If this is your first PET scan, the anxiety is real. When the doctors start throwing around terms like “radioactive tracer” and “metabolic mapping,” it’s easy to spiral. Having been through this multiple times, I can tell you that the anticipation is often worse than the reality.

I have had to slide into that donut-shaped machine 9 times since September 2022. It’s intimidating the first time and just as dreadful every other time too. I must take a sedative (Valium) to do it. Yet, it is not hard, and the process itself is completely passive and non-invasive.

Practical Note: Dress warmly and wear clothes without metal zippers or snaps. Sweats are your best friend here. Scanning rooms are usually freezing.

What is Metabolic Mapping?

Let’s start with the most confusing term: metabolic mapping. Here is what I hope is an east to understand explanation.

Cancer cells are selfish and hungry. They divide fast and they grow fast. They consume energy, specifically glucose (sugar), much faster than your healthy cells do.

A PET scan exploits this hunger. Radiology gives you a dose of radioactive sugar. Then, they let you sit for about 45 minutes to an hour while your cells absorb it. The cancer cells pull the radioactive material directly into themselves (they eat it). When they slide you into the scanner, the machine takes a literal map of your metabolism. The scan is looking for radiation. The areas that glow the brightest on the monitor are the ones burning the most energy. It’s a targeted spotlight on what’s happening inside your body.

The Prep

Prep starts the day before.

You need to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your appointment. A physical workout makes your muscles hungry for energy. If your muscles are starved for sugar, they will soak up the radioactive tracer, making you glow on the scan which will ruin the test’s accuracy.

You also need to fast for 4 to 6 hours before you arrive, no food, no sugary drinks, just water. They want your blood sugar to be on the low side so that when they introduce the tracer, those bad cancer cells are starving and ready to eat. They will not do the PET scan if your blood sugar is too high, which happened to me, four times.

Practical Note: Stay within normal limits for your blood sugar. Having blood sugar at the lower end of those limits is helpful for your PET scan. Having your blood sugar below normal levels is a medical emergency. Having low blood sugar does not stop or slow cancer from spreading. Talk to your doctor.

Tracer Injection & Absorption: The Waiting Game

When you arrive, a radiology tech may hook you up to an IV and inject FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose), which is the radioactive glucose. Mine radiology office had me drink about 8 ounces of a red liquid, which tastes like stale Kool-Aid.

Then comes the hardest part of the whole ordeal, doing absolutely nothing. For about 60 minutes, you will sit in a dim, quiet room. No reading, no chewing gum, no scrolling on your phone. Any

brain or muscle activity burns glucose. You want the tracer to settle naturally, not rush to your hand because you were swiping on your phone. It’s like a forced meditation and I usually fall asleep.

The Scan Time

Once your waiting time is up, they will walk you to the scanner. Now is the time to use the restroom as once the scan starts, you can’t stop. The scanner looks like a giant, futuristic donut. You’ll lie flat on your back on a narrow bed. The bed slides slowly into the ring. A PET scan isn’t loud like an MRI. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The only thing you must do is stay perfectly still.

If you’re claustrophobic, tell your tech. Better yet, tell your oncologist. I am. As I mentioned, I took Valium before my PET scans, which were prescribed in advance.

Recovery & Follow-Up: Flushing It Out

When the machine slides you out, you’re done. There are no side effects. You aren’t going to feel dizzy or sick from the tracer. You may feel stiff from lying still for so long.

Your primary job now is to flush the radiation out of your system.

Resume your normal diet and drink a lot of water for the rest of the day. The radiation leaves your body mostly through your urine over the next few hours.

For the results, don’t ask the tech. They aren’t legally allowed to tell you anything. The images go to a radiologist, who interprets the glowing spots (the metabolic map) and sends the report to your oncologist. Usually, within a few days, your doctor will walk you through exactly what they found. Some medical groups have an electronic records system (mine is called MyChart) and the results may be posted there before you speak to your doctor.

READ MORE ARTICLES HERE

I know how overwhelming these days can feel.

That’s why I wrote NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer.

It’s the book I wish I had when I was trying to process the diagnosis, navigate treatment, and hold onto myself through it all.

If this article resonated with you, the book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer, goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read about NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

How a Port is Removed

My port is coming out soon and I wanted to know how this works. I have had my port in for three years and 10 months. Here’s what I found out.

Port removal is generally a quick, minor surgical procedure which is often faster and easier than having it put in. The whole procedure should take about 30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient, meaning that you go home the same day.

Blood thinners and some other medications may have to be skipped for a day or two before the procedure. Your doctor should tell you but if not, there is no harm in asking.

There will be a small incision after local anesthesia. Talk to your doctor ahead of time if you prefer a stronger sedation.

The surgeon will separate the port from any attached scar tissue that has formed before removing the catheter, which is gently pulled out. Then the port is removed from that pocket just under your skin.

They will close the incision with either sutures or surgical glue before bandaging it up to keep the area sterile.

After-care includes keeping it dry for the first day or so and no swimming or hot tub for two weeks. No heavy lifting, over 10lbs and watch for signs of infection. Over the counter pain meds should be all that is needed and the incision will heal in 4 – 6 weeks.

Like any procedure, it comes with a few small risks:

· Anytime the skin is opened, there is a slight risk of germs getting in causing infection. Doctors usually clean the area very thoroughly to prevent this.

· It is very common to have some mild bruising, swelling, or a little bit of bleeding around the area for a few days after it is taken out.

· You will have a small scar where the doctor makes the incision to pull the port out.

· Very rarely, there can be complications such as damage to the surrounding blood vessels or tissues, or a tiny piece of the catheter could break off.

Is Now a Good Time to Remove It?

Generally, oncologists recommend waiting anywhere from 1 to 2 years of being NED before removing a port, just to be absolutely sure no more treatments are needed. This timeline depends heavily on the specific details of your health history, including your history of colon cancer. Talk to your doctor.

I have had nothing major wrong with my port. It is still functioning fine. What caused me to decide to have mine removed was a change that was very scary at first and I decided not to push my luck. My port shifted and continues to move. After a port study, I made my decision.

I am also looking at the port removal as a positive step in my cancer journey. Sort of a closure to active treatment.

READ MORE ARTICLES HERE

If this article resonated with you, the book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer, goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read about NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

Cancer changes everything, stripping away normalcy and throwing you into a whirlwind of physical pain, fear, and massive bills. To be honest, it is an exhausting, terrifying rollercoaster. But you do not have to fight this battle alone. Building a solid support system is critical to keeping your head above water.

Here is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to the essential resources that can help you weather this storm.

The Financial Drain

Cancer is wildly expensive, and it drains your bank account fast. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs and everyday living expenses pile up quickly.

• Financial Assistance: You need to seek out grants designed specifically for treatment costs, daily living, and co-pay relief. Check with your social worker at your cancer care center for their recommendations.

• Facing Reality: Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and ask for help. Using crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and tapping into savings are practical necessities even if you are still working full-time. I had to rely on a GoFundMe campaign and all my savings to cover her towering deductibles when my part-time income wasn’t enough

• National Organizations: Groups like the American Cancer Society and Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition offer access to dedicated financial relief funds, transportation money, and housing assistance for patients in active treatment. There’s a short list of resources at https://www.notbrokenbook.com/p/resources

Protecting Your Livelihood

A cancer diagnosis brings a very real, often unspoken fear of losing your job or facing workplace discrimination.

• The Hidden Struggle: Many patients hide their diagnoses from employers out of a legitimate fear of being replaced. I did for 2 years and when I finally revealed my diagnosis, I was replaced, with no legal recourse. Knowing your legal standing and finding advocacy is crucial.

• Understand Your Rights: Research your legal and workplace resources in your state to help you navigate your job rights. Are you covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or other HR regulations that may protect you from discrimination?

The Mental Toll

The psychological weight of cancer is heavy. From severe depression to the intense, constant fear known as “scanxiety,” it is utterly exhausting and so very real.

• Mental & Emotional Support: Therapy and counseling can be vital tools for managing anxiety, scanxiety, depression, isolation, and the sheer trauma of the diagnosis. I had none as my insurance did not cover mental health, not in a way that I could afford. I still wish it did.

• Navigating Support Groups: Your friends and family mean well, but they often cannot truly grasp what you are going through. Connecting with local and online peer-to-peer support groups gives you a safe space to share your unfiltered truth and learn coping strategies. Limit your time there though. For me, I get overwhelmed easily.

The Physical Grind

Chemotherapy and radiation bring brutal side effects, including extreme fatigue, neuropathy, shortness of breath, and food that suddenly tastes awful.

• Oncology Nutrition Services: Accessing personalized meal planning can help you manage harsh treatment side effects and boost your overall energy. Check if your cancer care center offers access to a nutritionist. Mine offered one session and the rest I learned in online support groups such as on Facebook.

• Palliative & Hospice Care: These specialized services focus purely on symptom management for comfort, improving your quality of life, and offering solid support for advanced diseases. I pray that you never need these services but if you do, take full advantage. Every minute should be as wonderful as you can make it.

A Note on Resilience: You may be battered, irradiated, and scarred, but finding and using the right resources helps ensure that you remain NOT BROKEN. Do not hesitate to ask for help, research your options, and lean heavily on the folks dedicated to supporting you.

READ MORE ARTICLES HERE

I know how overwhelming these days can feel.

That’s why I wrote NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer.

It’s the book I wish I had when I was trying to process the diagnosis, navigate treatment, and hold onto myself through it all.

If this article resonated with you, the book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer, goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read about NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

Getting a cancer diagnosis flips your world upside down in an instant. It’s not just a medical event. It’s a physical earthquake that rattles every single part of your day-to-day existence. Th reality is that fighting cancer rewrites the rules of how you live.

As outlined in the “infographic how cancer changes your life”, the impact hits six major areas. Let’s break down exactly what that looks like.

The Physical Reality

Your body is the battleground, and it is one hell of a war that you didn’t sign up for. Extensive treatment brings intense side effects like chronic pain, nausea, a type of deep fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix, and so many more. There is a weakness and muscle exhaustion that creates entirely new physical limitations. Basic daily tasks you used to do on autopilot, like doing the laundry or making dinner, suddenly take all the energy you have.

The Calendar Takeover

There is no more spontaneity. Your schedule gets completely hijacked by constant medical appointments, scans, and blood draws. You become a project manager for your own health, juggling strict medication schedules and balancing your daily needs. Because of this, your plans for social events and personal downtime are continuously disrupted.

The Mental Toll

The emotional weight of cancer is staggering. It brings very real struggles with anxiety, profound sadness, and depression. I used to almost laugh at every doctor’s appointment when the nurse would ask about depression during her series of repetitive questions. I would always respond that I am not clinically depressed, but I have cancer, so, yes, I am depressed all the time.

Patients are forced to look at their own mortality and navigate a deeply uncertain future. Am I going to die? Am I selling off and donating everything I own? You learn how to cope with intense, unpredictable emotional waves that come on out of the blue and can knock you off your feet.

Shifts in Relationships

Cancer doesn’t just happen to the patient; it happens to their entire circle. Family roles shift dramatically as caregiving dynamics take over. You quickly find out who your real friends are. Some friendships will deepen in incredible ways, while others will feel strained or fade away entirely. Communication often becomes a major challenge, especially when trying to express deep-seated fears to the people you love without wanting to burden them. There are things you hide.

The Career Disruption

Balancing a job while fighting a disease is a massive hurdle. Treatment usually requires significant time off work, and many patients face forced changes in their job roles, their daily abilities, or even their overall employment status. It becomes an ongoing, stressful balancing act between prioritizing recovery and managing workplace duties.

I kept my diagnosis from my employer for the first two years because I was afraid of being terminated. Luckily, my job was remote, so I was able to keep up with the responsibilities while still going to all my medical appointments. When I finally had to tell them, I was replaced. Of course, no one ever said cancer. Instead, it was a business decision to take my role off-site.

A Shift in Perspective

Having cancer forces a re-evaluation of what truly matters in life. While the process is brutal, many patients formulate a completely new outlook on their lives and core values. There are three versions of yourself. The old you, which was before cancer. The Survivor you during treatment. And the New Version of you which is developed over time during remission.

The small stuff stops mattering, and you develop a significantly heightened appreciation for the quiet, meaningful moments you might have rushed past before. You find beauty in things you barely noticed before. Some people (ME) stopped worrying about all the details of what is happening in the world. I stopped stressing over things beyond my control or that did not have a direct impact on my immediate life.

Money, Money, What Money

What is not on the Infographic is the financial toll. Cancer is extremely expensive and may end up costing you everything you have. I have to keep reminding myself that the savings that I depleted was there for emergencies and having cancer IS that emergency. Maxxed out credit cards and monthly payments are common to so many people, why not me? To win this battle, I must put the money aspect aside and concentrate on my physical needs.

Now What?

Cancer changes everything. Navigating these changes is really tough but understanding them is the first step to managing them. The core thing to remember is that while your life is changing, you are NOT BROKEN. The most important thing you can do right now is find your support system and lean on them heavily.

I know how overwhelming these days can feel.

That’s why I wrote NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer.

It’s the book I wish I had when I was trying to process the diagnosis, navigate treatment, and hold onto myself through it all.

If this article resonated with you, the book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer, goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read about NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

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You’ll receive:
• Selected resources and updates in cancer care

• Perspectives from lived experiences
• Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship

A chest port, also called a port-a-cath, mediport, or implantable port, is a small device placed under the skin of the chest, usually about an inch below the collarbone. Its function is to allow for easy vein access for infusions.

My port was installed in October 2022. It worked perfectly fine until May 2026. When installed, it leaned left, which was a bit tricky for the oncology infusion nurses to tap. During my port flush in May, it shifted. I didn’t notice at first. The port site was sore, which was unusual but not alarming. A couple days later, I noticed a bulge in my neck. I was not thinking port. As a cancer patient, my mind wanders to the worst-case scenario. This was a Saturday, of course, so there was No doctor to call. I googled bulging vein in my neck because I thought it was a vein.

Google results were scary. I called my primary care number to get the doctor on call. Three hours later, the on-call doctor finally called me and suggested that I go to Urgent Care. He was wrong. I walked into Urgent Care and when I was finally seen, they immediately sent me to the Emergency Room. Still, no one has said port. Now, I am really scared.

The ER docs were thorough and determined that it was my port. As I didn’t have any upcoming need to use the port, they ordered a port study.

A port study in a medical imaging procedure used to evaluate whether a port is functioning properly. It looks for blockages, port lines out of position or excessive scar tissue.

I did not have any pre-appointment rules though I had been told after that I should have fasted and stopped my blood thinner meds. No one told me. I also drove myself.

The study itself is easy. After all the PET and CT scans I’ve had, this was easy by comparison. It was very much like having a port flush. Just lay on an open table, no tube. They inject a contrast material into the port while an X-Ray is used to visualize the contrast moving through my vein. They called it fluoroscopy. The procedure took only a few minutes.

The radiologist reviews the x-rays and results were given before I left. He said that the end of the tube was up against by hearty wall. Nothing dangerous but I may not be able to use it for blood draws anymore. He said if they need to use it for infusion treatment, it would be fine but that the chemo would be a direct hit against my heart wall.

I have decided to have my port removed.

READ MORE ARTICLES HERE

If this article resonated with you, you should read NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. The book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read More Here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

A colonoscopy is a medical test for your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Your doctor inserts a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end into your rectum to look deep inside your colon. They are looking for Polyps which are small growths that can turn into cancer later on. Finding and removing them early is important.

The standard age to get your colonoscopy is 45, earlier if you have family history.

The day before the test is usually the hardest part. You must completely empty out your colon so the doctor can actually see without waste getting in the way. Follow your doctors’ orders for pre-procedure guidelines and food rules. Clear liquids only means that you have to be able to see through it when you hold it up to the light. No milk or cream in your coffee. You cannot have anything red or purple or blue. (These colors can look like blood on the camera). No alcohol.

You can have plain water, clear sports drinks (yellow, green, clear), apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, black coffee, plain tea, clear broth (chicken, beef, vegetable), Jello (lemon, lime) clear hard candies, popsicles (yellow, green).

If you don’t follow the food rules, your procedure may be canceled and must be re-scheduled. You will have to do the fasting and drink the miserable prep all over again. It is NOT worth it to cheat.

You will take a heavy-duty laxative prescribed by your doctor to flush out your system. It usually tastes like thick, salty, metallic ocean water, and there is an ungodly amount of it. Cancel your plans and stay near the bathroom all day. You are going to be on the toilet a lot. It is not going to be a normal bowel movement. It will be explosive diarrhea.

My first colonoscopy prep had me drinking a gallon of the worst tasting drink imaginable. I gagged getting it down. Then next couple colonoscopies had me drink Suprep. Still not tasting good but there is less liquid and was a bit easier to swallow. I’ve been told that now there are pills, like 24 of them at one time, split into two sittings, but my Gastroenterologist will not prescribe those for me.

Some tips for getting the prep down….

· COLD, room temperature is miserable

· Use a wide straw and suck it down quickly

· Hold your nose

· Use a chaser – have a lemon wedge handy and suck on it immediately after

If you feel like you are going to vomit: Stop immediately. Walk away from the jug. Take a 30 to 45-minute break. Walk around, sip some plain water, and let your stomach empty a bit. It is much better to finish the prep an hour late than to throw it up and ruin the entire process.

It usually takes anywhere from 1 to 4 hours for the laxative to start working, but when it does, it happens fast. Eventually, what comes out will transition from brown liquid to a clear, yellowish tint (it will look a lot like urine). That clear yellow is the finish line. It means you are cleaned out.

You may want to prepare your bathroom in advance. Have wet wipes handy because wiping with dry toilet paper 40 times may irritate your skin. (Use the trash and not the toilet. Now is not the time to clog your plumbing) It is OK to coat your anal area with Vaseline or diaper rash ointment.

A few side notes: Dress for speed and comfort. You won’t have time for buttons, belts or tight clothes. Have a phone, tablet, book, magazine in the bathroom for entertainment. Keep water handy as you must stay hydrated.

On the day of the procedure, you will go to a clinic or hospital for the test. You must bring someone to drive you home. The whole thing takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You will be asleep and won’t feel any pain.

If this article resonated with you, you should read NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. The book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read More Here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

Additional Resources are available: READ MORE ARTICLES HERE

The truth is that we keep paying all through the journey and long after treatment ends.

Not always with money. Sometimes with our energy. Sometimes with our peace. Sometimes with parts of ourselves we’re still trying to find again. You are NOT BROKEN!

This list resonates with me. Sadly, it will resonate with you too. Cancer is horrendously expensive. Not just in dollars but in emotions.

PROFESSIONAL

· Income lost from missed work.

· Promotions you never pursued or were lost to you.

· Missed work social events

PRIVATE

· Vacations you canceled or never planned.

· Gas money for endless appointments.

· Eating out/drive-through/delivered meals because you were too exhausted to cook.

· Childcare and/or pet care you need.

· Wigs, compression garments, supplements, medications

· Co-pays insurance didn’t cover.

· Hobbies you stopped doing.

· Friendships that faded.

· Time with your family that cancer stole from you.

EMOTIONAL

· Confidence you lose every time you look in the mirror.

· The sleep you can’t seem to get enough of, yet you are always resting.

· Time spent worrying including scanxiety.

· Anxiety when your phone rings and it’s your medical office.

· Grief for the you that existed before cancer.

· Exhaustion

· Answering all those questions from friends and family, while putting on a brave face.

If you’ve been through cancer, what was a hidden cost no one warned you about?

Read More Articles Resources - by NOT BROKEN:Diane LaFaso Skullr

This article was inspired by a Facebook post on Fighting Back Against Cancer

If this article resonated with you, you should read

NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer.

The book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read More Here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

Port insertion is a standard, minimally invasive surgical procedure that provides long-term, reliable intravenous access for your treatments, blood draws, and hydration. A port is a small device implanted just under your skin in your chest. A thin tube connects this device directly to a large vein near your heart so medicine can be delivered quickly and safely.

Personally, I had no problems with my port insertion, and it was done as an outpatient in the hospital. Everyone seems surprised to learn that my colon surgeon did my implant. Apparently, it is common for a general surgeon to do this procedure.

Understanding the sequence and goals of the surgery can reduce anxiety about the process. Here is a list detailing the six standard phases of the procedure, allowing you to visually move from pre-operative preparation to final placement. As you read the list, it really seems surgically basic. Knowing these steps should ease your anxiety.

1. PRE-OP PREPARATION

• Fast – No food (NPO) after midnight

• Surgical hygiene – wash with special soap

• Review history & medications with the care team

2. SURGICAL ADMITTANCE & VITALS

• Check in with staff on insertion day

• Meet surgical team

• Vitals taken (BP, Temp)

3. LOCAL ANESTHESIA & ACCESS

• Numb insertion site (chest/neck)

  • They did use general anesthesia for me but that was my surgeon’s decision.

• Guide wire vein

• Maintain sterile field

4. PORT PLACEMENT & SUTURING

• Create pocket for the catheter

• Place reservoir

• Suture incision site

5. PROCEDURE COMPLETION & IMAGING

• X-ray/Fluoroscopy to confirm tip location

• Incision closed

• Clean dressing applied

6. RECOVERY & AFTERCARE

• Monitor in recovery area

• Check vital signs

• Port site care instructions

• Meds for pain. I was told Tylenol.

If this article was helpful, my book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read more about the book contents here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

READ MORE ARTICLES HERE

I do not often copy other people’s posts, but when I do, I do it because I think it’s important information. This very long article was posted online by Katie Couric Media. The online article can be found at: Understanding Breast Cancer Terminology

Not All Breast Cancers Are the Same: What Your Diagnosis Really Means

Location, biology, and subtype aren’t just medical jargon — they’re the keys to more-personalized treatment and better-informed decisions.

By Katie Couric Media June 14, 2026

When you hear the words “breast cancer,” most people picture a single disease: One diagnosis, one treatment path, one experience. But there are several types of breast cancer — and the variations among them have a huge impact on how they’re treated.

The truth is, “breast cancer” is an umbrella term for a number of distinct diseases that originate in breast tissue. Two people sitting in the same oncologist’s waiting room, both told they have breast cancer, may have tumors with almost nothing in common: different biology, different treatment plans, and different long-term outlooks. While that might sound frightening, it’s actually the foundation of something hopeful — the more precisely doctors can characterize a patient’s breast cancer, the more precisely they can treat it.

So, what are the features of breast cancer that matter most? Ultimately it comes down to where the cancer is, and how it grows. LIFE, INTERRUPTED

Understanding early vs. metastatic breast cancer

The first question doctors need to determine is location — not just where the tumor is, but whether the cancer has traveled beyond the breast.

Early breast cancer (EBC) is found in the breast and sometimes in nearby lymph nodes, but has not spread to other parts of the body. It accounts for the vast majority of breast cancer diagnoses, and — importantly — many people with early breast cancer can be treated with curative intent. For many people diagnosed with early breast cancer, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer and prevent it from recurring.

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body — most commonly the bones, lungs, or liver. There are two pathways to an MBC diagnosis. Some people are diagnosed with metastatic disease from the start — called de novo MBC. Others develop MBC after being treated for early breast cancer, when cancer cells that weren’t eliminated by initial treatment eventually spread. This is called a distant recurrence. Both pathways lead to the same treatment goals, though the individual journey may look different. MBC is not curable, but it is treatable. Treatment goals shift accordingly and the focus moves to controlling it, managing symptoms, and preserving quality of life for as long as possible. For many people, it can become a long-term, manageable condition.

The biology behind a cancer diagnosis

The second important consideration is tumor biology — specifically, what’s fueling the cancer’s growth at a molecular level. This is where something known as receptor status comes in.

Receptors are proteins on or inside our cells that receive signals. In breast cancer, two types of receptors are particularly important:

Hormone receptors (HR): Some breast cancer cells have receptors that bind to the hormones estrogen or progesterone, using them as fuel to grow. Think of hormone receptors like a socket: estrogen acts as a plug, and when the two connect, the cell gets a signal to grow. Tumors that have these receptors are called hormone receptor-positive (HR+); those that don’t are HR-negative (HR-). Nearly 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses are HR+.

HER2: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, is a protein that, when overexpressed, can accelerate cancer cell growth. HER2 works differently than the hormone receptor. Rather than waiting for a signal, cells that produce too much HER2 have a growth switch that’s effectively stuck in the on position. Tumors with high levels of HER2 are HER2- positive (HER2+); those without it are HER2-negative (HER2-).

Together, these markers define a tumor’s receptor status — a kind of biological fingerprint that tells doctors how the cancer is likely to behave and which treatments are most likely to work.

The most common subtype is HR-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-), accounting for roughly 70 percent of all cases. Less common subtypes include HER2-positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) — a subtype that’s doesn’t have estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors; these require a different treatment approach entirely.

But it doesn’t end there: Two people with HR+/HER2- breast cancer can still have very different treatment journeys, shaped by other features of their individual tumor — its size, its grade, and activity of other specific genes. As the field learns more about these nuanced differences, treatment is becoming increasingly personalized.

What breast cancer treatment actually looks like

For people with early breast cancer, treatment typically begins with surgery. Whether a surgeon recommends a lumpectomy (removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removing all or part of one or both breasts) depends on many factors. Choosing one over the other does not mean the disease is more or less serious.

Surgery is often followed by radiation, particularly after a lumpectomy. Because surgery alone cannot always eliminate every microscopic cancer cell, radiation may help reduce the risk of recurrence even after a tumor has been successfully removed.

Chemotherapy is part of some early breast cancer treatment plans, but not all. For HR+/HER2- breast cancer specifically, advances in genomic testing have helped doctors identify which patients are likely to benefit from chemotherapy and which are not — sparing many people from treatment they don’t need. It’s a concrete example of how knowing a tumor’s biology shapes the treatment plan.

After surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, patients with EBC often take endocrine therapy (ET). While the other treatments are relatively short, ET typically lasts five to ten years, depending on a patient’s individual risk factors. That extended timeline matters: the therapy is intended to help reduce the risk of recurrence long after the cancer itself is no longer visible or detectable. The challenge is that staying on it requires discipline during a period when most people simply want to move on.

For some patients — particularly those whose cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes or whose tumor has other features that indicate a higher risk of recurrence — endocrine therapy may be combined with a targeted medication that works alongside it and is intended to help reduce that risk.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer differs from treatment for early breast cancer because the goal is long-term disease control rather than cure. Patients may have surgery and remain on ongoing systemic therapies — including endocrine therapy, targeted medicines, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or combinations of these treatments. If a treatment stops working, patients are often switched to a different regimen.

What recurrence means — and what it doesn’t

Even when early breast cancer is treated successfully, there is always some risk of recurrence, which is when the cancer returns after treatment. Recurrence can be local, meaning it comes back in or near the breast, or distant, meaning it appears elsewhere in the body. Distant recurrence is considered metastatic breast cancer.

Several factors influence recurrence risk, including the size and grade of the original tumor, whether it had spread to nearby lymph nodes, and its receptor status. Understanding your personal recurrence risk is one of the most important conversations to have with your care team — not because it predicts the future, but because it shapes the treatment decisions designed to protect you in the longer-term.

If cancer does return, it’s not a reflection of anything the patient did or didn’t do. It reflects the nature of the disease itself. And today, for patients facing recurrence, the treatment options look meaningfully different than it did even just a decade ago, with a growing number of options that didn’t previously exist.

Questions you should bring to your doctor

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, here are four questions that cut right to what matters most:

1. What is my breast cancer subtype? The answer shapes everything that follows.

2. What is my recurrence risk? And how does my treatment plan address it?

3. What does my treatment timeline look like? Including the longer-term therapies that extend beyond surgery.

4. Are there additional tests — genomic or otherwise — that could help personalize my treatment?

Breast cancer is complex. But complexity, when understood, enables more targeted treatment. The more you know about the biology of your breast cancer, the better equipped you are to ask the right questions, advocate for yourself, and engage as an informed partner in your own care.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.

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What a depressing place. There are folks there in all different levels of illness. Some are in remission and there for their port flush. The extreme patients look like their time is at any moment. Most people are in the middle, like I hope you are.

You may have a slightly different experience, but this was mine a seemed pretty standard based on watching others, every treatment. There were a lot of treatments.

1. PRE-INFUSION PREPARATION

· Hydrate well (water/clear fluids) before you arrive

· Wear comfortable clothes. A low cut or easy access shirt for the nurses to reach your port. There are no medical gowns.

· Bring comfort items (e.g., blanket, book).

• Bring a fully charged phone to scroll and put it on silent. Don’t make or accept calls as that is very disturbing for the other patients.

2. REGISTRATION & VITALS

· Check in with staff.

· Meet your nurse. They rotate nurses so you don’t usually get the same nurse every time.

· Vitals taken (Blood Pressure, Temp).

· Complete pre-treatment blood test and for me, I had a urine test too.

· Wait for those results and then for the chemo to arrive.

3. ACCESS & MEDICATIONS

· The nurse will clean and access port or start an IV.

· Receive pre-infusion meds (e.g., anti-nausea, steroids).

· Review treatment plan with nurse. (After a few times, they tend to skip this part)

4. TREATMENT ADMINISTRATION

· Infusion begins via an automated pump.

· Times vary by drug (minutes to hours).

· Nurses check on you regularly. If you feel anything that seems off, get the nurse immediately. I had an allergic reaction to Oxaliplatin, after weeks of getting it without incident. That was a chaotic mess.

5. POST-TREATMENT DISCONNECT

· Port/IV is disconnected and flushed.

· Clean dressing applied.

· Review home-care instructions. (After a few times, they tend to skip this part)

6. MANAGING AFTERCARE

· Know common side effects (e.g., fatigue).

· Call the doctor if your side effect symptoms are severe.

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If this article was helpful, my book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Read more about NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

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Subscrive for free for reflections, insights, and perspectives on navigating cancer and recovery,

You’ll receive:

• Selected resources and updates in cancer care

• Perspectives from lived experiences

• Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship

The Intangible, Personal Attributes

§ Live life to the fullest

§ Listen to my body

§ Give myself grace

§ Trust my instincts

§ God is an amazing healer

§ Be thankful and grateful for everything, everyday

§ Find beauty in everything

§ I still have a sense of humor

§ I’m strong, I’m amazing, I’m blessed

§ To let people love me

§ I have a strong faith and family

§ To love more and forgive faster

§ Take the trip!

§ Don’t sweat the small stuff.

§ Patience

§ I can go through hard things and live to tell the story.

§ Overwhelm comes easy

§ I am worth it… I am enough

§ One day at a time is not so bad

Cancer Specific

§ Always get a 2nd opinion

§ Very few people understand cancer, till they get it.

§ Colon cancer is no longer an old people’s disease. It’s affecting everyone

§ Get your colonoscopy and other screening tests

§ Keep fighting. Keep praying. Keep believing. Your scars are proof of your strength.

§ Celebrate the small victories

If this article resonated with you, you should read NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. The book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Get your copy of NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

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Sometimes, your radiology tech will forget to tell you that CT scans with contrast have effects that you should be aware of.

You’re going to feel a hot flash, like a wave of heat starting in your face and spreading everywhere. When it gets to your groin, it will feel exactly like you just peed yourself. Seriously, don’t worry! Most everyone feels it, but you’re dry, I promise. You might also notice a weird metallic or coppery taste in your mouth. The whole strange feeling only lasts about 30 seconds, and then it’s totally gone. It’s all completely normal. Just hang tight!

Things to know:

1. PREP

· Fast for several hours before (if required)

· Remove all metal jewelry and dentures

· If you must remove any clothing, you will be given a medical gown

2. SCAN TIME

· Receive ID wristband

· Meet your radiologic tech

· Small IV line placed

· Drink oral contrast liquid and wait

· Lie flat on motorized bed which slides into the scanner

· They will push IV contrast through your IV during scan

· Scanner uses rotating X-ray beam

· You may need to hold breath if instructed during scanning

6. RECOVERY & FOLLOW-UP

· Drink water to flush contrast

· If you self-sedated, wait for sedation to wear off

· Wait days for scan results and review with doctor

If this article was helpful, my book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Get your copy of NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

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• You’ll receive:
  Perspectives from lived experiences
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  Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship.

A cancer diagnosis is a bomb dropping on your life, and if you are a caregiver, you are suddenly on the front lines. The person you love is carrying a massive, invisible emotional load. They are terrified of losing their independence, overwhelmed by constant “scanxiety,” and heartbroken when friends simply fade away. There is no sugarcoating their reality and that is treatment is brutal. Chemo brain, bone-deep fatigue, and bizarre side effects like excruciating neuropathy strip away their normalcy. Your job isn’t to fix the unfixable, but to be the unwavering anchor that keeps them from drowning.

The financial reality of cancer is an often-ignored killer of their spirit. There are relentless medical bills, high deductibles, and the terrifying prospect of losing their job. This creates immense stress which adds to the emotional and physical anxiety they are already dealing with. This is where your actions must speak louder than your words. Don’t ask what they need. They are too exhausted to manage you. Just show up and act. Drive them to those chemo infusions, clean their house, and carry their stuff so they don’t have to struggle. Run a fundraiser so they are shielded from the humiliation of having to beg for help.

Be careful of what you say. Conversations is also a minefield. Skip the toxic positivity. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” tell them exactly what you will be doing and when, such as dropping off dinner tomorrow.

Your loved one is fighting a brutal war, facing days where the quality of life feels entirely gone. But they are also resilient and can still find joy in the small things. By bringing absolute honesty, practical help, and a steadfast presence, you give them the greatest weapon they can have: the knowledge that they are NOT BROKEN, and they are never fighting alone.

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I know how overwhelming these days can feel.

That’s why I wrote NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. It’s the book I wish I had when I was trying to process the diagnosis, navigate treatment, and hold onto myself through it all.

If this article resonated with you, you should read NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. The book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer—honestly, practically, and without filters.

Get your copy of NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

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You’ll receive by email:

• Perspectives from lived experiences
• Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship
• Selected resources and updates in cancer care

Every June, we come together to celebrate National Cancer Survivor Month. It’s a special time dedicated to honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of anyone who has faced a cancer diagnosis. Whether you are currently in treatment, recently finished, or have been cancer-free for years, this month is about you.

This month serves several important purposes:

• Honoring Your Journey: Celebrate the milestones you’ve reached and the incredible everyday courage it takes to navigate a cancer diagnosis.

• Raising Awareness: It’s a vital time to shine a light on the ongoing care, research, and support that survivors and their loved ones need and deserve. Help the public understand that a cancer journey doesn’t simply end when treatment does. Acknowledge that the unique physical, emotional, and financial challenges can linger.

• Advancing Research: Shine a light on how crucial cancer research is for improving survival rates and everyday quality of life, pushing for better, more compassionate care for everyone.

The Power of the Cancer Community Did you know that there are over 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S. alone? That is a massive, resilient community. Get the understanding you deserve by building connections in online groups such as notbrokenbook.com and your favorite social media platforms. Find safe spaces for survivors, caregivers, and supporters to share stories, connect with one another, and lift each other up.

There is no “right or wrong” way to participate. You can choose to be as active or as private as you feel comfortable. Sh

are your story and learn from the stories of others

The Big Picture While June is officially recognized in the U.S. and by many international organizations, cancer support is needed year-round. Survivorship isn’t just a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. This month is a gentle reminder that you are not alone, your resilience is deeply valued, and you are NOT BROKEN.

Cancer isn’t just a physical disease; it is an emotional weight that carries into everything. We carry extreme guilt, shame, and sadness over the sacrifices you make for us.

It hits the hardest when we realize how much our illness disrupts your daily lives and routines. We hate needing help, and we hate having to ask for it.

It’s what used to be simple things, like showing up to a family gathering. The fatigue from chemotherapy and the disease itself completely drains our stamina, making it impossible or unsafe for us to drive. So, you step up to fill the gap. You drive for hours just so we can participate and not be left alone. During one holiday weekend, my son drove over 14 hours in five days just to make sure I could see my grandchildren and didn’t miss Thanksgiving. It is exhausting for you, and watching you put your life on hold makes us feel like a massive burden.

But here is the unfiltered truth: underneath that heavy layer of guilt, we feel immense gratitude, too. We are so incredibly thankful that you love us enough to navigate the traffic and endure the sheer exhaustion just to give us a few hours of normalcy. We say thank you until we feel like we are becoming annoying, but the words never truly seem like enough.

We never wanted to be needy, and we certainly never signed up for this war. Yet, we are fighting it, and we are making it through because of the quiet sacrifices you make.

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If you want to understand the embarrassing, and real truths of this journey, it is all laid out in NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer. It’s the book I wish I had when I was trying to process the diagnosis, navigate treatment, and hold onto myself through it all. If this article resonated with you, the book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer with honesty, practicality, and without filters. Get your copy of NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

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This is number 10 in a series of things caregivers and loved ones really need to hear, even if we don’t always have the courage to say them out loud. The unfiltered truth about what we are going through.

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The new “Disney MRI” is a collaboration between Philips and The Walt Disney Company designed to make MRI scans far less terrifying for children. Philips, the maker of MRI machines, has teamed with Disney to offer children a less stressful experience while undergoing a body scan while placed inside the scan tube. During the” Ambient Experience,” children can select cartoons or colors to project inside the MRI machine, pictured, to help keep them stay calm and still.

Rady Children’s Health Orange County in California is one of the pilot hospitals. The new technology allows children to pick different themes and colors while undergoing the procedure. Patients wear a head mounted mirror using saturated colored light backdrops with synchronized lighting, sound and visuals alongside familiar Disney characters.

Kids can pick from:

• Classic Disney (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy)

• Disney Princesses (Ariel, Moana)

• Marvel Superheroes (Spider-Man, Avengers)

• Star Wars

If you’ve ever had an MRI, you know the drill. You’re shoved into a cramped, dark tube that sounds like a jackhammer, and you must lie perfectly still for up to 40 minutes. For a kid, that’s a nightmare. Because children naturally want to move or cry when they’re scared, hospitals often have to resort to using heavy sedation or general anesthesia just to get a clear image—which comes with its own set of medical risks and recovery times.

This new technology has led to successfully completed scans without being placed under anesthesia. “Instead of asking a child to adapt to the healthcare environment, you’re transforming the healthcare environment to better support the child,” said Andrew Ruiz, director of imaging services at Rady Children’s Health.

Disney is providing all the artwork and animation, and Philips is planning to roll out the technology to hospitals across 87 countries.

Sources includes the OC Register newspaper on May 28, 2026 in an article written by Mona Darwish and philips.com

1. Money Stress is Real

Everyone talks about surviving the disease, but no one prepares you for the massive financial hit. Cancer treatment is insanely expensive.

2. Your Job Might Not Be Safe

While it is rarely discussed in the cancer community, keeping your job is a valid and terrifying challenge. Your employer might just make a “business decision” to let you go because of your health, even if you’re a great worker.

3. “Remission” Isn’t What You Think

You just want a doctor to say you’re “cured,” but the medical world doesn’t really work like that. Instead, doctors use the term “No Evidence of Disease” (NED), which just means the scans can’t spot any cancer at this exact moment.

4. The Agony of “Scanxiety”

No one truly prepares you for the sheer terror of waiting for test results. This is so common that it has its own name. “Scanxiety” is the intense stress and worry you feel before, during, and after your imaging scans.

5. The Side Effects Are Bizarre

Chemotherapy and radiation cause unpredictable physical changes that go far beyond standard nausea or fatigue. The list is long.

6. Friendships Shift and It Gets Lonely

Having cancer changes how you interact with the people closest to you. A lot of friends won’t know what to say or how to act, so they just quietly fade away.

7. You Have to Find a “New Normal”

The hardest pill to swallow is that you can’t and won’t bounce back to the exact person you used to be. Cancer permanently changes how you view your life, your money, your time, and what is truly important.

If you’re newly diagnosed, I know how overwhelming those first days can feel.

That’s why I wrote NOT BROKEN: The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer.

It’s the book I wish I had when I was trying to process the diagnosis, navigate treatment, and hold onto myself through it all.

If this article resonated with you, the book goes deeper into the day-to-day realities of cancer - honestly, practically, and without filters.

Get your copy of NOT BROKEN here → www.Amazon.com/dp/B0GT2G4S3D

“Chemo brain” is very real and makes us feel mentally incompetent. It’s a heavy brain fog that messes with our memory, focus, and concentration. We often feel like we are fumbling more than we care to admit, making us feel like our own minds have betrayed us.

If you’ve ever felt like your mind has completely betrayed you during cancer treatment, you aren’t going crazy. This is a common condition called chemo brain which is also known as brain fog. It is a very real, recognized side effect that causes serious cognitive difficulties. It may affect your memory, concentration, and focus, making it incredibly hard to think clearly or do anything that requires any mental effort.

It’s frustrating and invisible, making it hard for the folks around us to understand what we are going through.

Brain fog can make handling your bills and common transactions feel impossible. (I screwed up my taxes..ugh). It can blur your decision-making capacity when you are trying to make treatment decisions. In NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer, I share exactly how this side effect led to endless typos in my personal journal and left me feeling mentally incompetent. It is a terrifying reality, and it is absolutely not imagined or exaggerated.

The most important thing to know is that experiencing this is completely normal with chemo. When riding this rollercoaster of cancer treatments, give yourself grace. If you’re battling a limited attention span, struggling with short-term memory issues, or trying to find your way through the fog, dive into NOT BROKEN to feel seen, safe, and validated in the unfiltered truth of fighting cancer.

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This is number 9 in a series of things caregivers and loved ones really need to hear, even if we don’t always have the courage to say them out loud. The unfiltered truth about what we are going through.

You’ll receive:
• Selected resources and updates in cancer care

• Perspectives from lived experiences
• Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship

Having a job and working through this cancer journey is often a necessity. Many of us are terrified of losing our jobs, so we hide our diagnosis from employers out of fear of being fired. We push ourselves to work not just for a sense of normalcy, but because we absolutely must survive financially.

The guilt of lying by omission is emotionally hard too.

I hid my diagnosis from my employer for 2 years until I couldn’t keep it a secret any longer. I got lucky, I guess, because while I was in treatment, I broke my foot. (yeah, that sucked too). When I told my employer that I needed time off for surgery, I never told them it was colon resection surgery. They assumed it was foot surgery and I never corrected them.

When I needed lung surgery, I felt that I had to tell them because I was going to be in the hospital for a while and recovery was going to be longer. When I said I had cancer, they assumed lung cancer and that it was a new diagnosis. I never corrected them.

Was this dishonest?

Probably but I knew that when they learned I had cancer, I would be fired.

And I was.

I shouldn’t have told them. I should have asked for vacation time.

Certainly, they did not say it was cancer related but I know it was as they helped me find a temporary job for a few weeks after and wished me well. You know, the no hard feelings kind of sendoff. It wasn’t my ability to do the job. It’s a longer story that I talk about in my book, NOT BROKEN The Unfiltered Daily Truth in Fighting Cancer.

The point here is that so many employers don’t understand that having cancer does not make us incapable of working. Having cancer does not mean that we are dying. We don’t have to be replaced.

Finding a new job has been equally hard because of those same inaccurate assumptions.

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This is number 8 in a series of things caregivers and loved ones really need to hear, even if we don’t always have the courage to say them out loud. The unfiltered truth about what we are going through.

The friends who just fade away absolutely break our hearts. We notice when people disappear, and we know it’s usually because they just don’t know what to say or do. We wish people wouldn’t fade away, even if they feel awkward.

In the beginning, after your diagnosis goes public, everyone seems so concerned and the offers of “whatever you need, just ask” come pouring in.

That feels good.

Speaking for myself, I was too shocked and overwhelmed to even know what to ask for. I was also completely out of practice. I was always the one helping others. So, asking for help was not something I was going to do. I had a friend who asked several times to come clean my house…it needed it. Yet, I said no, though I really appreciated the offers. I was embarrassed that I couldn’t keep up myself.

Then the time comes when you really do need something. A ride to your treatment, someone to pick up milk at the store for you because you can’t drive, etc. You reach out… swallow your pride and ask for help.

All those friends… are busy.

Sure, there are a few that stick by you. I have a small circle of friends who are there when I need them, even now. I am so grateful to those friends.

The others have faded away.

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This is number 7 in a series of things caregivers and loved ones really need to hear, even if we don’t always have the courage to say them out loud. The unfiltered truth about what we are going through.

• You’ll receive:
  Selected resources and updates in cancer care

  Perspectives from lived experiences

  Reflections on treatment, recovery, and survivorship