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Showing posts with the label cancer patient

A Note to My Younger Self - By Libby Haan

Dear Libby, Keep creating. It will lead you to pursue your love of the arts and study art history at New York University, where you’ll spend semesters in Paris and Rome. You'll graduate, step into a white-box gallery and realize it's not for you—but don't worry, it'll still inform what you do. Years later, you'll realize what you love about art is the power of an idea and making it reality. Later still, this will inspire you create your own company from something personal. But first, you'll spend over two decades working in fashion PR. Mere weeks into your first job, you'll be sent to Milan for your first runway show. Baptism by fire, as they say. You'll spend the majority of your first paychecks on anything lace—lace tops, lace bras—when you really should be saving up for rent. New York City isn't cheap! But you can't help it; you got your love of lace from mom. You’ll leave PR for a period to teach yourself how to play the electric guitar, writ...

Christine Goes to Harvard University at 50

When I get asked : Why Harvard at 49 years old, I laugh. After 28 rounds of chemo- too many-and 21 non-elective surgeries I laugh at the thought that I can not accomplish what I want. Since my cancer diagnosis, I have become a best-selling author, motivational speaker, sought after speaker in Florida prison system, Nationally recognized humanitarian, model, and so much more.  I, WE, can truly accomplish anything and any time of our lives. I graduated from Southern Me-thodist University over 25 years ago. Going back to get my masters degree in Creative Writing and Literature was just a step on the unstoppable road for me since my diagnosis.   When your faith is in the eternal, and you leave it up to Him, there is nothing that can stop me-US. My faith has stomped on my fears, my faith has triumphed over my illnesses, YES, many and I am the epitome of Faith over Fear.   Harvard was out of touch for too many years because I had no self esteem to try to go for it. Af...

3 Steps to Better Advocate for Yourself as a Cancer Patient

Hi, I'm Dr. Kavita Jackson- ER doctor, 2020 breast cancer survivor, and Your Cancer Life Coach. From having spent time on both sides of the curtain, as a medical provider turned breast cancer patient, I have gained useful insight into the practice of patient advocacy. As a provider, I understand what it's like to best understand your patient's concerns and desires. As a patient, I also have experienced the challenges of trying to express myself effectively to my medical team. The ability to advocate for yourself, especially as a cancer patient, can be incredibly powerful in shaping your cancer experience. Often people don't realize that as a patient, you have an active and significant role in your medical care. Yet, we are never taught how to navigate the world of medicine from the patient's seat and, as a result, can feel overwhelmed and develop frustration and confusion regarding our diagnosis and treatments-- which is the last thing you need on top of dealing wit...