunned when you hear the words, “You have cancer.” Your brain freezes and things are a blur for at least a few minutes.

My Diagnosis

Posted April 19th, 2013

Guest blog by Jeongwoo Seo. Jeongwoo was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL) during his freshman year of high school.

Paying it Forward

Posted February 5th, 2013

After a cancer diagnosis, many survivors and their loved ones are motivated to give back some of the good fortune or good experiences they had on their cancer journey.

Zip It

Posted September 16th, 2011

I often wonder why people feel the need to tell you how they think you should feel and act about having cancer. Of course, it is their opinion and they are entitled to think it, but it doesn’t mean they are entitled to share it. There are 3 topics that you shouldn’t offer an opinion […]