Lymphedema, is a one-word way of saying swelling that results from lymph fluid in your body. It can happen anywhere in your body, though it’s usually in your arms or legs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lymph fluid is the part of the system that carries fluids and cells that help fight infection. When those fluids get built up (such as when you’re fighting cancer!), they cause swelling, which can happen in a flash or slowly, over a long period of time.

The side effects of cancer treatment suck. There’s no getting around it. Sure, not every woman will feel side effects – or at least all of them. But most women will feel at least some of these effects, some of the time. And when a lot of people have to deal with something, the silver lining to that cloud, is that both experts and sufferers can often come up with something that might help, like a remedy or some good advice or tips.

Did you know that cancer is one of the most expensive illnesses to treat in the United States? It is no wonder that cancer patients are more likely to experience financial toxicity. Financial toxicity describes the problems related to the cost of treatment. Specifically, how out-of-pocket costs can cause financial problems for patients. Out-of-pocket costs can include copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. These out-of-pocket costs can be from staying in the hospital, having procedures and tests done, doctor appointments, and/or prescription medications.

I’m not sure I believe anything can truly prepare someone to hear the words, “You have cancer.” At least that’s how I felt when I heard those words on July 14, 2017. If there is one thing I wish I knew when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it is to lean in.

Hopefully, many of you know that we here at SurviveDAT, SurviveMISS and SurviveAL (the Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivor Network) are here to help. But how many of you know there are a whole group of organizations which can help you?

I am not a cancer survivor, but I did survive as my wife’s caregiver during her fight with cancer. There is a saying I heard throughout our struggle, which states there are only four types of people in the world: those who are caregivers, those who have been caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will someday need a caregiver.

As a nurse for over 30 years, who continues to “consult” with family and friend and on a volunteer basis, I am a professional caregiver. But something happened to me midway through my career that really made me question myself.

When my family gathers for the holidays, there is plenty of food and plenty of talk. The stories relatives tell are usually memories of the “good ole days” when they were younger and they are full of holiday cheer. But this holiday season, I’m going to ask you to do something a little different.