When I was 3-years-old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Although I have been cancer free for 18 years, cancer continues to touch my life in a variety of ways. I try to stay connected to people who understand what I’m going through.
Everyone has a story to tell. Whether on a first date, job interview or happy hour with a new friend, there’s always a select version of our story that we choose to share. It usually includes where we went to school and how we found ourselves where we are today.
Hank found ways to not be intimidated by his diagnosis. Although he is young, he knows about and understands exactly what is going on with his diagnosis and treatment. Being informed helps Hank feel more comfortable.
In March 2014, my mother, Cathy Pera, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her journey was not easy, but I am proud of the strength she has shown and I am grateful that I was able to support her during some of her most difficult times.
Can men get breast cancer? For Dana and Bill Everett, this question hits close to home. Yes, males can get breast cancer, and yes, it’s something that’s not discussed frequently.
Since allogeneic transplants are not performed in London, Ontario, my doctor, Dr. Xenacostas, recommended that I go to Roswell Park. Roswell Park has a stellar reputation, so I was grateful, as a Canadian patient, to have the opportunity of getting a BMT there.
In April 2016, a “spot” was discovered on Bonnie Hewett’s liver during a pelvic examination. “It was really found by fluke,” says Bonnie. Her internist advised her to have the spot checked out and Bonnie turned to Roswell Park.
I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AML) in August 2014. Two weeks later I found out that I would need a blood and marrow transplant (BMT), but I did not match with anyone on the BMT registry. My youngest daughter Kelly was my only hope for a BMT match.
I was 27-years-old and went to my primary care doctor for a sore shoulder and a cough that only happened when I laughed. Given a recent backpacking trip, it made sense when his initial diagnosis was a shoulder strain. But as an extra precaution, he ordered a chest x-ray. That’s when he found the mass under my sternum, near my heart.