The Silver Lining: A Guide to the Realities of Breast Cancer
By Hollye Harrington Jacobs, RN, MS, MSW on March 18th, 2014 Categories: The Breast Cancer JourneyAs a healthy, happy, thirty-nine year old mother with no family history of breast cancer, being diagnosed with the disease in 2010 shattered my world.
As a nurse, social worker and child development specialist with experience in an intensive care unit and both adult and pediatric hospice, I found myself in the unique position of moving from the side of the bed as a healthcare …
Talking with Children About a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
By Hollye Harrington Jacobs, RN, MS, MSW on May 15th, 2013 Categories: Day-to-Day MattersHaving to tell children about a breast cancer diagnosis is rotten. I mean, really, as if having breast cancer isn’t hard enough. However (based on my professional experience as a nurse and my personal experience as a patient), I know that including children in the process — from the time of a diagnosis — is the most important thing that we adults can do for …
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not Say)
By Hollye Harrington Jacobs, RN, MS, MSW on October 25th, 2012 Categories: The Breast Cancer JourneyBecause I’m seeing so much pink this week, I find myself thinking about all things related to FBC (f-bomb breast cancer). It’s amazing how a few (million) pink ribbons reactivate the memory of experiences (and f-bombs!).
One of the things that comes to mind (that you dear readers discuss with me frequently!) is:
…What to say or WTF not to say to someone with FBC.
Including Palliative Care as Part of Your Treatment
By Hollye Harrington Jacobs, RN, MS, MSW on August 15th, 2012 Categories: Treatment & Side EffectsRight after my FBC diagnosis (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers), my husband and I had an information gathering week. After a series of diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the disease, we had a series of meetings to interview doctors to determine who would become a part of my/our health care team.
One big misnomer in our culture is that doctors (solely) …
Breast Cancer: Is it a Fight?
By Hollye Harrington Jacobs, RN, MS, MSW on May 23rd, 2012 Categories: The Breast Cancer JourneyWhen I was fully immersed in treatment, I went out on a really big limb and broached a subject that had been on my mind since the time of my breast cancer diagnosis. It took me a while to bring it up because it’s, well, it’s anti-establishment — in a BIG way.
Here goes: I never saw my experience with breast cancer as a “fight.” …
