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»

Participant introductions

My name is Bonnie, and in 1983 when I was 33 years old I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There are so many things to deal with when you have a cancer diagnosis. The physical aspects of treatment, the emotions and feelings you have, and then you have to deal with the system: managed care, insurance companies, the whole healthcare bureaucracy. In a few minutes, you’ll hear six cancer survivors talk about how they dealt with issues like understanding your treatment options and getting the information you need from your doctor, navigating the healthcare system, making sure your treatments are covered, and working with insurance companies and agents.
Medical broadcaster Andrew Schorr, the discussion leader, was diagnosed two years ago with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ann is from Massachusetts and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1988. Susan from California is 41. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991. Laurie is from Connecticut. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1988. Doug is from Minnesota. He is a 15-year survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and works in the health insurance business.
This discussion is unique in that it represents the view and opinions of real people living with cancer. This means that it does not necessarily represent expert opinion, nor the opinions of the American Cancer Society. Information represents what has worked and not worked for others dealing with cancer. People deal with their cancer in many unique ways. It is up to the listener to determine what is appropriate and relevant for them. We hope the information is helpful, and we welcome your feedback.

Asking questions

Anne, Massachusetts
ANDREW:
Anne, I understand that you found out you had colon cancer in 1988. …read the rest of this entry»

Dick Foley:
Hello, and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m your host, Dick Foley. Today I’ll be talking with three survivors of tongue cancer. And, as a cancer survivor myself, I am very pleased to be your host for today’s conversation. We’ll be talking about: watching for signs of recurrence; coping with the long-term effects of treatment; staying informed and being proactive; and finding support.

Our first guest today is Steve. Steve is a 48-year-old survivor from New Jersey. Steve is married and has a 19-year-old daughter. We’re glad to have you with us, Steve.

Steve:
Oh, glad to be here.

Dick Foley:
Now, let me just recap your story a little bit. Your cancer was first spotted by your dentist during a routine exam. The lesion was a whitish area on the side of your tongue that you suspected was a reaction to some recent dental work you had had. After a couple of weeks, the dentist checked you again, and he found that the lesion was still there, and he referred you at this point to an oral surgeon. The surgeon listened to your story, without mentioning the possibility of cancer, and did a biopsy. The results showed that you had a stage I (maybe bordering on stage II) squamous cell carcinoma. You underwent a single five-day round of chemo with 5FU. Three weeks later you underwent surgery in which part of your tongue and several lymph nodes in your neck were removed. You had a tracheotomy for six days. You are now considered cured, and you’ve had check-ups every four months. We’re delighted that you would join us today, Steve, and share your story with us.

Steve:
Well, that sound’s like my story all right. …read the rest of this entry»

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»

Welcome and Participant Introductions

Glenda Durham:
Hello and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Glenda Durham, your host. Today I will be talking with three women who were diagnosed with cancer while they were pregnant. As a cancer survivor myself, I am pleased to be your host for today’s conversation about: being diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy; making treatment decisions; future pregnancies or adoption; fear of recurrence and shortened life expectancy; and listening to your body.

Our first guest is Angel, a 30-year-old breast cancer survivor from Texas. Angel is married and has two sons, one of whom is two years old and the other two months. Welcome to the show, Angel.

Angel:
Thank you.

Glenda:
Your doctor found a lump in your left breast during your first prenatal visit, when you were pregnant with your firstborn son. You had a needle biopsy, which confirmed that you had cancer. You underwent a mastectomy, and the cancer was found to be stage II. You underwent five rounds of chemo while you were pregnant and are currently finishing another round of 12 sessions. Thank you for joining us today, Angel.

Angel:
Thank you.

Glenda:
Also joining us is Heike, a 36-year-old ovarian cancer survivor from Idaho. Heike is married and has a two and a half-year-old son. We’re glad to have you with us today, Heike.

Heike:
Thank you.

Glenda:
Like Angel, you were pregnant with your first child when cancer was found. You were at your first prenatal visit and your doctor thought your pregnancy seemed abnormally advanced. An ultrasound showed that you had a cyst on your left ovary. The doctor predicted the cyst would shrink after three months and recommended that you have an ultrasound every two weeks to check it. The cyst continued to grow rather than shrink. You declined to have surgery, fearing this might hurt the fetus. When the pain was too much to endure you agreed to the surgery, and the cyst was found to be cancerous. Late in your pregnancy you underwent a Cesarean section and had a full hysterectomy. You’ve also had six cycles of chemo. Your baby is healthy, and you are cancer-free. And thank you for joining our group, Heike. …read the rest of this entry»

Symptom and Description Nausea (feeling queasy or sick to your stomach) and/or vomiting (throwing up) may happen from many causes with cancer, and may be worse if you are getting chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Nausea and vomiting may come on slowly or very quickly with cancer-related problems. Your doctor will treat the problem causing the nausea and vomiting, and treat the nausea and vomiting, too.

Learning Needs Nausea and vomiting are very unpleasant. Either or both may be barely noticeable or may be severe and cause you to be unable to do things that are important to you. In addition, if you vomit a lot you can get dehydrated and have other problems from losing body salts.

You should call your doctor or nurse if:

• You have nausea that lasts for more than a few days, or if nausea keeps you from doing things that are important to you.
• You vomit more than once or twice a day for 2 days. …read the rest of this entry»
  

NEAL:
Hello, and welcome to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivor Network, a service created by and for cancer survivors. I’m your discussion leader, Neal Sofian. On the phone with us are some special women who will help us talk about issues for Latino women. I’d also like to introduce our guest host today, Michael Samuelson. Michael is the chairman of the National Cancer Advisory Counsel at cancerfacts.com. Michael is also a cancer survivor.

MICHAEL:
Hi, Neal. Listen, I’m very excited about today’s show. The whole issue about the way different cultures respond to cancer is very, very important. Let’s go ahead and bring in our first guest, who is Marcella Gomez, from McAllen, Texas. Hi, Marcella. You, like I, are a breast cancer survivor, and you spend a lot of your time working with Hispanic culture, particularly with Mexican-American culture. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about the work that you’re doing?

MARCELLA:
I’m a breast cancer survivor, and I am involved with the American Cancer Society, with their program Reach to Recovery. I do Reach to Recovery for women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. And in the area that I’m from, I think that the population mix may be 80% Hispanic or Latino. Since I am bilingual, it has helped me to help a lot of the women who otherwise wouldn’t have gotten any help before. I’m able to work with them as far as teaching them exercises, emphasizing to them to continue with the breast self-examinations.

MICHAEL:
In terms of working with the Hispanic culture and working with Mexican-Americans, have you noticed any specific differences with regard to the different cultures? …read the rest of this entry»

Dr. Ronit Elk:
Hello, and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Dr. Ronit Elk, your host. Today I’m going to be talking with three women about their survivorship experience from their perspective as lesbians. I’m really extra excited to facilitate this discussion. I mean, there are several reasons for this. First of all, I’m a psychologist. I’m also a caregiver. I took care of my mother and father and my late husband, who unfortunately all passed away. I’m a cancer research advocate. But equally importantly, I’ve been in a very happy, committed relationship with my partner, Sue, for several years, and we are very involved in the gay community and excited to be a part of this outreach effort.

So today we’re going to be talking about issues like some of the discrimination by health professionals, some of the difficulties that I think lesbian women may experience in terms of insurance; other things like finding support and where we can find it and maybe have new ways to generate support. Another issue I’d like to touch on is taking responsibility for our own health and well-being; and finally, becoming advocates for ourselves and for our community, because that way we can just broaden the assistance to so many people. So before we start, let me just introduce our guests.

Our first guest is Marie, from Texas. Marie is a 42-year-old breast cancer survivor. She is un-partnered, and she doesn’t have children. Marie, were you diagnosed in 2001? …read the rest of this entry»

Michael Samuelson:
Hi, and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Michael Samuelson, your host. Today I’ll be talking one-on-one with gay men about their experiences with cancer. As a cancer survivor myself, I am pleased to speak with our guests about such things as: receiving quality medical care; managing side effects; relationships and social support; and certainly, the issue of finances, insurance and employment; health and wellness, in general; and in particular, with this particular interview, the opportunity to talk about caregiving.

Michael Samuelson:
I’m now speaking with a caregiver whose name is, coincidentally with another guest in this series, Larry. Larry lives in Michigan with Stuart, his partner of 25 years. Welcome, Larry.

Larry:
I’m glad to be here, Michael. Thank you.

Michael Samuelson:
Now, Larry, Stuart was diagnosed with a type of head and neck cancer, cancer of the salivary gland, back in January 2002. He was treated with chemo, radiation and also surgery. Just recently, also, in your situation, your 93 year-old mother was diagnosed, I understand, with my [own type of] cancer, and that’s breast cancer.

Larry:
Correct.

Michael Samuelson:
You’re her primary caregiver, as well. Thanks so much for joining us today, Larry.

Larry:
I’m really glad to be here, Michael. Glad to be of some support and be able to offer some input.

Michael Samuelson:
This is a critically important part of it, because so often people think in terms of the individual who has cancer, but we forget about that person who is perhaps the person behind the cancer [survivor], and that’s the caregiver. What was that like? What was it like for you when Stuart was diagnosed? …read the rest of this entry»

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
Hi, and welcome to the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network. I’m Dr. Wendy Harpham, your host. In this program, I’ll be talking one-on-one with four survivors of ovarian cancer who are in different stages of treatment. As a cancer survivor myself, I am pleased to speak with our guests about: self-advocacy in the medical setting; the effect of illness on family relationships; advocating for ourselves and others, as well as other topics that arise in the course of our discussion.

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
I’m speaking with Sandi, a 51 year-old survivor from Ontario, Canada. Sandi is married and does not have children. Hi, Sandi.

Sandi:
Good morning. How are you?

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
Good. In 1999, you experienced abdominal bloating that didn’t go away. You went to a doctor, who referred you to a gynecologist. You then had a hysterectomy, and a large tumor was removed that was diagnosed as ovarian cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, all of your exams and tests and scans have shown you have had no cancer, ever since. Any other additions to your history?

Sandi:
Subsequent to that, I had the genetic testing for the ovarian and breast, and also the genetic testing for the colorectal, ovarian and uterine link.

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
Have you gotten those results yet?

Sandi:
I’ve received the results for the ovarian and breast testing, and that was negative, but I have the initial results from the colorectal ovarian, which is the hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer link, and the initial results are positive, which I suspected.

Dr. Wendy Harpham:
So, you’re a survivor of ovarian cancer, and now you know you have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Sandi:
82 percent risk. …read the rest of this entry»