Welcome to Cancer Chronicles—A blog, a diary, a witness stand.
Here, cancer isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s an unexpected gift, wrapped in the most terrible paper, and there’s no gift receipt. This is where I unpack the messy, uncomfortable reality of living with chronic illness and trauma—one entry, one unfiltered thought at a time. From medical misadventures (because, believe it or not, robots and lasers don’t fix everything) to the lessons learned in hospital gowns and sterile waiting rooms, this space is raw, reflective, and often laughable.

You’ll find updates on my journey, deep dives into the ever-shifting landscape of cancer treatments, and brutally honest reflections on what it means to be alive while staring death in the face and asking, “Really? You again?”

Whether you’re here by accident, out of curiosity, or because you, too, have been caught in the riptide of life’s unpredictability, welcome. These are my chronicles. This is my life—unfiltered, unpredictable, and still somehow unfolding.

Cancer Chronicles

A Love Letter to Rectal Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

A Love Letter to Rectal Cancer

In this unconventional love letter, I share how my rectal cancer diagnosis became a catalyst for self-discovery, healing, and profound gratitude. Explore why, despite its darkness, cancer can also offer unexpected gifts.

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