Surviving Cancer: A Personal Journey
In this 5-part blog series, Amber Havekost traces her cancer journey from diagnosis to her life post-treatment. As she shares her story, Amber also explores what she has lost and gained along the way. "Cancer isn’t just a detour. It’s a whole new way. It’s a whole new me," she writes. She also offers a message for other cancer survivors: "You matter. Your cancer matters. The changes you experience matter — big or small, many or few, and everything in between."
In Darkness, Keep Moving Toward the Light
Having faith and determination helped Pete outmatch cancer once. Now he’s tackling stage 4 cancer with a similar mindset.
Mental Health Therapy Helped Me Endure Cancer and Life
For Glenn, navigating stage 4 cancer and life post-treatment required coping skills he had spent years honing.
Facing Cancer, Finding Strength: Jeffrey’s Story
Coping with incurable cancer, Jeffrey shares how he reframed his life-changing diagnosis.
Slowing Down Is Not Failure
A cancer diagnosis isn't keeping Siobhan from doing the work she loves. She goes at her pace — no one else's.
Survivor’s Guide: Stick Together, Seek Support, Seize the Day
An artist reflects on the importance of cancer support, her tribe of fellow survivors, and her carpe diem philosophy.
Carmelita’s Story: The Blood Test That Saved Her Life
Carmelita had no symptoms of cancer before taking a blood test showing abnormal results. It led to a critical diagnosis.
When Cancer’s "Cronies" Persist, Here’s How One Patient Copes
The challenges of cancer can continue in survivorship. Having a toolkit of coping strategies can help, as Zackary shares.
No Regrets: Living Fully After Breast Cancer & Mastectomy
Discover inspiration in this breast cancer survivorship story by Lyn, who reflects on the treatment choices she made as a young wife and mother 36 years ago.
A Brave August
“August, you get me every time. It’s that time of year…when my trauma triggers fire nonstop.” In the final installment of her blog series, Amber Havekost reflects on the difficult August, 5 years ago, when an advanced-stage cancer diagnosis changed her life. “Anniversary dates are complex,” she writes. “Some are amazing but now also tainted by pain. Some we wish to forget but then, if we do, what else would have to be forgotten?”
Grief & Loss. Gratitude & Gain.
“Grief isn’t shameful and it isn’t cause for panic. It isn’t taboo, it isn’t unnecessary, it isn’t weak, and it isn’t wrong or dangerous. Rather, to grieve is to be authentic. To grieve is to be honest. To grieve is to be grateful. And to grieve is to be human.” In the latest installment of her 5-part blog series, Amber Havekost continues to trace her cancer journey, honoring both her losses and her gains along the way.