Thriving Through “Little Things” — A Patient's Voice
Updated: 49 minutes ago
By Kathy Zarchin (Skin Cancer Patient & Summit Speaker)
On October 30, 2026, Kathy Zarchin, retired hospice and oncology nurse, cancer survivor, and inspiration for the launch of the Skin Cancer Champions platform and community shared her cancer journey with over one hundred attendees at the Skin Cancer Champions Inaugural Patient Advocacy Summit.
The summit was hosted by Emily Ruiz, MD, MPH, Division Chief Surgical Dermatology, MGB Dermatology, Wendy and Howard Cox Distinguished Chair, Department of Dermatology, MGB and Associate Professor of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, and founder of Skin Cancer Champions. The 2026 summit was the first in‑person event, bringing together patients, care partners, medical experts, industry leaders, and advocates to share experiences, learn about treatment advances, and discuss how patient perspectives can shape research, care, and drug development. The following is taken directly from Kathy’s speech.
In Kathy’s Words
Good morning and thank you to Dr. Ruiz and Skin Cancer Champions for hosting this Summit. My name is Kathy Zarchin. In June 2019, I was diagnosed with Marginal Zone Lymphoma. Then, just a few months later—in September 2019—I was also diagnosed with Basal and Squamous Cell Cancer. Here is my story and what I learned.
When You’re Diagnosed, Everything Becomes About Making Decisions
When we are diagnosed with cancer, we all face a flood of choices:
What treatment plan will we choose?
How will we approach this treatment?
How will cancer affect our family?
From day one, I knew what I wanted.
My Purpose: Be Present (Not Just Alive)
A few years before my diagnosis, I lost my husband to Multiple Myeloma. I have nine blessed grandchildren. My goal was to be a presence in their lives. I am! My personal goal is to watch my oldest grandson, Andrew, graduate from high school in May and I will be there.
Thrive vs. Survive
I decided that, as much as possible, I wanted to thrive through treatment—not just survive. Because to survive is often only existing on a cancer journey.
But to thrive means:
staying mentally engaged
trying to remain as energetic as you can
staying open to making a difference along the way
sharing your experience so others don’t feel alone
I had these goals. I believed I could do it. And then—life happened.
The “Little Things” That Changed My Days
I learned that the “little things” are often the hardest things. They interrupt your routine. They slow you down. They take your energy at the exact moment you need it most. Here are a few that patients may recognize:
Doing Appointments Alone During COVID
During COVID, we went to doctor’s appointments alone—then followed by chemo and radiation alone, too. We never had family by our side because it wasn’t allowed. We didn’t always know what questions to ask our physicians or what our medical care team was telling us. No one should go through cancer alone. Yet COVID made that a reality for many of us.
Brain fog and memory lapses
I experienced brain fog—floating in and out—and even moments where I couldn’t remember things the way I normally would. There’s one moment I still think about. During one brain fog episode, my daughter asked me who the President was… Really!!!
Fatigue that kidnaps your body
Fatigue didn’t just make me tired—it sometimes kidnapped my body, especially while managing chemo side effects.
Pain, lymphedema, and the lasting effects
Constant pain and lymphedema from radiation therapy, surgery, and Mohs often stopped me in my tracks.
Scanxiety (the emotional weight before appointments)
Then there’s the emotional effect that many people don’t talk about fear and anxiety enough before scans. It gets into your head and stays there.
How I Kept Regrouping (So I Could Thrive Again)
Ultimately, there were many more “little things” than I can list here.
But I learned something important:
Even when you can’t control everything, you can regroup.
You can celebrate what you did manage—yes, even if it was imperfect.
And you can adjust your plan and your expectations—then keep going.
Finding Support Beyond Medical Care
Coming here today is honestly out of my comfort zone. But Skin Cancer Champions has given me and many others:
education
a group support system
online support
meaningful connections
As patients, I encourage you to reach out around you. Engage in seeking therapies that help. On the good days, be energetic. On hard days, be gentle with yourself.Share your strength with your family. And share your wisdom with newly diagnosed patients.
A Special Thank You
I’d like to thank my Dana-Farber team:
Dr. Ruiz
Dr. Silk
Dr. Jacobson
They are blessings in my life.
Final Message
To everyone facing cancer—please don’t let the “little things” get the best of you.
Readjust and adapt. Cherish every moment. Because it is all a gift. And please—continue to be kind.
Key Takeaways Attendees Learned From Kathy’s Speech
Cancer is more than medical treatment — it affects daily life, emotions, memory, energy, and family dynamics.
Aim to “thrive,” not just “survive.” Staying engaged—mentally, socially, and purposefully—can be as important as the treatment itself.
The “little things” matter — brain fog, fatigue, pain, lymphedema, scan anxiety, and doing appointments alone can reshape the entire journey.
You don’t have to go through it alone — seek support from loved ones, patient communities, and resources that help you ask questions and process fear.
Regroup, adjust, and celebrate progress. Even on hard days, small wins are real wins.
Sharing your story and your wisdom can strengthen newly diagnosed patients and remind others they’re not alone.
Patient support programs help — education, group support, online community, and connections can provide hope and practical help when you need it most.
