Hi everyone,

If you missed out on some of the recent news going on here at IHadCancer, then here is a recap of the past week! Our founder, Mailet Lopez, is co-hosting a NYC networking event for women in health & wellness on 06/18. Check it out here: http://www.womenyouneedtoknow.biz/ . Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!

Recent Blog Posts (please email nick@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

• How My Dog Helped Me Through Cancer - Do you have a pet that helped you before, during or after a cancer diagnosis? In this guest blog post, Amanda shares how her dog, Schatzi helped her stay positive during her cancer journey.
• A Journey From Fighter to Survivor - Cancer can change the way a survivor looks, feels, and sees the world. Are you wondering how to redefine yourself and find your "new normal"? Read more to find out how Mallory navigated the evolution of her own survivorship.

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

• Dear Cancer, so many people suffer because of you. Nobody likes you. You need to leave. My nanny had breast cancer when she was 39. She was diagnosed again last year and she's still here to tell the tale. One day we will beat you and that day can't come quick enough. You've taken so many lives, ruined people and split up families. You should stop and let people live their lives. Go away. (click here to comment)
• Dear Cancer, It seems like you're everywhere now. First you took my granddaddy then you tried me. You took away the normal and made me "That girl who had cancer". Now you're attacking my great uncle, my friends and family friends. Just go away. I can't stand you. I don't know what to do anymore. (click here to comment)

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

• Do you have a pet that helped you before, during or after a cancer diagnosis? ( I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• The grand prize of our #5words2cancer contest was a trip to nyc and this weekend our team had the privilege of meeting our winner Joshua DiMezza, during his trip here. His five words were "through struggle came tremendous strength" and we were so inspired by his story. He's a 23 year old #testicularcancer survivor dedicated to making a difference in both the fitness world and the cancer community. Here's to Josh and big dreams! (I Had Cancer Facebook page)
• "This picture was taken in May of 2011 just after I had brain surgery. The man to the right proposed to me in the hospital instead of walking out of the relationship when my parents told him I had cancer. Two and a half years later he is now my husband, who has been patient, faithful, and loyal. I just finished radiation in November of 2013. I know cancer is hard, but I want to help spur people on. I want to encourage those who need it! I love your posts and they have helped me!" (I Had Cancer Facebook page) 

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

• Struggling with how to tell everyone that I am denying traditional treatment and looking into alternative care. My fear is they will think I'm giving up. I don't believe that this time around I can endure the process of chemotherapy and radiation. I feel alone in my journey. (click here to answer)
• Is there anyone else out there that is a fighter and or survivor of a germ cell tumor? I know it's a rare bunch of people! (click here to answer)

If you'd like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, scroll down to the bottom right hand side of the site and enter your email address! 

 
Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team

Hi everyone,

If you missed out on some of the the recent news going on here at IHadCancer, then here is a recap of the past week! Do you have an idea for a potential blog post? We would love for you to reach out to us.  Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!

Recent Blog Posts (please email nick@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

• Embracing the Evolution of Survivorship - Cancer can change the way a survivor looks, feels, and sees the world. Are you wondering how to redefine yourself and find your "new normal"? Read more to find out how Mallory navigated the evolution of her own survivorship. 
• The Power of Giving Back - When Nicole’s two role models were diagnosed with cancer, she did not just sit around. Instead, she made it her goal to implement the life lessons she learned from them into her everyday life. Read more to find out what Nicole has gained from her volunteer work. 

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

• Dear Cancer ... Today is National Cancer Survivor's Day! Too bad you can't celebrate with us! We get to live, WITHOUT you!!! (click here to comment) 
• Dear Cancer, Today was my last day of active treatment, and I figured it was the perfect opportunity to write you a letter. I would've written sooner but I was super busy kicking your ass. You've been apart of my life for far too long. You're the greatest enemy I've ever known and the biggest thief. I've seen you steal the hopes and dreams of so many. Too many. As a young child, I had to watch helplessly as you inflicted unimaginable suffering upon my mother. Not that she didn't give you one hell of a fight. She did! In the midst of all that suffering, I saw a woman, with all of the odds stacked against her, use the power of sheer will, faith in God and unconditional love for her children take you a few extra rounds. You see Cancer, she was the ultimate example of strength and fortitude. And that example was a powerful weapon in my arsenal. And what about my real life superhero, Laura Gannon?! I bet you never saw her coming. She kept me focused and strong every single day of this fight, loving me through the toughest rounds. And while my wife was reason enough to fight, there was my little girl, my sweet Madeleine. She has a few superpowers of her own. I love her with every cell in my body and I sure as hell wasn't about to let you take from her what you took from me. Cancer, while I am proud and grateful to have won this battle, I realize that until we find a cure for you, the war continues. I vow to keep fighting for all the soldiers we have lost and for all the warriors, present and future. Signed, Riese's Daughter (click here to comment)

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

• Join us in celebrating National Cancer Survivors Day! ( I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• There is reason to celebrate today. Happy #NationalCancerSurvivorsDay to everyone affected by cancer. (I Had Cancer Facebook page)
• Rest In Peace Maya Angelou - thank you for your beautiful words that have helped countless cancer survivors, fighters and supporters through their journey.#RIPMaya (I Had Cancer Facebook page)

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

• Please help me. After only going in to remission myself in late 2011, my father has been diagnosed with GBM. The doctors have suggested that my brothers and sisters get tested to see if we have all inherited a gene predisposing us to cancer as all of my Dads side have had or/been taken by cancer. He has lost all happiness, and we are all struggling with how to handle this 'incurable' cancer. Can anyone tell me about their experience with GBM? Or anyone have any 'positive' stories in regards to GBM? I know the long term survival is very low. It has been 7 months since he was diagnosed. (click here to answer)
• Did any of you lose friends due to your cancer? I had an odd experience. Went in for extensive cancer surgery. Had a close friend prior to the surgery. Came out of the surgery and she was no longer a close friend. Will not respond to phone calls or emails. I can think of absolutely nothing that I did to make her do this. (click here to answer)

If you'd like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, scroll down to the bottom right hand side of the site and enter your email address! 
 
Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team

Hi everyone,

In case you haven’t checked in recently here is some news that has been going on here at I Had Cancer! We are always looking for new bloggers at I Had Cancer to share with our community. As always, please let us know if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!

Recent Blog Posts (please email nick@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

·        Three Ways to Achieve A State of Gratitude -  Are you wondering how to tap into a state of gratitude during your cancer journey? In this guest blog post, a certified life coach and five year colon cancer survivor offers her top 3 tips.

·         Tips for Choosing the Right Insurance For Your Cancer Diagnosis. - Are you wondering how to choose the best insurance policy? Doing some basic research can save you money now and help you avoid surprises later. Read more for some helpful tips for picking the right insurance.

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

·         I hate everything that you are. You took away my childhood and my families happiness when I was diagnosed. We finally felt relief and happiness again when I went in to remission 2.5 years ago and now you are back, this time 'incurable' and in my beautiful Dads brain. I hate you. I hate the sadness you have drowned us in and I hate that the doctors think my brothers and sisters might also have inherited the gene predisposing us to you. I hate you, and sometimes I wish I died so that I wouldn't have had to now watch you slowly take my dad. That thought never ever crossed my mind until you came for my Dad. I had such positivity and pure joy and appreciation for life. I hate how selfish that thought is.. Because I know that had I died, my dad would be in more pain watching and living through that than he is now. But this hurts me more. I hate you and I pray with all my heart and soul that they find a cure to rid my family of you forever. (click here to comment) 

·         Dear Cancer, you have been haunting me since November, but tomorrow I start to fight you. When the doctor cuts out the bone that you have set up home in, you may leave me weak and broken...but only for a while. I will heal, I will fight, I will win. From tomorrow on, I will get stronger. You've messed with the wrong girl!! (click here to comment)

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

·          We love all of the recipes in the Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen cookbook. Here's one for an easy & healthy cancer-kicking curried quinoa. (I Had Cancer Facebook page)

·         "I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 rare lobular breast cancer. Just as I was so excited to become a survivor, a month later tests showed that my cancer had spread all throughout my back. I am presently living with bone mets but I continue to hike daily and stay positive in life. I may not have won my fight with cancer but to me, every day I am living, I'm a winner." (I Had Cancer Facebook page)

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

·          Anyone out there use Complementary Alternative Medicine alongside conventional treatment? What were your experiences/results? (click here to answer)

·         I have been in remission for 20 months and I still feel the need to talk about my experiences with cancer, but I feel as though my friends don't want to hear it about it anymore. (I try not to ever bring it up because of that) I feel as though everyone thinks that the day chemo ended I should have "moved on" and should be "over it." Does anyone else feel that they can't talk to their friends or family? (click here to answer)

If you'd like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, scroll down to the bottom right hand side of the site and enter your email address! 
 
Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team

Hi everyone,

Here is some recent news  that has been going on here at I Had Cancer! Help us grow our community of survivors, fighters, and supporters by telling friends and family about us! And don’t forget that May is Melanoma/Skin and Brain cancer awareness month, so show your support.

Recent Blog Posts (please email emily@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

•  How Do You Keep Track Of Your Medical Records?- Maayan's frustrations with the healthcare system inspired her to quit her job and build a new app that allows people to manage and easily access their medical records. Read more to find out exactly how her app, 'Hello Doctor' works. 
• Goodbye School Uniform, Hello Hospital Gown - At the age of 17, Carley was diagnosed with the first reported case of clear cell sarcoma in the world. She had to say goodbye to a lot of things but somehow found a way to accept her losses and move forward with her life. 

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

• Dear Cancer, I have mixed emotions about you now that you are gone. I am happy you left but I have to admit you were my teacher. You woke me up to life and how I was sleep waking through it. Now I am happy every moment to be alive. I stopped worrying about every little thing. I take care of myself; I eat healthy; I meditate; I practice yoga; I live in the moment. I don't know if I would be doing all that if it weren't for your "wake-up" call. By the way, don't bother trying to come back. I also learned I am stronger than you. (click here to comment)
•  Dear Cancer, Cancer sucks. (click here to comment)

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

•  In honor of #BrainCancer awareness month, check out this powerful blog from 18-year-old brain cancer survivor, Catherine Blotner: http://ow.ly/wWrnX
• "One morning I woke up & could not move my right arm. I went to urgent care, they did an ultrasound & there my journey as a stage 2 HER2 positive breast cancer patient began. I have gone through 26 chemo treatments 5 weeks of radiation and a mastectomy. I will have another mastectomy & reconstruction later this year. I am currently doing a year of Herceptin as a follow up. "( I Had Cancer Facebook page)

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

•  I am currently recovering from surgery to remove the cancer. Afterwards, I am to start CT scans every 3 months. For those of you who went through (or are in the middle of) this process. When did the 3 month period start? My surgeon said I was to start the scans 6 months after surgery. My oncologist said I was to start them 3 months after surgery. (click here to answer)
• I want to support my friend and I don't know how???? (click here to answer)

If you'd like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, scroll down to the bottom right hand side of the site and enter your email address! 
 
Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team

Hi everyone,

Big news this week! We've been nominated for a Webby Award. We're the only cancer community nominated, so please take a second to help us show the Webbys what a community really looks like! Vote here! As always, see below for the weekly roundup and let us know if you have any comments or concerns.

Recent Blog Posts (please email emily@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

• 5 Ways to Avoid Cancer Metastasizing To Your Wallet - When Dena was diagnosed with cancer at age 29, she had very little savings. When she added up the costs of treatment, medicine and transportation costs, she was overwhelmed by the price-tag of cancer. Read more to find out how she avoided going into debt. 
• 4 Steps For Self-Confidence: Advice From A Cancer Coach - Leah is a Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, as well as a cancer coach. In this guest blog post, she shares her tips for tapping into your inner power and learning to fight through self-doubt, no matter what you're going through.  

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

• Not sure if this is okay or not,I have nothing to say but f you!! Better not be back.Not now not ever,Im done with worrying about doctors and appointments and missed work.Im fing done with lost loves and the fear of dying.Done with feeling like shit because some women get to stay sexy while I wonder if I will need feeding tubes and a bag to stay right side up.Are you gonna keep my one true love company while Im gone?Be the woman you never let me be?Ive waited all my life and here you go again.How the f dare you. Click here to comment. 
• I asked for one thing, Respect! Click here to comment.  

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

• We're honored to be nominated for a #Webby Award, but this award isn't about us, it's about you! We know our community has a lot to say to cancer so that's why we want YOU to help us with our five word speech. If we win, we'll use your words as our speech and fly the winner to NYC to join us at the awards. Send in your #5words2cancer on Twitter or Instagram and rally your own communities to vote for IHC. 

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

• Hi all Im new to this site. Im a one year survivor of colon cancer. I Had a catscan a few days ago which showed an enlarged lymph node. Idk what this could be. My bloodwork has been normal and my colonoscopy. Any ideas...im getting a petscan monday and im really scared. Click here to answer.  
• I get very emotional after treatment. Does anyone else cry for days after? What helps to make you feel better? Click here to answer. 

If you'd like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, scroll down to the bottom right hand side of the site and enter your email address! 
 
Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team