The Day That Changed My Life - Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Melissa recently had her mammogram where everything came back fine. However, a month later, she noticed some changes in her breast. After some tests were performed, the results showed that Melissa had stage 4 Inflammatory Breast cancer. Then there's Suzy who also found some changes in her breast when she tried on a t-shirt.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Chemotherpay What To Expect?

Once the diagnosis has been given, the next phase is to begin the treatment process. Dr. Eric Mayer of Dana Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center discusses the chemotherapy treatment plan, the side effects and the details of what one may experience during the treatment. It's a delicate process and meeting with a team who walks you through the steps of treatment is essential.

The chemotherapy is quite common. However, there are options available. Some prefer to wear a wig, hat, scarf or nothing at all. We have also included some wonderful videos that may be helpful. Kelley Tuthill is a television reporter and a breast cancer survivor who was treated at Dana- Farber. She graciously shares her tips for headscarf tying and selecting wigs which will add to a really great look.

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

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 - Chemotherapy

The next question most people who have been diagnosed with cancer want to know the treatment plan. Dr Suni Patel answers some questions on the most common form of cancer treatment - chemotherapy.

How does chemotherapy work?
Does chemotherapy hurt?
What is the biggest myth about chemotherapy?

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Colon Cancer Saying No To Chemotherapy

Sometimes the journey takes on a different approach and Chris Wark decided on his plan of attack with his stage 3 Colon Cancer. Chris began to feel the pain in his abdominal area, he ignored it thinking perhaps it will pass. However, the pain did not go away and he had no choice but to get to the doctor. At 26 years old, he was in no way prepared to hear that he had cancer, specifically colon cancer. Chris shares his decision to face the disease without taking the conventional method of treatment.

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 - Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Greg Corgan was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma a rare type of B-Cell lymphoma. It presents itself in the mantle zone of lymph nodes, which is the outer ring of lymphocytes in a node. Greg shares his journey in great detail from his symptoms, his diagnosis, his treatment and all that followed along during the treatment process. His journey will inspire and bring hope to those who are facing cancer.

Please share with everyone you know. There may be someone who knows someone who needs to see this. Be an ambassador of information :-)

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



For more information, visit CancerQuest

The Day That Changed My Life - Big Decisions and Family Conflict

No one could see this coming, you cannot prepare for it, it isn't even a thought. Twenty eight year old Grace Lee, and the daughter of the senior pastor Rev. Man Ho Lee of Antioch Missionary Church in Flushing, Queens, New York was a financial manager at Bank of America. Grace was training for the New York City Marathon when she became ill with a brain-stem tumor in October 2011.

Ms. Lee graduated from the University of North Carolina and was living on her own. However, she moved in with her parents in Douglaston, Queens, while she went through the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Things took a turn in early September, when Grace had a seizure and was admitted to North Shore Hospital, where according to her lawyer David Smith, she agreed to have a tracheotomy and to be placed on a feeding tube.

The conflict came when it appeared that Ms. Lee wanted to be removed from the machines and was met with the opposition of her parents. We can all imagine how difficult this can be for someone to let go of their loved one - especially when they hold strong to a faith and belief that God is in charge and taking Grace off life support would be the equivalent to committing suicide (in her parents eyes). The act of suicide means one will not enter into heaven. Needless to say, that in itself is important to Grace's family who while they want to keep her here, they would have a different acceptance if she were to die without human intervention.

This journey is a difficult one for all - Grace wants to be relieved of her suffering, while her family cannot release her in that manner. As you can see in the videos, Grace is responsive. Many families face the challenge of removing a loved one from life support and it is very difficult to do so even when their loved one is unresponsive. The fight continues as the medical professionals are determined to comply with Grace's request and now it is in the hands of the court. Our thoughts and prayers are with Grace and her family during this difficult journey.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Robin Roberts The Journey Continues

And the journey continues....... This morning, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America shared that she is facing a new health challenge.

In her words:

As many of you know, 5 years ago I beat breast cancer. I’ve always been a fighter, and with all of your prayers and support, a winner.

Sometimes the treatment for cancer can cause other serious medical problems. Today, I want to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome. It's a disease of the blood and bone marrow and was once known as preleukemia.

My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this -- and I know it's true.
If you Google MDS, you may find some scary stuff, including statistics that my doctors insist don’t apply to me. They say I’m younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.

Today, I will start what is known as pre-treatment -– chemotherapy in advance of a bone marrow transplant later this year. Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women. I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure. As you know from my recent interview with Mark Zuckerberg, organ donation is vitally important. Many people don't realize they can be bone marrow donors. I encourage everyone to sign up on a donor registry like bethematch.org.

I received my MDS diagnosis on the very day that Good Morning America finally beat the Today Show for the first time in 16 years. Talk about your highs and lows! Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life.

Bottom line: I’ve been living with this diagnosis for awhile and will continue to anchor GMA. I love what I do and the people with whom I do it. Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge.

Going forward, it’s business as usual at GMA, which means I’ll be right here every day with George, Sam, Josh and Lara. When I miss a day here or there, I’m fortunate that some very talented friends at ABC News will fill-in. When I undergo the transplant later this year, I’ll miss a chunk of time.

When I faced breast cancer, your prayers and good wishes sustained me, gave me such hope and played a major role in my recovery. In facing this new challenge, I ask humbly for more of your prayers and love – as I will keep you in my mine and update you regularly on my condition.

Love and blessings,

Robin

Many of us followed Robin's journey through breast cancer and watched her face it head on. We stood by the sidelines cheering her on and now it's time to get the pom poms and prayers out. While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.



Good Morning America/Yahoo News

The Day That Changed My Life - Surviving After Surviving Cancer

Do you ever wonder what it's like for the survivor? Well, we have found a candid review of survivors who share their concerns and fears with the new journey of their lives. The scars, the inability to have children, the affects on the sex life and more have all played an essential part in the lives of many survivors. Surviving after surviving cancer the adjustment continues.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Hodgkins Lymphoma

The journey is never easy. It is one that is uncertain and that alone can be quite shocking and scary.

Kat learned that she had Hodgkins lymphoma and as she shares her journey, she is clear on how she wants to be treated during the process.

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










As we continue to share the journey of those who have been touched by cancer, we ask that you share with others. Someone you know, may know someone who needs to be encouraged.

The Day That Changed My Life - Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer is a cancer of the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that moves the food from the mouth to the stomach. While the main goal is to remove the cancer through surgery, some treatments includes chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of both.

Keep in mind each journey is different and these features are not endorsements of any medical facility, physician or course of treatment. Our best effort is to give you hope as you listen to those who have faced the disease and survived:


Bart Frazzitta



Nick Koulouvaris shares his incredible journey:



Ken Papini

The Day That Changed My Life - The Controversy

Here's a controversial discussion. Not everyone subscribes to the standard treatment of chemotherapy or radiation which is given to cancer patients. Suzanne Somers known as Chrissy on Three's Company, later as an author and business woman shares her perspective on what worked for her. Ms. Somers decided to take an unconventional approach in treating her cancer. An excerpt from her book Knock Out:


Chapter 1
A CANCER STORY—MINE

November 2008, 4:00 a.m. I wake up. I can’t breathe. I am choking, being
strangled to death; it feels like there are two hands around my neck
squeezing tighter and tighter. My body is covered head to toe with welts
and a horrible rash: the itching and burning is unbearable. The rash is in
my ears, in my nose, in my vagina, on the bottoms of my feet, everywhere—
under my arms, my scalp, the back of my neck. Every single inch
of my body is covered with welts except my face. I don’t know why. I
struggle to the telephone and call one of the doctors I trust. I start to tell
him what is happening, and he stops me: “You are in danger. Go to the hospital
right now.” I knew it. I could feel that my breath was running out.

No time to wait for an ambulance. We race to the emergency room. I
am gasping, begging for yet one more breath. I am suffocating. I am running
out of time. I don’t have time to think or be frightened; I can only
concentrate on getting one last breath. I am dizzy . . . the world is spinning.
Breathing is all I can think about.

We arrive. My husband has called the hospital in advance. They are
waiting for me. The emergency room workers—nurses, doctors, and other
professionals—are wonderful people. They have dealt with this before.
They are reassuring: “Okay, we’ll take care of her.”

As soon as I am in the emergency room they inject me with Decadron, a
powerful steroid. “Why can’t you breathe?” the ER doc seems to be
yelling in my ear, but I can’t answer. I am unable to get words out. They
inject me with Benadryl for the welts and the rash. Now I’m inside the
ER, but I still can’t breathe. I can’t even sit up. I am bent over trying to
find oxygen anywhere . . .

They put me on oxygen and albuterol to get me breathing, and slowly,
slowly, life returns. I am still grabbing for each breath, and there
are spasms in my lungs, like someone is turning a knob that pulls my
lungs inside out, but unlike before, the breath is there . . . labored but
there.

“We have to do a CAT scan,” he says. I already know that there are
large amounts of radiation inherent in CAT scans, and it bothers me to
think of doing that to my body. This is the first time I have had any pharmaceutical
drugs in me in eight years.

I always say, “I am not anti-pharmaceutical, but they should be saved as
the last tool in the practitioner’s back pocket.” My life was just saved by
pharmaceuticals. Maybe this is one of those times that radiation is justified
to find out what is wrong? Because something is seriously wrong. I
am healthy. I don’t know anyone who does more for her health than I do
on a daily basis. CAT scan . . . I don’t know.


I say to the doctor, “It seems to me that I’ve either been poisoned or am
having some kind of serious allergic reaction to something. I mean,
doesn’t that make sense? The rash, the strangling, the asphyxiation.
Sounds classic, doesn’t it?”

“We don’t know. A CAT scan will tell us. I really recommend you do
this,” the doctor says. “Next time you might not be so lucky—you might
not get here in time. You were almost out.”

I know that. I could feel the life going out of me in the car ride over.

“Okay,” I answer meekly. I am concerned and wary. My husband is with
me, holding my hands, rubbing them. His face is twisted with fear, concern.
Nothing is making sense.

A week ago, I was the picture of health. I hosted a beautiful evening at
my home for all the wonderful doctors who had participated in my bestseller
Breakthrough. It was a beautiful, warm evening, and together we all
celebrated health and wellness. The stars were out that night in full force,
and while the air was filled with the sounds of live musicians playing my
soft jazz favorites, the forty people at the table were enthusiastically conversing
about the possibilities of aging without illness; aging with bones,
brain, and health intact; dying healthy at a very old age. We were all
turned on. We had all realized it was attainable, and we were excited to
know that we had jumped on this incredible bandwagon in time.

This was an amazing group of people. These doctors were the courageous
ones who stepped out of the Western “standard of care” box to declare
that the present template of medicine is not working. Drugs are not
the answer. Drugs and chemicals are degrading the brains of our elders
and sneaking up on the unsuspecting young ones.