Each year at our local high school the grade-twelve boys and girls are taken in separate groups into the library by the school nurse so that they can learn the steps for completing self-examinations of the breasts or testicles. Teaching people screening tools such as these that they can use at home has surely savedContinue reading “Old Man Cancer, My Ass!!”
Author Archives: janinecutting
It’s National Nursing Week
Thank a nurse today 🙂 Recently, I underwent surgery at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s and I had a week-long hospital stay afterward. That was a hellish week. There were times I was writhing in pain on the bed or turning in circles in the middle of the night wringing my hands saying, “IContinue reading “It’s National Nursing Week”
Helping Others Process Emotions
As a counsellor, I am trained to use what we call an “empathic response.” Many people think that counsellors or therapists give advice, but first and foremost what we do is listen and respond with empathy. We may ask probing questions to help our client flesh out a story or an issue, but ultimately weContinue reading “Helping Others Process Emotions”
The Timber You’re Cutting
My cousin, Colette, saw this quote on a whiteboard somewhere and sent it to me recently, and it just seemed to fit so well. What timber are you cutting today? We all manage so much over the course of our lives, but there are times when the timber gets really thick, or the saw pileContinue reading “The Timber You’re Cutting”
Peace Signs and Laser Beams
Bolstering myself for the strangeness ahead I make an odd lonely peace sign in front of Josh’s window. Driving to the hospital I am so normal. The afternoon traffic laughs at me. Ordinary things like driving and giving your body up to medical science. This is the first part of my treatment program. I amContinue reading “Peace Signs and Laser Beams”
A Year of Weather 