Hi Everyone!

In case you have missed out on what’s been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a quick recap. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!

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

• Shared Experiences, Shared Strength-Introducing Our New Logo - IHadCancer.com's founder Mailet Lopez reflects on what led her to build the site, shares some exciting updates and introduces our new logo. Check it out! 

• 4 Ways To Maintain Consistency During Cancer -Sometimes all we need is to make sure our lives feel "normal". Read and share these tips on maintaining some consistency during your Cancer journey.

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

• You were found the day I gave birth to my first baby and thanks to you the only baby I will be able to have, although you tried hard to ruin that day for me, it will always be the best day of my life.(click here to comment)
• Dear cancer (note the sarcasm because you are anything but dear to me), I won the battle you put me through, I proved myself stronger than you so you can go f**k yourself! (click here to comment)
• Cancer Sucks! You took precious time from me, only to fail. I believe only good thoughts.(click here to comment)

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

• This may be the first rhyming Dear Cancer post we've have had on the site...and we love it! (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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  There's a certain camaraderie between people who have been affected by cancer that is unlike anything else. We just "get" it. This energy was the motivation behind our new logo and tagline. Check it out! (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• Today our team is remembering the memory of one of our very first members, Sweet Emily, who would have been 28 today. Happy Birthday, Emily - thank you for the friendship and support that you gave us during your journey.(I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• I am now finished with surgery and treatment for bowel cancer. I have returned to work. I feel more isolated each day generally and do not want to socialize with family or friends. Is this "normal"?(click here to answer)
• Has anyone out there heard of new treatments for Ovarian Cancer? I have heard of Immunotherapy-but don't know what it is and also read somewhere that raising your blood temperature fights cancer and they are doing testing on that also...Please share any info you may have on new treatments... either medically or holistically...Thank You (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 have missed out on what’s been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a quick 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)

• I Was Too Embarrassed to Admit I Needed Help- It's not easy to accept help and sometimes you may not even realize that you need it, but it can make a big difference in your journey with cancer.
• Will Sex Ever Be The Same? - The side effects of cancer treatment can make sex much more difficult for patients but oncologists rarely talk about how to fix these problems. Read more to find out how one survivor got past the sexual health roadblocks that she faced.
• I Didn't Know That Cancer Survivors Can Experience PTSD Until I Did - As many as 1 in 3 cancer survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder, but many of these cases go undiagnosed. Read more to find out how Kym realized she was experiencing PTSD.

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

• Cancer, you are no dear. You think you cause fear? Maybe you do but I will no longer be blue because of you! I am a Warrior, an Anal Cancer Warrior! (click here to comment)
• Dear cancer, I didn't need you to make me strong I was strong enough before! With a young family who needs me you made last year horrendous, but I have been amazed at friends and family who have pulled together whilst I concentrated on my battle with you. I am somewhat wrapped up in fear that you may return but know this, you are not welcome and we do not want you in our lives. We will do everything to help irradiate you from everyone's life. Stay away. (click here to comment)

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

•  Don't forget to keep the ones you love accountable for their health, no matter how busy their lives may be. After urging her to get screened for potential health issues, Taylor Swift's mother has been diagnosed with cancer. We wish them both well as they begin the cancer journey. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• It's okay to be honest here - some days are just hard. But trust that tomorrow will be better.  (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• Have you used meditation through your cancer journey? (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
  

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

• I have Mets Breast Cancer since 2010. It has spread to my lungs, liver and bones. I have been on pain meds for a long time and battle with a lot of stomach issues. I can tell the Cancer has progressed a lot in the lungs, it's very hard to breathe now. I have to be on oxygen all the time now and haven't left the house since. I find it very embarrassing and am getting pretty depressed about the progression and having to depend on people for rides. I get tired very quickly and with all the meds im on I don't think I should be driving. I was 38 when I was 1st diagnosed. I have two sons one is 18 and the other 14. I know it has to embarrass them if anyone they knew saw me. Does anyone have any advice? (click here to answer)
• I really want to hear from women about weight gain on Tamoxifen and now femara. I feel like everyone is so dismissive of this. I have gained 30 pounds since I started treatment 2 years ago. With everything that cancer has taken from me, I am so angry about this. I feel like I am no longer a women. No matter how hard I try, I can't loose weight. Lost my breast, lost my sexuality, my sense of safety, and now this weight?? Has anyone had any success loosing cancer treatment weight? (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, 

As we look forward to a great 2015, I Had Cancer wanted to catch you up on some recent news. Let’s make 2015 better than 2014! 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)

• This Is For Anyone Who Has Just Been Diagnosed with Cancer If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with cancer, share this letter with them - written by a survivor who was given only a few months to live eighteen years ago.
• What Type of Chemo is Right for You? - CorrectChemo is a test that reveals which chemo will kill the cancer cells of an individual patient. It allows patients to take control of their treatment plan.
• It's Okay To Ask For Help During Cancer - Cancer is difficult. It is not shameful to admit that you don't have the means, energy or time to accomplish whatever it is that you wish to do when dealing with cancer. You can't do it alone, so why not ask for help?

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

• You have scarred me but you can never break me or my faith. You have taught me the true meaning of life and how to live a happy life. You taught me true laughter and that sometimes laughing is the best medicine. You taught me to be grateful for each day. As long as I have the strength and determination you will never break me! (click here to comment)
•  Dear Darling Cancer, I made you my best friend - thought about you night and day. And that way you got way less scary. Keeping you, my enemy, close, I realised you needed me for your own survival. You are so co-dependant, like nothing else, and weak because of it. If I die, you die so your game is stupid. When you realise that you get even weaker and I get your strength. Sucked in! We were an inseparable couple, but you were not my better half. I focussed on you til I realised I wanted to focus on my Self and my body instead. I did stuff that makes me feel free and beautiful. Stuff that made my world beautiful, like swinging on the swings in the kids playground. And that earned me my continued mental wellbeing by creating peace of mind. Beauty is one of the medicines of the soul, or so said Walt Disney and I believe him. Through you I learned to listen - to know the difference between emptiness, compassion and silliness. I can still hear the truth of a thing because of the skills I learned through your presence. I discovered I have a voice because of you, and that voice is worth hearing. That internal voice saved my life, destroyed you, and now I'm coming up to 22 years post 3-month prognosis. You might be the most horrible thing roaming the entire universe, but you're powerless over a well made up mind living with a peaceful soul. (click here to comment)

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

• There are thousands of people on ihadcancer.com who need your help - answer their questions, tell them what you learned, remind them that there is hope. Help yourself by helping others. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• "Diagnosed on my 17th birthday with progressed stage papillary carcinoma thyroid cancer. The only word to describe how I felt is "confused." Confused about what would happen, was this the end? This wasn't the first time for cancer to affect the family, with my father sadly losing his battle 3 years previous. If I hadn't have gone to my GP with a common cold, the biopsy would not have been carried out on the lump I had discovered which I had mistaken as a swollen gland. I had one week left before the cancer tumour surrounded my voice box and it would have been too late. Shortly after my cancer treatment and operation, I returned to high school. Now, 6 years on, I am in remission, and have graduated from University with my Honours degree in Psychology, and continuing my study and career in Clinical Psychology. Cancer is a part of my life, and I continue to upkeep my regular appointments to ensure my health is at the best it can be. My large neck scar is a reminder of how lucky I am to be here today. Being a teenager with cancer didn't prevent my life from progressing, it gave me the motivation to succeed. " – Shannon #YoungAdultCancerAwareness (I Had Cancer Facebook Page) 

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

• I have breast cancer that has metastasized to my bones. I am open for any type of treatments that anyone else has gone through to get rid of this type of cancer. I am completely open to suggestions and would love any feedback. Thank you! (click here to answer)
•  I was diagnosed with AML in January 2014. Then I had an induction chemo that put it into remission. That followed 3 consolidation chemos. Then in August 2014, in humble gratitude to an unseen donor, I underwent a stem-cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). Now, there are blast cells in my blood and yesterday I was given a transfusion. Looks like there is nothing more to be done to prevent the disease taking over. Does anyone have any suggestions? (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 have missed out on what’s been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a quick recap. As the Holidays approach, remember to be thankful for all those in your life and don’t forget to spread some holiday cheer. 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 Help A Family With Cancer - Yes, I said a "family with Cancer", because when one member has Cancer, it affects the family unit as a whole. When one member suffers, all the members suffer. We work as a group, as a team, with one goal: TO KICK CANCER'S BUTT!
• I Don't Want The "New Normal" - Life after cancer is anything but normal. Instead of focusing on finding "the new normal," Barbara believes that survivors should focus on discovering "the new life" and leave "normal" behind. Read more. 

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

• Dear Cancer, “You are becoming much too common. Starting with me, then my uncle, my aunt, my cousin, my friends...it's about time we start preventing you from ever happening. I'm starting by putting on a fashion show to help people feel alive and beautiful again, because cancer you make people feel sick and alone. We're going to kick cancer right off the runway!” (click here to comment)
• Dear Cancer.... Headaches, headaches I will never forget the headaches. The horrific pain and discomfort you caused me. You have killed millions of people, physically and emotionally, Throughout history. Blood taken and given everyday: The number of pills, so many I cannot say, Alienation from my counts being low. Unthinkable weight gain And chronic, debilitating, excruciating pain. Because of You: All because of You You showed up unexpectedly And tried to steal my life away: But, You were wrong. I am still here today. (click here to comment)

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

• I was 35 years old when I was diagnosed with Adrenal Cortex Carcinoma–stage IV, metastasized to the lungs. I was recently divorced, a single mom with a five and seven-year-old. Part of the problem with our rare cancer is the little to no treatment options...  - Lisa (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• Our thoughts are with Joe Cocker's loved ones. His music will continue to help countless cancer patients through treatment for years to come.‪#‎RIPJoeCocker ‪#‎LungCancerAwareness (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• I have had cancer on the base of my tongue I have not been able to return to work I have horrible fatigue and problems within eating and still have a lot of pain and I am week how is everyone else with this kind of cancer doing ? (click here to answer)
• Anybody else here young(ish) who survived cancer? How did you go back to normal life afterward? I guess I am having a hard time adjusting. Any advice would be great :) (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 have missed out on what’s been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a quick 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)

• I Don't Want The "New Normal"- Life after cancer is anything abut normal. Instead of focusing on finding "the new normal," Barbara believes that survivors should focus on discovering "the new life" and leave "normal" behind. Read more.
• How To Save Money During and After Cancer - Cancer is expensive. All these new costs in your life can quickly make it seem like you don't have enough money to do the things that you used to do before. Here are some tricks that Mallory, a cancer survivor, uses to make budgeting more manageable.

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

• Dear Cancer.... Headaches, headaches I will never forget the headaches. The horrific pain and discomfort you caused me. You have killed millions of people, physically and emotionally, Throughout history. Blood taken and given everyday: The number of pills, so many I cannot say, Alienation from my counts being low. Unthinkable weight gain And chronic, debilitating, excruciating pain. Because of You: All because of You You showed up unexpectedly And tried to steal my life away: But, You were wrong. I am still here today. (click here to comment)
• Dear Cancer, I truly feel sorry for you today. Today I am remind, as everyday, that it is I, just a 20 year old with a dream, beat the monster that invaded my life almost two years ago now. Today I play with my new hair, which is actually better (thicker and softer) that my old hair was, so you lost that too if you thought taking it away would make me feel worse. I was told yesterday that I call into work too much around chemo time. Well guess what? That means I have a job and people who care enough about me to work with my chemo schedule. You lost that too. I had finals last week. That means I am back at college. It might such some days, sure, I feel like you keep me in a mental fog, but I had finals which means I got through a whole semester despite you. Take that. I might not be all that brave, cancer, but I have grown brave wings, and honestly, I think I only have them because of you. You thought you would tear me down? Well, as a matter a fact, you showed me how strong I could be. You taught me to push through. After this, I will no longer just fly; I will soar. Nothing you do now can possibly change that. (click here to comment)

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

• "One person can make a difference and everyone should try." Email your story to emily@ihadcancer.com for the chance to be featured during our #WeekofInspiration. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• If you could say something to a cancer patient who is spending the holidays in the hospital, or to their loved ones, what would you say to make them smile? #holidaysinthehospital (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• When do you consider yourself a breast cancer survivor? From date of diagnoses, date of surgery, or date finishing chemo? Just some food for thought. (click here to answer)
• I've dealt with cancer several times. In my world it isn't any big deal. I'm strong and I can handle anything life hands me. BUT...... Has anyone had the problem of after cancer and treatment, looking at what I call "normals" (those who have never had cancer) and shake your head at some of the things they get spastic over? I find myself just going to work, coming home, taking care of my dogs, and just going and doing things on my own. Don't think I'm just hiding, just this year I've been to Bali, parachuted twice, been scuba diving, went to New Orleans twice, learned how to go camping and have gone camping with the dogs 4 or 5 times. For as much patience I have gained, I don't have much. Does that make sense?  (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