After cancer treatments are complete, patients are usually transferred from their oncologists back to their primary care physicians. These physicians may not be the best prepared for dealing with cancer survivorship, unfortunately.

Study Shows Doctors Need More Training in Survivorship

A recent study found that many doctors, particularly primary care doctors, don’t feel very confident in their ability to take care of cancer survivors. Oncologists, too, believe that primary care physicians aren’t adequately educated for the task. Regular doctors, for example, tend to “over-test” for cancer recurrence because they’re not sure how much is too much. They may also not be fully prepared to deal with post-treatment concerns like lasting side effects,  psychological support, and managing other related diseases and conditions.

“More training and education of cancer survivorship is critical for the primary care physician and the oncologist,” says Julia Rowland, Ph.D., director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship and the National Cancer Institute.

Suggestions for a Smooth Transition

What can you do to help make the transition from your cancer-care team to your regular doctor go more smoothly? The authors of the study suggest the following:

• Meet with your oncologist after treatments are over and ask for a summary of the care you received, plus an outline of recommended follow-up care that you can then take to your regular doctor.
• Ask about what aspects of your care the oncologist will take care of, and what aspects your regular doctor should take care of.

In addition, here are some other things you can do—from my experience!

• If something feels “off,” ask about it. You know your body better than anyone.
• Ask your oncologist or doctor about important post-treatment care like support groups, counseling, massage, acupuncture, and other types of therapies. He or she may know about reputable programs that offer services for free or for reduced rates to cancer survivors.
• If your regular doctor isn’t communicating well with you, consider transferring to one who will.
• Check with a dietician or nutritionist to get on top of your post-treatment diet.
• Get into a regular exercise program—one you enjoy doing.
• Take responsibility for your own care. Most of us feel depressed, overwhelmed and confused after treatments are over. Get the help and the support you need to make it through this difficult time by attending a support group, seeing a life coach who specializes in cancer survivorship, and by surrounding yourself with other survivors who understand.

Did you find it difficult to talk to your regular doctor after cancer treatments? Please share your story.

Source:
Georgetown University Medical Center. “Doctors differ in how best to care for America’s 12 million cancer survivors.” ScienceDaily, 25 Jul. 2011. Web. 26 Sep. 2011.

Photo courtesy Photo Studio 8 via Flickr.com.

The good news is that how you change is completely up to you.

This is such a fundamental part of the cancer experience that I devoted the first chapter of my book, When Cancer Hits, to this topic. I got some great thoughts from other cancer survivors out there, including Donald Wilhelm, who said, “You’re never going to be the same person you were before. But you can choose who you are, today. And you can choose who you will become, tomorrow.”

Who is This “New” Person in the Mirror?

One of the things cancer does is change your appearance. You may lose your hair, end up with extremely dry skin, gain or lose weight, experience cracked and broken nails, and get dark circles under your eyes. You may look in the mirror and not even recognize that person.

In Chapter 1, I explain that all this is very natural and normal. We all go through it. In fact, in today’s visual society, cancer’s effects on our appearance can be extremely traumatic. I give you an “Appearance Meter Quiz” to help you figure out what your appearance really means to you, and then give you ways to cope with the changes.

What Cancer Treatments Do to the Body

Though I go into more detail in later chapters, here I give you a general introduction about what cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can do to your body, so you can better understand all the changes you may go through. Then I show you how you can help maintain control of your appearance—even though right now you may feel completely out of control!

Who Am I Now?

All these changes can cause a true identity crisis in many people. After all, if you look different in the mirror, you feel different in your body, and your whole life is different than it used to be, than who are you now? I guide you through some interactive exercises that help you bring yourself back…to yourself.

What is Your Personal Chemical Exposure?

Realizing that everything is changing, I ask you to check your current routine and personal care products to evaluate your daily chemical exposure. Later in the book I help you make some changes that will be better for your fragile skin and body, but in this first chapter I help you take stock of what your current routine may be doing to your health.

I hope, after reading Chapter 1, that you feel a new sense of empowerment. Cancer can make you feel like a fish out of water—like you just don’t have any control anymore over your life. Chapter 1 acknowledges that yes, things have changed, but you still have control over how you are going to handle it!

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Were you overwhelmed by the changes cancer brought to your life? Please share your story.

Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll find in this chapter.

What Do You Know About Skin?

You wash it, you slap on moisturizer, and you do your best to protect it from the sun. But how much do you know about your skin? For example, does it really “breathe” like they say it does? And does it keep bacteria and toxins out of your body, or allow them in? When Cancer Hits answers these questions and more.

Your Current Routine—How Dangerous?

So you have a few department-store brands of moisturizer and cleanser in your cabinet. No big deal, right? Wrong. On page 33, I take you through all your products so you can see exactly how many chemicals you’re exposing yourself to on a daily basis. Trust me—you’ll be surprised.

Chemo Skin is Fragile Skin

I recommend you always choose your skin-care products carefully, but if you’re going through cancer treatments, your skin is especially fragile and really needs your gentle care. My father’s skin was extremely dry during his treatments, and it took forever to heal. Plus it could no longer tolerate alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives in conventional skin care products. In this chapter, I explain exactly what treatments do to the skin, and what you can do to counteract these negative effects. Plus, I tell you where to find safer products.

Look Now—the FDA is Not Watching

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of regulating the safety of our products, but unfortunately, when it comes to cosmetics, the FDA doesn’t have much to do with it. In general, companies can use any ingredient they choose in their formulations, so it’s up to us to read the ingredient lists and do our best to avoid those things that are too harsh for fragile skin.

The good news is that there are several companies out there right now that are responding to the demand for safer, more nutritious products. I help you find these companies and become familiar with the brands of skin care that are better for you.

What You’ll Get from This Chapter

Chapter 2 gives you what you need to take better care of your skin during cancer and beyond. Just imagine how much better you’ll feel with softer, more resilient skin on your face, hands, and body. Besides feeling more confident about your appearance, you’ll be helping yourself to avoid infections, wounds, rashes, and reactions that could make your experience more difficult.

You owe it to yourself to feel as good as you can during cancer and in the years after treatments are over. Choose today to lovingly protect yourself and your body.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Are you experiencing difficult skin conditions because of cancer or cancer treatments? Have you tried some of the tips in my book? Let me know what you think!

Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll find on the new site:

New Cinco Vidas Blog: Same great information, new look!

New CV Media Page: Read about my new book, as well as Cinco Vidas e-books teleseminars, webinars, and upcoming live events.

New Toxic Truth Page: Find out what ingredients are potentially dangerous not only in your personal care products, but in food, your home, and the environment.

New Video Page: I’m excited to be producing regular videos on topics such as safe personal care products, making difficult transitions on the cancer journey, and keeping yourself healthy. Check back regularly for new videos.

New Skin Care Clinic: Are you suffering with a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or chemo skin? Check out this new page—I have all sorts of great information and resources to help you.

New “Share Your Story” Page: If you read my new About Page, you’ll see that I’ve shared more of my life story with you. I’m hoping you’ll return the favor and share your challenges and triumphs!

New Resources: If you need to find a reputable wig salon or oncology esthetician near you, check out my new directories for listings. We also have a list of alternative therapy clinics and organic spas.

I really want to hear what you all think of the new site, so please, take a moment when you can and look it over, then respond to this post with your comments. We built this site for you, and we want your feedback!

Check out my new site by navigating the top menu, and let me know what you think!

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, or if you are caring for a loved one who has, you’ll want to get your hands on this book. I’ve loaded it with all the information my father and I needed when we went through cancer. Truly, this is the book we wish we could have had back then!

All the things the doctors don’t tell you about are in these pages, along with remedies and techniques that will help you cope. Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• Implement proven solutions for mouth sores, nausea, radiation burns, fatigue, dry skin, neuropathy, and more.
• Create your own personal hair-loss plan, and find the solution that fits your style.
• Manage stress, anxiety, worry, and despair.
• Complement your treatment with the proven benefits of acupuncture, reflexology, massage and meditation.
• Protect yourself from personal care and housecleaning products that contain potentially carcinogenic ingredients—and learn what products are safe to use.
• Treat and conceal redness, rashes, swelling, scars, and skin discoloration.

If you’ve been looking for someone who to help you through this journey, I hope you’ll consider letting me be that person. I can help you navigate the changes you’ll experience between the doctor’s office and everyday living, and show you how to sustain positive energy during treatment and beyond. Plus you’ll read real-life stories from other survivors, and glean advice from doctors and experienced health experts.

Here’s what some other nice people are saying about the book:

“Battling cancer is a Herculean task that requires courage, fortitude and many, many decisions. There are lots of experts in the field, but advice from one who went through it herself is invaluable. I wish this book had existed during my own battle.”

—Fran Drescher, Actress, Cancer Survivor, President of Cancer Schmancer

“This is the book I wish I had for every patient diagnosed with cancer. It fills the void between the diagnosis and the journey onward. A great blueprint for how to cope with the journey from choosing safe personal care products to addressing all the changes that your skin and body will go through to managing side effects.”

—Dr. Madeline Krauss, M.D.

You can pre-order now on Amazon—just click here. Then feel free to comment on this post with what you think!

Thank you all for your ongoing support![youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svJOPelE1C8[/youtube]

1. Cancer treatments affect your whole body. Most of us worry about losing our hair, or feeling sick to our stomachs, but trust me, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect your whole body. Your appetite, your skin, your energy levels, and even your emotions can all be thrown off kilter. Get help early—even with the grocery shopping—and learning to be gentle with yourself.

2. Put yourself first. Many of us have work, family, and community commitments. When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you absolutely must put yourself first. Your medical care, home care, and emotional care must become your priorities, so you can get well.

3. Skin care is extremely important. Use lukewarm, not hot, water, and wash gently, patting dry. Moisturize moisturize moisturize every chance you get, and protect from the sun with hats, gloves, and long sleeves. Especially if you have scars, like I did, extra care is important!

4. Most personal care products are too harsh! Don’t be surprised if your regular soap, body wash, shave gel, makeup, and other products suddenly start to irritate and burn your skin. Many contain harsh chemicals and even potentially carcinogenic ingredients. When caring for my father during his battle with cancer, I bought him an expensive face cream that burned his skin. I wish I would have known! Now I read labels and buy only safe products.

5. Chemo rashes are not the same as acne. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause an acne-like rash, but this is not the same as regular acne. If you use harsh acne medications, you could make the situation worse, possibly even permanently scarring your skin. Try more natural remedies like soothing chamomile and water, an oatmeal paste on your face for 10 minutes, or an organic clay facial. Above all, be gentle!

6. Shop for a wig before you lose your hair. This is the best way to match your natural hair to your wig. If you wait until after your hair is gone, it will be harder to make it look the same.

7. You can relieve side effects. My father experienced hand and foot syndrome, and I found him one day just sitting in bed with his hands up, suffering. Please don’t ever do that! There are always things that can help. Ask your doctor and check online. (I have some great tips on my blog and in my book!) Pain only delays your recovery.

8. Choose the right kind of massage therapist. Massage can be a huge blessing during treatment. It eases stress and can help reduce side effects. If you go to someone who doesn’t know what he or she is doing, however, you could increase your risk of developing lymphedema. There are new oncology estheticians out there who are specifically trained to work with cancer patients. Ask for credentials, then lay back and enjoy.

9. Cold helps reduce hair loss and nail damage. Recent research has shown that applying cold to your fingers and head can help reduce hair loss and nail damage. The cold slows the blood flow to these areas, which means less of the chemotherapy drug can affect them. Studies show it really works! Try the “Elasto-Gel” flexible glove (available on Amazon), and the “DigniCap” made by Dignitana of Lund in Sweden.

10. Acupuncture improves post-chemotherapy fatigue. If you’ve gone through chemo, you know how draining it is. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce that bone-deep fatigue by 30 percent! I really could have used that extra help!

11. Just because treatments are over doesn’t mean it’s “over.” One of the most difficult transitions in my life was going from cancer patient to cancer survivor.  Everyone around me thought I should be fine, but I wasn’t! I wish I had known that those feelings are completely normal. It takes time to process it all—get help, and be patient with yourself.

12. Helping others helps you. As you work to recover after your cancer treatments are over, try to find a way to help others. Share your story, talk to the newly diagnosed, or volunteer somehow in your community. Giving back helps you redefine your purpose, and get back to living.

Have you learned things from your cancer journey you’d like to share? Please tell us!

Photo courtesy the Nelly Guaman via Flickr.com.

Most of my readers know that when I was 16 years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. I was told initially that I would need a year of chemotherapy and some radiation. Because I responded so well to treatment, I had to undergo only seven months of chemotherapy and didn’t need radiation at all. As you can imagine, this was great news, and everyone—including me—was happy about it. The cancer was gone sooner than expected, and I was given the official “okay” to go back to my life.

Time to celebrate and move on, right? At least that’s what I was hoping, but it didn’t work out that way. I was glad the cancer was gone, but instead of feeling elated, I was like, “Now what?” How was I supposed to go back to school and face all the social pressures teens experience with no hair, a heavier body weight (I’d gained weight as a result of my treatment), and a muddled sense of my own identity? Everything had changed, and I had no idea how to get back to “normal.”

I looked different. I felt different. Yet I was told to “move on.” Certainly everyone around me had done so, and they wanted me to as well. But I didn’t know how. I was confused and had no one to talk to. I felt guilty holding on to my cancer experience when everyone else was elated at my “survival,” but when it came down to it, I had nothing else to hold on to.

Most survivors experience some version of this, and the easiest way to describe it is to call it post-traumatic stress and depression. Similar to what a victim of a violent crime experiences, a cancer survivor struggles to make sense of what happened to her. While we’re actually going through the battle, we have little time to reflect, or to even bring our feelings to a conscious level. We’re too busy going to the hospital and getting our wigs fixed and figuring out our medications and finding something we can eat when our mouths erupt in sores. We may cry on some nights, and feel lost and confused at times, but that doesn’t even come close to processing the experience in its entirety. Most of us don’t even know how to begin processing it.

Fortunately, the medical field is just starting to recognize the seriousness of “survivor stress and depression,” and cancer centers and hospitals are now putting into place several programs to help people cope. When I went through it, however, I had access to none of that, partly because neither my parents nor I thought I needed it. I lived in a family where expressing emotions just wasn’t the norm. A product of another generation, my parents believed that you just “bucked up” and went on. Why are you making such a fuss? they would say. You’re alive! You’re well. Be grateful! You can go on with your life now!

I tried to play my part. Not only did my family expect it, but my friends, teachers, and doctors did, as well. Oh, there’s the girl who had cancer and beat it! Their eyes would peer at me with an almost morbid curiosity. How does she look now? The pressure was nearly unbearable. I felt judged on how well I was surviving. Everyone wanted their happy ending, but I had no idea how to give it to them. It felt like a race. How do I get to “normal” from here?

I had lots of support from my parents and friends while going through treatment, but I never attended a support group, never talked to a counselor or social worker, and never connected with other kids my age who had survived cancer. Everyone around me just wanted me to move on, but I had all these overwhelming feelings and didn’t know what to do with them. So I turned to the one thing I could control—what I ate. What a relief. Finally I could feel again some sense of power over my own life. As I got into it, the weight started to drop off, and I regained my figure—and soon became even thinner. My hair grew back—though way too short for my comfort—and together with my new figure, I felt attractive again. And of course, I loved the attention I got from that.

Of course, my elation was short-lived, because I never really dealt with my cancer experience. I just hid behind the problem. Controlling my food and weight (to the point of anorexia) gave me a sense of false power, which distracted me from the “real” pain underneath. In truth, I never really dealt with it completely until I started Cinco Vidas three years ago—almost 18 years after treatment! I started this blog, wrote my book, developed a skincare line to help with compromised skin, and reached out to help other survivors. Back then, however, all I ended up with was an eating disorder—my way of coping with all the overwhelming feelings—which of course, only complicated things.

I’ll talk more about my recovery in future posts. In the meantime, stay tuned for our upcoming teleclass which will provide you with many tools, much support and resources to help you transition from cancer patient back into living your life fully.

Have you experienced stress, depression, or other setbacks during your recovery from cancer? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy the Enzo D. via Flickr.com.

Now the old me would have raged—either silently or out loud—about this person’s rude behavior. My energy would have spiraled from joy and peace to anger, frustration, irritation, and indignation. I may have engaged the woman in an argument, asking her why she behaved so rudely toward me. And who knows where that would have led—probably to more angst and anger and heated discussion.

Instead, right then and there, something in my mind said, “Don’t bite the hook, Britta.” So I didn’t. I told myself that this person’s actions had nothing to do with me, which I’m sure they didn’t. All I said is, “You could be a little nicer, you know?” She gave me the worst look and said, “All you passengers are the same,” and pushed my bag again. A few moments later, she walked away and the gentleman behind me commented on how well I handled the situation. He said he would’ve lost it. I shared with him that I no longer want to be pulled into the worlds of others when they dump their bad energy around. Moments later, I had forgotten all about it, and I felt just as serene as I had before she came barreling by. What a victory for me!

This phrase and idea came from the audiobook entitled Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions, written by Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist nun. What I’ve learned from Ms. Chodron is that every time someone intrudes on my sense of serenity—whether intentional or not—I have a choice in how I react. Most of us don’t think this is true. If someone is rude to us, we naturally react with anger, right? But Chodron teaches us that this is much like chewing our nails—a bad habit that we can get rid of. The source of the whole reaction is our sense of self-importance: How dare she do that to me? I’m an important person. She has no right to treat me that way.

When we look at it this way, it seems very logical that we would react with anger. But we can look at the situation from a different angle. I have come to believe that the person’s action has nothing to do with me. We are living in a very self-centered world right now, and most of us just assume—if she pushed past me, it’s about me! But what if she had a really bad day? What if she had to take care of a sick child that morning and now she is late for her flight? What if she’s getting a divorce, or just lost a parent?

Truth is, we have no idea what’s going on in the worlds of those around us, and what may be propelling them to act as they do. If we consider the possibilities, it’s often easier for us to act from a source of compassion, rather than from anger and indignation. Wouldn’t we want the same consideration if we were the ones acting rudely? And the wonderful thing about it is, when we act from compassion, we not only touch the other person with kindness, but that feeling radiates within us, helping us maintain our own sense of serenity. Magic!

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should allow people to walk all over us and treat us badly. The point is we have a choice: Is this event important enough to argue about? Is this something I really need to be assertive about? Do I need to stand up for myself, or would I have a better day if I just let it go? Would I feel better if I acted from compassion? These are choices we can make for the good of our inner sense of peace—and our good health. After all, the less stress and anger we feel, the healthier we feel.

I invite you to give it a try. Next time someone gives you the opportunity to react in anger, frustration, or indignation, see if you can change that habit and respond with compassion. I’d love to hear about your experiences!

We can change how we react to others. Have you tried it? Please let us know the results.

Photo courtesy the Momma2Molly via Flickr.com.

Listening to Hay House CEO Reid Tracy and bestselling author Cheryl Richardson, not only did I learn more about how I can continue to make my dream come true of making a difference in the cancer community, I learned some flat-out important lessons about life. I offer them here in the hopes that they might be useful to you. If they strike a chord, please write back and share your thoughts!

1)  Take time for self-care: Cheryl has written a book called The Art of Extreme Self Care. It was a delight to hear her talk about how important it is for us to take time out of our busy schedules every day to care for ourselves. If you’re drained, stressed out, exhausted, grumpy, irritable, and overworked, you just have nothing left to give anyone else. This was a pivotal message to me because I talk about it in my forthcoming book, and it helped me realize how very often we need to be reminded of this critical message.

2) Disconnect: I had a huge victory while on the ship. For the first time ever I was able to turn off my cell phone. That meant no calls, no e-mail, and no text messages for seven days! In doing so, I realized even more fully the importance of totally disconnecting when you’re away. If you’re still answering emails or taking that occasional call, you still have one foot at work while the other is trying to take some time off. The result? You never fully recharge. Disconnecting was one of the best things I’ve ever done. And guess what? When I got back, my business was still intact and running perfectly—nothing had fallen apart!

3) Surround yourself with supportive people: Since this was a business trip focused on a very specific area of study, I went with a dear friend of mine, Laurie, who shares the same interests. Here’s what I learned—when you’re traveling, or even just choosing whom to spend your time with, it’s so important to be with people who support and encourage you to be yourself. When you’re with someone who has healthy boundaries, who allows you to do what you need to do, and gives you space, that person is essentially allowing you to be you, with no guilt and no unreasonable expectations. Why spend time with anyone who doesn’t allow you this? It’s just not worth the drain on your energy.

4) Work smarter, not harder. Because I’m a business owner, I tend to want to be involved in every aspect of what’s going on. My best friend Shanda once said, however, that if your to-do list keeps going over into the next day all the time, you’re no longer leading, you’re managing. Cheryl shared with us another shocking revelation—that 70% of what people do is a waste of time! You can bet that when I came home I immediately did an inventory of those daily activities that bore me, that I don’t like to do, or that are plain tedious. From now on, I’m going to delegate more tasks to the capable people around me so I can free myself up to really focus on the meat of my business, not the daily tasks that drain me. We just have to commit to our priorities if we don’t want to feel like hamsters on wheels.

5) Don’t take the hook. What this means is that we don’t allow others to destroy our sense of serenity or to intrude on our energy. I’ve been committed to this goal for some time, and of course you know the minute you do that, here comes the universe to test you out! I hadn’t even gotten on the plane yet when it started. I was standing in line when an airport attendant barged in front of me and rudely pushed my bag back so she could get hers in line ahead of me. She did all this without saying a word to me. Now the old me would have raged—either silently or out loud—about this person’s rude behavior. How dare she treat me in such a way? My energy would have spiraled from joy and peace to anger, frustration, irritation, and indignation. Instead, right then and there, something in my mind said, “Don’t take the hook, Britta.” So I didn’t. I told myself that this person’s actions had nothing to do with me, which I’m sure they didn’t. She was wrapped up in her own world, and who knows what was going on there? I spend way too much time in my life being affected by someone else’s energy, so I chose to let it go. And you know what? Within a matter of moments, I had forgotten all about it, and I felt just as serene as I had before she came barreling by. Don’t take the hook.

Now that I’ve returned to my New York home, I am thrilled to have had this great opportunity, and to have made some steps forward in my own personal evolution. And you know what? When it’s all said and done, it’s the simple things that matter—like spending a day in the sun with a good friend. It’s soothing medicine for the soul, and I highly recommend it!

Do you have healthy ideas for this holiday? Please share them with our readers!

Photo courtesy the Armagan Orki via Flickr.com.

1. To take responsibility for my own happiness. I feel better when I relax and allow myself to be happy with who I am and what I have right now, instead of waiting until I become something else or get something else tomorrow. Waiting only means that I’ll continue to wait for the rest of my life! Besides, I know that happiness doesn’t come from outside of me—it’s inside, right here, right now.

Blogger and founder of “Tiny Buddha” Lori Deschene agrees: “As strange as it sounds, the ability to appreciate what’s in front of you has nothing to do with what you actually have. It’s more about how you measure the good things in your life at any given time.”

I’ve also learned that it’s up to me whether or not I allow others to take away my serenity. I can choose to remain peaceful no matter what. As my father used to say, “It’s better to be happy than to be right.” How often do we engage in useless arguments? Sometimes it’s difficult to just nod and smile, but the beauty is I get to try every day. Besides, it’s not about perfection, right? It’s about progress!

2. To realize my thoughts aren’t always true. Marci Shimoff, bestselling author and motivational speaker, says we have 60,000 thoughts per day. Eighty percent of those are negative. Those negative thoughts can release stress hormones that prepare us for fight or flight, and keep us in a constant state of agitation—negatively affecting our health. Positive thoughts, on the other hand, calm and energize us.

Personally, I follow the teachings of Louise Hay and regularly rehearse positive affirmations to replace the negative chatter of my thoughts. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that positive thinking has shown in studies to help increase life span, lower rates of depression, and even create greater resistance to the common cold. If you can become aware of your own thoughts, it’s amazing how much you can change your life!

3. To surround myself with positive people. We become an average of the five people we associate with the most. Think about that for a minute. If you were to physically and mentally become those five people, would you be totally satisfied with the result?

Research has found that people who have rewarding social relationships have a 50 percent greater likelihood of survival, compared with those who have friends who are draining or negative. Do a serious inventory of your social support system. Who’s loving and nurturing? Who’s distant, negative, or even toxic? Then make the decisions that are best for your health and your future!

4. To pray and meditate—regularly! My meditation practice has been on and off this year, but one thing has truly changed: for the first time, I understand how important both meditation and prayer are for me. Turning over my worries, fears and anxieties to God takes the pressure off. As some of you may know, when you’re running your own business there can be a lot of pressure! This one practice brings me consistent relief. Daily meditation, as well, quiets my chattering mind, enables me to focus on my daily tasks, and helps me deal with stress in a much calmer way. It’s like a daily spiritual shower! After all, I wash my body every day. My mind needs the same type of cleansing renewal.

5. To accept—people, places, things, and life as a whole. When I accept myself, other people, things, places and situations as they are—not as I’d wish them to be—life is much easier for me. It’s only when I’m trying to change people or situations that I feel upset. This year, I found that once I stopped trying to change others, they felt free to be themselves around me, and I could see the beauty in their spirits. When I accept life as it is, I stop resisting and use my energies on those things that actually benefit from my input. So much more gratifying!

So there it is—the five things that really hit home for me this year. Thank you to all of you for supporting Cinco Vidas, and please continue the conversation and the sharing on my blog. I wish you all very happy holidays and we will see you in January 2011!

What important lessons have you learned this year? Please share with us!

“I really should do the laundry today,” I hear myself say when what I really want to do is take a nap. “I should go to Susie’s party because she asked me to, even though I’d rather go shopping. I should take Dan’s shift this weekend even though I was planning to go camping. I should let Jan borrow my car even though I know she’s a reckless driver.”

Whenever we say the word “should,” we are giving up our power of choice, which means we’re giving up our freedom—and giving up the energy we have inside us that could be helping us to heal. We’re basically saying, “Okay, I’m going to live by other people’s rules, and ignore what my heart wants. I’m going to do what others think I should do, putting my own desires last.”

You know how you feel inside when “should” comes out of your mouth, right? It’s like a collar comes down around your neck attached to a leash, and the other end is held by whomever is glaring at you in your mind and telling you what you “should” be doing. That other person is most certainly not you.

That “should” word comes from when we were kids—you “shouldn’t” do that; you “should” do this, etc. It’s so limiting. We take that echo with us into adulthood, and we keep listening to it long after we’re old enough to make our own choices, depriving ourselves of the freedom of steering our own ship. Worse, when we’re fighting an illness like cancer, filling our heads with “shoulds” leaves our bodies depleted of healing energy.

How much better it feels when we say, “I choose to do the laundry today because I want to have clean clothes tomorrow.” Same decision, but made with so much more power! “I choose to go to Susie’s party because I said I would, but next time I will be more conscious about my commitments.”

Cancer puts us into a whole new world of “shoulds.” Here are just some of the things we tell ourselves:

• I should be feeling better. It’s my fifth day after chemo.
• I should be stronger than I am. People are going to think I’m a baby.
• I shouldn’t be letting this bother me so much. I mean, lots of people have cancer.
• I should get up today and get the house cleaned. What will my family think?
• I should be healthier than this. How could this happen?

And on and on. All these “shoulds” are poisonous to our hearts. One, they make us feel chained to some action we’d rather not take, sapping our energy. Two, they make us betray ourselves, by making us deaf to our true desires and feelings.

If you’re trapped in a world of shoulds—or even the next time you hear yourself using the word—consider replacing it with “choose” instead. Like this:

• I choose to feel how I feel, and listen to my body.
• I choose to respect my own needs. What others think is none of my business.
• I choose to respect my own experience, and cope with this disease the best way I can.
• I choose to clean the house today, because I think it will make me feel better.
• I choose to make healthy choices for myself from now on.

Have you tried replacing your “shoulds” with choices? Please share your thoughts.

Photo courtesy neelab via Flickr.com.

There’s no doubt we’ve heard a lot about “living in the now” lately, particularly because of the great success of spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now.

I know in my mind that living in the present is a good thing, but sometimes it’s hard to grasp in our everyday lives. Fortunately, I had a recent experience that brought it front-and-center into my consciousness.

My husband and I took a vacation to Hawaii. I needed to rest and recharge my batteries. We visited the beautiful island of Kauai, full of so much joy in its green and lush hills, it’s waving surf and it’s cascading waterfalls. But you know what I did? Here I was, sitting on this beautiful beach, not a care in the world, enjoying my book, and my mind starts thinking about all the things I was going to have to do when I got home.

You know what it’s like. You’ve gone somewhere to “get away” from it all—and that can be anywhere, from Hawaii to your own back yard—and despite your best efforts, here comes your brain, dragging you back into the very thing you were trying to get away from!

Of course, everything changed for me in that moment. I went from being completely relaxed and listening to the waves and feeling light within myself to feeling tightness in my chest and upper back, heavy in my body, and tense in my jaw and face. The peace and serenity were gone, and I was no longer in Hawaii. I was in New York, in my office!

Eckhart Tolle teaches extensively about living in the present. When we let our minds escape the present moment, suddenly life feels like a burden, instead of the joy it’s meant to be. The next time you’re feeling stressed or undone, I urge you to ask yourself: “Where are my thoughts? Are they in the present moment, or in some other place?”

On the beach that day in Hawaii, I noticed my thoughts taking off into another time. I said to myself, “Britta, what does that have to do with right now? You can’t do anything about that. That’s in the future. Right now, you need to enjoy this moment.”

And you know what? Suddenly I could hear the waves again, feel the light breeze over my skin, and the sun warming my face. Relaxation, joy, and peace returned.

You may say that’s all well and good—easy to do when you’re in Hawaii! And you’d be right! But I’m putting this practice to work back in New York. I’m learning to say, “I love right now. I’m grateful for what I have in front of me. This is my life today, and by choosing to embrace it, I feel free and released.”

Next time cancer is getting you down, try bringing your thoughts back to the present moment. Maybe that pillow feels really soft under your head. Even if you’re in the hospital, maybe the sunshine is warm outside your window. Maybe your loved one’s hand feels good in yours. In this moment, right now, without worrying about the future, how are things?

You may find they’re not as bad as you think. In fact, you may find that in this moment, right now, everything is really pretty okay.

“When you say ‘yes’ to the ‘isness’ of life, when you accept this moment as it is, you can feel a sense of spaciousness within you that is deeply peaceful.” (Eckhart Tolle, Stillness Speaks)

Have you learned how to live in the present moment? Please share your story.

Dealing with loss is one of the hardest things we have to do as human beings. The three things that helped me were my faith, my other loved ones, and taking action to remember my father in many positive ways—this blog is one of them.

Everyone grieves differently, but we wanted to gather some thoughts that may help you through. One thing you must not do is turn away from your own life. I firmly believe that we’re all here for a reason, so if you’re feeling that life isn’t worth it without your loved one, I urge you to reconsider. You’ve still got things to do, and your loved one would want you to live out your life the best way you can.

Be nice to yourself. You’re grieving, and going through an extremely difficult time. Recognize this. Realize that you’re going to need time to mourn the loss. Treat yourself as you would a friend going through this time. Eat well, rest as much as you need to, and exercise. If you’re feeling guilt, regret, or “if only” thoughts, give yourself a break. Be realistic—you couldn’t have done anything to stop what happened. Journal about your feelings, or talk to a friend or therapist. I stated seeing a therapist immediately so I could start to heal. Sometimes we feel it may be easier to put it aside, but that’s definitely not the best approach long term.

Realize it’s going to hurt. None of us like pain (especially emotional), and often we do whatever we can to avoid it. Most of the time, those things are unhealthy. Too much food, drink, work, whatever, are all detrimental to your health. Realize that loss hurts, and try not to be afraid of that feeling. Let it go through you. Cry when you need to. Punch pillows, walk, and write off any anger you’re feeling. Dealing with whatever feelings come up is much healthier than trying to avoid them. Remember, the only way out is through—and unless you’re willing to feel the feelings, they will never let up.

Plan activities during difficult times. Birthdays, anniversaries, Saturday nights, weekends, and holidays can all be extremely difficult when you’re grieving. Try to plan activities during these times so you’re not alone. Have dinner out with a friend, spend a day skiing (or participating in another favorite hobby), enjoy an afternoon picnic with your children—anything that will help you to feel a sense of belonging. Our first two Christmases without Dad, for example, we spent out of town, which was easier than doing the same thing we did every year when he was with us.

Avoid making major decisions. Realize that you’re not really in your right mind after suffering a major loss. This is not the time to quit your job, move, or make other life-altering changes. You’re going through enough change already. Keep everything else as much the same as you can, at least for several months. Even with wills and other financial concerns—wait at least two months after the loss, if you can.

Celebrate your loved one. There are so many ways to honor and celebrate the one who meant so much to you. You can set aside a place in your home to decorate with photos, quotations, letters, old e-mails, etc. Try lighting a candle in her honor (white one preferably), hosting a dinner party, making a donation to one of his favorite charities or organizations, planting a tree, making a quilt, or putting together a scrapbook. Give yourself the time it takes to complete this important step. We celebrated Dad at my wedding (two months after he passed) by releasing white doves in his honor. To this day, I often dedicate time to him by lighting a white candle that I bought especially for him, and sitting by its light to read or to meditate. Anything to keep him close to me.

Ask for help. Sometimes people don’t know how to help after a loss. If you need assistance with finances, legal matters, or other new responsibilities, don’t be afraid to ask. You may also want to seek the advice of a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor. Consider joining a support group—talking with others who have experienced similar losses can help a great deal and encourage healing.

Have you survived the loss of a loved one to cancer? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy Mohammad A.S. via Flickr.com.

I'm so grateful for my husband!

Watching the “Hope for Haiti” broadcast Friday, January 22nd, I couldn’t help but realize how very blessed I am—how blessed we all are to have food, clean water, shelter, and our loved ones around us. Sometimes it takes tragedies like these for us to realize that all the little things we worry about, complain about, and stress about aren’t really that important. We have what we need. And so much more.

Did you know that after September 11, 2001, researchers noted a surge in feelings of gratitude? Such feelings help us better manage the negative effects of stress. In fact, gratefulness can do a lot for our health. Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, reports in his book on several studies that he and his colleagues have conducted at the University of California at Davis.

In two, they found that people who regularly wrote down the things they were grateful for were more optimistic about the future, and reported fewer health problems than those that didn’t. Another study found that even people suffering from disease—including post-polio syndrome—got more sleep, felt more refreshed in the morning, and felt more optimistic about the future when they wrote in daily gratitude journals.

Naren, who runs the website “Spiritual Pub,” writes, “This feeling of gratefulness that rises from the innermost core of your being is the truest prayer.” Melodie Beattie, author of CoDependent No More, says, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” And mind/body healer Dr. Darryl Pokea says, “When our minds are resonating with gratitude, the gate is fully opened to the flow of prosperity.”

When we’re going through challenges like cancer, remembering what we have to be grateful for becomes even more important to our health, our outlook, and our chances of survival. I encourage you to start a journal of gratefulness, like I have, and inside it, write about the things you’re thankful for. Try doing it at the same time every day, like first thing in the morning or right before bed, and see if you don’t notice some positive benefits in your life. If you’ve had a particularly difficult day, start with the very elementary things. I’m grateful for my mother on those days, for instance, or my husband. On the days we feel particularly weak, we can be grateful for the bed that holds us off the floor, and the pillows that cradle our heads.

Here are 10 things that I feel grateful for right now.  In sharing these, I hope I can inspire you to say a gratitude prayer or journal about your blessings every day. It only takes a few minutes. I’m amazed at how much more comes into my life when I start my day with an open heart, feeling thankful for what I have, rather than focusing on what I don’t have. It’s interesting how once I get started, I can keep going and going! There are so many miracles around us every day that we miss most of the time because we don’t take a few moments to reflect on all the good that comes our way.

1. I am grateful that I woke up; today is truly a gift, not to be taken for granted.
2. I am grateful for the hot shower I get to take every day that makes my muscles and my mind relax.
3. I am grateful for the clean, nourishing food that I am about to eat.
4. I am grateful for the sunshine that came out this afternoon, which reminds me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
5. I am grateful for that my husband accepts me exactly as I am.
6. I am grateful that I have been cancer-free for 18 years.
7. I am grateful for my father’s spirit, who reminds me everyday to go after my dreams relentlessly.
8. I am grateful for this morning’s rain which cleaned the New York streets.
9. I am grateful for my computer and printer which allow me to do my daily work.
10. I am grateful for my couch, which keeps me cozy when I need to unwind and relax.

Have you written about what you’re grateful for today? Please share your thoughts.

Cinco Vidas

You can participate by being part of a focus group, taking a survey, or sharing your story through a personal interview. It will mean a lot to others who are now, or may one day be sharing the journey of cancer.

Write to info@cincovidas.com andtell us if you’re a fighter, survivor or caregiver (or combination of these), your phone number, and what state/province you live in. Don’t worry- we won’t release your information to anyone else.

We simply want to hear from real people with real stories and opinions that may benefit others.

Reaching out is a great way to turn tragedy into triumph. Try it and see – it may bring new purpose and meaning to the challenges you’ve faced.

Cinco Vidas – and others touched by cancer – thank you for your help!

Love, strength and survival,

Britta

Britta Aragon and her father, Javier.

I pride myself on being a positive person. After surviving cancer myself, I felt I had experienced firsthand the power of believing you can, and you will get well. I did it, and later, when my father was diagnosed, I watched him do it not once, but five times. His strength and optimism stay with me to this day, and fuel all my efforts for Cinco Vidas and all the cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers that we touch.

However, despite my father’s triumphs, after the fifth recurrence of the cancer, there came a time when I knew that even with all his positive energy, my father was not going to survive. I’m not sure how you come to know this. It’s not just what the doctors say, or what the test results show. After a certain time of fighting battles—some you win, but some you lose—you see that the body is breaking down, and like a machine with too many broken parts, there’s just no fixing it anymore, despite the strength of the heart that lives inside.

What do we do when this happens? How do we face each day knowing that we’re going to lose someone we love so much? Of course it’s not easy. Truth be told, I didn’t think I could survive it. But I want to tell you—if you’re in this position, make the most of it. Don’t let it pass you by. Don’t live with regrets. This is a precious time filled with gifts waiting to be unwrapped between you and your loved one; gifts that have never appeared before, and will never come again.

When it started to hit me that my father had only a few months to live (though I still found it hard to believe), I made sure that he and I got a chance to talk. I asked him all the questions I might have never asked him had I not known he would be gone soon—like what it meant to him to be a good friend, and what was it like growing up in his time? What were his biggest life lessons? It was during these talks that he opened up and told me in detail about when he lost his father—something that happened when I was only 8 years old.

Throughout all these talks—which sometimes lasted hours—his spirits were high, making the times between us truly joyful. I bought a book called “Between Me and You, Dad” that gave me ideas of other questions to ask, and I used it to record his answers. I found this experience so valuable that I ended up buying extra copies to give to all my cousins so they could start doing the journals with their dads. It’s never too early to get to know your loved one better! (There are similar journals for almost anyone—mom, grandpa, siblings—click here.)

As we talked about so many things, we weren’t really aware of it, but there was healing taking place. While we explored his life, his experiences, and his wisdom together, we were both subtly preparing to be separated, and gathering all the treasures we could find to give each other, keepsakes we could hold onto that would serve as tender reminders—memories that we may one day delight in sharing again, should we meet in some unknown future.

I never asked him about dying. I thought that was up to him, whether or not he wanted to talk about it. He never did—at least, not with me. But that was okay. What was important was that we shared the time we had in as loving a way as possible. My mom and I kept his environment soothing, with aromatherapy, his favorite music, and funny movies to make him laugh. We made sure he had comfortable bedding, and touched him as much as we could. So many times people become afraid to touch a dying person, but it’s so important to convey our love this way. I gave my dad daily hugs and kisses, and often held his hand. It was as helpful to me as it was to him. I also took many pictures of him and my family, as I realized that we didn’t have as many in my collection as I would have liked.

Someone so important to you can never be replaced. When they’re gone, it’s normal to feel unsteady, shaken, lost, and like somehow, the world has taken on a darker hue. But the memories you make during the last precious moments of your loved one’s life—they will last the rest of your own. You will take with you the grace, strength, and love that you saw displayed in the final steps of another’s journey, and one day, you will use those lessons to help you manage your own final breaths. Death, like life, can be filled with love and light and hope for the future—the future of your life, as you move forward with this important person forever in your heart, and the future of your loved one’s life, as the strength of your love and the moments you shared together carries them on to their next journey.

My father’s last gift to me was a small jewelry box. He surprised me with it about a month before he passed. On it is an engraved quote that he wrote. I’ve reread a thousand times. It has helped me to feel his presence, even now. I copy it here for you, that you may know that even if our loved ones are not physically here, we still have them with us, awakening our memories, warming our hearts, and strengthening our souls so that we can go on, and live our lives to the fullest.

“I will always be with you to show you the way.  If you do not see me, look closer. I will be there.”
—Papi

What did you learn from sharing the last days with your loved one? Please share your story.

I remember my father complaining about “the metal taste” in his mouth and how he couldn’t taste anything. I know when I’ve had a severe flu and couldn’t taste my food, it was very disappointing to eat anything. Many patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation experience this same sensation over and over again. This was also one of the reasons my dad lost a lot of weight, since he had no desire to eat. Everything tasted the same. When patients don’t eat as well or enough, sometimes it can interfere with their treatment, even make it less effective.

One of the things that helped my father was eating with plastic forks and knives rather than with metal utensils. However, there is a now a promising fruit that has many patients talking. When the small, red berry from Africa is rubbed on the tongue, it alters the taste buds for the next 30 minutes. (Sour things will taste more sweet.) This is exciting news to patients who have lost all desire to eat a tasty meal!

One of the few companies that have manufactured miracle-fruit tablets, Miracle Frooties, says, “Chemotherapy patients in Florida currently have unlimited access to the fruit because it restores appetite for some whose palettes have been destroyed by massive doses of radiation.” I placed my order today. I’m very curious to see what they can do for my taste buds.

Clinical trials are still going on, but if this little fruit proves itself, it will help many patients enjoy food again!

For further information on the Miracle Fruit, click here.

Have you tried this fruit while undergoing chemotherapy? Please share your stories and comments with us!

Photo Courtesy of Wholesale Hoodia

My friend Ann and I enjoying the event.

It’s been a long but very fulfilling week for me! I was down in Boynton Beach, Florida for a great cancer fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day called “St. Baldrick’s.” As their tagline says, “Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids Cancer” is exactly what went on at this event. Numerous men (and a few women) shaved their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, requesting donations of support from friends and family. In 2008, more than 27,000 volunteers shaved their heads (2,400 women!) and over $15 million was raised by St. Baldrick’s volunteers. Great job and we had such a good time!

Now I know many of you may not want to shave your heads but if you’re feeling generous and would like to make a difference, you can donate some of your locks to make wigs for cancer patients. I’m calling all the women here! Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from hair loss due to medical reasons. There’s a step-by-step video on the site as to how the hair should be cut and all the requirements to donate. It’s a wonderful cause and an invaluable way to make a difference and give someone the gift of hair. If you’re a cancer fighter or survivor, you know the devastation that can go with losing your hair. (Click here to read my post on when I lost my hair during treatment.)

Please share your stories about hair loss, donating hair or shaving to raise funds for cancer.

My mom and I in Paris in 2008. (I have my long, brown hair back!)

When I went through chemotherapy at age 16, my doctor assured me my hair was going to fall out. I was devastated! Right then and there was when my obsession with my hair started.

Hair loss typically begins 2–3 weeks after chemotherapy starts. My long, brown hair—which I took for granted (and loved)—started to rapidly thin. I got it cut short (for the first time ever!), because the doctor told me it would be easier for the hair to come out in short strands than in longer locks. I still remember feeling like I was losing a part of myself.

My hair thinned a lot, but it never did completely fall out. I was kind of in the middle—not bald, nor with a full head of hair. I had fuzzy, thin hair with bald spots. Naturally, I had to get wigs. I thought to myself, “This isn’t bad. I can shop for wigs and maybe become a blond for a month or so! How great would it be to show up at Spanish class with a red wig?” But I played it safe and bought a brown wig, which I treated like my own precious hair.

Soon after my chemotherapy treatments stopped, my hair started to grow back again, slowly, but surely. To my surprise (and my mom’s), it came in curly! I mean, my hair was so straight before, it almost required perms. The texture changed too, to something quite fine and fragile. As the years have gone by, I’ve had to learn how to manage hair that once used to be as strong as a rope. I have accepted my fine hair and have learned to take care of it and nurture it.

Now, at age 33, my hair is still my obsession. Below are some tips on how to deal with hair loss, and how to cope with changes that come with treatment.

1. You may also lose eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair and body hair. Great eyebrow kits make it really simple. I love Anastasia’s 5-Element Brow Kit, which comes with different size stencils. Everything a beginner needs! Also, check out her blog for more tips on brows.

2. The amount of hair you lose is related to the type of chemotherapy you receive. However, expect it to thin quite a bit, like mine did. If you’re a woman, get a short do to avoid messy hair clumps. I cut my hair short 2 weeks before treatment. My dad let his hair thin to the point where he shaved it off. We liked his sleek look!

My dad with his sleek look on his 7th year fighting cancer

3. Shop for a wig before your hair is gone. It can take some time to find the right color match and style. Take some friends with you. I remember we had some laughs as we all tried on wigs. (Check with your insurance company—if they cover the cost of your wig, you can save some money.) Click here to read all our posts on wigs.

4. Be very gentle with your hair. If it’s long, avoid elastics and wear a braid at night to limit breakage. Invest in a satin pillowcase. (Your skin will thank you, too!) There’s less friction and pull while you sleep.

5. Besides wigs, try hats and fun scarves! I sure did—I had a nice hat collection. Hats will also protect your very sensitive scalp from the sun. We love the scarves from Head Covers.

6. If you’re not wearing a hat, remember to use chemical-free sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30) on your scalp. Your skin as well as your scalp will become photosensitive. Protection is very critical during treatment. Try a natural formula like Burt’s Bees SPF 30 which is free of toxins. (Click here to read about sun-sensitivity during cancer and for other chemical-free sun block suggestions.)

7. Use gentle, natural shampoos that don’t contain the skin irritant sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. Choose organic formulas like Avalon shampoos and conditioners. My dad used the volumizing and thickening formulas during treatment. I use it now to add volume to my fine hair. I swear by this shampoo! For dehydrated scalps and hair, work in massage oils like Intelligent Nutrients oil. I love this formula for its amazing natural oils like jojoba and black cumin, which are extremely nourishing and restoring for your sensitive scalp and hair. I also like Organic Dry Scalp Sheabutter—it’s free of petroleum and minerals oils that can clog your scalp pores and not allow them to breathe. Not good!

Remember, losing your hair does not change who you are as a person. It may be hard, but you are still you! I am still me.

Please let us know if any of my tips have helped you—or if you have any tips on hair loss.

From left to right: My brother, Javier Jr.; my mother, Brigitta; me; and my later father, Javier.

 Full Disclosure: Up until a couple of months ago, I didn’t even know what a blog really was, but here I am- finally!  I am very excited to share my life (as a cancer fighter, survivor and caregiver), my vision and dreams, and all the projects we have lined up for Cinco Vidas.  As many of you know, I am the founder of CINCO VIDAS INC. Cinco Vidas is a lifestyle brand of products and services that focuses on enhancing the way we live with cancer and ultimately, survive it.

Why the name, “Cinco Vidas?” It means “five lives” in Spanish. Since my heritage is Mexican, the Spanish had a particularly meaningful ring. My father gracsiously fought cancer for 7 years before he passed away on August 7, 2007. Five times my father went into remission, and five times he renewed his commitment to life before he passed. Cinco Vidas exists in his honor. (click on the about page to learn more).

This blog is the first Cinco Vidas project to come into existence.  Through the words written here,  I hope to communicate the ways my father and I lived through our cancer, learned from it and survived it. Articles on nutrition, medical studies, holistic therapies, beauty care, personal growth, stress and coping, fitness, skincare, and more will be available for reading and comment. I will write about all the things  important to me like toxins in skincare as well as topics not easily addressed about the disease. Feel free to browse  these pages to learn more about Cinco Vidas, our experts and our cancer partners.

My hope is that the fighter, survivor and caregiver use the Cinco Vidas Blog to find information, share experiences and gather encouragement from the published stories.  I welcome all your comments and stories. I want to thank my husband Husayn, my brother Javier Jr., my mother Brigitta,  my friends, family and the Cinco Vidas team for supporting me through this journey!!

Love, Strength and Survival,

Britta