“Happy birthday to me.” KayEllen Gebhart says this in a flat voice, recalling her birthday in 2008 — the day she learned she had stage III ovarian cancer. The bad news came after a CT scan to find out what was causing the “tummy issues” her family doctor thought might be caused by her gallbladder.
We all know good nutrition and exercise are key to a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less intake of meat, especially red meat and processed meats, is associated with a lower risk of cancer and better overall health.
A CT (computed tomography) scan, also referred to as a CAT (computed axial tomography) scan, is an x-ray technique used to create a cross-sectional image. CT scans are used to detect tumors and to continue tracking any changes in their growth.
Having such a simple question asked a certain way can really humanize you during a time when normalcy seems like the distant past. I was still Mary. I still had the same parents, same car and same clothes. Why should being a little extra sick make a difference?
Everyone has their own unique story — executives of high-powered companies, college students, caregivers and cancer survivors. Lani Peterson, PsyD, has spoken and listened to people from all walks of life, each with their own special experiences and personal trials.
When you no longer need a medication, it’s best to dispose of it as safely as possible. Keeping unused medications, especially those prescribed for cancer treatment or pain, can be particularly dangerous, posing a risk for unintentional use, overdose, or abuse.
The last time I visited Roswell Park it was without my sister Elise. I went alone. I was still in the emotional turmoil of grieving her loss. I was very much looking forward to visiting some of her doctors and attempting to “connect to her,” and to the previous life I had with her.