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• February 26, 2013 8:35 a.m.

  I am in complete remission with multiple myeloma which was diagnosed in 2009. However, I must stay on maintenance treatment for the rest of my life--once a month, including Velcade. So, my activity revolves around that. When I got frustrated and depressed a year ago, a friend asked me if I had any projects at home. That turned me around. I got up off the couch and haven't stopped since. I have found two groups to attend at my church: Quilters and a discussion group. They understand why I can't attend every time. Nice to meet new people and add something on the calendar. I have also lost 33 necessary pounds through Weight Watchers which is another fun group! So, I continue looking for new avenues of activity. I feel better, too.

  - Marcia

• February 13, 2013 2:34 p.m.

  Helen, do you know of a blog for tripple negative breast cancer? I am 2 yrs, 4 months from diagnosis. I would like more information on additional treatment and survivorship.

  - Irene

• February 8, 2013 3:59 a.m.

  I was diagnosed with CA ovarian in 2005.today, after almost 8years I am a new person.not long after I was diagnosed,I decided to do things that I have always wanted to do but never found the time to do, since I was confined to my home because of chemo.Before Iwas married,I was very fond of knitting,something I had to five up because of the demands of my married and family life with three children.I relaxes me and gives me satisfaction when I look at things that I make.Until now my religious knowledge had been basic,praying5 times a day, fasting,reading the Quran whenever possible and doing whatever possible in the form of charity.I always wanted to study my religion in detail and find out the beauty in it specially in these times when Islam was being wrongly presented to the world, only because of a handful of people.Hence , I turned towards Sufism and Spirituality which introduced me to a totally different aspect of my religion which was concerned with humans and humanity in general.I learned how to connect directly with my Creator and pray to him selflessly, just for His love and not to ask His for my worldly wishes.I discovered my inner self which also had a very positive effect of my relationships as I started understanding people better, specially those who mattered in my life. This is how I tried to get hold of the changed situation in my life after the diagnoses.

  - Neelofar

• February 7, 2013 8:55 p.m.

  I am about to begin a new adventure. Next week I will be entering the last phase of my cancer treatment. I will be staying for 6 weeks at the Hope Lodge-R for radiation. Although I am somewhat anxious I know this will presenet many new experiences and opportunities. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity to meet many interesting people and participate in some of the many activites that are offered at the Lodge and Mayo Clinic. Hopefully when I return home I will be entering the "new normal" and I know I will be evern better appreciate family friends and the many opportunites around me.

  - Angela

• February 7, 2013 6:41 p.m.

  Hi everyone...I am having a months xeloda vacation to give my body a rest. What a difference in energy. However, getting to the subject. with the flu running at an all time high in our community we are limited to social gatherings. so we have gotten out jigsaw puzzles and have one going all the time on the dining table. Takes a lot of concentration and promotes conversation. It is so cold ere with snow and ice we cannot go out walking which will be my next plan. Most of all I will be glad to get out in my garden.Have a agod time exploring new avenues as possible and keep up the good fight.

  - Anna

• February 7, 2013 6:10 p.m.

  I'm not living with cancer, although a friend of mine is, so I hope it's OK to post a comment here. For some time now, I've been debating whether to teach fiction writing again through our local community college. I've been putting it off because I'm shy and it takes a lot out of me. But when I read the comments, two of them were from people doing some form of creative writing course, and that's encouraged me to put aside my fears. Who knows? Someone I teach might have cancer, and taking my little course just might help them in some way.

  - Danielle

• February 7, 2013 4:14 p.m.

  Thank you for your ongoing ideas for cancer survivers. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist-Neuropsychologist I treat many cancer patients. Your information helps me help them. Thanks, again!

  - Lee

• February 7, 2013 3:53 p.m.

  I've been living with active breast cancer with mets to lungs and bone for the past nine years. Treatments include various hormone therapies. Last year I took a memoire writing class and this year I'm taking a short-story fiction writing class. Great for the mind and a nice way to pass a snowy winter.

  - Diane

• February 7, 2013 1:28 p.m.

  I had an Astrocytoma discovered in my left front of my brain and it was removed in May 2002 when I was 52 years old. Every six months since then I have had a MRI with the liquid injection to see if all remains OK. I have been very fortunate and all has been OK since the operation. After the surgery I went through a complete radiation and chemo treatment because other than the cancer I was very healthy. I remain healthy. I am curious if one can identify the survival rate for my kind of cancer, an Astrocytoma? Also, if I have gone 11 years with no problems, could a brain cancer reappear? Thank you.

  - Bruce

• February 7, 2013 12:19 p.m.

  I recently moved to the Oregon coast so it's a new environment exploring the beaches. I just started mosaic classes and at last I have found something I love doing. Life is great! 21 months post treatment with nasopharyngeal cancer. Judi, I recommend the cancer websites where there are forums with those that had same cancer as yourself. It's great talking to other survivors who share the similar experiences. Best to you!

  - Fran

• February 7, 2013 11:22 a.m.

  It's been 3 years, but now am out of my comfort zone. By habit now I eat right and do 180 minutes per week of aerobics. So that frees me up to think about other things and now I am engaged in bridge, poetry, singi g and doing more social outings. It may come back, but it is out of my control. For now, stage three, grade three, triple negative breast cancer, you're history.

  - Helen

• February 6, 2013 6:11 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with Choroidal Melanoma in May 2012 and had radiation seed implant for 7 days to treat the medium size tumor. First Pet Scan was clear of cancer in body and also clear in second one again in October. I was told it had shrunk 1/4 size in 3 months and was a 2 year process to shrink. Have had three injections in eye. Just interested in anyone having same diagnois and their progress.

  - Judi