This article is a powerful commentary on the dangers of “tribal thinking” – the tendency to surround ourselves with others who mirror our own opinions, inadvertently creating a vacuum of objective thinking. As Sheilagh points out, this can be especially dangerous when it comes to making decisions about our health. (If prompted, click “Yes” for medical professional.)

Chelsey Gomez was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 28. Cancer ghosting “is the most painful thing” she says, “because you’re sitting there thinking, ‘Oh, I must’ve been a horrible person.'”

Brescia Dover’s story about her Hodgkin’s diagnosis will be familiar to many. She was diagnosed at age 20, just as she was entering the exciting and promising world of adulthood. Cancer stopped her in her tracks- but not for long. Brescia was lucky to have a fellow cancer survivor as her physician. Dr. Allison Rosenthal of the Mayo Clinic’s Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program was a survivor of leukemia, receiving the diagnosis when she was a medical student. She experienced the same upending of her life that Brescia would have.

A Vietnam veteran, an oncology nurse, a four-time cancer survivor, and one of the founding members of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Susie Leigh is not just a cancer survivor; she is a pioneer in the cancer survivorship movement.

Here are two powerful video presentations of blood cancer survivors in a “now and then” format. They are the stories of “Sheriff Todd,” a multiple myeloma survivor, and “Laura,” a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the videos, we hear how both survivors dealt with their original diagnosis, the many ways in which it has affected their lives, and how they are managing today. Some of the comments and experiences will strongly resonate with long-term Hodgkin’s survivors, especially when they are talking about the emotional aspects of being a cancer survivor.

Sheilagh Foley is a long-term Hodgkin’s survivor, advocate, and author who has published numerous articles and blogs on survivorship. This article is a commentary on “Hypofractionation,” which is a radiation treatment schedule where the total dose of radiation is divided into large doses, allowing patients to complete their course of radiation faster than conventional treatment. In this article, Sheilagh raises key questions about the pros and cons of hypofractionation, including concerns about the possible long-term effects of this method.

This is a great piece on a subject that many of us know all too well – “medical gaslighting.” As the author states, it is “a term used to describe instances in which health care providers ignore or dismiss symptoms and discount patient experiences based on their own implicit bias or stereotypes.” Whether due to a lack of education on a certain subject, such as the late effects of cancer treatment, or an unwillingness to fully hear and understand a survivor’s symptoms,

This article dispels many myths that we have heard over the years. The author presents fact-based and anecdotal evidence that what we eat matters!

I “met” Samantha Siegel, fellow Hodgkin’s survivor via Zoom last year and knew immediately that she was a true kindred spirit. “Sam” is a fierce advocate for cancer survivors. She brings both a personal and a professional perspective to the world of advocacy, with the added “plus” that her husband, Samuel, is also a survivor and a physician. I was lucky to meet both Samuel and Samantha in person in late June at the National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship’s CPAT meeting where they shared their amazing story.

Oncologists and researchers increasingly focus on how to predict, treat, and monitor for cardiovascular problems that develop before and after treatment.