I am 28 years old and I have a plastic surgeon, but it’s not the circumstance that one would want or hope for. After having a double mastectomy, my plastic surgeon and his medical team reconstructed a brand new chest for me.
Cancer Support
Seven-year-old Lucas Leitzan is hanging out in his Roswell Park hospital room with his parents, Melissa and Mark, when an unexpected visitor arrives.
It’s a familiar refrain among nurses, and one that rings especially true for me: “I knew that I wanted to be a nurse as far back as I can remember.”
Remember how much fun you used to have with a coloring book and a box of crayons? Molly Gold, one of six Artists-in-Residence at Roswell Park, says adults are often surprised when they rediscover the activity. “People say, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is so relaxing! I haven’t colored since I was ten years old.’”
Although Porsche never went to medical school, she sure knows how to make cancer patients and their families feel better. Porsche, a 6-year-old Goldendoodle, is a new face at Roswell Park. Roswell’s furry friend visits a few times a month as part of the Institute’s Pet Therapy Program, made possible in part by generous donations. During her visits, Porsche trots around the hospital, calmly visiting anyone in need of a pick-me-up, providing unconditional love and a wag of her tail.
Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience, particularly the time before starting treatment. No one expects to hear they have cancer — symptoms are often attributed to other causes, such as the flu or an infection. Adjusting to your diagnosis is a process and there is not a right or wrong way to feel.
Musicians Craig Hodnett, Daniel McCue and Peter Hassett have been volunteering at Roswell Park for more than six years! You can find The Buffalo Guys in the Roswell Park lobby every Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. playing some of their favorite songs and cracking jokes.
Halloween is such an important holiday for many kids. But during cancer treatment, extended hospital stays or unpleasant side effects could hinder the trick-or-treating tradition. However, with a little planning and preparation you can still enjoy the day.
It’s a common feeling among cancer patients — the disease has been eradicated and remission has been achieved, but relaxation can sometimes seem impossible.
Buying health insurance on the Health Benefit Exchange is a daunting task that can be fraught with pitfalls, especially if you or a family member has cancer. There are plenty of helpful resources however, and if you tread carefully and thoughtfully, you can make choices that provide the best coverage for your medical and prescription drug needs.
During your teenage years, physical changes are a part of normal development. You may notice a difference in the way your body looks, feels and performs. But for teen cancer survivors, these changes are especially difficult.
Cal Walker, 61, was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. He recently underwent a bone marrow transplant at Roswell Park and is doing well. But for the next 54 weeks, Cal will be on disability from his job at Cornell University to recover from his illness. While most would consider this a setback, Cal looks at it as a “gift of time,” and he’s determined to use his time wisely.