Early in my cancer journey, my doctor told me that, unlike some other cancers, the vast majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors beyond being a woman. Today, I’m taking a look at those known breast cancer risk factors and some new emerging risks that you may not have heard of.
It’s time to end cancer cure conspiracy theories once and for all
Thanks to social media, we’re seeing an explosion of conspiracy theories these days. Let’s face it, behind the veil of freedom of speech, anyone can publish anything they want with no requirement that it be based in fact. Today, I continue my Breast Cancer Awareness Month series with a reality check on one of my pet peeves – cancer cure conspiracy theories.
12 things you should never say to someone with cancer
When a friend or family member has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s hard to know what to do or say. In Best ways to support someone with cancer, I shared ideas on how to offer your support. Today, I continue my Breast Cancer Awareness Month series with 12 things you should never say to someone diagnosed with cancer.
Breast cancer survival stats and trends – There is hope!
“It’s not a death sentence.” The day I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I clearly remember hearing the doctor say those words amid the fog of jumbled messages about surgery, chemotherapy, disability leave, and more.
Today, I continue my Breast Cancer Awareness Month series with a look at breast cancer survival stats and trends, and why we have good reason to be optimistic.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021 – Let’s talk!
It’s October – the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021.
Although I’m not a fan of the pink ribbon movement, I display this ribbon today in memory of all who have fought the beast and won, those who are still fighting, and those who are sadly no longer with us.
7 things we can learn from Indigenous wisdom
On Canada Day, I reflected on the horrific findings on Canada’s residential school sites. Many of our world’s issues come from a lack of understanding, so I signed up for a course on Coursera to learn more about our Indigenous people. The Indigenous Canada course gave me a perspective on Canadian history that I didn’t learn in school. The biggest takeaway was that Indigenous wisdom and way of life is something we should respect and value.
10 years, 10 lessons – What cancer taught me about life
Ten years ago today, at around 2:30 in the afternoon, I sat in the doctor’s office and heard the life-changing words no-one wants or expects to hear in their life. “You have cancer.” To celebrate my 10 year “cancerversary”, I’m sharing my reflection on what cancer taught me about life. Spoiler alert – It’s all good news!
Waterloo Region trails to explore this summer
Only 4 more sleeps until the official arrival of summer! Definitely something to celebrate, even though 2021 will be another summer of staying close to home. Looking on the bright side, this gives us a chance to explore some spots in our own area. With that in mind, I’ve made a list of Waterloo Region trails I’d like to explore over the summer months.
Top 10 parenting tips you need to know
It’s official! I survived! We recently celebrated our youngest daughter’s 18th birthday so I can proudly say I am now the mom of two young adults. As I paused to reflect on the last 21 years, I made a list of my top 10 parenting tips to share with you.
If you’re just starting your family, I hope these little nuggets of wisdom will be valuable. If you’re embarking on the teenage years, just know that everything will be okay.
Skilled trades – a great career choice for young people
For years, parents and educators have touted university as the only path to “a good life”. Working in the skilled trades is often viewed as a last resort for students who aren’t smart enough for university or college.
Today, I look at why we need to change that view, and why careers in skilled trades are an excellent choice for students of all academic ability. Plus, some ideas on how parents, educators, governments and employers can attract more young people into the trades.