What Using AI for My Mom’s Cancer Taught Me

The most profound way I used AI in 2025 came during one of the harder stretches my family has faced: My mother’s cancer came back. In the past, navigating this diagnosis meant late‑night Googling, scattered notes, and a nagging sense that I did not fully understand the medical language in front of us. Second opinions introduced different treatment options, sequences, and philosophies of care—and a new kind of uncertainty.

Every decision had a life-or-death aspect to it, and most came with trade-offs that had no clear answer. You’re not just picking a treatment. You’re betting.

Betting that the side effects will be worth it. That one option is better than another. That you’re not trading her good days for a few more bad ones.

This time was different. As the diagnosis unfolded, I built a cus