Five Steps to Handle Your Diagnosis — Hi There, You are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s not a club you signed up for, but here you are. Now what? The truth is, breast cancer has a million different permutations. Diagnoses, treatments, and personal reactions create a completely unique experience for each individual. All are valid. All…

In the cancer world, the treatment bell is a big deal. — Background I was not too familiar with the bell ringing practice. Then, I joined cancer groups and found my timeline flooded with videos and images of bell ringing. At my first treatment, I took the lay of the land, and noticed… no bell. I asked Nurse Erin. “Hey, where is your…

My experience on 12 weeks of Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide My name is Steph Kennelly. At age 37 in November 2020 I was diagnosed with IDC e/p+ her2- Stage 2, 2.3 cm left breast tumor with clear lymph nodes. I had a double mastectomy with expander reconstruction and nipple sparring. With…

The losing, the growing, and the embracing of all phases I always like to start my cancer blogs with a bit of background information and a disclaimer. I started TC Chemo (Every 3 weeks for 4 sessions) in February 2021. Every cancer and chemotherapy experience is different based on medication…

“What are your fitness goals?” I didn’t know my fitness goals were. But, I knew what they were NOT. ❌ They are not a competition (cooperative human here, not so much competitive). ❌ They are not a race (I have a weird relationship with finish lines). ❌ They are not…

Continued from Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 and Part 4. As 40 year-old breast cancer survivor with recently removed ovaries, I have explored my options for vaginal health and landed on laser treatments. The First Treatment The day came. It was time for my first diVa laser treatment. I slid…

Continued from Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3. I was ready to hear about the vagina laser. I leaned in intently. Ready to rattle off every question I could think of. In rapid succession. Tell me about lasers. Lasers were invented 60 years and have been a part…

“Let me explain vaginal tissue.” — Visit Part 1 and Part 2 of this journey to get up to speed. In summary: I’m a 40 year-old estrogen positive breast cancer thriver with no uterus and no ovaries navigating menopause with my OBGYN, a vagina enthusiast. Back to vaginal tissue. Dr. Cho went on to explain my…

I sat on the exam table. Pleather surface sticking to my embarrassingly sweaty legs. I’ve been at the cancer game for over two years now and I can tell you this. Sitting in this seat. It never gets easier. I fumbled with the paper cloth covering my undressed lower half. …