Participant introductions

My name is Dennis and I am a six-year cancer survivor. During the next few minutes you will hear segments from six cancer survivors in reference to: what they didn’t tell you about treatment.

Wendy, diagnosed at age 35, is an eight-year survivor of lymphoma. She is a doctor and was never told that chemo caused major sleep problems and short-term memory loss. Wendy has written several books on how to cope with cancer. Elizabeth, a seven year survivor of breast cancer, diagnosed at age 57, was never told your immune system is challenged from chemo, and essentially you don’t have one. Dick, age 59, is a 23-year survivor of colon cancer with a recent recurrence. He is in broadcasting and communications and is co-moderator for this program. Dick will discuss emotional impacts of the diagnosis of cancer, something he was not told about. Nancy, age 55, a healthcare professional diagnosed June of 1998, suggests you gather all the information you can. Because of this, Nancy decided against radiation therapy as part of her treatment for breast cancer. Michelle, 32 years old, a four-year survivor of a very aggressive form of leukemia, was never told that the impact of chemo on her body would ruin her chances to become a mother. Andrew is a two-year survivor of CLL, which is leukemia. He is in broadcasting and is the moderator for this program, and has not had any kind of treatment. Andrew is gathering all the facts he can on CLL, so if he has to start treatment, he will be well informed and make the best possible decision he can.

The information given is intended as an educational tool only to acquaint the listener with different views on how to cope with cancer. It is unique due to the fact that it is from cancer survivors who have “been there and back.” It is not the opinion of the American Cancer Society. Accordingly, the information should not be substituted for the advice and treatment of a physician or other appropriate healthcare professional. Because your health is ultimately your responsibility, the participants hope the information given will enable you to fully participate in any decisions regarding your particular cancer. …read the rest of this entry»