by Jessica Mason | Jan 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
Staying active in winter can be challenging for anyone, but especially for people going through cancer treatment. Cold temperatures, joint stiffness, fatigue, and even emotional lows can make movement feel difficult, or not worth the effort. But gentle, consistent activity can help boost energy, reduce stress, and support long-term recovery.
Why Movement Matters During Treatment
You don’t need to do strenuous exercise to see the benefits. Light movement can support circulation, reduce muscle tightness, help regulate mood, and improve sleep. It may also help manage treatment-related side effects like fatigue and joint discomfort.
Gentle Ways to Stay Active Indoors
- Indoor walking: try walking short laps around your home, a hallway, or an indoor mall. Use supportive shoes and set a small goal like 5-10 minutes a few times a day.
- Chair yoga or seated stretches: chair-based movement is a safe option for those with limited strength or mobility. Gentle stretches and breath work can improve flexibility and calm the nervous system.
- Stretching routines: simple morning or evening stretches can reduce stiffness and help with joint discomfort. Focus on slow, steady movements and listen to your body.
- Light resistance or balance exercises: if approved by your care team, consider using light resistance bands or bodyweight exercises. This may support muscle strength and bone health, especially if you’re in treatment that impacts mobility or balance.
Energy Conservation Tips
During treatment, it’s normal to have limited energy. Here are a few tips to stay active without overdoing it:
- Break movement into short sessions throughout the day
- Sit when possible, during daily tasks like folding laundry or prepping food
- Plan activities around your energy peaks, usually in the morning or after a nap
- Rest when needed, without guilt, recovery is still part of the process
If you’re unsure what level of movement is right for you, talk with your provider, oncology rehab specialist, or survivorship team. They can help build a plan that honors your current needs and goals.
When to Be Cautious
Always check with your oncology team before starting a new routine. In some cases, for example, if you have bone metastases, low blood counts, or are at risk of falling, you may need modified or supervised movement plans.
If you experience dizziness, pain, unusual shortness of breath, or chest pain while moving, stop and contact your care team.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Whether you’re stretching by the window, doing chair yoga, or taking a walk through your local indoor mall, movement is a way to stay connected to your body and your healing. And you don’t have to do it perfectly, just doing something, however small, can make a difference.
Our team is here to support your wellness goals every step of the way.
by Jessica Mason | Jan 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to learn about thyroid health overall, including thyroid cancer, making it an ideal time to learn about the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer and the importance of speaking with your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck that helps regulate metabolism, energy, and other important functions. Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid begin to grow uncontrollably. Fortunately, most types of thyroid cancer are highly treatable, especially when found early.
Know the Signs of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, but as it grows, some people may notice changes in their neck or voice. Symptoms can include:
- A lump or nodule that can be felt in the neck
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain or discomfort in the neck or throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your provider, even if you feel otherwise healthy. Many thyroid nodules are benign, but it’s best to have them evaluated by a professional.
Risk Factors
While thyroid cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase your risk:
- Family history of thyroid cancer or genetic conditions such as MEN2 or familial medullary thyroid cancer
- Being assigned female at birth (thyroid cancer is more common in women)
- Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood
- History of thyroid disease or goiter
- Age (most cases occur in people between 30 and 60)
According to the American Cancer Society, about 44,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are expected in the United States in 2024. It is one of the most common cancers in younger adults, especially women under 40.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you have symptoms or a strong family history of thyroid conditions, your provider may recommend:
- A physical exam of the neck
- Thyroid function blood tests
- Imaging tests such as an ultrasound
- A fine needle aspiration biopsy to check for cancer cells
The earlier a thyroid abnormality is identified, the easier it is to determine if further care is needed. Your primary care provider may refer you to an endocrinologist or oncologist depending on your results.
Treatment Options
Thyroid cancer treatment is highly individualized. It may include:
- Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid (thyroidectomy)
- Radioactive iodine to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery
- Hormone therapy to replace thyroid hormones if the thyroid is removed
- External radiation therapy or chemotherapy in rare, more aggressive cases
- Targeted therapies for advanced or recurring thyroid cancers
Most thyroid cancers are found early and have excellent outcomes with the right care. If you or someone you love is diagnosed, you do not have to face it alone. Our oncology team is here to guide you through next steps with clarity and compassion.
Lowcountry Oncology Associates Is Here for You
If you have questions or concerns about thyroid cancer, reach out to your provider or ask for a referral to our care team. Early detection and the right support can make all the difference.
by Jessica Mason | Jan 6, 2026 | Uncategorized
Setting wellness intentions during cancer treatment is a gentle way to approach the new year without pressure or perfection. If you are living with cancer, your goals may look different this year, and that is more than okay. The new year still can bring opportunities to reflect, reset, and choose what feels supportive to your healing.
January does not need to be about big resolutions. Small intentions, acts of self-care, and moments of reflection can create meaning and help you feel grounded as you move through treatment.
Why Intentions Work Better Than Resolutions During Treatment
Traditional resolutions often focus on doing more, pushing harder, or making big changes. But during cancer treatment, your body and mind are already working incredibly hard.
Intentions allow space for:
- Flexibility on days when energy is low
- Celebrating progress instead of focusing on completion
- Gentler self-expectations
- Noticing what your body needs in each moment
Intentions meet you where you are. They support healing without adding pressure.
Ideas for Gentle Wellness Intentions This Year
- Listen to your body before making plans
Some days may feel strong and active, while others may require rest. Let your energy guide your schedule. This is not a setback; this is self-awareness.
- Choose one or two daily grounding habits
Simple habits can help create steadiness during treatment. Consider:
- Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning
- Stretching for five minutes
- Journaling a few lines
- Pausing for slow breaths
- Taking a short walk indoors or outdoors
Small actions can make a meaningful difference.
- Give yourself permission to rest
Resting is an intentional act of healing. If you need a nap, a quiet morning, or a slower pace, allow it. Rest is not weakness; rest helps you recover!
- Celebrate small wins
You do not need big milestones to acknowledge progress. Celebrate moments like:
- Getting through a treatment day
- Preparing a meal you tolerated well
- Making it to a walk or appointment
- Asking for help when you needed it
- Choosing kindness toward yourself
These moments deserve recognition, too.
- Connect with people who support your peace
This can include friends, family, caregivers, your oncology team, support groups, or others who understand your journey. Connection can reduce stress and help you feel grounded.
- Focus on what brings you comfort
This may be warm meals, books, blankets, music, prayer, or nature. Lean into what soothes you.
When to Adjust Your Intentions
Some intentions may work well for a week or month, then shift as treatment changes. That is expect, but consider adjusting your intentions if:
- Treatment side-effects increase
- Your schedule or energy changes
- You feel overwhelmed
- You need more rest or support
If you’re not sure where to begin, try pausing for a moment of reflection. These simple prompts can help guide your thoughts and shape your intentions for the weeks ahead to get started:
- Three things that brought me comfort recently
- One thing my body needs more of
- One thing my body needs less of
- An intention I want to set for mornings
- An intention I want to set for my evenings
- One small act of self-kindness I can practice this week
There are no right or wrong answers, just honest and gentle reflections. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s about staying present and giving yourself credit for every step forward.
At Lowcountry Oncology Associates, we know the new year may look different when you are in treatment, but it can still be meaningful. Your journey is personal, and your intentions should reflect what feels possible and supportive for you. Our team is here to walk beside you with compassion, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.
by Jessica Mason | Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
As we close out the year, it’s a good time to reflect on how far cancer care has come, and what’s still ahead. The field of oncology is evolving rapidly, and patients, caregivers, and care teams alike benefit from understanding the progress, the hope it brings, and the directions we’re heading.
Major Advances in Treatment and Research
- More new therapies approved
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved 20 new anticancer therapeutics and two new devices. One device for treating lung cancer and one for cervical cancer screenings, along with expanding the use of 8 previously approved anticancer therapeutics.
- Survival is improving
The number of cancer survivors in the U.S. is projected to reach approximately 18.6 million this year, with an expected rise to more than 22 million by 2035.
- Precision medicine and immunotherapy are expanding
Precision oncology, molecular profiling, and immunotherapy are offering more personalized treatment options, changing how we think about “one-size-fits-all.”
- Technology and data are enhancing care delivery
Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multimodal data are helping create smarter diagnostics and treatment planning.
Why Hope Matters, and What It Means for Patients
Hope isn’t just an emotion; it represents tangible change in care, more treatment options, and better outcomes. For patients and families, this means earlier detection, fewer side-effects, improved quality of life, and greater involvement in decisions. At our community oncology practice, hope translates into our daily work to bring advanced care closer to home and make it personal and meaningful.
Challenges Still to Overcome
While progress is real, there are still important gaps and issues:
- Disparities in care access remain a concern. Certain racial, minority, and medically underserved populations continue to bear a disproportionate burden of cancer.
- Clinical trial enrollment and availability still limit how many patients can access emerging treatments.
- Preventative care and early detection still lag behind in some cancer types and populations, meaning many cancers are still diagnosed late.
- Sustainable research funding and resource allocation will be vital to maintain momentum.
What’s Ahead: What to Watch For
Looking into 2026 and beyond, here are some key areas that may shape cancer care:
- Broader use of liquid biopsies and multi-cancer early detection tests, helping find cancer earlier when treatment is more effective.
- Expansion of personalized vaccines and cellular therapies, moving beyond blood cancers into more solid tumors.
- Greater integration of digital tools, telehealth and remote monitoring, allowing more patient-centric care closer to home.
- Continued emphasis on survivorship and quality of life measures, ensuring patients live well after treatment.
- Local access to advanced care and clinical trials, especially through community practices partnering with academic centers.
How Lowcountry Oncology Associates Supports You
At Lowcountry Oncology Associates, we are committed to offering the latest in cancer care, right here in the Charleston area. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in survivorship, our care team strives to bring progress, hope, and partnership to your journey. We believe in keeping you informed about new treatments, supporting your access to care, and empowering you to take an active role.
Final Thoughts
This past year has been a milestone in many ways for cancer care. For you and your loved ones it means more hope, more possibilities, and more reasons to stay engaged in your care. As we move forward together, let’s embrace progress, stay informed about what’s ahead, and remember that every treatment change, every clinical trial, and every patient story contributes to the bigger picture of better care for all.
by Jessica Mason | Dec 17, 2025 | Uncategorized
Nutrition during cancer treatment plays a vital role in helping you feel your best, especially during the holiday season when meals and gatherings are centered around food. While the holidays can bring joy and comfort, they can also present challenges if you are managing side effects like nausea, fatigue, taste changes, or appetite loss.
Staying nourished through treatment is not about strict diets or perfect meals; it is about making choices that support healing and help you feel good while still enjoying the season.
Why Holiday Eating May Feel Different During Treatment
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy can change how you eat, how food tastes, and how your body digests it. These side effects can lead to:
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Taste of smell changes
- Digestive discomfort or nausea
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Fatigue that makes meal prep harder
The holidays may add social pressure or emotional stress to this mix. Being kind to yourself and making realistic, flexible food choices can help reduce anxiety and improve your well-being.
Tips to Enjoy the Holidays While Supporting Your Health
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
If you are not very hungry or feel full quickly, eat a little bit every 2 to 3 hours. You do not need to wait for a big meal; nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day can be easier to tolerate.
- Choose high-protein, higher-calorie options
Try dishes like mashed potatoes, turkey, casseroles, smoothies, and oatmeal. You can also add olive oil, nut butter, or avocado for extra energy and nutrients.
- Stay hydrated
Even mile dehydration can increase fatigue or worsen nausea. Sip water, herbal teas, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks regularly throughout the day.
- Bring your own dish to gatherings
Consider preparing a soft or familiar dish you know you can tolerate, especially if you are concerned about flavor sensitivity, nausea, or appetite loss.
- Ask for support if eating is difficult
If you’re skipping meals or losing weight, talk to your care team. A registered dietitian can provide meal ideas, oral supplements, and side effect-specific strategies.
When to Call Your Provider
Let your provider know if you experience:
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing or painful mouth sores
- Unintentional weight loss
- Trouble staying hydrated
- Loss of appetite for more than a few days
Nutrition is essential to your strength and recovery. Do not wait to ask for help.
At Lowcountry Oncology Associates, we support every part of your treatment, including your nutrition. The holidays may look different this year, and that is okay. Whether you need help managing symptoms, finding foods you can tolerate, or simply need encouragement, we are here for you.
