Cancer Survivors Network

For this photo, I put on my wig and a scarf to cover my turkey waddle. I think accessories really do make a difference!

Nine months later, it looks like 20 years have gone by. I lost a lot of weight very quickly and it sure shows in my face. Since I no longer have that nice layer of fat under my skin, it just hangs there. Because I have had a lot of trouble with chemo induced anemia, I have been as pale as snow. At least I am getting some color back. Here, I am wearing lipstick and eyebrows but no other makeup.

This photo was taken 6 weeks before my diagnosis of  Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and 8 weeks before my first chemo. I had no symptoms and no clue!  I had never been sick and had just been given a clean bill of health a couple of months before this. My mammogran, pap smear, and all my blood work were perfectly normal. I took no medications of any kind. Other than giving birth, I had never been in the hospital. I have always loved to cook and I believe in eating healthful foods.

I was diagnosed with squima cell carcinoma, (sorry 4 the misspelling) in 2005. Its a very rare cancer less than 1% diagnosed. Anyone having this? I've never met anyone yet! I had my right upper jaw removed and have only half of the roof of my mouth. (total maxicellectomy). I also had radiation. I'm left with chronic nerve damage on the right side of my face. I have a didilaud drip pain pump inserted in my abdomen and I also take 60mg of morphine 4 times daily. I am never below a 6 in pain management. I also did the hyperbaric chamber before getting a tooth removed.

Hi,

My name is Bridget Ryan. I'm 27 years old and 3 months ago i was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I went under emergency surgery and am currently going through Chemo. My family and I have had our lives completely changed and we are dealing with a lot. I know that I am ver lucky that they cought it in time and that one day I will be cancer free, but right now I'm still just trying to cope. if there is anyone out there that has any advise for me I would greatly appreciate it. I still don't know what I'm doing or how I'm gonna get through this.

Hi all, first time here and feeling quite anxious after my GP told me that from a Ct scan and ultra sound I have a completar protruding cyst from mid pole in left kidney.  I see an urologist in 8 days but not sure of questions To ask.  My doctor said it is likely o be cancerous and I will need my kidney out, but surely the consultant will tell me this.  It is very small but has thick fluid and legions.  I'm sorry I don't know the correct terms, any support wold be great right now.