Last year, during my routine mammogram, I anticipated a fast visit—perhaps an hour at most. As a woman in my mid-40s with no significant health concerns or risk factors, I felt confident that breast cancer was unlikely. When the radiologist suggested an ultrasound, I was more irritated than alarmed. Little did I know, my life was about to take an unexpected turn.
As a single mother of three boys and a breast radiation oncologist with a demanding schedule, my days are always packed. That day was no exception. My primary concern was staying on track with my appointments,not what the ultrasound might reveal. But I agreed to the additional test,and when the radiologist returned with the results,his expression told me everything.
“You have at least five suspicious masses in the right breast and an abnormal-looking lymph node,” he said.
His words hit me like a tidal wave. Despite my years of experience helping patients navigate breast cancer diagnoses, I struggled to process the news. I had always believed that regular mammograms would ensure early detection. Yet here I was, facing a diagnosis of high-volume, lymph-node-positive disease.
biopsies confirmed the presence of breast cancer. I underwent bilateral mastectomies and opted for implant reconstruction, removing the unaffected breast as a preventive measure. After surgery, I felt a fleeting sense of relief. Initial tests indicated that I wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation, only endocrine therapy to suppress estrogen production. It seemed manageable—until further pathology results revealed a more extensive disease than initially thought.
My medical oncologist, a close friend, adjusted my treatment plan to include chemotherapy, CDK 4/6 inhibitors, and the removal of my ovaries. A glance at my chart told me radiation would also be necessary. As someone who has guided countless patients through their treatment journeys, I knew the potential complications all too well. The weight of it all was crushing.
Seeking clarity,I consulted a specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.While they confirmed that my friend’s recommendations were sound, the reality was hard to accept.The doctor shared that my chances of 10-year disease-free survival were 85%.
Only 85%? I thought to myself. Just weeks ago,I was a healthy 46-year-old,never doubting that I’d watch my children grow up. Now, even with aggressive treatment, I face a 15% risk of metastatic disease—and the possibility of not being there for my family. The numbers left me reeling.
“Eighty-five percent is a good number,” the doctor reassured me.
But for someone with three sons and so much to live for, it didn’t feel good enough.I want to fight for every percentage point,to be as close to 100% as possible. This journey has taught me that knowledge can be both empowering and terrifying, but it’s also a reminder of why I’m persistent to keep going.
Returning to work just two weeks after undergoing a double mastectomy, I faced skepticism from many who thought it was too soon. But for me, stepping back into the office was a lifeline—a way to reclaim a sense of control during a period when I felt utterly powerless. As a physician, I’ve always encouraged my patients to resume their routines as quickly as possible, believing that normalcy can be a powerful antidote to the chaos of a cancer diagnosis. Yet, while I found solace in the rhythm of my workdays, I couldn’t escape the mental tug-of-war: by day, I counseled women battling breast cancer; by night, I grappled with my own fears and uncertainties.
When chemotherapy began, I adjusted my schedule to take the first two days after each cycle off, but or else, I pushed forward. The premedications helped manage nausea and bone pain, but the fatigue was relentless, a constant shadow I couldn’t shake. My priorities narrowed to two things: showing up at work and being present for my children. Social outings became rare, takeout meals from Uber Eats became the norm, and I stopped sweating the small stuff—like piles of unfolded laundry or a sink full of dishes. Cancer forced me to reevaluate what truly mattered, and in doing so, I learned to prioritize myself in ways I never had before.
One aspect of my identity that remained deeply crucial to me was my hair. Known for my thick, healthy locks, losing my hair felt like losing a part of myself. Surprisingly, the temporary loss of my hair affected me more profoundly than the permanent loss of my breasts. As a doctor, I’d frequently enough found it puzzling when patients refused chemotherapy to avoid hair loss. I’d seen cases where older, less effective treatments were chosen solely to preserve hair, or even instances where patients outright declined chemotherapy.At the time, I struggled to understand their reasoning, but as clumps of my own hair began to fall out, I gained a new outlook.
I used to judge those patients, thinking they were prioritizing vanity over their health. But as I stood in front of the mirror, staring at the growing bald patches, I realized how deeply intertwined my hair was with my sense of self. Though my colleagues and loved ones treated me no differently, I no longer felt like “me.” As a physician, I’d advised patients to shave their heads to regain a sense of control. But as a patient, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Holding onto the remaining strands felt like clinging to the person I was before cancer—a person I wasn’t sure I’d ever fully become again. Now, when patients ask for my advice on this matter, I offer my advice but also encourage them to do what feels right for them.
Courtesy of Catherine Sue hwang
My experience also deepened my empathy for early-stage cancer patients who seek aggressive treatment despite being told their condition is low-risk. While my own diagnosis wasn’t low-risk, I now understand the fear that drives these decisions. A cancer diagnosis, no matter the stage, is traumatic. It’s a life-altering moment that leaves no room for complacency. I’ve come to realize that the desire to exhaust every possible option, even when the odds are favorable, stems from a place of profound vulnerability.
Looking back, I cringe at some of the comments I made to patients in the past. I’d frequently enough reassure women with low-risk breast cancer that their condition was unlikely to be fatal and that they could delay treatments like radiation if they chose to. I’d say, “If the cancer comes back, we’ll catch it early with routine imaging.” That last phrase now haunts me. My own cancer wasn’t caught early, despite regular screenings. While I know my case is rare, it’s a stark reminder that being in the minority doesn’t make the experience any less devastating. I now understand why some patients opt for overtreatment—it’s about leaving nothing to chance, even when the odds are in their favor.
Cancer has taught me many lessons,but perhaps the most profound is the importance of empathy. As both a physician and a patient, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological toll of this disease. It’s a journey that reshapes your priorities, challenges your identity, and forces you to confront your deepest fears. And while the road is far from easy, it’s also a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit—and the power of compassion, both for others and for ourselves.
Table of Contents
- 1. navigating Life After Estrogen Loss: A Personal journey Through Menopause and Cancer Treatment
- 2. From Doctor to Patient: A journey Through Cancer and Resilience
- 3. 23 Essential WordPress SEO Tips to Boost Your Website’s Visibility
- 4. 1. Start with a Solid Foundation
- 5. 2. Optimize Your permalinks
- 6. 3. Leverage Schema Markup
- 7. 4. Focus on Mobile Optimization
- 8. 5. Create High-Quality Content
- 9. 6. optimize Images for speed
- 10. 7. Use Internal Linking Strategically
- 11. 8. Prioritize page Speed
- 12. 9. Write Compelling Meta Descriptions
- 13. 10. Build Quality Backlinks
- 14. 11. Optimize for Voice Search
- 15. 12. Regularly Update Your Content
- 16. 13.Use Heading Tags Properly
- 17. 14. Enable SSL Encryption
- 18. 15. Optimize for Local SEO
- 19. 16. Use Social Media to Amplify Your Content
- 20. 17. Monitor Your Analytics
- 21. 18.avoid duplicate content
- 22. 19. Optimize for Featured Snippets
- 23. 20.Use XML Sitemaps
- 24. 21. Leverage User-Generated Content
- 25. 22. Optimize for Core web Vitals
- 26. 23. Stay Updated on SEO Trends
- 27. what are the different levels of heading tags (like H1, H2, H3) and what are they used for in SEO?
- 28. 14. Implement SSL encryption
- 29. 15. Optimize for Local SEO
- 30. 16. Use XML Sitemaps
- 31. 17. Monitor and Fix Broken links
- 32. 18. Leverage Social Media
- 33. 19. Use Analytics to Track Performance
- 34. 20. Optimize for Featured Snippets
- 35. 21. Reduce Bounce Rate
- 36. 22. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
- 37. 23. Stay Updated on SEO Trends
Courtesy of Catherine Sue Hwang
losing estrogen was a profound experience, one that overshadowed even the emotional toll of losing my hair. Estrogen, a hormone that defines femininity, also serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, safeguarding vital organs like the heart and brain, as well as maintaining bone health. For women undergoing chemotherapy, the abrupt shutdown of ovarian function—the primary source of estrogen—can feel like being thrust into menopause overnight. Unlike the gradual transition most women experience, my journey was marked by a sudden onset of symptoms: sleep disturbances, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, and a diminished libido. For 80% of breast cancers,estrogen fuels growth,making hormone suppression a standard part of treatment.The accompanying symptoms, while challenging, are often seen as a necessary trade-off in the fight against cancer.
As a physician, I’ve heard countless patients voice their struggles with hot flashes and weight gain—two of the most common complaints. My go-to advice has always been supplements and medications for the former, and increased exercise paired with calorie restriction for the latter. Yet, when patients insisted they were already following these steps without success, I admit I was skeptical. That changed when I became the patient. While medications effectively managed my hot flashes, the weight gain proved far more stubborn.
When I attended medical school in the early 2000s, there was little guidance on managing menopause symptoms.Women were expected to endure them silently. My personal battle with estrogen loss inspired me to explore alternative strategies for maintaining health and vitality.I discovered that a diet rich in protein, fiber, and whole foods is essential for supporting an estrogen-deprived body. Cutting out added sugars and ultra-processed foods is equally critical. Regular exercise, especially resistance training, plays a vital role in preventing muscle atrophy, bone loss, and mental fog. Together, these lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate the symptoms tied to estrogen deprivation.
Four weeks after completing chemotherapy, I began radiation therapy. For 16 days, Monday through Friday, I received daily treatments. The experience was surreal—sitting in my own clinic as a patient, receiving care from my staff, and scheduling appointments around my work hours. Once radiation concluded, I underwent surgery to remove my uterus and ovaries, followed by a long-term maintainance regimen of oral medications.
The past six months have been a whirlwind. Balancing treatment, patient care, and motherhood felt like treading water. I initially planned to keep my diagnosis private, but when my hair fell out and exhaustion confined me to bed during nonworking hours, the truth became undeniable. Sharing my journey felt like the right decision, not just for my own healing but to offer support and insight to others navigating similar challenges.
Through it all, I’ve learned that while estrogen loss is a profound shift, it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right strategies—nutrition, exercise, and a supportive community—it’s possible to thrive even in the face of such a significant change.
From Doctor to Patient: A journey Through Cancer and Resilience
For 15 years, I worked as a radiation oncologist, treating cancer patients with dedication and expertise. I considered myself well-versed in the intricacies of the disease, but nothing could have prepared me for the moment I became a patient myself. Diagnosed with breast cancer, I was thrust into a world I thought I understood—only to discover how much I still had to learn.
At first, sharing my diagnosis felt uncomfortable. As someone who prides herself on strength and independence, opening up about my vulnerabilities was a challenge. Yet, as I began to talk about my struggles, somthing remarkable happened. Friends and colleagues confided in me about their own health battles,creating a network of shared experiences and mutual support. My patients,too,seemed to trust me more deeply,knowing I could truly empathize with their journey.
“By being on the arena floor and fighting this terrible disease as a patient, I have become a more effective doctor who does not lose focus of the patients’ humanity while treating their disease.”
Cancer treatment is grueling, both physically and emotionally.Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries tested my limits, but they also taught me resilience. As I navigated the challenges, I found myself growing not just as a patient, but as a physician.My perspective shifted. I began to see beyond the clinical aspects of treatment, focusing more on the human stories behind each diagnosis.
This journey has been transformative. While I would never wish cancer on anyone, it has given me a renewed sense of purpose.I now approach my work with a deeper understanding of what it means to fight this disease. My patients are no longer just cases to be treated—they are individuals with fears, hopes, and dreams. And I am honored to walk alongside them in their battles.
As I celebrated the end of my chemotherapy with my doctors, friends, and one of my sons, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the medical team that guided me, for the loved ones who stood by me, and for the strength I discovered within myself. Cancer may have changed my life, but it has also made me a better doctor, a more compassionate human being, and a living testament to the power of resilience.
in the heart of Orlando, Florida, Dr. Catherine Sue Hwang stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. As the section leader of Breast Radiation Oncology at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute and an associate professor in Clinical Radiation Oncology at the University of Central Florida Collage of Medicine,she dedicates her life to battling one of the most pervasive diseases of our time: breast cancer.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Hwang is a devoted mother,often seen cheering on her three sons from the stands of a baseball field. When she’s not in the clinic or at the ballpark, she enjoys unwinding on the tennis court or spending quality time with her family, friends, and beloved dogs. Her life is a testament to balancing a demanding career with the joys of personal fulfillment.
Dr. Hwang’s journey with breast cancer is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. She has been sharing her experiences and raising awareness about the disease through her Instagram page, @breast_cancer_360.Her platform serves as a source of inspiration and education for countless individuals navigating similar challenges.
“Breast cancer is not just a diagnosis; it’s a journey that requires strength, support, and awareness,” Dr. Hwang emphasizes. Her work extends beyond the walls of the hospital, as she strives to empower patients and their families with knowledge and hope.
her story is a reminder of the importance of early detection, cutting-edge treatments, and the power of community. through her advocacy, Dr. Hwang is not only transforming lives but also shaping the future of breast cancer care.
For those looking to learn more about her work or follow her journey, her Instagram page offers a window into her world—a blend of professional expertise, personal resilience, and heartfelt advocacy.
23 Essential WordPress SEO Tips to Boost Your Website’s Visibility
In today’s digital landscape, having a website is just the beginning. To truly stand out, you need to optimize your WordPress site for search engines. SEO, or search engine optimization, is the key to driving traffic, increasing visibility, and keeping your audience engaged. Here are 23 actionable tips to help you master WordPress SEO and elevate your online presence.
1. Start with a Solid Foundation
Before diving into advanced strategies, ensure your WordPress site is built on a strong foundation. Choose a reliable hosting provider,use a lightweight theme,and keep your plugins to a minimum. A fast, secure, and well-structured site is the first step toward SEO success.
2. Optimize Your permalinks
Permalinks are the URLs of your pages and posts. WordPress allows you to customize these to make them more SEO-friendly. Use a structure that includes your post name, such as /%postname%/, to make your URLs concise and descriptive.
3. Leverage Schema Markup
Schema markup is a powerful tool that helps search engines understand your content better. By adding structured data to your site’s HTML, you can enhance how your pages appear in search results. For example,you can highlight reviews,ratings,or event details directly in the search snippet.
4. Focus on Mobile Optimization
With over half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a mobile-friendly site is non-negotiable. Use responsive design and test your site on various devices to ensure a seamless user experience.
5. Create High-Quality Content
Content is king in the world of SEO. write articles that are informative, engaging, and tailored to your audience’s needs. Use keyword variations naturally to avoid over-optimization and keep your content fresh and relevant.
6. optimize Images for speed
Large images can slow down your site, negatively impacting user experience and SEO. Compress your images and use modern formats like WebP. Additionally, add descriptive alt text to improve accessibility and help search engines understand your visuals.
7. Use Internal Linking Strategically
Internal links guide users and search engines through your site. Link to related articles and pages to keep visitors engaged and improve your site’s overall structure.This also helps distribute page authority across your site.
8. Prioritize page Speed
Page speed is a critical ranking factor. Use tools like google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix performance issues. Implement caching, minimize CSS and JavaScript files, and consider using a content delivery network (CDN) to boost loading times.
9. Write Compelling Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions are the snippets that appear below your page title in search results.Craft concise, engaging descriptions that include your target keywords. While they don’t directly impact rankings, they can improve click-through rates.
10. Build Quality Backlinks
backlinks from reputable sites signal to search engines that your content is valuable. focus on creating shareable content and building relationships with other websites in your niche. Alex Reed blogging and collaborations can also help you earn high-quality backlinks.
11. Optimize for Voice Search
With the rise of voice assistants, optimizing for voice search is becoming increasingly critically important. Use natural language and long-tail keywords to align with how people speak when using voice search.
12. Regularly Update Your Content
Search engines favor fresh, up-to-date content. Periodically review and update your posts to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. This not only improves SEO but also enhances user experience.
Heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) help structure your content and make it easier for search engines to understand. Use H1 for your main title, H2 for subheadings, and H3 for further subdivisions. This improves readability and SEO.
14. Enable SSL Encryption
Security is a top priority for search engines. Ensure your site uses HTTPS by installing an SSL certificate. This not only protects user data but also boosts your rankings.
15. Optimize for Local SEO
If you run a local business, optimizing for local search is crucial. Create a Google my Business profile, include your address and phone number on your site, and encourage customer reviews.
Social media can drive traffic and improve your site’s visibility. Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to reach a wider audience.Engage with your followers to build a loyal community.
17. Monitor Your Analytics
Regularly review your site’s performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console. Track metrics like traffic, bounce rate, and keyword rankings to identify areas for improvement.
18.avoid duplicate content
Duplicate content can confuse search engines and harm your rankings. Use canonical tags to indicate the preferred version of a page and ensure each piece of content is unique.
19. Optimize for Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are the highlighted results that appear at the top of search results. To optimize for them, provide clear, concise answers to common questions and use bullet points or numbered lists.
20.Use XML Sitemaps
An XML sitemap helps search engines crawl and index your site more effectively. Generate a sitemap using a plugin like Yoast SEO and submit it to Google Search Console.
21. Leverage User-Generated Content
Encourage your audience to contribute content, such as reviews, comments, or testimonials. This not only builds trust but also provides fresh, unique content for your site.
22. Optimize for Core web Vitals
core Web Vitals are a set of metrics that measure user experience, including loading, interactivity, and visual stability. Focus on improving these metrics to enhance your site’s performance and SEO.
23. Stay Updated on SEO Trends
SEO is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends and algorithm updates to keep your site competitive. join forums, follow industry blogs, and participate in webinars to stay ahead of the curve.
By implementing these 23 WordPress SEO tips, you can significantly improve your site’s visibility and attract more organic traffic. Remember, SEO is a long-term strategy, so be patient and consistent in your efforts. Happy optimizing!
Heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) are essential for structuring your content and making it easier for search engines to understand. Use H1 for your main title, H2 for subheadings, and H3 for further subdivisions. This hierarchy improves readability and SEO.
14. Implement SSL encryption
Security is a ranking factor, and having an SSL certificate (HTTPS) is crucial for both user trust and SEO. ensure your site is secure by enabling SSL encryption, which also protects sensitive user data.
15. Optimize for Local SEO
If your business serves a local audience, optimize for local search. Create a Google My Business profile,use location-based keywords,and ensure your NAP (Name,Address,Phone Number) details is consistent across all platforms.
16. Use XML Sitemaps
An XML sitemap helps search engines crawl and index your site more efficiently. Most SEO plugins for WordPress, like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, automatically generate and submit sitemaps to search engines.
17. Monitor and Fix Broken links
Broken links can harm user experiance and SEO. Regularly audit your site for broken links and fix or remove them. Tools like Screaming Frog or online broken link checkers can help identify these issues.
while social media signals don’t directly impact rankings, they can drive traffic and increase visibility. Share your content on social platforms, engage with your audience, and encourage social sharing to amplify your reach.
19. Use Analytics to Track Performance
Google Analytics and Google Search Console are invaluable tools for monitoring your site’s performance. Track metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, and keyword rankings to identify areas for enhancement.
20. Optimize for Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are prime real estate in search results. To increase your chances of appearing in them, structure your content with clear, concise answers to common questions and use bullet points or numbered lists.
21. Reduce Bounce Rate
A high bounce rate can indicate poor user experience. Improve your site’s design, navigation, and content to keep visitors engaged. Use internal linking and clear calls-to-action to guide users to other relevant pages.
22. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
While keywords are significant, overusing them can harm your SEO. Focus on creating natural, reader-friendly content that incorporates keywords strategically without compromising quality.
23. Stay Updated on SEO Trends
SEO is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends, algorithm updates, and best practices by following reputable SEO blogs, attending webinars, and participating in industry forums.
By implementing these 23 WordPress SEO tips, you can enhance your website’s visibility, attract more organic traffic, and achieve long-term success in the competitive digital landscape. Remember, SEO is an ongoing process—consistency and adaptability are key to staying ahead.
