cancer help

Lindsay Menard is a Breast Cancer survivor, motivational speaker, holistic Psychotherapy, Addiction Specialist/Interventionist and Coaching. She also has a blog called " The Angel of Death". Initially, she felt a lump on her breast, which was tender. Her nurse practitioner said it was a hormonal change, and the lump will go by itself. After two months, she again noticed another lump not tender, and the diagnosis was confirmed after further tests. She underwent chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiation therapy as a part of the treatment. After nine months, she went for a prosthesis as her implant was infected and removed. She even had pneumonia during the period, which did not cause much trouble. Lindsay had supportive family and friends throughout the cancer journey. Lindsay sings, "Blackbird singing in the dead of night. Take these broken wings and learn to fly—all your life."

Lauren Tarpley was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2020 at the age of 34. She started preventive treatments at the age of 30, so she went for annual mammograms every year. Her tumour was detected with the help of a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. She went through 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 11 rounds of Herceptin targeted immunotherapy, 25 rounds of radiation therapy and a double mastectomy. She is going through reconstruction currently. Her message to other cancer patients is to stay positive, find a sound support system and communicate. Summing up her journey, she says, " The journey of a lifetime.

Bhavana Issar is the Founder and CEO of Caregiver Saathi, a caregiver support group for cancer and other terminally ill patients. She tells about the dynamics of help for caregivers of cancer patients and other such ebbing diseases. She creates an ecosystem for the caregivers, who require equal emotional and psychological support to win over cancer through her work. On the other hand, Pranab Basu has been a caregiver to his wife. He does counselling for cancer patients in palliative care and works as a volunteer at Eastern India Palliative Care Barrackpore WB. Listen to what they both have to talk about the importance of caregiving.

Angelina Wasson noticed a lump on her Breast suddenly one day. On Further tests, it was diagnosed as Breast Cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and she will be undergoing a lumpectomy and a breast reconstruction after the chemotherapy treatment. Angelina says," "Life is more beautiful after I am diagnosed with cancer. I am taking care of myself more than I used to. I realized it's the little thing in the life that matters".

Sally Moores, a UK based natural health, wellbeing and skincare expert and also known as The Happy Sage. She is a blood cancer survivor. She have been researching natural health, healing and skincare for decades and her website, www.thehappysage.co.uk, is full of articles and product reviews to help you improve your mind, body and spirit in a natural way.

Kylie Mae Randall is a 23-year-old Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer Survivor from Zimbabwe. She moved from Zimbabwe to Portugal two years back. Soon she started noticing a lump in her throat. They said nothing to worry about as she consulted a government hospital and gave her Paracetamol. Paracetamol could not provide relief; she consulted another hospital where she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma after a biopsy. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy as a part of the treatment. Losing hair was her main concern as she valued her hair so much. She even went into depression. But her supportive family and boyfriend helped her to come out of it. She likes to dance and go sailing.

Sister Maria is a cancer caregiver. After finishing her nursing, she did specialization in the stoma, and from then on, she started helping patients with colostomy bags. She started her career in 1984 and have worked in various posts in different nursing colleges and hospitals. Once she retired, she joined the Ostomy Association of India and started helping patients with stoma bags. She is the primary nurse aid for the Ostomy Association of India. Sister Maria says once the patient comes to know about cancer, they go into a denial stage. Still, as we give proper motivation and counselling, they get adjusted to the situation soon.

Around January of 2013, she felt a lump in her breast. She went to the gynecologist. Though the tests could not confirm the diagnosis, surgery did confirm Breast cancer. Her treatment also included six sessions of chemotherapy and twenty-five sessions of radiotherapy. Her initial thoughts were Why is it happening to her. She was so upset despite all the positive people around me. she could not fall asleep. The thought that gave her will and energy till today and will stay for the rest of her life is ‘Being a woman I had to fight many outsiders and stand strong in many situations, I fought and I won, why can’t I fight something that is inside me, I can and will do it.

After coming back from a vacation, she started feeling a little feverish. She consulted her physician, the physician noticed some abnormality, and it was diagnosed as Breast Cancer on further tests. She underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. She did not have many side effects. She says it is necessary to have an excellent medical team and family around you as your support system to win the battle against cancer. Will power and diet are other factors that play an essential role in the treatment journey. As per Jyoti, it is necessary to share your story with friends close to you, so you do not feel alone in the cancer journey.

Boyd Dunleavy is a two times Blood Cancer Survivor. On one day in 2011 July, he suddenly started feeling unwell, and on further tests, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He underwent three cycles of chemotherapy as a part of the treatment. He also required a stem cell donor. He had a lot of support from his community financially and spiritually. Finally, he recovered. In February 2012, he started feeling unwell again, and cancer relapsed. He cried for three days. He is a true believer in God. One fine day he started feeling very sick, and he was almost on the verge of his death. On that day, he saw a miracle. He saw Jesus. Believe it or not, everything seemed apparent when the doctors did Biopsy the next day. One of his friends said he would like to run a marathon to raise cancer funds for Boyd. It was a life turning moment for him. He got motivated, and he started running. He had run for 30 km, Disney marathon and still running happily along with his family and friends on the side.

Yvette Douglas was 32 years old when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 4. This road has not been easy as she had many health problems, one being a congenital heart problem since her birth. She also had damage to her bones, ligaments, and tendons from chemotherapy treatments. Her bones started to deteriorate, and she currently uses a walker and a cane to get around. She says Believe in God, and Miracles will happen

Rajendra Gupta is a Colorectal Cancer Caregiver to his wife. His wife started having constipation as the primary symptom, and on further tests, it was diagnosed as Colorectal Cancer. They were surprised to know that she had Cancer as she has always been a vegetarian. She Underwent Surgery, 30 Radiotherapy sessions and 12 Chemotherapy cycles as a part of the treatment. She survived Cancer. Both Husband and wife go out to survivors and caregivers houses and provide them with emotional and financial support. They also work with the Ostomy Association Of India in their support group. Rajendra Gupta says it is essential to get the proper awareness of your type of Cancer as the right treatment is the only key to survival.

Flavia was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma in March 2021. Her symptoms started in January. She suffered from fever for two months. She realized the appearance of lumps in her neck. Bone marrow biopsy detected lymphoma. She went through 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Flavia says that painting and exercising helped her a lot to stay happy throughout her journey. Cancer helped her see the world from a different perspective. Her message to other caregivers and survivors is not to give up and try to respect the process. "It was hard, but I did it".

Pat Simmons was diagnosed with stage 1 kidney cancer. He went to the primary care doctor after he felt an abnormality in his lower abdomen. A cyst was detected after several scans and MRIs, and doctors did laparoscopic surgery to remove the encapsulated mass. He was a long-time singer and songwriter. Currently, he runs the organization bikes4christ, which lends bicycles to people who need them to get around or go to doctor's appointments. His parents were his primary support system. He believes that his faith in God has pulled him out from the worst to happen. His message to other survivors is to stay positive, surround yourself with a sound support system and do prayers.

Indira Kaur Ahluwalia was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with bone metastasis in April 2007. She experienced a lot of pain in her hips and back of her body; later, she even had trouble walking. So after taking painkillers, later in March 2007, she discovered a thickening in her right breast. That was the time when she felt that this was not normal. She went to an oncologist, and several tests detected breast cancer. She went through 4 cycles of chemotherapy and opted for mastectomy. She is continuing with Herceptin and taking it after every 3 weeks. Her primary support system was spiritual and faith in God. Indira is an entrepreneur and executive at Federal Government in Washington, D.C. She believes that cancer has made her more vigilant, made her responsibilities very clear, and allowed her not to take gratitude for granted. Summing up her journey, she says, "I tried, and I am grateful for every experience".

Leticia Diamond was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in May 2021. She had five weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Her family was her most enormous support during her tough times. Leticia believes that having positive people around you can help you heal faster. She tells everyone to embrace life and look past all negative things. Summing up her cancer journey, she says, "One of the most memorable journeys of my life that I am sure I wouldn't want to repeat".

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer. She found a lump after the mammogram, and after visiting her oncologist, breast cancer was confirmed. She went for a double mastectomy and did not opt for any chemotherapy or radiation therapy. She tried acupuncture, massage, BioMed, and healthy eating. Hannah loves taking photos, writing, running, fishing, and enjoying life as much as possible.

Mark Kageyama was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2020. He had several ultrasounds, biopsies, bone scans and MRIs during his treatment. Further tests found that cancer had metastasized and moved to his lungs and bones as well. He has a YouTube Channel, 2BYourOwnHero, through which he inspires people to appreciate their lives, health and the opportunities that come their way. Mark believes that every day is a gift, and each day should be treated as a blessing. His message to cancer patients and survivors is to have a positive attitude and appreciate every day of your life. Mark says, "My cancer journey has been a true blessing to my life because it has allowed me to understand what's important in my life.

Joel Evans was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in the year 2015, followed by six months of chemotherapy. He is a retired professor who had type 2 diabetes for about 20 years before knowing he had Cancer. His Cancer got detected from the blood tests which his doctor used to do every three months. He is an optimistic person; he believes that positivity can defeat Cancer. He says not to get aggravated. It is important not to worry about small things and accept what the limitations are. "Always be at peace with yourself.

Ashma Khanani Moosa was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. She is an integrative health and wellness coach and works with her husband, a family physician. She did an extensive surgery which consisted of a transplant. She went through 1 year of chemotherapy cycles. She believes in meditations, prayers and a natural way of dealing with things. She is also the Vice- President of an NGO called The Indian American Cancer Network in Houston. According to Ashma support groups are very helpful because they give you a secure place with other people going through the same thing. She tells everyone to have a good attitude, be around positive people and help others in any way they can.