Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week: Recognizing Adolescent and Young Adults Cancer Survivors

Posted April 5th, 2021

by Betty Roggenkamp, BFA, MSHC Imagine being between the ages of 15 – 39 and hearing the three words “you have cancer.” It happens to approximately 90,000 people in the United States every year. Right when life can be quite busy learning to adult or taking on the world of grownup responsibilities, you get slammed […]

Bob Riter

When Your Partner is in Denial About Cancer

Posted January 18th, 2017

I recently spoke with a woman who was stressed because her husband has cancer and he seemed to be in denial over the seriousness of his situation. What was especially upsetting to her was that he didn’t want to address any end of life issues like drafting a will. I’ve been mulling this over ever […]

What a Great Cancer Support Team Looks Like

Posted July 5th, 2016

A spontaneous group hug from The Littles—can you count all four heads?—took place at the train station in New Jersey after hanging out with the youngest of my support team members. (The Teens, of course, are way too cool to do group hugs. Not that either of them were even out of bed when this photo was taken, […]

Bob Riter

Spouses Should Support, Not Direct, Cancer Care

Posted April 28th, 2016

I frequently hear cancer patients say that a spouse or partner is adding stress to their lives by constantly expressing their own opinions as to what is best for the patient. Here are some examples: “You have to go to New York City for all of your cancer treatments. You can’t get good care anywhere […]

Bob Riter

Take the right person with you to medical appointments

Posted January 29th, 2016

In a recent article, I encouraged people with cancer to take someone with them when they went to important medical appointments. When you hear the words, “You have cancer,” you tend to have trouble remembering anything else. Today, I want to suggest who to take with you on those appointments. Take someone who listens more […]