The Empowerment Exchange
Championing equity through shared knowledge and advocacy
What People Don’t See: The Daily Realities of Life After a Whipple Procedure
Life after a Whipple procedure isn’t the triumphant finish line people imagine. From the outside, I might look healed—walking into a café, sharing a meal, smiling through a conversation—but what people can’t see are the hidden calculations, the pain that flares without warning, and the work it takes just to digest a simple plate of…
The Unspoken Option: Why Are Cool Caps Still a Secret in U.S. Cancer Care?
Scalp cooling, also known as “cool caps,” is a proven method that can help chemotherapy patients reduce hair loss and preserve dignity during treatment. Yet in the U.S., this option remains largely unspoken, rarely offered, inconsistently covered, and often discovered only after treatment begins. Dr. Yvette Colón explores the science, the barriers, and why every…
My Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Story: Finding Strength When Doctors Lose Hope
When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I knew the science the prognosis, the treatment options, the odds. What I didn’t know was how it would feel to be met with silence instead of compassion. In this story, I share what it’s like to face a devastating diagnosis as both a clinician and a patient…
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis: Key Terms Explained
When I was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the appointments came fast like a conveyor belt I couldn’t step off. Between scans, bloodwork, and learning an entirely new language of medical terms, it felt impossible to keep up. In this post, I’m breaking down those confusing terms like Whipple, FOLFIRINOX, and CA 19-9 into plain…
Why Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Pancreatic cancer is often called a silent killer, with vague symptoms and one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers. Every November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on this overlooked disease, pushing for research, equity in care, and earlier detection while honoring patients, survivors, and families.
What I Shared at the Toastmasters Meeting
Dr. Yvette Colón challenges the “hero survivor” myth in her Toastmasters speech, sharing a more honest, inclusive view of cancer survivorship.
Writing About Trauma: How I Found the Courage to Tell My Story
Memoir writing forced me to relive painful moments, but it also gave me a voice. This post explores what it really takes to write about medical trauma as a survivor.
5 Things I Learned After My Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
A candid look at the emotional and practical lessons I had to learn quickly after hearing the words no one ever expects: “You have pancreatic cancer.”
Why Health Equity Is More Than Just a Buzzword
Dr. Yvette Colón explains what health equity is, how it differs from health disparities, and why systemic racism in healthcare demands urgent change.
What It’s Like to Navigate Cancer Care as a BIPOC Woman
Being a BIPOC patient shaped how I was treated, heard, and supported. This post explores the intersection of identity and care in the cancer system.
