Real stories, healing wisdom & warrior voices
Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer Blog
Practical wellness advice, honest survivor journeys, and emotional support resources for cancer warriors, thrivers, and loved ones. You don't have to walk this path alone.
Featured
Find what you need today
How I managed chemotherapy, an ileostomy, and LARS recovery: Part 2
By Sally C. | Guest Contributor
In Part 2 of her story, Sally C. details enduring infusion chemotherapy, undergoing rectal resection surgery, managing a temporary ileostomy, dealing with Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) and a blood clot, and finding healing through Shay's Warriors.
How a routine colonoscopy led to my stage 2 rectal cancer diagnosis: Part 1
By Sally C. | Guest Contributor
In Part 1 of her story, Sally C. details how a routine colonoscopy revealed a rectal tumor despite having no overt symptoms. She describes managing a sudden emergency gallbladder complication before beginning 28 days of radiation and chemotherapy.
How I navigated stage 4 colon cancer and a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis
By Bobbye | Guest Contributor
Bobbye, a 65-year-old athlete and scientist, shares how persistent stomach pains led to a Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. After undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and achieving No Evidence of Disease (NED), she found renewed purpose through Shay's Warriors, helping her face a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis with resilience.
How did I survive stage 3b colorectal cancer and secondary metastases?
By Joanna | Guest Contributor
Joanna details her diagnosis of Stage 3b rectal cancer at age 46 after intermittent bleeding was initially dismissed as postpartum hemorrhoids. She describes facing a lung metastasis 18 months later, achieving a 6-year remission through integrative medicine (combining surgery, chemo, targeted therapy, and naturopathic support), and advocating for early colonoscopy screening.
How I survived lung cancer brain metastases and found my strength again
By Donna | Guest Contributor
In Part 2 of her personal journey, Canadian lung cancer survivor Donna shares how unexpected neurological symptoms led to an emergency brain scan during the early peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing lung cancer metastases to her brain. She reflects on her Gamma Knife radiation treatment, physical rehabilitation, and thriving through daily movement and a positive mindset.
How I navigated Stage 3A lung cancer from hospice to healing
By Donna | Guest Contributor
In Part 1 of her personal story, Canadian lung cancer survivor Donna shares how missed early symptoms led to a Stage 3A diagnosis, severe treatment side effects, entering hospice care, and finding the strength to rebuild her life.
How catching unexpected breast cancer symptoms saved my life
This article highlights Shay’s experience recognizing subtle, early warning signs of breast cancer, such as itching and sudden sharp pain, and why self-advocacy is critical when seeking a diagnosis.
I was 38, healthy, and diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer
This article explores the realities of receiving an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and the importance of advocating for your own medical care.