MSI Press Blog

  Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient—it reshapes the rhythm of a household, the language of love, and the meaning of time. But even in the midst of treatment schedules and uncertainty, couples and families can cultivate moments of joy, connection, and dignity. Here are a few ways to maintain a quality life while walking through cancer together: 🫱🏽‍🫲🏽 1. Redefine Togetherness Create new rituals : A nightly foot rub, a shared journal, or watching the same sunrise from different rooms—small acts become sacred. Honor silence : Not every moment needs words. Presence itself can be healing. 🧭 2. Clarify Roles, Gently Shift without shame : If one partner becomes a caregiver, acknowledge the emotional toll and allow space for grief and grace. Invite help : Let extended family or friends take on practical tasks—meals, errands, childcare—so emotional energy can be preserved. 🧺 3. Prioritize the Ordinary Celebrate the mundane : Folding laundry together, cooking a simple me...

  The Financial Aspects of Dying: Responsibilities, Expenses, and Emotional Decisions Facing the end of life brings a unique set of emotional and financial challenges. For many, managing expenses during this time can become overwhelming, as the responsibilities of ensuring comfort and care often clash with the reality of dwindling resources. The emotional weight of this period can lead to decisions that, though comforting in the moment, may not always be financially logical. Understanding the costs and responsibilities involved in this stage of life is essential for navigating it with clarity. One of the first financial responsibilities is the cost of adapting a home to accommodate the needs of a person who is ill or elderly. These adaptations can range from simple, affordable fixes—like purchasing a towel for extra grip—to more expensive, long-term investments such as a chair lift. A towel, for example, might be used cleverly to help someone pull themselves up from a seated positi...

  Today’s entry is for those whose cancer journeys don’t end with one diagnosis—or even one kind of cancer. My friend has been battling breast cancer for over five years. She’s endured a double mastectomy and the removal of all reproductive organs. Now, she faces surgery for melanoma. I, too, have had cancer—adenocarcinoma removed from my face. But our paths, while both marked by courage, stress, and trepidation, differ in ways that matter. 🔍 Understanding the Differences Type of Cancer : Breast cancer and melanoma are biologically distinct. Breast cancer originates in breast tissue, often hormone-sensitive. Melanoma begins in pigment-producing skin cells and is known for its potential to spread quickly. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in mucus-secreting glands. Mine was localized and removed surgically. Extent of Disease : My cancer was caught early and treated definitively. My friend’s experience is systemic and ongoing. Her body has endured multiple ...

  When Carl was dying, it seemed like we were very much alone. We begged the hospital to hook us up with various kinds of support. They said they were trying, but nothing ever happened, not before Carl died. The leftover "bruises" pushed me to continue thinking about the question of support systems, to set up Carl's Cancer Consortium and the Cancer Diary Monday blog posts. Here is the latest in my knowledge and thinking: Support Systems for Cancer Patients: Existence and Accessibility Support systems for cancer patients do exist, but their availability largely depends on where you live and how well you know the resources available to you. In some areas, robust networks of support—ranging from medical teams to social services, community groups, and patient advocacy organizations—are readily accessible. However, in other places, these resources may be sparse or difficult to locate. Finding them often takes time, something cancer patients and their families may not have. The...