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.
Survivorship
Three days after Emily’s 19th birthday, she received the devastating news that she had stage 3 malignant melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. She was given less than a 59 percent chance of surviving the next five years. In a state of shock, she felt her only options were fight or flight – to face her diagnosis head-on or to live in fear – and she chose to fight.
The news that you are cancer-free can stir up many feelings — relief, exhaustion, excitement, apprehension — and you may wonder what happens next. Although you and your loved ones have worked toward and hoped for this outcome, there are many aspects of survivorship, and it may take time to adjust to life after treatment.
When a co-worker reveals that they are battling cancer, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to act.
Most cancer survivors will tell you they have two extremely vivid memories: the moment they received their diagnosis and the moment they finally finished treatment. However, in between, and for people who may never finish treatment, there are many types of victories worth celebrating.
Danielle and Amy were meant to cross paths. Their lives were linked in more ways than one. But they didn’t truly connect until last May, when their mutual friend, Craig, initiated an introduction.
A healthy body weight is not just about your physical appearance; it is a general reflection of your overall health. Obesity is a prevalent problem in the United States. Nearly 69% of adults and 32% of children in the United States are considered overweight or obese, according to data from 2009-2010. Obesity is linked to increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease — and cancer.
As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to stress the importance of long-term follow-up care and the benefits of the pediatric survivor’s clinic.
At age seven, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. After my main surgery to remove the cancer, I had to go through weeks of chemotherapy and never stopped asking questions during the process.
When asked to speak about my experience with cancer, I often struggle to find the right words. There is so much to say and sometimes there aren't words for the emotions attached.
Many people affected by cancer are intent on strengthening their immune systems in order to fight the disease, tolerate treatment or prevent infections. These are worthy goals that should be approached with the same thought and caution you use to make other important medical decisions.
In July of 2011, I discovered a lump in my breast.