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A New “New Normal”: COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines and Cancer Patients 

March 8, 2021 in , /by

As we enter the 1-year mark of living in a pandemic, there have been a lot of changes in a world that has seemed stagnant, void of time. The inadequacies in healthcare that have been hiding behind the transparent curtain are now front and center, including health disparities, as well as access to and quality […]

Empowered Patients Empower Patients: How to Take Charge of Your Diagnosis

February 23, 2021 in , /by

What comes to your mind when you think of the word “empowerment?” Do you think of a specific person, thing, or event? What about an “empowered” patient? Do you think of a patient or patient advocate who goes above and beyond and fights for their health care, or embodies themselves with a wealth of knowledge […]

Receive Personalized Support Through PEN’s New Text-Line

January 22, 2021 in /by

Now, you can receive personalized support from our Network Managers by texting EMPOWER to +1-833-213-6657. Each of our Network Managers is a compassionate volunteer who can offer you their first-hand experience with specific cancer types. Whether you’re a cancer patient, or caring for someone who is, PEN’s Network Managers will be here for you at […]

“Wait, There’s a Good Cancer?”

December 14, 2020 in , , , , /by

When the Luck of the Draw Leads to the Short End of the Stick Cancer is one of the most feared diseases. Everyone is affected by it in some way, but no one really imagines getting it themselves. So imagine hearing that you got the “good” cancer, a commonly used term for thyroid cancer. That […]

The Caregiver Impact: A Vital Part of Healthcare

November 17, 2020 in , /by

Carly FlumerCarly Flumer is a young woman who was diagnosed with stage I papillary thyroid cancer at the age of 27. She recently received her Master’s degree from Boston University in Health Communication and received her Bachelor’s from George Mason University in Health Administration and Policy. While being diagnosed with the “C” word at such […]

Empowering Ourselves Forward: Applying Skills to Our Cancer Journey

November 2, 2020 in , /by

During the pandemic, all of us have had to do some adjusting, some more than others. As cancer patients, we recognize the “new normal” everyone else is experiencing. While this can be detrimental, it can also be seen as somewhat gratifying. The non-cancer world finally understands what we’ve gone through and/or are going through on […]

The Power of the PEN Network Manager Program

October 7, 2020 in , /by

I never dreamed of being a patient advocate, but then again, I never dreamed of receiving a cancer diagnosis, either. When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in January 2017, I didn’t have any symptoms. I was told I had the “good” cancer or “the cancer to get if you had to be diagnosed with […]

Communicating About Cancer: A Brief Guide to Telling People Who Care

August 25, 2020 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Getting a cancer diagnosis can easily be the most terrifying, heart-wrenching experiences one has in their lifetime. Everything from different treatment options (if you’re lucky), to financing, and maintaining quality of life suddenly are in full force front and center. It can be hard to know who to turn to if you’re not directed to […]

Top Resources for Thyroid Cancer

July 27, 2020 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

General Resources, Including Medical Information thyca.org– Thyca, Inc. (has everything you need to know about thyroid cancer as well as general thyroid information) cancer.gov– National Cancer Institute aacr.org– American Association for Cancer Research asco.org– American Society of Clinical Oncology cancer.org– American Cancer Society thyroid.org– American Thyroid Association clinicaltrials.gov– Find a clinical trial nccn.org– National Comprehensive […]

Reaching the Peak: Finding Resilience During Cancer

July 20, 2020 in , /by

What does it mean to be “resilient” as a cancer survivor? Does it mean having the courage to remain positive? The strength to carry yourself into the next chapter of this “new normal” life? In my opinion, having resilience or being resilient means all those things and more. However, resilience can also be built upon […]

Thyroid Cancer Glossary of Terms

July 16, 2020 in , , , , , , , , /by

Thyroid Conditions Hyperthyroidism – A condition that occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. Thyroid hormones control the way the body uses energy and affect the body’s metabolism. Signs and symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, diarrhea, nervousness, mood swings, shaky hands, trouble sleeping, trouble […]

Cancer: The Scariest Ride of Them All

June 22, 2020 in , /by

June is home to National Cancer Survivors Day (June 7th), a day to celebrate the journey of survivors, who are defined as “patients diagnosed with cancer.” While there are multiple resources for cancers patients, including an entire website dedicated to the National day, I thought that I would share my perspective of what it means […]

Health Exercises to Tap Into Your Resiliency

June 18, 2020 in , /by

The current pandemic the world is facing has caused a whirlwind of emotions, especially for immunocompromised patients, including cancer patients. Every feeling, from grief to sadness, and anger to hopelessness, has been magnified as our minds take a toll and our level of vulnerability has grown. Right now, we are doing the best we can […]

How to Make the Most of a Virtual Visit

June 1, 2020 in , /by

“Well, we need to check your titer,” the doctor explained as he went over my lab results via a recent Zoom call. “Titer?” I thought. I know I’ve heard that term before, but I wasn’t really sure what it meant. The doctor reappeared the word a few more times, exacerbating my confusion. I was too […]

Tips for Patients on Staying Connected Despite Physical Distancing

May 11, 2020 in , /by

We are in a crazy time right now, and no one has experienced anything like it…except for cancer patients. As high-risk patients, we know what it’s like to distance ourselves from others and practice good hygiene. I know I do. As a thyroid cancer patient, I underwent radioactive iodine treatment, where I became radioactive. I […]