Hi everyone,
If you have missed out on what’s been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a recap. Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!
 
Recent Blog Posts (please email emily@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

• How to Spot a Cancer Mama Ten Miles Away - Unlike adult patients, children require 24-around-the-clock parental care in the hospital. In some cases, one parent is trying to work still, or its a single parent situation, so that leaves the “Cancer Mama” (or "Papa") to fend for herself in the jungles of the hospital.

• Is It Possible to Make Peace With Cancer Treatment? - Is it possible to come to terms with cancer treatment and everything that your body is going to have to endure? According to Jami, it was the best thing she could have done. 

Recent Dear Cancer Messages (What do you have to say to cancer? Let it out.)

• Hey cancer, You attacked me at 17 and really pissed me off! After that, you wanted another round with me at 20 years old And pissed me off even more! Then, a few years later, I find out that breast cancer is going to come for me because of my treatment! By that time, I defied you by living my life, loving, laughing, and making future plans (click here to comment)
• I was dxed with Waldenstroms 3 years ago and feel like my life has been "on hold" every since that unforgettable day. I am still having such a hard time dealing with all the "complications" I have endured. I have no "will to live" as I do not know if I will really have a future. The WM costs me my work, energy and has made me so very afraid. In addition to the fatigue, WM has "stolen" my vision and hearing and in addition, I suffer from chronic pain. I have no "quality of life" and find it difficult to get excited about what life I have. I can't find joy in even simple things and I don't want to make plans because I don't know if I have a future. I am on a lot of meds and I know they affect my reasoning ability. it is a difficult situation to find oneself in when one feels as though you have lost everything. Having your vision and hearing severely "compromised" to a point wherein you are unable to even renew your drivers license just adds to the depression. I am unable to take anti-depressants due to their effect on my vision and hearing. I don't feel the need to set goals, because I don't know what is literally "around the corner". It is really difficult to be upbeat when so much is wrong. (click here to comment)

Recent Facebook post (Don't forget to Like us on FB!)

• Cancer may make you feel like a new person - with new fears, and new anxieties. But don't let it take all of you. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• Is this true for you? “I am not thankful for cancer…but I am thankful for what cancer has taught me.  (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

Recent Discussion Questions (Ask anything you want on our discussion board.)

• Can anyone recommend a supplement for weight gain? I'm drinking boost ice cream shakes but still losing weight. And I'm not sure those boost shakes are nutritious. I have appetite but thinking of all the calories I'd need to eat is overwhelming. I'm trying to gain at least 15 lbs this month. There are weight loss pills...where are the weight gain pills? (click here to answer)
• Hi guys! I had childhood bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and finished my chemo treatment approx 13 years ago, however am still finding myself suffering from ongoing tiredness, fatigue & low immune system. Have already received many helpful responses on my post on the I had cancer facebook page (which have convinced me that I am not crazy or alone & that what I am feeling/ experiencing is in fact normal!) am just re-sharing the question here for others to share their thoughts on the ongoing issues relating to their cancer years after treatment has ended. More specifically, are there any childhood cancer survivors who have experienced late effects in adulthood? Mel (click here to answer)

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Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team