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.
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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.
Why I chose aesthetic flat closure after breast implant illness
By Holly K. Thrasher | Guest Contributor
Guest blogger Holly K. Thrasher shares her journey through double mastectomy, breast implant illness (BII), explant surgery, and finding self-acceptance through aesthetic flat closure.
What being a caregiver for Stage 4 lung cancer taught me about love and advocacy
By John Hussar | Guest Contributor
Written by ACS Volunteer Ambassador John Hussar, this essay details his 2.5-year journey as a caregiver for his wife June during her Stage 4 lung cancer battle and his transition into national cancer advocacy.
What being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age 14 taught me about strength
This Q&A feature highlights Annette’s experience facing a spinal tumor and Ewing Sarcoma diagnosis as a teenager, detailing her mental resilience, physical recovery, and positive mindset.
How I restored intimacy and overcame painful sex after breast cancer
by Guest Contributor
This personal account by a guest survivor addresses the common, often unspoken issue of painful sex after breast cancer treatment and provides practical medical steps to rebuild intimacy.
How cancer survivors can navigate health anxiety during times of uncertainty
This article discusses how cancer survivors experience heightened anxiety during global crises, offering insights into mindset shifts and embracing inevitable life changes.
What five years of breast cancer survivorship taught me about life
In this anniversary essay, Shay reflects on five years of survivorship, detailing the lessons she learned about setting boundaries, self-advocacy, and building a trusted medical team.
How to perform a monthly breast self-exam step by step
This guide by Dr. Fung explains how to incorporate monthly breast self-exams (BSE), visual checks, and tactile screening into your regular wellness routine to detect changes early.
Gentle DIY skincare recipes to soothe post-treatment skin
This article provides simple, natural DIY skincare recipes created by Registered Nurse Rosemary Flattery to help soothe, hydrate, and nourish sensitive skin after cancer treatments.
What to expect emotionally when your chemotherapy treatment finally ends
This article captures Shay’s experience on her final day of chemotherapy, exploring the bittersweet relief of finishing treatment alongside the anxiety of leaving her care team and stepping into the unknown.
How to cope with the isolation of metastatic breast cancer treatment
This article details Aileen’s experience navigating metastatic breast cancer treatment during healthcare lockdowns, exploring the heavy emotional toll of medical isolation and what it truly means to thrive rather than just survive.
Why prioritizing your mental health is more important than you think
This article shares Shay’s Warriors Tribe Member Hannah’s honest reflections on mental health, letting go of unachievable perfectionism, and finding strength through community support during difficult life seasons.
Finding signs and purpose in the unknown after cancer
This article explores how facing fear and the unknown during post-cancer life can lead to finding deeper faith, recognizing signs from the universe, and creating a meaningful mission to support fellow survivors.
How to make Dr. Fung's morning green smoothie for better gut health
This clinical recipe from Dr. Fung provides a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast option designed to support gut health, lower inflammation, and deliver clean protein for post-treatment recovery.
A nurse's advice on how to choose the safest sunscreen
This article provides practical, clinical guidance from Registered Nurse Rosemary Flattery on selecting safe, effective sunscreens and protecting sensitive skin year-round.
How to use controlled breathing to reduce anxiety and calm your nervous system
This article explains how simple, slow-controlled breathing practices—such as the 4-7-8 technique—can actively calm the nervous system, lower anxiety, and relieve physical tension for cancer survivors.
How I learned to embrace my breast cancer scars
This article explores the deep emotional transition of overcoming body image struggles after breast cancer surgery and learning to view surgical scars as symbols of survival.
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.
The longest wait: Preparing for breast cancer surgery and pathology results
This article shares Shay’s personal experience on the morning of her breast cancer surgery, capturing the raw emotional toll of waiting for results and learning to trust her medical team.