Heather Von St James

When Positivity Turns Toxic: A Cancer Survivor's Perspective Sometimes it's not realistic for cancer patients to stay positive. Having mesothelioma is scary. Being real about mine helped me face it.

Over the last 20 or so years, I've been subject to a lot, amds I mean A LOT of toxic positivity. In my newest blog post, I get pretty real about why its harmful and why you should probably think before doling out advice to a cancer patient like "Think Positive!" Or, "Pray harder!"
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Chapter 6 The Reality Sets In...

Chapter 6
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Chapter 5 Orientation...

Chapter 5
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I was 36 when I was diagnosed. My mother in law used to drive me to my chemo and spend the day with me. Every time, they assumed SHE was the patient .. until I told them it was me. The looks of surprise always made me laugh.. I mean you have to or you’ll cry.

Celebrating 19 years cancer free tonight… we call the celebration Lungleavin Day, since it’s the day my lung left .
We have a tradition of writing fears on a plate and smashing them in a bonfire in our back yard. It’s something we look forward to every year .

Let me know if you want more details! I’m happy to share!
Smashin fears for 19 years!! Lungleavin Day, 2025!!

How do you commemorate the day you had your cancer surgery or finished chemo? Do you celebrate it? I do? We took something traumatic and turned it into a celebration. We call it #LungleavinDay ; the day my Lung left. We write our fears on a plate and smash them in a bonfire. Feb 1st is the date!

I have had plenty where I’m back in treatment, not that it’s back, but that I’m never ever done with getting chemo. In reality, it’s been years, but every so often, I still have the dream.

You were/are a total badass today!!! DAMN! I love it.. From a mom of a trans kid who will support you through all of this.. <3

Hello Blue Sky! Say hello to my cat Zennie ! We rescued her and she’s the best ever. Do we love cats here?

If any #Podcast hosts are looking for an inspiring story to share with your listeners, I’m your person! I’ve survived a terminal cancer diagnosis for 19 years and love sharing my story to inspire others. We need stories like mine more than ever… I’d love to be on your show. #survivor

Celebrating surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis for 19 years! I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma on this day in 2005. Through incredible medical intervention and science, I’m alive to celebrate. I’ve been fortunate to use my platform to help others and for that, I am grateful.

You got that right! Back us into a corner and they’ll have a hell of a fight on their hands! We are nothing if not resilient .

I’m a long term survivor of #mesothelioma and as such am quite concerned about the incoming administration. I am worried about changes in regulations at the EPA, worried about my Medicare and disability being taken away, and not being able to get insurance due to my persisting condition.

HelloBlueSky… nice to be here with all the cool kids!!!