50 Gift ideas for Cancer Patients (2026 update)
Looking for gifts for cancer patients? Look no further! I’m frequently asked, "What are some good gifts ideas for cancer patients?" "What's a good cancer survivor gift?" and "What to get someone going through chemo?" Here’s a running list I update each year.
Colon Cancer Survivor at Age 17
I’m a three-time colon cancer survivor who first hid my symptoms at age 14 and was officially diagnosed at age 17. I’ve faced colon cancer in my teens, 20s, and 30s. I have Lynch syndrome. Here’s the story.
Talking to kids about cancer
As a 25-year cancer survivor and mom of 2, I’ve had to find ways to share my story and talk about cancer in age-appropriate ways. Here’s a few things I’ve learned over the years.
3rd Cancer’s a Charm?
I’ve hesitated going public with my most recent health updates. It was the topic of several therapy sessions leading up to my surgery in April. “I’m an advocate. I wrote a book about my health! How can I not share what’s going on!” For a few reasons, I needed to keep my health private at first. But, as I’ve recovered, I’ve slowly started to open up. And as I celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day, I’ve found the courage to put it out there: I’m now a three-time cancer survivor.
10 things to know about getting a colonoscopy
Because I’m a veteran colonoscopy-goer and a VIP at my GI’s office, I’m asked for tips about getting a colonoscopy a lot. Now that some of my high school classmates are starting to turn 40, this feels like even more important info. Here are 10 things I want you to know about getting a colonoscopy.
The 17 Day Diet
My doctor recommended I try the 17 Day Diet when my body wasn't feeling quite right. Here's my experience, pros and cons, menus, favorite recipes for Cycle 1 and why it's the preferred eating plan when my husband and I need to clean up our diets.
Why I chose Plenvu prep again
Here is why I chose PLENVU again after my first experience with the bowel prep and a few other tips I picked up during my 14th colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy Prep Night (and trying Plenvu)
This fall, I had my 13th colonoscopy. This is more than most people receive in a lifetime, but as a colorectal cancer survivor with Lynch syndrome, a colonoscopy is a routine procedure for me. In fact, I get them annually. Because of this, I’ve picked up many tips for enduring a colonoscopy (and prep night) along the way. And, I’ve learned it’s good to try something new. For this colonoscopy, I tried PLENVU.
Colonoscopy #12 (with MiraLAX and Gatorade prep)
My experience of using MiraLAX & Gatorade colonoscopy prep. Also: Lessons I've learned about paying for a colonoscopy & finding polyps.