The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.

Survivorship

The stories and experiences are written by people after cancer treatments. These stories are written for those learning how to get back to work, college or just trying to be themselves again. Just getting past treatments isn’t enough, it is surviving and thriving that is key to being you again.

Want to submit a story?  Click Here.

Grief vs. Belief

by Angharad Elinor September 17, 2021

Life-changing events have come and gone on several occasions in my 33 years; my dad’s dementia, Mum’s fractured pelvis, and my brother’s stage IV lymphoma. Some have come and not quite gone, too – my own brain tumor still hangs around like a (thankfully now small) reminder, and that’s what led me to Elephants and Tea!

Read More...

Living My Best Ostomate Life

by Liz Hiles September 16, 2021

These days when someone gives the advice to “live your best life,” many might associate the phrase with celebrity journalist and talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, who began using it regularly on her show and in O Magazine beginning in 1998. 

Read More...

Does It Get Easier?

by Jennifer Anand September 10, 2021

Does it ever get easier? I walked on the beach for a few miles. My knees have hurt ever since. I drove for a quick work trip to Columbus. My back is in pain. I went to a baseball game. And packed my own food to eat.

Read More...

Finding Freedom in Food

by Hanna Madsen

I throw back the last bit of hot khachapuri with a bit of water in the Tbilisi airport. My stomach growls, but I don’t have time for another before boarding. I immediately think about what I can eat in the Dubai airport before my flight to Amman.

Read More...

On Cancer and Self-Reflection

by Neal Reddy September 7, 2021

When I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, one of the more common messages I received was that I would gain a new perspective or a new sense of meaning from having such a jarring experience.

Read More...

A Quiet Moment

by Vikki Ramdass

Hi friends! I decided to write on a topic called “a quiet moment.” This simply means: what does a quiet moment mean to you? What do you all think about when you do get a quiet moment?

Read More...

It Was Least Expected

by Haley Gallagher August 27, 2021

You may not think that missing an eye appointment is a big deal right? Well, you are wrong, so wrong. It is so important that you see your doctors for check ups throughout the year; you never know what they’ll find. 

Read More...

I’m Tired

by Jennifer Anand August 25, 2021

I’m tired. / Tired of 7AM dentist appointments so I won’t miss work. Every week, the receptionist asks me where I’m going afterwards, and I wearily say “to work.” / Tired of virtual doctor appointments during my lunch breaks. 

Read More...

I am a Mother, Despite Cancer

by Jen Rachman August 20, 2021

No one expects cancer to come into their life, especially at 26 years old. No one imagines that at their routine gynecological examination the doctor’s revelation would have one of the most significant impacts on their life. No one can be prepared for the whirlwind that occurs after they are diagnosed.

Read More...

A Mother’s Diagnosis

by Vikki Ramdass August 19, 2021

It was a difficult and painful decision to write about my struggles in life, but I have learned over the years that I am not alone in my journey. For years I have not spoken to my friends while avoiding family as I gripped through my depression for almost a decade.

Read More...