Acute Myelogenous Leukemia's Articles Archives
Welcome and Participant Introductions
Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks:
Hello, and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks, your host. Today I’ll be talking with three survivors who are all single mothers. As a two- time cancer survivor myself, I am pleased to be your host for today’s conversation. We’ll be talking about the effects of cancer on the family, as well as coping with changes in physical appearance and ability to work. We’ll be talking about: insurance and financial concerns; living with cancer–what helps most and what really hurts; and, of course, our fear of recurrence.
Our first guest is Leesa K., a 44-year-old survivor from Florida. We call her Leesa K. because we have two Lisas with us today. This Leesa is a divorced, single mom with three children, ages 25, 17 and 15. The youngest two still live at home. Welcome, Leesa.
Leesa K.:
Hello.
Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks:
In 1992, Leesa, you noticed a small, painful lump on your nose. The first two physicians attributed this to allergies. A third doctor did a biopsy and diagnosed you with squamous cell carcinoma [a type of skin cancer]. Your treatment included radiation and surgery. You lost most of your nose and a jaw bone so you underwent reconstructive surgery. A prosthetic jaw was implanted and you wear a prosthetic nose. You have now been cancer-free for six years. Thank you so much for joining us today, Leesa.
Leesa K.:
Well, thank you for asking me to be here.
Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks:
Also with us is another Lisa. She’s a 41-year-old survivor from Texas. Lisa E. is a single mom, divorced with two children–a girl, five years old, and a boy of seven. Welcome, Lisa.
Lisa E.:
Thanks for having me, Bobbi.
Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks:
In 2000 you didn’t heal after an elective surgery, and you developed pneumonia and subsequently were diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). You started chemotherapy and went into remission after the first cycle, and remain so today. Thank you for joining us, Lisa.
Lisa E.:
Thanks for having me, Bobbi. …read the rest of this entry»
