Welcome to Best Life After Cancer. I am Shari Berman a two-time cancer survivor. My blog is targeted to the millions of cancer patients and survivors who are looking for hope and inspiration in light of the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. My Story Diagnosed as a young adult, at age 25 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I had to quickly face the reality of life’s curveballs. My treatment offered a potential cure while at the same time, underestimated the long term side effects including a secondary cancer (breast cancer) nine years later. Shortly after my breast cancer treatment ended, my youthful, seemingly healthy mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and passed a year later. I have lived the cancer experience as a patient and a family member/ caregiver and understand both sides. Life after treatment is often challenging emotionally and physically and there is a gap in providing needed support. I don’t consider cancer a gift as it is not something I would ever want to give to someone. Rather, I view cancer as an opportunity; one I received at an early point in my life to live intentionally, understanding how things can change at any moment. I live without regrets, fully understanding the gift and fragility of life.

Family, Inspiration

Mother’s Day Memories

Last year I wrote about my mother and how difficult Mother’s Day can be for those of us who have lost their mom’s. We have our memories and we also yearn to have our mother’s back with us. Here is…

Inspiration

Why I Love ‘This is Us’

In case you don’t know, ‘This Is Us’ is a new television show on NBC. Yes, I am writing about a TV show. But actually, I am not really writing about a television show. I am writing about what I…

Inspiration

My Life as a Playlist

How often do you hear a song on the radio and you are immediately taken back to some place 5, 10 or even 40 years ago? I remember feeling extra nostalgic a year or so ago – thinking and thinking…

Inspiration

Election Drama. Now What?

Both before and after the election people approached me and said, “Wow, lots of material for your blog.” But I didn’t write. I couldn’t write about the election. I didn’t feel I wanted to take any type of political stand,…