In May of 2003, I had an abnormal Pap smear. So, the doctor did more Pap smears every 3 months. In December, I had dysfunctional vaginal bleeding and went to my gynecologist. On December 18th, I was diagnosed with stage 3b cervical cancer. I went through 28 external and 2 …
Read More »Kim’s Story (Cervical Cancer)
After receiving my diagnosis in February of 2022, I underwent 6 chemotherapy treatments, 25 external radiation treatments, and 5 internal radiation treatments. I had 2 clean positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Then, in February of this year, a small nodule showed up on my lung. It was too small to …
Read More »Anonymous’ Story (Stage 4 Cancer)
Hi! I’m a piano teacher with stage 4 cancer. How’s that for an introduction? If your response is ‘oh, me too!’, then, Hello! Welcome! We are peas in a slightly tricky pod. Good to share the rocky waters with you, my friend. However, I suspect the odds are small. The …
Read More »Rosalind’s Story (Stage 4 Breast Cancer)
My Cancer Journey I found a lump as I was giving myself a breast examination before my shower in September of 2008, while I was seeking medical attention for my knees. At the time, I did not have health insurance. At the medical facility, there was a sign for free …
Read More »Jessica’s Story (Breast Cancer)
I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2016, when I was 29 years old. I went through a right lumpectomy, egg harvest, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 rounds of radiation. Every plan I had was placed on hold, and I thought I would never live to see …
Read More »Andrea’s Story (CRPS/RSD)
On November 27, 2007, my life changed forever. I was hit by a car and suffered a broken tibia and fibula, and a non-displaced skull fracture. After a week in the hospital, I went through many more weeks of therapy. I kept telling my surgeon that the pain was not …
Read More »Tammy’s Story (Breast Cancer)
I went for my annual mammogram in September, and they said they saw nothing that was suspicious. They told me they would see me in a year. Then in January, I went for my annual gynecologist appointment. They did a breast exam and it was normal. The doctor called a …
Read More »Nancy’s Story (Cervical Cancer)
Hi! I’m Nancy. I’m 33-years-old, and I was diagnosed with stage 2B cervical cancer in November of 2021. The thought had never crossed my mind that I’d be the one diagnosed with cancer. I was scared to death. I went through 8 weeks (5 days a week) of radiation, 6 …
Read More »Maia’s Story (Multiple Diagnoses – 10 Year Update)
My name is Maia, and this is the first time I have wanted to write my own story of my medical journey. Usually, my mom writes it, but 10 years is a big deal. I’ve spent the last 10 years sick and growing up. It’s hard to write this because …
Read More »Julie’s Story (Multiple Cancers)
My story starts 48 years ago, I was 4 years old when I was diagnosed with leukemia. My treatment included chemotherapy, radiation and blood transfusion. After treatment, I was in remission and cured. Then at the age of 41, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My treatment included having my …
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