Hi everyone,
Here is a recap of what has been going on with I Had Cancer recently. 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)

• Nobody Told Me That Life After Cancer Would Be Hard | Cancer Mamas - After cancer treatment ends, a lot of people expect life to go back to "normal." But when Emily's son finished treatment, she found herself more stressed and anxious than ever before. Read more to find out how she coped. 
• The Power of Positive Thinking - John was a life-long pessimist...until he was diagnosed with ALL and discovered the Power of Positive Thinking. He believes it's never too late to change your mindset. Read more.

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

• I know I already posted a dear cancer a while ago. I was in such a different place then. I remember feeling like I could take over the world. Well cancer you found a new way to hurt me. You went after my heart. You found a way to break my heart. You took over my world. You consumed every drop of love you could and what you left was the little bit that's left that never truly goes away. What you did to my best friend and lover was unforgivable. You took what faith he had in us and me and you tried to break it.Now I know I have free will to do and say anything I want but what good is free will when you cant control feeling helpless, insecure, scared, jealous, sick, tired, lonely? Need I continue? And that's before 9am!! You made me seem crazy and emotional. You turned me into this obsessive lunatic. I'm afraid you and I will scare off the love of our life. I cant continue giving up my self to you. I don't know much but I do know I cant let you break my heart again. I saw what life would be without you. And I have to say it was glorious! It was romantic and sweet. It was damn near perfect. Now there is a hole in places where there shouldn't be. Everyone thinks I have a choice to be different. You took my choice and crushed it beyond repair. Good thing that love you tried to break is stronger than any cancer. Good thing I have an incredible man that with all his faults knows who I am without you and while we are both finding our own way to deal I know that when I lay down at night I win because in the morning I get another shot at life and love. (click here to comment)
• Dear Cancer The many scares that I carry on my body looks like I’ve been thrown through a plate glass window, but my scares are there to remind me of how God has healed me.In 2008 I lost all of my hair including my eyelashes and eyebrows, my nails turned black and a couple of them fell off, a couple of my teeth rotted and fell out of my mouth, my body had became so weak at times, that I couldn’t even make it to the restroom and my husband would have to come home and clean me up. I gave birth to my one and only child but she died in my arms and that almost killed me,now Cancer those were just a few of my challenges but I'm sure that you know that already because you were right there. The one thing that you could not take away from me was my smile. I never stopped smiling. I wanted people not to see the Cancer in me,but to always see the Christ in me.I hated you because you never gave me a choice. I didn’t have the choice to have you or not to have you.You made choices for me when I couldn’t even open my mouth and tell you what I wanted. You made me angry and want to sometimes give up.You took my mind,body and spirit through things that I never thought it could,but yet I STOOD! and guess what? I proved you wrong! I MAKE CANCER LOOK BEAUTIFUL,SO I WIN! (click here to comment)

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

• ICYMI - What advice would you give to someone about to finish cancer treatment? (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• Today's reminder: cancer has not defeated you. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• Are you a cancer survivor or fighter who lives in driving distance of Gainesville, Florida? If so, and you'd like the opportunity to sit on a panel and talk about your cancer experience, please email Emily@ihadcancer.com for more information. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• Hey. I'm new to this site, but looking to connect and share experiences with others who can relate. I'm in my last two months of chemo. Any suggestions for getting through these last four treatments. (click here to answer)
• Does anyone feel as if their family and friends act like your cancer is like a cold and that you will get over it? (click here to answer)
• Has anyone had side effects from the drug tasigna? If so have you had bad muscle pain from it? (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 a recap of what has been going on with I Had Cancer recently. The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness and there is still plenty of time to show your support. As always, 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)

• The Power of Positive Thinking - John was a life-long pessimist...until he was diagnosed with ALL and discovered the Power of Positive Thinking. He believes it's never too late to change your mindset. Read more.
• Cancer Will Try and Take Control. Don't Let It. - Cancer is a double whammy, as you have to immediately cope with the disease, plus cope with a sudden loss of control and self-direction. But it IS possible to take control back. Read more.
• The Side Effect No One Talks About - Do you have outstanding medical bills? You may be paying more than you have to. We've partnered with Nerdwallet to try and help reduce your bills. Read more.

• Dear Cancer The many scares that I carry on my body looks like I’ve been thrown through a plate glass window, but my scares are there to remind me of how God has healed me.In 2008 I lost all of my hair including my eyelashes and eyebrows, my nails turned black and a couple of them fell off, a couple of my teeth rotted and fell out of my mouth, my body had became so weak at times, that I couldn’t even make it to the restroom and my husband would have to come home and clean me up. I gave birth to my one and only child but she died in my arms and that almost killed me,now Cancer those were just a few of my challenges but I'm sure that you know that already because you were right there. The one thing that you could not take away from me was my smile. I never stopped smiling. I wanted people not to see the Cancer in me,but to always see the Christ in me.I hated you because you never gave me a choice. I didn’t have the choice to have you or not to have you.You made choices for me when I couldn’t even open my mouth and tell you what I wanted. You made me angry and want to sometimes give up.You took my mind,body and spirit through things that I never thought it could,but yet I STOOD! and guess what? I proved you wrong! I MAKE CANCER LOOK BEAUTIFUL,SO I WIN! (click here to comment)

• Dear Pain in my Ass, Today marks 7 months in remission for me from colon & rectal cancer. I refuse to be one of your statistics. When you chose me, you made a big mistake because I am a FIGHTER. (click here to comment)

• Such a touching story. A question that no parent should ever have to ask, but such a beautiful answer from a stranger.. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• Hey Cancer! It’s Over! (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• Different things matter to different people. What matters to you today? (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• I am new to this site. I'm wondering if there are other members of "an advanced age?" I'm in my 60's, have been through cancer on my own. Would love to converse with others who are older and single. (click here to answer)

• How long does it take for hair to grow back? It is slow going for me. It's been a little over 2 months and I still only have small growth. (I know, I'm impatient.) (click here to answer)

• Does anyone feel as if their family and friends act like your cancer is like a cold and that you will get over it? (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 haven’t logged on to I Had Cancer recently then here is a recap of the previous week. We have great new blogs that are posted and are excited for our new ones  we have coming in. If you would like to contribute to our blog please email  nick@ihadcancer.com to find out more info. 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)

• Four Cancer Survivors Review “Chasing Life” | Ep. 8 - Are you caught up with "Chasing Life" on ABC Family? See what these four cancer survivors have to say about Season 1 Episode 8, "Death Becomes Her." 

• How I Learned to Feel Like Myself Again | Journey of Survivorship - Many things about my personality and my life have changed since I was diagnosed with cancer. I have met many of these changes with distrust and dislike. 

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

• Dear Cancer... You truly suck...a year ago May, I found you were in my body. Like a venomous snake, you made your way in... Ahhhh but thank God for awesome doctors who performed surgery to remove 40% of my lung, monitored my chemo ( 4 cycles) and my radiation (30 treatments) simultaneously. I begged them to let me quit 1/2 way through. I had lost 21 lbs due to Esophagitis and being unable to eat or drink, bottomed out to where they could not get a blood pressure reading on my body, for the first time in my 59 years thought of ending my life... God had bigger plans for me! My doctor said throughout my year long journey, " you are curable", it took some time for those words to sink in. It had been 15 mos since the chest x-ray showed " a faint spot" on my lung and 13 mos since my surgery. I am a survivor of 1 year and I know I have a destiny here on earth and wherever it takes me, that' s where I'll go. Cancer - you suck but I beat you!!! (click here to comment)

• Dear cancer/chemo, words cannot express how much I hate you. You took my hair, memory, made me go through many surgeries, made me extremely sick, you also scared the hell out of not only me my family as well. You made me stay in bed for days and made me weak. Well guess what I am going on two years cancer free, and in a few days I will be celebrating my 27th birthday with my friends, family, and the best gift of all my beautiful 6 month old daughter! I hate you end of story!!! Don't ever come back and stop attacking others we don't want you here!! (click here to comment)

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

• "A year ago, life was totally different, Life took a sudden turn but it wasn't for the worst. Sure, it was devastating, you question God: Why me? Why not those awful people who don't value their lives or made horrific crimes? But God's purpose will always reveal itself in His perfect time. True enough, It made into a better person, and I know I will never go back to the old self, even if I were given a choice. Cancer is now part of my life and I know some people would look at it as a curse but one thing I have learned about the big C is that you have to look at the brighter side of things in order to survive. "  ( I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• We're making a list of the top 25 inspirational quotes or poems for cancer fighters, survivors and supporters. What do you think should be on it? (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• How do I explain to my soon to be husband how much it hurts me when he smokes cigarettes and dips tobacco. These were not traits when we were dating. He doesn't understand why it hurts my feelings. Any words? (click here to answer)

• I was diagnosed with stage 2B cervical cancer in May of 2013. After 4 surgeries, chemo & radiation I am now 6 mos in remission. I was unable to continue working and am still at this stage unable to work due to mental & physical limitations. I applied for short term disability in December of last year and was denied today. I have been able to hold it together financially through savings & an online fundraiser but I am no longer able to support myself or my son. Does anyone have any recommendations for financial assistance available to cancer fighters/survivors? I try to research online and it all looks like a jumbled up mess after so long.....my brain just isnt what it use to be. (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 haven’t checked into I Had Cancer recently then here is a recap of the past week. We have been receiving great feedback on our recent blogs are excited for  our new ones  we have scheduled to be posted. If you would like to contribute to our blog please email nick@ihadcancer.com to find out more info. 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)

• Four Cancer Survivors Review “Chasing Life” | Ep. 7 - Do you watch "Chasing Life" on ABC Family? We asked four cancer survivors to weigh in on Season 1 Episode 7, "Unplanned Parenthood." Read more. 
• When Your Child Has Cancer | Cancer Mamas Unite - Does your child have cancer? In this guest blog post, the mother of a 3 year-old Rhabdomyosarcoma survivor talks about her experience of befriending other cancer families and the importance of those friendships. 

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

• Dear Cancer (or my current enemy, Chemo): This day is not getting better...this is the second time I've tried to post and the website keeps rejecting me. That doesn't help when I've already cried twice today. It's one of those days where exhaustion has set in and I feel like I'm losing control. I want to scream. I can't accept that with my disease this could go one for years: pain, nausea, no hair. Yeah, I really want to scream (or hit something). (click here to comment)
• Dear cancer, I hate you! You turned my life upside down! You made me sick I lost all of my hair that made my dad cry!! I hate you for that! I'm tired all the time now!I have trouble with my knees and ankles,I have a bad memory and my eyesight really sucks now!! Most of I hate that you touched my kids and husband lives!! They worry everyday praying you don't come back! Do me a favor and go to HELL AND DON'T COME BACK!!! (click here to comment)

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

• Don't think about how knocked down you feel right now; think about how you're going to get back up. ( I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• "I found out I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma while I was 30 weeks pregnant. I gave birth to my second child 3 weeks early and 2 days later, I started my chemotherapy. I finished my treatment 6 months later. As of March 2013, I am a cancer survivor." Thank you for sharing your story, Heidi! (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• Anyone taking chemo or who has finished taking chemo know how to get rid of the metal taste in your mouth? I just finished my last chemo treatment July 21 and everything i eat or drink taste like metal. (click here to answer)
• I need some advice and I hope I can find it here. I started chemo last Monday, for colon cancer. The tumor was removed, but lymph nodes came back positive. I have heard and been told SO many different things about what I should and shouldn't eat while on chemo - the days of - and during the 6 months of treatment. I am a diabetic on insulin and a vegetarian. Does anyone have any resources or suggestions. I have been told different things from my doctor, my chemo nurse, websites. (click here to answer)
• Scared of relapse-I am 3 years out of chemo and radiation for stage 3a breast cancer. The last 2 weeks I go to work, come home and sleep for 3-4 hours (dead sleep!) and then an hour later go to bed for the night. Is this something I should call the onco doc about? I don't see him again until the end of September. Or should I call my general practitioner? Would you be worried? (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 haven’t checked into I Had Cancer recently then here is a recap of the past week. We have been receiving great feedback on our recent blogs are excited for  our new ones  we have scheduled to be posted. If you would like to contribute to our blog please email nick@ihadcancer.com to find out more info. 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)

• When Your Child Has Cancer | Cancer Mamas Unite - Does your child have cancer? In this guest blog post, the mother of a 3 year-old Rhabdomyosarcoma survivor talks about her experience of befriending other cancer families and the importance of those friendships. 
• Four Cancer Survivors Review “Chasing Life” | Ep. 6 - Have you tuned into the new ABC Series, "Chasing Life"? We asked cancer survivors to weigh in on the way the main character has navigated the cancer journey so far.
• Are We Ever Really “Cancer-Free”? -   For many survivors, the effects of cancer don't end when treatment does. In this guest blog post, Adele shares what she has experienced since treatment has ended, and how she copes with her new fears and questions. 

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

• Dear cancer, I hate you! You turned my life upside down! You made me sick I lost all of my hair that made my dad cry!! I hate you for that! I'm tired all the time now!I have trouble with my knees and ankles,I have a bad memory and my eyesight really sucks now!! Most of I hate that you touched my kids and husband lives!! They worry everyday praying you don't come back! Do me a favor and go to HELL AND DON'T COME BACK!!! (click here to comment)
• Dear Cancer, you came into my life on May 16, 2013 when my sister/best friend got AML. She fought for a year and 1 month when you took her on June 16, 2014. The pain and suffering you have caused my beautiful sister and I will never be forgotten. You took one of the most important people in my life away and I am never going to recover, she will never hold my hand, she will never walk at my side with her IV pole, she will never hug me, give me kisses and never tell me how much she loves me. You have destroyed my life and for this I will spend the rest of my existence trying to help others fight back the way I helped my sister. (click here to comment)

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

• What's the very first piece of advice you would give someone who just found out they have cancer?  Here's what some of our members had to say: “Don’t panic - take one day at a time… ( I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• Sierra is only 16 and has already conquered Ovarian Cancer. Here's to all of the young adult cancer survivors out there and the parents who never leave their side! #YoungAdultCancer  Are you a young adult cancer fighter or survivor? Tag your loved ones in the comments. #ShoutoutSaturday (I Had Cancer Facebook page)

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

• I had a malignant brain tumor in 1984 i was 8yrs old and i am now 38 about 6yrs ago i started having difficulties walking and other problems followed the doctor says it's from to much radiation can anybody relate? (click here to answer)
• Hello, Anyone that had breast cancer and on Arimidex having issues with bladder issues, burning, pressure etc. (click here to answer)
• Do you have a port scar on your chest? Are you as self conscious about it as I am?!?!?! I've heard Vitamin E oil helps it heal and fade....any recommendations? (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