The Day That Changed My Life - Nicole Faces Rare Breast Cancer

The journey of those facing cancer must be shared with others. How do we know this? Well, the countless emails have told us how it has helped them or others to cope with the process of cancer. In many ways, the stories offers hope and in some cases, it encourages, inspires and lift the spirits of those affected by the disease. No longer dealing with the stigma of cancer, it clears us to openly discuss and share the journeys of those who are willing to let us in. You are finding that the young, the old and the oldest people, to the professionals and the celebrities are all a part of the process - cancer is no respect of a persons position in life.

Finding Nicole's journey as shared on youtube: On June 30th, after 3 years of dating, Nicole and my younger brother Tom got engaged. On July 30th Nicole was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called clear cell cancer. On August 20th she had a double mastectomy. On October 8th she starts her first of 8 chemotherapy treatments. She is 27 years old.

I want to give you an example of the type of person Nicole is. The day she was having her double mastectomy surgery, she was lying in bed waiting for the surgeon. Her mom was in the room with her. I came in to visit her. We were talking and she said to me "I'm sorry I'm a little grumpy today." and as she was being wheeled off to surgery, she was waving to my brother with a smile and saying I love you. She is just amazing.

I couldn't even imagine how I would deal with the magnitude of something like this. She is so brave and positive and so full of love. She is a light that makes this world a brighter place.

My mom as well as several family members are breast cancer survivors. The more people I talk with about this, the more I realize that just about everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer. Because Nicole's cancer was so aggressive and rare, had she waited, the diagnosis would have been terminal. Nicole's cancer was detected in the infancy stages. With her double mastectomy surgery and chemotherapy treatment, she now has an 86% chance of survival.

Whether it's a dollar or a hundred dollars, every donation counts and every donation is gratefully appreciated. What's equally important is to pass on the story. Spread the word. Share your story with Nicole. Offer your words of encouragement. Pass on Nicole's story. It may just help someone with early detection. Early detection saves lives. Early detection saved Nicole's life.

I'm trying to raise $5000. This amount will buy 2 wigs made of human hair. It will look the most realistic and feel the most comfortable. With all she has been thrown, she at least deserves to have a wig that makes her feel at ease.

We have 3 very personalized breast cancer awareness perks we are offering.

At the $25 contribution you will receive a pink band with "I Care for Nicole's Hair" inscribed.

At the $50 contribution you will receive a white t-shirt with my original designed girl drawing silk-screened on the front and "I Care for Nicole's Hair" on the back.

At the $100 contribution you will receive a custom made breast cancer awareness birch candle. These candles are all one of a kind, hand made by my mom. Trying to describe them does them no justice. They are beautiful.

Follow Nicole's progress on facebook. www.facebook.com/icarefornicoleshair

So this is my heartfelt fundraiser to provide Nicole with 2 fantastic wigs to allow her to feel a bit more normal and dignified during this awful chapter in her life.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Daniel's Journey through St. Jude

Oh how we love St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the wonderful care given to the patients and their families is priceless. Cynthia McFadden co anchor of ABC's Nightline shares the journey of Daniel Biljanoski as he faced brain cancer. This heartwarming journey brings it all to a terrific point as it inspires and delivers hope to others.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.



Please give to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The Day That Changed My Life What's - The Word on Pancreatic Cancer

What awareness month is it??? Well, it is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. What is pancreatic cancer? What is the survival rate? What are the treatment plans? Are there any alternatives?

Professor Dr Li of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discusses her study published in the June 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association on the relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and pancreatic cancer. Professor Biankin is the chairman of the NSW Pancreatic Cancer Network also explores the disease and the treatments involved. Most importantly, you will also hear from those who are directly affected by pancreatic cancer.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Breast Cancer Awareness Continues..... Till We Beat It!

As we come to the close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we must continue to keep it going. Someone is hearing the news today that they have cancer and the new diagnosis continues daily. However, with people like you - the survivors, care givers, health care team and the current cancer patients all motivate others to be informed and get involved. Every day counts :-)

We just could not help but to share this fantastic poster with you.


Here's a fun Breast Cancer Awareness Lip Dub Video by the Seven Lakes Junior High - enjoy!!!

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Marijuana and Cancer

Can you imagine Marijuana (Cannibas) being discussed openly in a medical forum admitting that it may be beneficial for some patients? Well, over the last few years, marijuana has become a hot topic for the legal and medical professionals. However, some cancer patients have used marijuana to help them with the pain. A few years ago, whlie the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of cannabis as a cancer treatment, the National Cancer Institute came out in support of medical marijuana stating "The potential benefits of medicinal cannabis for people living with cancer include antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief and improved sleep. In the practice of integrative oncology, the health care provider may recommend medicinal cannabis not only for symptom management but also for its possible direct anti-tumor effect." However, Dr. Sanjay Gupta held a different point of view based on the research reports that held information that were not favorable.

Within the last few days Dr. Sanjay Gupta has made a major announcement on his position of marijuana (weed). This is a very important breakthrough for patients who are hoping to gain some relief through marijuana and the need to have this drug approved/legalized so that they can use them without concerns for the law. Dr. Gupta is a well known and highly respected physician due to his visibility on CNN and other health related media outlets.

First we will hear from John Casias who used marijuana to help him during his journey with cancer of the sinus. Also listen to the Dr. Gupta's take on medicinal marijuana. While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Moving Ahead Through Tough Times

There are some stories that are incredibly impressive as we learn about the accomplishments that someone has made. Here is one that we would love to share - a cancer survivor who has enjoyed an adventurous life from being a bat boy for the New York Yankees, working his way to be a Captain of the New York City Dept of Correction, earning two masters and moving on to become a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at Dowling College.

What's even more impressive is not just his journey accomplishing things in life, but how he faced cancer twice and managed to survive while moving right along. Dr Toulon shares his journey from his concerns to his determination.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - A Courageous Show of Support by Former President George H. W. Bush

A child diagnosed with cancer is one that really hits the core. No one wants to see a child suffer and having to fight or face a disease known to have high death rates. It can really be a bit too much to bare for all involved. On the bright side of life, there are many heart wrenching moments where a community comes together to raise awareness and funds in support of those diagnosed with cancer.

As we all know, every child is important, special and unique. Each child who has been diagnosed with cancer deserves the love and support of everyone who can and are willing to help. One young boy Patrick has the support of a former President of the United States. The senior President George H.W. Bush, a parent who was also touched by the loss of his four year old daughter to leukemia, made a courageous and thoughtful move in shaving his head along with some very brave and wonderful Secret Service men on his team. Can you pass the box of tissues? Makes you want to shave your head too, doesn't it?

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Everybody Wants To Be Closer To Free!!!

Every now and then you just have to break out into a dance. We've found a fantastic flash mob where cancer survivors join in a chorus to dance about their freedom of cancer - so here's another chance to clap your hands, spin around and singalong. You don't have to wait until your struggle is over, dance now :-)


While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Surviving Through The Challenges

The journey is a process of ups and many downs. However, the support of loved ones is immeasurable in keeping the hope and courage through those uncertain moments. This week we feature a wonderful story that we found on the National Cancer Institute Cancer Topics channel. Melanie Nix found out that she had breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer which is known to have high mortality rates especially among African Americans. Ms. Nix shares a brief part of her journey, one that we hope will encourage and inspire others to know that survival is possible.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer an uncertain journey

The components of a cancer diagnosis goes beyond the fear of the unknown of survival, it also extends to the ability to have a child, job/career, body image, fitness activities and other financial concerns. We found a group - Young Survival Coalition who have explored some topics that will hopefully help you.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer cancer our lives forever

The Day That Changed My Life - The Caregiver Silent Heroes

Caring for a loved one with cancer can be one of the most challenging things to work through. It certainly can be a draining experience as the illness dominates every aspect of your lives. There is no single way to cope with the emotional journey that it is ahead and it can be a very long journey. Caregivers are amazing people who step up to assist in caring for their loved ones - most often not expecting anything, just wanting to be there to help.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Conversations with Children

Yes, it is difficult enough to discuss a cancer diagnosis with others. However, when it comes to speaking with your child it can be quite a different task. Dr. Oliver Bogler is a Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs of MD Anderson and he is also a cancer biologist and a breast cancer patient. One can imagine how he may be able to master the art of communicating with others. However, when it comes to a cancer diagnosis and having young children, the ease of communication may be a challenge. Listen as Dr. Bogler shares an approach in having that conversation with your child. Do you know someone who may be hesitant in discussing their cancer diagnosis with their child? Please share, who knows - this may be helpful to someone.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer survivor Ray shares his journey with finding out that he had oral cancer and all of the challenges that comes along with it. Then there's Rick Bender who shares the journey which was life changing. At 26 years old, no one is ready to hear a diagnosis of oral cancer with a life expectancy of 2 years.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Amanie's Journey

While creating The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey we wanted to hear from those who have been touched by cancer. The newly diagnosed cancer patient, the parents whose child has cancer, the caregiver, etc. We reached out and the journeys flowed in. One of the journeys came through a parent whose child was diagnosed with retinoblastoma as an infant. No one can imagine the pain and tremedous concern that can overwhelm parents whose child is sick.

However, we are happy to share with you that Amanie has brought so much joy and great pride to her family as she conitnues to be a leader and a strong advocate for those with special needs as well as those who have been diagnosed with cancer. When Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed cutting the nearly $100 million budget for the schools which includes the , turning the funding responsibilities over to local school districts, Amanie found her way to Albany to let her voice be heard. It did not matter that she was a senior and was moving on to the next phase in her life. Ms. Riley understood how important it was for the other students to have the same opportunities that allowed her to excel academically. Thankfully, the governor changed his position and said that the state will keep paying for the schools. Amanie graduated from high school as the Valedictorian and headed off to college where she continues to grow in her leadership skills.

Today Amanie is a college student and she was a speaker for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Fighting Cancer event at Mercy College. Amanie takes her assignment to uplift and encourage others as she shares her journey with everyone. We are so proud of her and we will continue to follow her progress.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - I Survived Cancer 12 Times

Amazing! Simply amazing! I found another cancer survivor who we hope will bring you great hope and lots of inspiration. Her name is Brenda Emer she shares her journey with cancer - breast cancer and then some. Here's a brief bio as copied and pasted directly from youtube.

Brenda has been battling cancer for the last 16 years. She was originally diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and since then has battled several different kinds of cancer. She is a warrior and is the true definition of inspiration. She has recently been enrolled to participate in a clinical trial, but when she went for her preliminary testing, her doctors found that the cancer had spread; this time it is located in her brain and liver. She is currently undergoing radiation treatments, as soon as the radiation is complete she will be starting a new clinical trial in hopes of getting the cancer in remission.

More importantly we invite you to share with everyone you know. Someone may know someone who needs to hear this.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - When Cancer Shows Up

It's never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer. When cancer shows up, it is not welcomed with a sigh of relief. No one exclaims "Great, I was wondering what took you so long." It is one of the most feared diagnosis that one dreads. After the shock settles in, the next step is the journey of the unknown. Will I make it through this? The hope of surviving is very strong.

Survivors are a unique group of people who have endured a major challenge yet somehow, they were able to overcome and achieve a promising future. This week we found some couples who share their journeys with kidney cancer. Listen as Laura Campbell explores the symptoms that she ignored; then there is couple from Poland who were living the American Dream, enjoying their life and accomplishing their goals when they learned that kidney cancer had now come in to shake up their happy lives.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Metastatic Cancer Survivor Retreat

A cancer diagnosis goes well beyond the person who is most affected by the disease, it extends to the family and friends. We must also take a moment to give thanks to those who are always trying to find ways to help others who are facing the disease. This week we found a couples retreat for metastatic breast cancer survivors and thought that this would be great to share with you. Listen to the attendees as they share their journey with us.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Facing The End of Life

Whenever we hear the news of a famous person facing a terminal illness or any disease, we all extend our love and support. The gift of empathy is a wonderful quality of human beings. As we are all aware, many people are diagnosed with cancer on a daily basis. In fact, someone is hearing those words of a cancer diagnosis right now. The time to say good byes, trying not to focus on death but doing your best to enjoy each day, catching up with everyone you love just to let them know that you love them, crying, putting on a brave face, questioning God, being grateful for the good times, etc. are just a mixture of what occurs with a cancer patient. Today, I was one of those who was touched by the news that Valarie Harper was diagnosed with a terminal cancer which is reported to be in the final stage with a life expectancy of three months. The specific diagnosis is called leptomeningeal carcinomatosis which has affected her brain.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis sounds quite scary and however, this disorder is being diagnosed with increasing frequency as patients live longer and as neuro-imaging studies improve. The most common cancers to involve the leptomeninges are breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanomas.Early diagnosis and therapy is critical to preserving neurologic function. Radiation therapy to symptomatic sites and disease visible on neuroimaging studies and intrathecal chemotherapy increases the median survival to 3-6 months. Without treatment, the median survival of patients with this disorder is 4-6 weeks and death occurs from progressive neurologic dysfunction.

A diagnosis of a terminal stage of cancer is very difficult for someone to hear, it is equally difficult for a health care practitioner to deliver. It does not matter how many times the doctor have told a patient that there is nothing more that can be done, each one is a sober reminder that someone is dying and this will not only affect the patient but all who are connected to this person. Our thoughts and prayers are with Valerie Harper, her family and friends. We also pray for all those who are facing cancer on any level.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Melissa's Journey

Sometimes it seems like all is well, except a nagging pain that only gets worse. A trip to the hospital and a series of tests reveals that there is a lot more going on. However, it is the diagnosis that scares everyone the most - hearing those words that you have lung cancer and it has spread through your bones is out right frightening. A journey that must be shared with you comes from Melissa Waller. Melissa shares her journey and you can see the courage and hope as she faces lung cancer.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

























Learn more of Melissa's journey - The Spirited Warrior

The Day That Changed My Life - Keep On Running

Here's a runner who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma shortly after running his first marathon, that was 10 years ago. Don Wright is now in his 70's and is getting ready to run in his 71st marathon this March. After reading and listening to his journey, I knew we needed to share his journey with you. We share these journeys in hopes that it will bring hope and inspire those who have been diagnosed with cancer - knowing that you are not alone. Feel free to share this double feature of Don Wright's journey, someone may need to see this.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

Listen here to his incredible journey on NPR

Watch Don Wright in Action :-)