About CancerSurvivorMD
I am sorry that you, or your loved one, may be going through a challenging time, as you navigate your post-treatment journey and may experience lingering emotional, physical, functional, or financial needs. But I am happy that you are reaching out for help in your pursuit of healing and hopefully restored health!
No matter how little/early or advanced the cancer was, the second you are told that you have cancer, everything changes and at the same time nothing. It may change your perspective on life that may, although not necessarily, change your life.You may have conflicting desires. You may want to move on, try to be ‘normal’, and avoid triggers that remind you of your (often traumatic) cancer history. Yet at the same time you may feel the need to interact with other cancer survivors, who can relate to what you are going through, having gone through a similar journey themselves, although everyone’s story is unique. This educational blog does not provide medical advice (see disclaimers), but hopes to be a resource for support, empowerment, and inspiration to gently ease your role – whether that be as a cancer survivor or as a caregiver to someone who is coping with cancer.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. We are stronger together!
About Dr. Josie van Londen, MD, MS
I am a medical oncologist and cancer survivor. But have become dependent on a ventilator and power wheelchair, fully disabled due to a primary mitochondrial disorder.
Born and raised in The Netherlands, I migrated to the USA where I completed a medical residency, as well as fellowships and board certification in medical oncology and geriatric medicine. Having completed non-clinical psychoanalytic training, I am an academic member of the American Psychoanalytic Association.
I have practiced medicine in the USA (for 20+ years at a large health care system in Pittsburgh, PA, USA) and was a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. I specialized in diverse and complicated cases:
1) Treatment of newly diagnosed, older adult, vulnerable/frail breast cancer patients.
2) Medical management of cancer survivors (of any gender and tumor type) to assess/prevent/support their post-treatment emotional, physical, and functional needs.
Key-Words:
Moderation, variety, purpose, respect, integrity, kindness, acceptance, compassion, meaningful connections, authenticity, honesty, and love!
