Cancer

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

• Housecall
• Alzheimer's caregiving
• Living with cancer

• April 20, 2012 8:27 p.m.

  I am a two month cancer survivor. I am 85 and have been blessed with a wonderful Surgeon and Oncologist. Also, prayers and good wishes from hundreds of friends and of course my family. I am scheduled for a CT scan next month. I pray God's blessing on all you survivors!

  - Geri

• November 18, 2011 8:54 a.m.

  While going through chemotherapy, you use all your strength and faith to survive. After treatment, a survivor must make a decision to go forward and embrace a newness of hope. Choose a new direction in your life, and find what you need to stay focus and happy.

  - Barbara

• September 2, 2011 9:11 p.m.

  What keeps me going? My faith,my family, my friends and the positive postings i read. I was diagnosed in Dec, 2010 of limited small cell lung cancer. My primary Dr. ordered a chest xray after he diagnosed me with walking pneumonia. The chest xray showed a mass in my right lung. After several visits to a lung specialist and many tests, i was diagnosed with cancer. I had 6 weeks of radiation and 4 cycles of chemo treatments. Before i ended my treatments at the end of Feb,2011, my pet scans were coming back showing the tumor was completely gone and the 1 lymph node that was affected was also clear of cancer. I repeat my scans every 3 months. Each time i wait for my results is hell. I feel very blessed but at the same time i have struggled with anger,confusion,fear,depression, chemo brain,some short term memory issues, and whay ever else you want to toss in the dog pile of issues. I try and stay positive on my future with my faith in God,my faith with my Dr's and my determination that i am going to win! I don't try and hide my fears from anyone, I believe if you have a great day, celebrate. If you feel yourself sliding to the fear side, talk about it with anyone you feel comfortable with. Cancer....what does that word mean to me? It means i have something i will fear for the rest of my life. My family lives in fear of losing me. It can be hell! What we do with ourselves is up to us. I honestly believe in my heart i will be around for a long time.

  - Linda

• August 11, 2011 9:19 a.m.

  My faith, my church family, my family with prayers and words of encouragement. My oncologist talked to me about what she expected from me in regard to my attitude, excercise, food. She established us as a team and we have built a great relationship and I have confidence in her.

  - Donna

• August 11, 2011 12:04 a.m.

  Cancer makes one vulnerable and one discovers that this is not just a bad state but one that brings us closer to others especially if they become vulnerable too. Strength and vulnerability, together, form a powerful combination for connection in life.

  - J

• July 28, 2011 1:27 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with NH Lymphoma 7 years ago and have ALWAYS tried to be postitive and trust God for each and every day. I tell everyone that every day is a Gift from God and to bless Him most of all and everyone around you. You are blessed in return. When I went through my 8 weeks of treatment, I blessed all the nurses and other chemo patients with baked goods, fruit, gifts etc. I have always tried to take a bad thing and turn it around to be a blessing to everyone you meet. God has used me tremendously to touch their lives with HOPE, LOVE AND A REASON TO LIVE FOR GOD. I just had a PET scan done and have no tumors or masses and I am having a bone marrow biopsy done next week because my count is the highest it has ever been. I am trusting God for His mercy and favor and I pray that you will be blessed too.

  - Linda

• June 16, 2011 12:07 p.m.

  A renewed relationship with God, and support from family and friends helped me greatly. But, one of the biggest sources of joy and comfort were my dogs.

  - Mary

• June 15, 2011 6:07 p.m.

  After three surgeries, chemo, radiation, and now coming to terms with the long term side effects, I am counting my blessings for the word "long term." The memory loss is the most difficult for me, as a professional and a professor. What gives me strength? Acknowledgement and peace that all is well in my relationships with family and friends, and that nothing else really matters. A ticking time bomb? We all are. One of us could get run over tomorrow. Every day is precious. Some sayings that have become an intrical part of my life have helped, and I hope they help some of you: Seize the day! Carpe Diem! Daylight's burning! Saddle your own horse! Similar themes of living life, NOW. The last one represents being your own advocate, and taking care of yourself as best you can. And finally, you guessed it, I have been literally saddling my own horses and riding again on my dream trail. I am happy to report I am the only female packer (and three horses and my husband/cook) making my way from Klamath Falls to Mexico on the Pacific Crest Trail. It may take me 15 more years, but who cares? I plan to be older anyway, and I am going to enjoy the ride! All of it! Hang in there everyone!!

  - Cindy

• June 9, 2011 6:43 a.m.

  I'm living with meningioma and have mobility in my right arm only but I've started a family newsletter because my folks are scattered across the globe & in my time of need I really missed them. I've realised that this 'project' helps to challenge me a bit, while still being able to exercise my creative abilities by writing articles, poems & completing graphics etc for each issue. I am 'differently abled' but I too can still be involved.

  - Aisha

• June 1, 2011 8:11 a.m.

  After surgery for gastric cancer (when my surgeon assured me I was free of cancer and did not need any oncology) I am now recovering from surgery for metastatic ovarian cancer. Once again there was no evidence of spread but I have to have regular CT scans to monitor any outbreak. I feel I am living with a ticking time bomb and struggling to regain my positivity and faith. I have recently come across your blog and it is heartening to see that many of the participants have experienced similar emotions to what I am going through now. I am encouragd by the positive comments and advice to persevere and to live in the now. With regard to PET scans, the oncology panel at the hospital where I had my latest surgery felt that a PET scan would not alter their management of the disease or the prognosis so decided against it. I live outside Cape Town in South Africa - although our medical practitioners and facilities are, I believe, world-class, we do not have the range of choice that you have in the USA. Thank you for the support and comfort I have found in reading your posts

  - Binky

• May 12, 2011 10:38 p.m.

  I find your article interesting and full of ideas. If you want to read another related article. You can find this article helpful http://meanerthanchemo.bizbuzzweekly.com/2011/05/10/the-gi-jane-story-one-woman’s-journey-through-a-lumpectomy-and-a-craniotomy Thank You in Advance!

  - Carl

• March 4, 2011 3:42 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in Nov 2009 and then had surgery I then had7 months chemo in 2010. During time of chemo became really ill and was hospitalised. I am now in remission and feel it was my faith and the support of family and friends that carried me through. I know I should be grateful that I have reached this stage but even though I try to keep busy I have had great feelings of depression and isolation. I was given so much support whilst going through treatment but now feel I am left to pick up the pieces of my life alone. I feel guilty feeling like this but realise it is probably a natural process because now know my life has changed forever. I must just give myself time.

  - Pauline

• March 3, 2011 1:06 p.m.

  I am a multiple-myeloma cancer survivor. Diagnosed in '09, I celebrated my 64th birthday this week because of my faith, good doctors, new medicines, and my friends and family who helped me through an auto-stem cell transplant, a brief remission, relapse, and now a second remission.. Most of us do not want to say that there is a lot of anger and disappointment and "Why me?" feelings that go with relapse. We want to be strong for you, our families and friends. I learned it was OK to be negative and to get those feelings out. I did when I hit "rock bottom" a few weeks ago as I was exhausted from side effects. Fortunately, my counselor and I worked with my feelings, and I renewed my life's purpose. Also, new protocols for MM survivors allow for a break from treatment followed by maintenance treatment with lowered chemo doses. I decided to set a record for myself: a 6 months remission! Returning to reasonable health and strength has helped my morale immensely. I got my positive outlook back and feel stronger. Also, I celebrated LIFE with my girlfriends like a little kid on my birthday...complete with balloons and singing. It FELT sooo good to have those feelings. I video Skyped with my granddaughters which renewed my hope and my "inner child." Further, prayer changes me. I know there is no cure, but by the grace of God, I have been given more days to enjoy, and I am going to live them as best as I can. Be blessed! Psalm 23

  - Marcia

• February 27, 2011 4:10 p.m.

  I am a uterine leiomyosarcoma survivor. I was diagnosed in August, 2010 and have had 2 pelvic surgeries since Sept. to remove localized tumors. My strength comes first from my Lord Jesus Christ and next from my family and Christian brothers and sisters. As a teacher I am blessed to have Christian students who love me and pray for me. I am also a diabetic and a heart attack survivor. Nothing about walking through the cancer experience is easy. However, I have been blessed at every bend in the road.

  - LOUISE

• November 29, 2010 11:15 p.m.

  Exercise is the answer for me. Everytime I go to the Health Club, I come away feeling stronger and it is my own way of fighting back now that I am done with treatment. I also make my diet a priority and have found it rewarding to shop at our local Good Earth Market where I can purchase organically grown fruits, vegetables and meat. A good cardio workout along with lifting weights provides me with the serotonin my body lacks now that I am taking an aromatase inhibitor for the next five years. By strengthening my body, I am also strengthening my mind and my spirit. I sing in three singing groups every week, spend more time visiting with family and friends, attend church regularly, and laugh whenever I can. Staying positive and being thankful for every day that I wake up feeling good is a good day! After fighting breast cancer, I want to move forward with my thoughts and my actions. It is so important to appreciate renewed health and not waste it.

  - Joan

• November 7, 2010 9:37 p.m.

  Hi, Im a 27 years old female and i am a 13 year survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. To be honest im suffering from alot of late effects, I feel like i am alone, i have lost everyone and everything at this point all due to my health. i wish i could be as positive as the rest of you. god bless you all

  - Ashley

• November 7, 2010 1:02 a.m.

  What gives me strength as a cancer survivor: my will to live, Because for me, life is beautiful - I want to live longer. Because, I believe that GOD has not forsaken me. HE provided me with excellent and supportive medical team who helped me go through the treatment period. I believe in GOD and that's what keep me going!

  - Rose

• October 7, 2010 1:36 p.m.

  Cancer ruins lives, causes agony and emotional pain

  - Eileen

• August 26, 2010 12:30 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 9-02-08. I did 6weeks radiation and 6weeks chemotherapy. Then 1-14-09 I had to have a full colostomy. Not to be reversed. Then March 2009 I had 6month of chemotherapy. Then 1-25-10 Ihad a liver resection and gallbladder removed. Then in 2-2009 I had 4months of chemotherapy. I'm in stage 4 cancer. I went in June 2009 and had a PET scan and a CAT scan and at this time the surgeon and oncologist can't find anymore cancer. November 2010 I go to get another PET scan and CAT scan to see if there is any tumors or anything.

  - Jodi

• August 19, 2010 2:05 p.m.

  I am a survivor of 3 yrs. I was very positive in my thinking. My support group was amazing and I had a wonderful Dachschund that kept me going out in the middle of winter for walks. He was with me until he felt okay Mom's alright I must leave now and go to heaven which he did. He was very loyal and he new my condition and held on. I also had a lot of faith in my Doctors and personal caregivers. I now am undergoing another Mastectomy shortly but I will stand tall and I have another dog to see me through plus my attitude.

  - Mary

• July 12, 2010 2:30 a.m.

  My story is about hope and a little bit about anger. I had my colonstomy 3 yrs. ago (Please print this I want other to know my TRUE STORY), Anyhow 3 1/2 yr. I started fainting, and I was sent to a doctor who checked out my arteriies in my throat, and checked out my heart still fainting. I had all kinds of blood tests, so I thought. Well finally I was hurting real bad and my colonstomy just three years back checked out great and even doctors who did the test reviewed it and found nothing. But the new colonstomy I took showed on my upper colon bubble looking tumors...no polyps as eveyone thinks you have when the have colon cancer. I was in state4 with cancer already on my liver and one foot of my colon was cut out. I was rushed around that hosptial. So, I have found that what I read about the 10 years to develop a colon cancer is just not true, not true at all. I think it was an estimate. And some articles mentioned 15 yrs???I feel some type of cancer test should be done ever 2 1/2 yrs. even if it something like a pet scan.And about the low blood test, why hadn't that been do The medicine that work for me is avastin. My doctor has high hopes I will beat the cancer, but I just don;t know reading that the survival rate for state 4 cancer in 5 yrs. is 8-15% Please Please do more research. Things just aren't right with the process of identify colon cancer now and the amount of time between any testing has got to be terribely wrong.Please check out EVERY blood count.

  - Sally

• July 3, 2010 9:00 a.m.

  I am a two time cancer survivor. I had breast cancer 8 years ago and 4 years ago I had colon cancer. They were not related to each other. Both times I had chemotherapy and also radiation with the breast cancer. Both cancers were caught in early stages. I do my check ups faithfully and my doctor and I declare I will not have cancer again. (with fingers crossed and prayer on my lips) You talk about guilt. I have not really thought about that, but I guess in a way I do wonder why did I survive two cancers while others do not survive one? I do not like the word remission. I prefer the word cured. I went into early retirement but have now gone back to work at a different job. I will soon be 66 years old. I do not dwell on my cancer, nor do I let it define me. I am reminded from time to time what I have gone through because of others dying, my check ups, and thing like the cancer rallies which I do not participate in. People have asked me to participate and tell my story. Maybe it is too painful to do so. I also don't like to talk about it because I have this fear that if I say I am cured the cancer will return. You hear about that. People will announce a big anniversary for their cure and then the cancer comes back. My family is great! I do have a strong faith which carried me through it all. Friends are great too. I just want to live and want to get the most out of my life, helping others and loving my family.

  - Maxine

• May 28, 2010 2:10 p.m.

  Having worked in a pediatric hospital in the 70's, I found cancer patients & their families never complained of what life dealt them. They had great strength with treatment & courage with death. They have always been my inspiration. In 2010, in addition to what I learned from the kids & their families, having a great husband, family & friends isn't too shabby!! Equally important to me has been my radiation oncologist, nurse & radiation therapists & radiation receptionist who treated me like a friend - always had a smile, had a great sense of humor (they had too - I was their patient) and were always positive!! I only surround myself with positive people. I've never taken life seriously & don't intend to start now! My karma was to be diagnosed when I was and to know caring people. I also have the greatest dogs. I will never allow cancer to dictate my life. Being buddhist has also been a factor on how I face life.

  - dell

• May 22, 2010 3:34 p.m.

  Knowing that I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and that He is in total control of my life I asked just one question when I was diagnosed, "Show me how you can use me, Lord through this that I may glorify you!"

  - Karen

• May 5, 2010 7:30 p.m.

  What gives me strength? I SURVIVED with the help of my doctors, wife and family, friends and most importantly by keeping my faith in GOD and loving and valuing every minute of life. I say to myself that I can still look upon the wonder of humanity, see the children - our future, the miracles of nature, birds, rivers and oceans, trees and flowers, clouds, the sun, stars - it all makes me feel better as every day awakens with sunrise and closes with sunset. I am here to see it, to hear it, to touch it and to smell it, and I can no longer get too much of it and I LOVE IT!

  - Bill