Reaching out and sending a text to a friend going through chemotherapy can feel daunting, worrying if you’ll say the wrong thing or creating pressure to respond and provide updates. Some of the most common phrases, “stay positive” or “you’ve got this”, can feel emotionally exhausting for cancer patients. The goal of a kind text isn’t to inspire, solve anything,
When someone we care about is going through something difficult, we instinctively want to do something. For a long time, flowers have been a go-to expression of love and support, a bright bouquet that says, “I’m thinking of you.” But when someone is undergoing cancer treatment, flowers aren’t always the safest option. During treatment, many patients have significantly reduced immune
Today, February 4th, marks World Cancer Day, an international awareness day to raise worldwide attention and to inspire action! World Cancer Day campaigns to reduce the global cancer burden and challenge the stigma, misinformation, and inequities in care. To them, reducing the global cancer burden looks like catching it sooner, reducing the fear and isolation of struggling patients, and providing
Last week, after a particularly tough few days in my health and life, I logged on to our team’s weekly Zoom meeting and shared that I could consider that day a win because I was wearing earrings. Alex, Meigan, and Spencer looked at me as if I had lost my mind, and then I explained that the one small thing
As the New Year is upon us, it’s the time of year where people find the motivation to set tough resolutions to kickstart the new year. But not everyone is navigating life with cancer, or supporting someone who is. For many patients and caregivers, the new year isn’t about ambitious goals or fresh starts. This New Year, we want to
As the end of the year is upon us, we ask that you take a moment to pause and reflect on how far you have come, even if you feel you have a long way to go. Be proud of the progress you or your loved one has made in your/their cancer journey and admire the strength it took to
As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to connection and celebration. But when you’re navigating cancer, or supporting someone who is, the extra activity and social time can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries that help you feel comfortable and protected. We hope these gentle reminders can help you feel
Help me help you understand: talking about my cancer diagnosis and treatment is not about managing your fears or anxieties. Thank you. I was literally lying on an acupuncture treatment table yesterday, having this discussion with one of the wisest women I know, Lisa Berkelhammer, my acupuncturist. Lisa is known for providing adjuvant pain therapy for women undergoing breast and
Not sure whether your symptoms mean the flu, allergies, a cold, or COVID? COVID symptoms can shift from year to year, so staying up-to-date can help you spot the signs sooner. This quick chart helps you compare the most common signs for 2025: For more in-depth information about COVID, visit our blog post on the topic. You’ll find detailed guidance
Over the past few years, funding for cancer research and patient support has declined. Recent federal budget cuts have created significant gaps in the resources that millions of patients, researchers, and caregivers rely on. Reduced funding leads to widespread consequences, including delayed clinical trials, stalled research, and lost support for patients and families. Community involvement is now more important than
The holidays are meant to feel joyful, but that joy can be harder to access when someone you love is navigating cancer treatment or rebuilding life after recovery. This guide offers thoughtful ways to bring a little more light into their season — from simple gestures that ease daily stress to curated gift ideas that genuinely support cancer patients, survivors,
The holidays can be a happy time of connection — but for many cancer patients and caregivers, they can also come with unique challenges. Going through cancer treatment, chemotherapy, or facing a new diagnosis can make this season feel overwhelming, even isolating at times. Between medical appointments, side effects, and emotional fatigue, the typical holiday pace may not feel realistic
Eating during chemotherapy can feel like one more challenge at a time when your body and energy are already working overtime. But nourishing yourself—gently and consistently—can make a real difference in how you feel, how your body copes with treatment, and how well you recover. The good news? You don’t have to eat perfectly during chemo to eat well. Small,
Ladies! Listen up! It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want you to know the facts, share them with the women in your life, and get screened to lead by example. Here are five facts you can memorize and share, and some good news to throw in too! Breast cancer facts: Breast cancer accounts for 32% of new cancer cases
Choosing health insurance can be daunting, as there’s a lot to understand to pick a plan that fits you and/or your family best.
Cancer Sherpa Founder Clare Matschullat joins host Matthew Zachary on his podcast, Out of Patients
I have been hesitant to share my story, or the many hundreds of stories —good and bad —that comprise my thirty-year survivorship, because, in truth, surviving is hard. PLEASE don’t get me wrong, it is better than the alternative, but short- and long-term survival after cancer presents its own unique sets of challenges that, like cancer diagnosis and treatment, require
One of the most common — and often unexpected — side effects of cancer treatment is “chemo brain.” It can show up as forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or simply feeling foggy. Sometimes it’s the treatment itself, sometimes it’s the disease, and often it’s the stress that comes along with both. Whatever the cause, it can feel frustrating when the things you
I often get asked why I started Cancer Sherpa, and I laugh because I didn’t start Cancer Sherpa; you did. You, the fearful, frustrated, and fed-up cancer patients and caretakers, who didn’t know who to call, called me – I just picked up the phone. My sophomore year at Duke, my roommate and I lived in 303 House B, where
Exercise isn’t just safe for people undergoing cancer treatment—it’s powerful medicine. From reducing fatigue and anxiety to enhancing survival outcomes, these habits support overall well-being. Additionally, emerging studies suggest they may even play a role in recovery and long-term health for some survivors. Ready to start incorporating more movement, but not sure where to start? Follow our tips for exercising
