Personal Cancer Stories

Although there are many websites detailing the physical affects and treatment of cancer, support for the psycho-social issues are not as widely available but very present to those who have been diagnosed.

What each patient does and how she approaches her treatment will reflect their individual level of choice. I encourage you to continue to seek out further support and assistance, as you find the need. If you so desire, I'd love to hear your story and how you learned to cope with such a challenging situation. It gives me great encouragement to hear your personal journey.

I was initially diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2002. I had my first reoccurrence 9 months later, and then extensive metastasis to the bones in 2005. I went through 6 months of chemotherapy and have been in remission since 12/2006.

My cancer journey has radically changed my life. I never thought I'd completely recover but now I am very active and outgoing. I enjoy life to the fullest with my family which includes my three kids, my husband, plus several pets!

Having a second chance at life has given me the opportunity to do things I never would've done before. Everyday is a joy! I have many interests, new friends, great support, a positive outlook, and lots of rewarding experiences.

Click to read My Cancer Journey

One Lucky Guy

by Steve - Heart of Soul

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

My cancer: Testicular. My relationship to cancer: I have had a cancer diagnosis, I am no longer in treatment for cancer. I am a relative or friend of someone who was diagnosed with cancer. Gender: male. Age Range: 50-59. What I Live By: The greatest Joy ......Giving.

How and when did you learn about your cancer? In Dec 2007, I noticed an enlarged testicle that gradually became more problematic and in Feb 2008 I went to a urologist. Ultrasound found a mass of 5 cm and an infection in right testicle. Had surgery to remove right testicle, Mar 28 2008 and pathology report showed embyonal, non-seminoma testicular cancer. A Cat scan was done a week later from lungs to pelvis and was free of all cancer. 5 months later in Sept 2008, I was scheduled for a follow up Cat scan. On Sept 17th, results of Cat scan showed 3 cm tumor in a lymph node along the right iliac external vessel and other tumors in several inguinal lymph nodes near pelvis and 35 nodules in lung. Biopsy confirmed the cancer as well a week later.

What types of treatment(s) have occurred? Surgery to remove the right testicle in Mar 2008, and 23 Chemo treatments, from Oct 13th 2008 to Dec 31 2008, due to reoccurrence sometime between June 08 and Aug 08.

What have been the most important things that have helped you through your survivorship? My wife, spirit, competitive nature, and outstanding medical care team of DR, nurses, and support members What have you learned from your experiences that you would like to share? Life is so very precious and nothing can be taken for granted. Are there positive experiences you would like to share? Set an example to others with courage, compassion and support.

I was a type 1 Diabetic from Sept 12 1977 to June 27th 2004 and learned to adapt every day to the ever changing conditions of being a diabetic and focus on my career. Spent 6 years supporting other diabetics online, telephone, and in person. I did not miss a day from work from August 16th 1984 to Jan 5th 2001 despite being a type 1 diabetic, 2 time pancreas transplant recipient, as the first was lost due to a blood clot after 5 days in 2001, and the second one was successful in 2004. I never gave up my dream of receiving a pancreas so I could get my freedom back and be off of insulin. Donated part of liver to a young female patient who needed one to live; Realized I was not invincible when I required major heart bypass surgery on Jan 8th 2001 at age 44 due to diabetes.

How I would like to be remembered? As a good and decent human being who thought of his life as one of very good fortune and who gave his heart and compassion to others in need. Always be there for family, friends, and other human beings, especially those that live with health related challenges.

What else would you like to tell us? A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. The music I aspire to most: Simon and Garfunkel, Peter Paul and Mary, Enya, Moody Blues, Peter White, Bee Gees, Ottmar Liebert, Yanni, Foreigner.

My favorite quote is: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?", Robert F Kennedy Nov 22 1925 to June 5th 1968.

I Love animals.