By the Time You Read This Blog...(01 of12)
Open Image ModalI'm a 22-year-old and this isn't my first bout with cancer. I am now in my seventh iteration of the most crucial battle of my life. Being the most popular guy at the hospital is a lot like being the coolest guy in prison; a hard earned position you would rather not be in. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Woody Roseland)
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout: 7 Tips for Caregivers of Young Adult Cancer Patients and Survivors(02 of12)
Open Image ModalCaring for a person with cancer can be extremely rewarding, but it can be exhausting as well. A diagnosis of cancer during adolescence and young adulthood interrupts a person's life and comes at a time when they are trying to complete the life steps that are necessary for transition into adulthood. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Emily Drake)
Finding Meaning Through Adventure for Young Adults With Cancer(03 of12)
Open Image ModalFor young adults, cancer comes at a time when life is sweet and our awareness of our mortality is the furthest thing from our minds. A host of unique psychosocial challenges make it even more important to seek life, meaning and purpose, to reclaim it from cancer. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Brad Ludden)
A New Field of Medicine: Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine(04 of12)
Open Image ModalOwnership begins with patients taking control of their health and starting with the simple questions to their physicians, "Did you know there is an adolescent and young adult cancer segment called AYA?" (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Ali Ansary)
My Cancerously Single Life(05 of12)
Open Image ModalIn the rom-com of life, I'm free, I'm single and I'm happy (cue saxophone music), even though I have this horrible new quirky best friend called "Cancer." (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:H. Alan Scott)
The Things I Wish I Were Told When I Was Diagnosed With Cancer(06 of12)
Open Image ModalYou will be different. You will never have the same sense of self. You should embrace this. Your old self was probably really great. Your transformed self will be even better. Give into what is happening and trust it. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Jeff Tomczek)
How I Date After Cancer(07 of12)
Open Image ModalCompared to other risky activities I've engaged in (read: chemo), dating isn't too scary, but it is complicated. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Aisling Carroll)
Top 10 Movies To Watch During Chemo(08 of12)
Open Image ModalThe two to three hours spent in chemo are absolutely no fun. There was a Silver Lining though, when I reminded myself that I could watch feel-good, no-brainer movies either on my laptop or iPad. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Hollye Harrington Jacobs)
Open Me Up And Look Inside(09 of12)
Open Image ModalEvery day, I have the choice to let myself be defined by the disease, or to live in spite of it. And every day I have the choice to retreat into what was, or to accept what is. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Jenna Benn)
10 Things Not To Say To A Cancer Patient(10 of12)
Open Image ModalThe oncology world is overdue for an etiquette guide. There's no script for what to say to someone with a life-threatening illness, but if you can avoid saying these 10 things, you're off to a good start. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Suleika Jaouad)
On Living Your Life Twice (With Help)(11 of12)
Open Image ModalI've been sick since I was 10 months old. When I was diagnosed with cancer in college, the trauma of the illness just added another layer to something I already knew. Living your life twice is no easy feat. But that's what I am trying to do. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Kelly Bergin)
Missing Her Vote -- But Not Her Voice...(12 of12)
Open Image ModalRecently, a woman wrote me in honor of her daughter, Elizabeth Blue. Her story is at once heartbreaking and strengthening and it seemed at this of all times, it must be shared. (credit:www.huffingtonpost.com:Tereza Nemessanyi)