Survivorship

I have never met them, nor have I ever thanked them for their part in my survival. And yet so much of that day and my treatment in the following months depended on their expertise.

Like all the posts I’ve written for the Cancer Talk blog, this post starts with my name, and then three important words: Ovarian Cancer Survivor. What makes me a survivor?

Cancer patients have specific nutritional needs. Those needs can differ from person to person, depending on the type of cancer, the type of treatment and other factors. That's why Roswell Park's registered dietitians need specialized knowledge to care for our patients and survivors.

A survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma that was discovered when she was 16, Caryn Domzalski, now 35, has stayed active in Roswell Park’s Adolescent and Young Adult Program. Through them, she heard about Roswell Park’s Oncofertility Clinic.

Chemotherapy may cause partial or even total hair loss, but this side effect is usually temporary. Here’s what you need to know about chemotherapy and hair loss.

Scalp cooling has shown some success in reducing/preventing hair loss on the head during chemotherapy. How does it work? What are the side effects?
Be proactive and learn what you can ahead of time. Ask your doctor or nurse if your chemotherapy regimen causes hair thinning or loss, when you can expect it to begin, and if they expect it to grow back after treatment ends.

PTSD affects one in five cancer patients within six months of diagnosis. Even parents of childhood cancer survivors can develop PTSD. What does it look like, and where can you get help?

Today many people are concerned about the risks of taking opioid medications on a long-term basis. But if you're living with chronic pain, what are the alternatives?

Erin has gone through a lot for a 15-year-old, with four surgeries to put in medi-ports, two for tumor removal and two for eye reconstruction, with more reconstruction to come.
Practitioners believe Healing Touch clears and balances the energy around or within the body. It is safe for all ages and can be used before, during and after treatment.

Cat is a graduate student, a dog owner, an academic fraternity member and much more. Nothing can slow her down – not even a cancer diagnosis.