Life can be painful. Sometimes, existence itself feels painful. Those of us living with a serious condition know this all too well. From an early age, we’re taught that any kind of ache is bad, so we instinctively try to avoid it or eliminate it as soon as it appears. But I’ve discovered a different … Continue reading Managing pain without popping pills?
Trust, Lies, and Health Scams: A Cautionary Tale?
Have you watched Apple Cider Vinegar? A number of people encouraged me to watch it, so I did. And here is my honest review. Apple Cider Vinegar is inspired by a true story of Belle Gibson, an Australian who claimed to have a brain cancer. She stated to have cured her disease by natural remedies, … Continue reading Trust, Lies, and Health Scams: A Cautionary Tale?
How to make brain (tumours) sexy?
Being actively involved in the international oncology sphere, I often ask myself this rhetorical question. How do we make brain (tumours) "sexy"? Let me explain what I mean. We live in a highly visual, superficial world, constantly craving quick and easy solutions. Unfortunately, oncology is no exception. Not to mention, a role of marketing, which … Continue reading How to make brain (tumours) sexy?
Last minute Christmas present ideas
As I've mentioned several times, I love reading. For the past couple of years, I've been participating in the Goodreads reading challenge. The app then creates this beautiful collage of books that I've read in 2024. You might find it useful as a last minute Christmas gifts idea! My 2023 reading challenge can be found … Continue reading Last minute Christmas present ideas
A Christmas miracle?
We usually take certain things in our lives for granted. Right until they are gone or taken away. Then we often miss them and wish that they'd return. In my case, it was walking. Ever since my balance and coordination worsened, and I eventually had to start using a wheelchair, I truly missed walking. I … Continue reading A Christmas miracle?
Is positivity without empathy fake/hollow?
Someone recently raised the point that positivity without genuine understanding can feel fake. This has deeply resonated with me and I'm going to tell you why. I feel there is often this disconnect between those who have gone through a serious disease and the "healthy ones". This miscommunication is two-fold: Firstly, a big chunk of … Continue reading Is positivity without empathy fake/hollow?
Traveling for Inspiration: A Writer’s Experience
I strive to produce an article at least once a month. Some are a pain to put together, while others flow seamlessly and are a joy to write. Sometimes the idea comes to me, quite literally, out of nowhere, other times I find myself grasping at straws, trying to think of an engaging topic or … Continue reading Traveling for Inspiration: A Writer’s Experience
The latest advances in treatments, clinical trials … for brain tumours
My close friend, Andrew, who I interviewed, for example, HERE, has recently been invited to the British Neuro-Oncology Society (BNOS) conference. Seems like it was a very informative event. He was kind enough to answer a couple of questions I had and that I thought could be relevant for all brain tumour patients. Below is … Continue reading The latest advances in treatments, clinical trials … for brain tumours
Cry me a river – how NOT to fall into the self-pity trap
In our lives, we generally tend to focus on the negative experiences we encounter. When the washing machine breaks down, when we are stuck in a traffic jam, when it rains on our days off… I’m not any different… I have always loved walking. It was a sort of exercise for me. I would often … Continue reading Cry me a river – how NOT to fall into the self-pity trap
The amazing human body
I often marvel at the astonishing abilities of us. Of our bodies. How we can learn new skills and heal. I wrote about this in various different ways in the context of the brain tumour. For example in this article about neuroplasticity. There are plenty more facts and capabilities that are simply fascinating. I recently … Continue reading The amazing human body
Anna's Brainstorm 