A Lump in the Road – A Column by Nancy Brier

Nancy Brier recently relocated to Palm Desert, California with her husband and their 12-year-old daughter. She coaches entrepreneurs and writes about family, cancer, travel, and business. Her own personal experiences with triple negative breast cancer inspires her column at Breast Cancer News, which explores and highlights the fears, issues, and challenges associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.

For more of Nancy’s work, please visit www.NancyBrier.com

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017

Finding the Right Time, Words to Tell About The Drumbeat in Her Head

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

“We have to tell Lauren,” my husband Gary said. “One more day,” I replied, “Let’s just wait one more day.” Gary wrapped me in a hug, and told me we’d ... Read more

March 13, 2017March 13, 2017

A Harp, ‘Moon River’ and Me

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

I tend to live in my head, to lean into my intellect. “What does that mean?” my husband asked when I described it. So I rephrased it and told him, ... Read more

March 6, 2017March 6, 2017

Starting with Surprise Upgrade, Blessings for Breast Cancer Checkup

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

When I turned 27, I bought my first car. When I turned 49, I experienced my first cancer diagnosis. (And I hope, my last). The car I bought was a ... Read more

February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

Life’s Delicate Balancing Act

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

“Watch, Mom,” Lauren quipped when we wandered through a tent at the fair. She hopped on a crazy contraption, a simple machine designed to test balance. Beneath her tennis shoes, ... Read more

February 20, 2017February 21, 2017

Who Took My Shoes?

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

A doctor came into my room with a needle in his hand. “This is going to hurt,” he said. He did little to hide the sadness he felt about the ... Read more

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017

Offers of Help, Prayers Need to be Sincere and Specific

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

“Let me know what I can do to help.” My husband heard that a lot. “Praying.” He heard that, too. And even though he was never one for church, I ... Read more

February 6, 2017February 6, 2017

Every Season of Life is a Real Gem

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

Diamond-studded. Shiny. Oversized. Perfect for what I have in mind. It’s not a tennis bracelet or a jaw-dropping necklace. It’s a cement saw. Those shiny blades drip with diamonds so ... Read more

January 30, 2017January 30, 2017

7 Tips for Getting Through A Cancer Diagnosis

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is a surreal experience. Here are my top tips for getting through it. Feel it When it happened to me, I felt an onslaught of disbelief, shock, ... Read more

January 23, 2017January 23, 2017

A Lasting Moment in the Radiation Waiting Room

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

Three of us sat in the windowless room, clad in thin hospital robes, waiting for our turn to be radiated. Young One was a beauty, her face aglow with vibrancy ... Read more

January 16, 2017January 16, 2017

They’re Tinkering With Healthcare Insurance Again

A Lump in the Road - A Column by Nancy Brier, Columns

“I know a place where you can get cheap chemo.” “What?!” I asked. My breast was being crushed by a cold, flat panel, my arm awkwardly flailed against the side ... Read more