Cancer Support

For one day every June, more than 10,000 Western New Yorkers make their way to the University at Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute for The Ride For Roswell. Tom Cunningham and his family, friends and co-workers started riding in 2011 after Tom’s wife, Cheryl, was diagnosed with brain cancer.

I have been battling cancer successfully for 11 years. Looking back at my first diagnosis — stage 2 breast cancer, at age 42 — I downplay it now, because what happened next was so tragic.

As a 25-year cancer survivor, a “veteran” if you will, there is a natural tendency for newly diagnosed cancer patients to gravitate toward me. After all, I’ve “been there done that.”

Essential oils can perk up your mood, help you de-stress and improve your emotional well-being. The best way to enjoy the scents of your favorite oils is with a diffuser. But why buy one when you can easily make one yourself?

Men are often reluctant to share their feelings. When trouble strikes, they tend to bottle it up, keep a stiff upper lip and carry on. This is especially true for young men facing cancer.

Regardless of how or when you choose to share your experience, remember that your voice could make a difference in someone’s life. All I can hope is that my words might reach another survivor and remind them that they are not alone.

No one is ever prepared to hear, “It’s cancer.” After adjusting to the shock of this news, it’s normal to have questions—and some anxiety—about how it will impact your life. Social workers are here to guide you through these challenging moments.

If you’ve completed your cancer treatment — whether recently or years ago — congratulations! The opening of Roswell Park’s new Survivorship and Supportive Care Center means you’ll now enjoy one-stop shopping for the follow-up care and services you need to “live your best life” as a survivor.

Lymphedema—a potential side effect of cancer treatment—is abnormal fluid retention and swelling that typically develops in the arms or legs, but may occur anywhere in the body, including the trunk, breasts, genitals, face, head and neck.

Cancer patients often experience pain, nausea, emotional distress, and other symptoms caused by the disease and/or the side effects of treatment. Their caregivers may become stressed and overwhelmed, too. When those issues grow beyond basic, expected side effects and are no longer under control, supportive and palliative care can help.

If you have coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation or any other heart condition, what does this mean for you if you have cancer? It means you should seek a consultation with a cardio-oncologist.