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

5 Apps worth Downloading If You Have Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

5 Apps worth Downloading If You Have Cancer

Discover five transformative apps that can support and enhance your journey with cancer. From emotional support to managing symptoms and connecting with others, find out how tools like ChatGPT, Headspace, and Belong can redefine your experience.

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Life Lessons from Grandma: What Public Farting Taught Me About Facing Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Life Lessons from Grandma: What Public Farting Taught Me About Facing Cancer

Facing rectal cancer, I often find myself reminiscing about my grandma's humorous take on life's embarrassing moments, like her classic lesson on the art of farting in public. Her mischievous grin and witty remarks not only taught me how to laugh at myself but also showed me the importance of humor in overcoming life's darkest challenges.

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Sorry, I Can’t Afford to Manifest Right Now
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Sorry, I Can’t Afford to Manifest Right Now

When you mention "cancer" at a yoga studio, the looks you get are more aligned than their Warrior Poses. I once confided in a popular yoga teacher in Phoenix, and I swear her eyes screamed, "Gross, why would you manifest that?" She didn’t say it—too busy chewing her gum—but those judgy eyes spoke volumes.

Manifesting wellness and wealth has become the elite's pastime—a hobby I tried until cancer and real bills decided to manifest in me first. Here’s my current spiritual and literal budget, where my wallet laughs hysterically as I light another candle rather than a dollar bill.

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I Soft Launced My Cancer  Disclosure & Here’s What Happened…
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

I Soft Launced My Cancer Disclosure & Here’s What Happened…

After I shared my cancer diagnosis in a low whisper, I was met with a chilling silence and unexpected isolation. Learn about my experience when I opened up about my cancer, and discover how this moment of vulnerability revealed the true colors of those around me—highlighting who really stood by me and who disappeared.

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Embracing Slow Living & A Season of Rest When You Have Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Embracing Slow Living & A Season of Rest When You Have Cancer

In this personal reflection, I share how cancer taught me to embrace slow living and rest. From my quiet mornings in Swan Valley to the gentle triumph of allowing myself to pause, I explore the unexpected beauty and courage found in surrendering to stillness.

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The Pot Protocol: Can Cannabis Curb Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

The Pot Protocol: Can Cannabis Curb Cancer

I explore the science behind the endocannabinoid system, how weed became so heavily stigmatized, and why my doctor never mentioned the receptors in my colon. A personal, poetic dive into cannabis, healing, and medical omission—with plenty of research to back it up.

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10 Ways to Support Your Friends With Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

10 Ways to Support Your Friends With Cancer

I wrote this for every friend who’s ever said “let me know if you need anything” and meant it—but didn’t know how to help. As someone with cancer, here are 10 real ways you can actually show up that don’t involve baking a damn casserole.

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I’m On the Lion Diet. Rawr Means Help.
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

I’m On the Lion Diet. Rawr Means Help.

I gave up carbs, coffee, and croissants to fight rectal cancer with the Lion Diet—just ruminant meat, salt, and water. This post dives into why I chose this extreme approach, the science behind starving tumors of sugar, and why coffee enemas didn’t make the cut. It’s raw, funny, and brutally honest—just like my dinner plate.

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Update: I’m Still Not Dead. But I Am Different.
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Update: I’m Still Not Dead. But I Am Different.

I'm navigating my cancer journey in Idaho, reevaluating what truly matters—health and relationships. I've paused my business and decluttered my life, learning profound lessons from the harshest teacher: cancer. Follow my journey as I fight, adapt, and learn. #Stage3c #CancerFighter

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Texts I Got After Telling People I Had Cancer
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Texts I Got After Telling People I Had Cancer

I got cancer. Then came the texts—rude, bizarre, effusive, and completely unhinged. This blog is a brutally honest roundup of the worst messages I received and how to actually show up for someone who’s sick. Spoiler: “How are you?” was just code for “Are you still alive?”

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15 Most Cancer Causing Items In Your Home 
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

15 Most Cancer Causing Items In Your Home 

Are hidden cancer-causing toxins lurking in your home? From plastics and non-stick cookware to air fresheners, canned foods, and even your vacuum cleaner, everyday household items could silently increase your cancer risk. After my own cancer diagnosis, I dove deep into research and identified the 15 most common toxic items hiding in plain sight. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover what these hazardous products are, understand the science-backed risks they pose, and learn practical alternatives to detox your living environment for better health. It's time to reclaim your home as a true sanctuary—your well-being may depend on it.

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Tied with Hope: The Colorful History of the Cancer Ribbon
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Tied with Hope: The Colorful History of the Cancer Ribbon

Discover the inspiring origins and controversies behind cancer ribbons—from Charlotte Haley’s grassroots peach ribbon to Estée Lauder’s iconic pink. Explore how these colorful symbols became powerful tools for advocacy, awareness, and community connection.

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The Inheritance of Shadows
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

The Inheritance of Shadows

After losing my mother to suicide, I was plunged into my own darkness with a diagnosis of rectal cancer. Join me as I navigate a deeply personal journey through inherited trauma and grief, clinging to the hope of finding light even after the darkest days.

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Bedside Manner
Rachel Smak Rachel Smak

Bedside Manner

I was diagnosed with Stage 3C rectal cancer in under ten minutes. No scan. No explanation. Just a treatment plan and a business card. This is what bedside manner really looks like—and what happens when your future gets delivered like a weather report under fluorescent lights.

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