Tamron was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma — a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure — in 2007, as a 21-year-old new mother. As a woman diagnosed at just 21 years of age, she was anything but the typical mesothelioma patient. After more than a decade of living with mesothelioma, she began to share her experiences with others by blogging on 

Tamron Little

The start of a new year often brings pressure to set resolutions and make big changes in your life. The world creates additional pressure to lose weight, save money, pay down debt, etc. However, the main goal during this survivorship journey is to live a thriving life. It is not necessary to have this massive New Year's resolution that you may forget about when the month of March comes to live a fulfilling life; setting small goals and striving for self-improvement are still valuable pursuits.

In a matter of seconds, being told I had cancer with an 18-month prognosis changed my entire perspective on life. Nope, you didn’t read that last sentence wrong! After being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, I was told that 18 months was the life expectancy for patients diagnosed with this rare cancer. Not that I was this reckless woman living life on the edge, but a young 21-year-old first-time mother.

Facing unknowns created an urgency to grasp life's true meaning and live in the moment. Fast forward to 17 years later, I’ve found that living in the moment and taking each day as it comes can be more effective than setting a rigid goal that may not align with current needs and desires. By staying present and mindful, you are showing up for yourself. Just making small changes in your life will help you grow and prosper over time.

For some people, having specific goals, such as losing weight or saving money, can motivate them and help them remain on the right track. However, for others, these plans can have the opposite effect. If you find it challenging to cope with the pressure and expectations associated with setting resolutions, it may be more beneficial to concentrate on fostering a general sense of well-being and happiness in your life.

So, cheers to the new year, and here are some ways you can start showing up for yourself in 2024:

 - Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones you've achieved during your survivorship journey. Whether completing treatment, reaching a personal goal, or simply getting through a tough day, give yourself credit for what you've accomplished. After having an 11-hour surgery, getting out of bed was a win for me.

 - Do things that help you chill and regain your energy. You can go out and enjoy nature, do some yoga or meditation, or do something you love. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential to your overall well-being. One thing that allows me to pour back into myself is praying and listening to my favorite worship songs.

 – It is important to keep up with regular check-ups with your doctor, take your medication as prescribed and schedule appointments with your therapist. If you don’t have a therapist, discuss the benefits of taking care of your mental health with your primary care.

 - Be mindful of your energy and limitations. Don't be afraid to say no to commitments or activities that may be too demanding on your physical or emotional health. Prioritizing your needs and well-being is critical to showing up for yourself healthily and sustainably. One thing that some don't realize is that “no” is an answer.

Remember that taking small steps can lead to significant changes regardless of your path. Every day is an opportunity to live your best life. As the new year approaches, make sure to prioritize yourself in 2024. Do things that make you happy, live in the moment, and take things one day at a time. My prayer for you is to have a blessed and prosperous 2024!

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Here are four things I found to be helpful as a survivor, including showing up for myself. 

4 Things I Found Helpful as a Survivor

There are many things to consider, such as managing your loved one's health, coordinating family gatherings and finding time for self-care amidst the chaos. This edition will provide tips and resources to help you manage the holiday season and ensure everyone stays happy and healthy. Often, caregivers are left out, but caring for a loved one with cancer during the holidays can also be challenging. 

Caregivers may feel overwhelmed and stressed as they try to balance their needs with those of their loved ones. Caregivers also need to take care of their physical and emotional well-being. This might include seeking support from friends and family, joining a support group, or talking to a counselor. Caregivers should also remember to take time for themselves, whether practicing self-care activities or simply taking a break to recharge. Caregivers can better support their loved ones during this challenging time by taking care of themselves.

Planning can help you avoid unnecessary stress during the holiday season. Make a checklist of tasks that need to be completed, such as scheduling doctor's appointments or buying gifts and try to meet them as early as possible.

Don't try to do everything yourself. It's okay to ask for help from family and friends. Set realistic expectations for what you can and cannot accomplish and communicate your needs.

- Remember to practice self-care activities like meditation, exercise, or reading. Don't forget to eat healthy, get enough sleep and stay hydrated.

Simplify holiday traditions if they become overwhelming. You can do things differently this year, such as ordering food instead of cooking or having a virtual gathering instead of a physical one.

Remember to live in the present moment and enjoy the time spent with your loved ones. Don't get caught up in the holiday season's stress and chaos; instead, focus on creating meaningful memories together.

Remember, the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. As a caregiver, taking care of yourself is essential so you can better care for your loved one. Setting realistic expectations, planning, and focusing on the present moment can make this holiday season a happy and healthy one for you and your loved ones. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for support. The holiday season may be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Your dedication and selflessness as a caregiver are genuinely inspiring. Remember to take care of yourself, too, and know that your efforts are making a positive difference in the lives of those you love. Keep up the fantastic work and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones this holiday season.

In these trying times, we must remind ourselves that resources are always available to assist us. As we approach the holiday season, let's take a moment to ponder the strength and resilience we've demonstrated in the face of adversity. Always remember that we're never alone and that help is always available whenever needed. Here's wishing you a happy and inspiring holiday season.

As a caregiver, it can be challenging to navigate the holidays. 

Navigating the Holidays as a Cancer Caregiver

Becoming a patient advocate can be rewarding and fulfilling; they help others navigate the complex world of healthcare. Being diagnosed with cancer is a scary thing you can’t prepare for. It is a massive disruption to your life, filled with doctor visits, tests, scans, unfamiliar terminology, surgeries, etc. All these factors bring on stress, and having support is vital. Patient advocates are remarkable individuals who bless others with their guidance and support. They are essential in helping patients and their families communicate with healthcare providers to understand treatments and medications and offer support from personal experience.

Here are three ways to get started as a patient advocate within the cancer community:

 This is exactly how I became an advocate. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma. I had to create a path of my own due to the lack of information available and me not being the “typical” peritoneal mesothelioma patient. I felt I had no choice but to become my own advocate if I wanted to beat cancer. I quickly realized that many gaps in the healthcare system needed to be addressed, and I became passionate about advocating for change. It has been one of the best decisions I have made and continues to be rewarding because I get to help others by offering hope and inspiration from my story. If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer, you can use that experience to become an advocate for others. You can share your story, start a blog or a support group, or find ways to help others who are going through similar experiences.

 Several reputable healthcare organizations prioritize patient advocacy and work towards improving healthcare. Start with one specifically for your diagnosed cancer, and then branch out. Volunteering with one of these organizations can offer an excellent opportunity to learn about patient advocacy and become involved in meaningful work. You can gain valuable experience and knowledge about the healthcare industry and patients' challenges. I have several fellow advocates whose volunteer role paved the way for future career opportunities.

 Many conferences and events focus on patient advocacy and provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field. Attending these events can help you stay current on the latest developments in patient advocacy and connect with others who share your passion. Use social media to find these organizations and fellow cancer survivors. I use social media to stay connected with the cancer community. It’s a great way to stay in the know, be made aware of events and meet new survivors.

Throughout the years, I have collaborated with cancer organizations as a spokesperson and writer, sharing my story on social media. It has been such a fulfilling experience that I plan to continue doing it. I encourage anyone passionate about patient advocacy to participate in any way they can. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those who are fighting cancer. Through commitment and hard work, anyone can become a patient advocate and create a significant change in the lives of others.

Here are ways to become a patient advocate.

How I Started My Advocacy Journey After Cancer

Being on the other side of the diagnosis completely changed my perspective. Before my diagnosis, I had always assumed that being a cancer survivor meant that you had completed treatment and were now living cancer-free. I thought it was a straightforward process and that everything went back to normal once you were "cured" everything went back to normal. But my experience taught me that cancer is far more complex than that.

My journey as a cancer survivor has been anything but easy. It has been a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs, from the diagnosis to the treatment to the side effects and complications. But through it all, I have learned to appreciate life in a way I never did before.

You're a cancer survivor from diagnosis and your survivorship journey begins. Now that I have been on this survivorship journey for the last 16 years and counting, I still face challenges I didn’t know I would experience. I have also realized that being a cancer survivor is not just about being cancer-free. It is about the mental and emotional toll cancer also takes on you. It is about learning to live with the fear of recurrence, the uncertainty of the future and the physical and emotional scars cancer leaves behind.

Managing long-term side effects of treatment - 

When given the green light on the proposed treatment, I didn’t question the doctor for a second. I was made aware of the side effects and things that could go wrong, but I wasn’t as concerned about that compared to my concern about getting rid of the cancer. The surgery was a success and did what it was intended to do. On the other hand, I experience side effects, such as chronic kidney disease and Anemia.

 Of course, you go into knowing your body will change, but I didn’t prepare for it. I mean, how could I have prepared? I am reminded every day by the almost 12-inch scar diverging down the middle of my stomach. Over the years, I have learned to be grateful for the scar and it gives me hope that miracles still happen and that I am a walking miracle.

Coping with anxiety or fear of recurrence -

 Heard of scanxiety? I get this every time I have bloodwork or a CT scan. This happens without even trying to think about it. The mind is mighty; it creates our thoughts, shaping our beliefs and perceptions about the world. Learning various coping methods such as deep breathing, praying, journaling and cultivating positive thoughts helps combat anxiety and fear of recurrence.

Navigating relationships with family and friends - 

I heard someone say, “You learn who your true friends are when you have cancer.” From my experience, I do see some truth in that. You may get friends or family members who feel sorry for you, some who don’t know what to say, or others who think they can't be around you anymore. Navigating those relationships can be challenging, especially when having relatability within those relationships is slim to none.

Despite all the challenges, I am grateful for the experience. It has taught me to live in the moment and appreciate life's little things. It has given me a newfound appreciation for my health, family and friends. And it has shown me that there is always hope, even in the darkest times. One of the things that has helped me on my cancer survivorship journey is finding a community that supports, nurtures and inspires me. This can be a group of friends, family members, fellow survivors, or even an online community of people who have been through similar experiences. Having people around you who understand what you're going through, who can offer advice and encouragement and who can be there to listen can make all the difference.

As a patient advocate and contributing writer, I have firsthand seen the power of connection and community. Sharing your story can be a powerful tool for your healing and for others who may be going through similar experiences. By reaching out and connecting with others, you can find a sense of belonging and support that can make all the difference in your journey. There is always hope and people want to help and support you. Reach out, connect with others and continue your survivorship journey.

I had the wrong interpretation of what a cancer survivor was. That was until I was diagnosed with a rare cancer and shockingly, the term “cancer survivor” became a part of my journey. 

Tamron Little

4 Things I Found Helpful as a Survivor

Navigating the Holidays as a Cancer Caregiver

How I Started My Advocacy Journey After Cancer

The Unseen Challenges of Survivorship

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