Cancer To-Do List
For Cancer Patients and Caregivers
Whether you're facing cancer yourself or supporting someone you love, you've come to the right place.
Welcome
CANCER WASN’T ON MY TO-DO LIST
Hello! My name is Julie Herbst.
In 2017, our family's world was turned upside down when we faced cancer for the first time. Two years later, cancer entered our lives again—this time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
As a busy, working mom, I already had a long to-do list to tackle each day. Overnight, cancer moved to the top of that list.
Over time, I created the Cancer To-Do List from everything I learned first as a cancer caregiver and then as a patient. I'm sharing what I've learned in hopes of helping you feel more informed, organized, and supported—and making your cancer journey a little easier.
I am incredibly grateful that God has allowed both of us to experience healing here on earth. We are approaching eight and ten years cancer-free, and I give Him all the glory. My desire now is to use what I've learned—and the life He has given me—to help others and ultimately point them to Him.
About The To-Do List
FAITH: The Foundation
The Cancer To-Do List contains five categories that together spell FAITH. And that is where I hope you’ll begin your cancer journey—with faith in our sovereign God.
There are many things we can do to care for our bodies, seek wise medical care, ask questions, research our options, and make informed decisions. That's what this website is here to help you do. But our peace doesn't come from doing everything perfectly or controlling the outcome. Our peace comes from knowing that God is sovereign and trusting His will above our own.
Jesus modeled this kind of surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing the cross, He prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39).
Of course we pray for healing. We pursue health. We make the best decisions we can. But ultimately, we place the outcome in God's hands and pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
That's the kind of faith that finally brought me peace.
Now, About That To-Do List...
A cancer diagnosis can leave you wondering, “What do I do now?”
Each category addresses a different part of navigating cancer—from making informed decisions and staying organized to caring for your body, mind, and spirit. You don't have to tackle everything at once. Explore all five categories, or simply begin with what you need most right now.
When you're ready, let's begin with F—Flourish.
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Assemble teams of individuals, both professional and personal, that you can rely on throughout your cancer journey. I’ve defined three specific teams: medical, support, and prayer.
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Work with your medical team to investigate your health status through testing and understand some of the tests that you’ll experience.
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Learn how to navigate your treatment plan—from preparing for treatment and researching your options to meeting with doctors, seeking second opinions, and making informed decisions.
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Keep your medical history at your fingertips by organizing appointments, records, tests, labs, and your cancer timeline.
My Faith Journey
In 2015, a nagging emptiness in my soul led me to a fervent prayer: “Lord, I want to experience you in all your fullness.” That cry of my heart was the beginning of a perilous, unexpected journey God would use to totally transform my faith and my relationship with Him.
Coach with Julie
Julie offers physical and spiritual wellness coaching. Whether you're looking to build healthier habits, determine your next steps, or strengthen your faith, Julie will meet you where you are and help you move forward.
Coaching: $75/hour
Contact Julie today.
