Try This New Way to Achieve Your Goals in the New Year
The new year always brings talk of resolutions—but I like to think of them as intentions, not fixes.
Think about the things you want to try, build upon, or prioritize.
2025 in Review: Growth, Gratitude, and Impact
2025 was a year defined by growth and gratitude for Positive By Design.
Thank YOU for helping to make it happen!
Start the New Year Where You Are
As 2025 comes to a close, give yourself permission to look forward, not backward with regret.
What’s done has shaped you, but it doesn’t define what comes next.
The Impact of Breast Cancer Trauma after Treatment
Breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and fear of recurrence can be deeply traumatic.
Studies show that 1 in 3 survivors experience PTSD-like symptoms which often intensify after treatment ends.
How I Choose to Celebrate Overcoming Cancer at Christmas
From jingle bells to sleigh bells, bells are a symbol of Christmas and hope—and for many cancer survivors, they carry even deeper meaning.
5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing
Watching my hair grow back from chemo over the past 2.5 years has been full of surprises.
The things that surprised me most about my hair regrowth are the same things that have surprised me about myself as a breast cancer survivor…
The Festival of Lights Reminds Us to Share Our Light
Last night marked the first night of Hanukkah: the Festival of Lights.
This quote beautifully captures the heart of the holiday: light is not diminished when it’s shared. It grows.
Reassuring Research on IVF and Breast Cancer Risk
December is the month our oldest son was born, thanks to IVF after 2+ years of trying.
During IVF you have to take lots of hormones including estrogen, which is sometimes present in breast cancer cells too…
Learning to Set Worry Down and Keep Moving Forward
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I did a lot of worrying… and it never helped.
Worry didn’t get me through treatment.
It didn’t bring hope or comfort.
It didn’t change the outcome.
A Link Between Breast Cancer and Childbirth
Our oldest son turned 10 this week, and I also learned something ironic that stopped me in my tracks.
Nearly half of all breast cancer diagnoses in U.S. women under 45 occur within the FIRST 10 YEARS after giving birth, whether someone breastfed or not.
My Favorite Gifts to Give and Receive
Favorite Things Parties are becoming more popular, but I prefer to give others a gift that meant a lot to me during and after treatment, but has nothing to do with cancer: a “Favorite Things Day.”
Courage in the Face of Uncertainty
70 years ago today, Rosa Parks made up her mind and chose courage over fear when she refused to give up her seat on that bus in Alabama.
She knew something had to change…
A Simple Habit That Helps Your Brain and Your Heart
Gratitude is a simple concept with a powerful impact on many aspects of our physical and mental health.
Research shows that practicing gratitude is even linked to higher levels of “good” cholesterol and lower levels of “bad” cholesterol…
Why Expressing Gratitude Can Be Its Own Kind of Healing
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and it always reminds me that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s something we can give.
After 14 months of active treatment, I wanted the people who carried me through it to know how much it meant to me.
Honoring the Caregivers in All Our Lives
Caregiving is something that we all experience, either as a care provider or someone receiving care.
Rosalynn Carter founded the Institute for Caregivers because she believed in the importance of “creating a world where every caregiver is seen, heard, and supported.”
Why Your Daily Steps Matter More Than You Think
Many studies show that staying active can help lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence, but new research highlights something even simpler and more powerful:
walking a little bit every day can dramatically improve longevity for cancer survivors.
The Surprising Device That’s Helping My Joint Pain
Many of the post-cancer meds have left me with relentless joint pain, so lately I’ve been exploring some holistic healing options.
A friend told me she’s been using a vibration plate, so I looked into it and found that “whole body vibration” (WBV) may help reduce joint pain.
The Bravery of Loving Yourself Through It All
On November 18, Brené Brown celebrates her 60th birthday and her words feel especially powerful for anyone navigating cancer.
Brené is known for her research on empathy, vulnerability, shame, and courage—four emotions that show up throughout every cancer patient’s journey.
The Anniversary of the Game-Changer for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
On November 16, 2006, the FDA approved trastuzumab (Herceptin) for use with chemotherapy in women with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Since then, this targeted therapy has changed the outlook for so many women, including me.
When Kindness and Gratitude Come Full Circle
November 13 is World Kindness Day, and I think we often forget how powerful kindness really is—how much it lifts others and how good it feels in return.
But kindness isn’t one-sided, it’s something we can give back to others too.