Donna Burrowes, PLLC

12/03/2025

What a difference a year can make! One year ago, after much time and effort trying to do it myself, I decided to work with a professional in rebranding my practice, website, and. photos. I am so grateful for for helping me with this.

I really wanted to share an update with things I am thankful for last month. On November 24 I finished 15 rounds of radiation and “rang the bell” again, but the side of effects kind of crept up on me. In addition, 2 of my son’s senior classmates lost mothers to cancer in the past month (4 have lost a parent to cancer in the past year). This time of year also marks loss of several beloved to this awful disease. Saying my anxiety rose doesn’t really capture the terror I have felt. Many people have commented “but you’re cancer free, right?” I want to clarify, that phrase is not really used anymore and since the PET scan in March didn’t detect the spread to my lymph node (hence, the need for radiation after 16 rounds of chemo and full mastectomy), I can’t even say that there is “No Evidence of Disease” Frankly, I don’t think anyone who has gone through this ever feels free from its grip.

BUT, I had my oncology follow up today and when we asked about Minimal Residual Evidence testing, the doctor agreed and with tears of relief in my eyes, I eagerly whipped my arm out to give the 4 vials of blood to send off for it. I still have a long way to go. Next week I start shots to “shut off the ovaries.” Then 6 months of chemo pills, followed by more meds for the next decade.

I do have much to be thankful for, but I only have energy to reflect on the most fundamental. To celebrate each day I wake up and be present to appreciate what is in front of me.

10/15/2025

Update!

3 weeks post-op AND my very first Vlog

08/25/2025

I delayed sharing on my social media pages because I had still been working (though significantly less) over these past 5 months during treatment, but come mid September I will be taking a break for several months to recovery from surgery.

In February I was diagnosed with breast cancer and due to its aggressiveness, I started chemotherapy in March prior to having it removed. August 15 marked my 16th and final round and although I got the “ring the bell,” I am really just moving to the next phase of treatment.

There have, and will continue to be, significant emotional ups and downs, but I am trying my best to use the pain to strengthen my love and compassion to ALL, not just those that are pleasing.

This article was really what I needed.

Compassion is the art of holding pain and love in your heart at once. It's not about grand gestures; it's about what's needed in the moment. True compassion requires courage—letting your heart break open to the world's sorrow and beauty, and responding with fierce kindness.

04/23/2025

Good information regarding the medical data collection.

To clarify, I do not participate in data sharing. No reports or records are ever released without consent/signed released of information; however, I get a lot of signed releases from MS office of Disability for reports.

I am pretty sure these will be part of this data collection. You would need to discuss it with the office of disability.

🧠 Autism, Medical Data & RFK Jr.'s New Study — What You Need to KnowIn this video, I speak directly to our autistic community about the new national autism ...

04/17/2025

Ok I am curious about what others think about this?

Personally. I cringed because I felt like making it a mission to find “the cause” and framing it as an epidemic sounded extremely negative. I absolutely love each autistic person I’ve met and see the beautiful gifts. But I wonder what you all think?

Do you find it offensive?

02/24/2025

https://donnaburrowespllc.com/executive-orders-navigating-emotions-changes-and-uncertainty/

With the rapid fire of executive orders and changes in policy, programs, and personnel happening in our country, most, if not all of us, have been impacted in some way. Personally, I have friends and family who work for the federal government and received emails stating they must justify their work....

02/24/2025

I have heard the concerns and emotions from many about the executive order madness and program/policy changes. The email to federal employees to send 5 bullets to justify their job has personally impacted my life, and the termination of DEI and proposed removal of Department of Education have many professional impacts.

To better support you through this, I plan to publish a series of blogs on my website.

The first will be on managing emotions and reactions to these and I hope to get posted tomorrow so BOLO. I am also adding extra availability in my schedule with evening hours for this distressed and want to work through these.

We will get through this!

01/04/2025

It’s Friday, and a New Year.!

I am excited to share my new website! This process has been one of much learning, reflection, understanding and growth for me.
Feedback is welcome.

THANK YOU for building this & for my logo, branding, and photos.
I am so grateful!

https://donnaburrowespllc.com/

12/30/2024

Merry Mental Monday!

For the new year, I will be focusing on emotional regulation strategies.

The first step is to recognize it for what it is, without judgement. Headspace Andy refers to this as “gently noting.” Dr. Daniel Seigel says “Name it to tame it.”
When I am discussing this process with clients, I frequently say “Hold it gently.”

So I decided to develop my own slogan for processing emotions with self compassion.

Which one do you like better? Drop a comment with your vote!

12/17/2024

Merry Mental Monday Week 3:

While the holiday season can bring moments of joy, for some, it can bring a dose of extra anxiety, especially for those who already experience trauma anxiety on a daily basis.

It is important to understand the signs and how you can best support those you care about.

12/09/2024

Merry Mental Monday week 2 Tips:
How to deal with people