Hi Everyone!

In case you've 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!

We’ve been playing around with snapchat for fun! Be sure to send snaps of your #DearCancer, #5words2Cancer or #hospitalsnaps to us!

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

• It Is Possible To Feel Beautiful After A Mastectomy- For breast cancer survivors who undergo a mastectomy, their "new normal" includes struggling with getting dressed every day. Read how one woman took control of her life and wardrobe after cancer. 

• How To Cook For A Cancer Patient With Altered Taste- Treatment can leave patients facing difficulties with producing saliva, swallowing foods, or a dramatic change in taste. Despite these difficulties, Chef Ryan Callahan provides simple solutions for putting together meals for cancer patients. 

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

• "Dear Cancer, you showed up uninvited. No thanks to that. You have caused me years of anxiety, fear, pain, and loss. Guess what? You still didn't win. I am still alive. Guess what again? I have lived 5 years since that day you showed up when I was 32. You think you may have robbed me of some of my youth and I almost....almost let you take that. Then I thought about it and realized, if I let you steal, then you keep going, you keep chasing, and you get all cocky that you think you got this one. News flash - YOU LOSE. I WIN." (click here to comment)

• "You always seem to show up at the worst times. You took over my body for two and half years and robbed me of my childhood. Then you decided to move on to my sweet grandpa who wouldn't let you win either. Just when I thought my family was invincible to you, you took my dad from us way too early. Why did you choose him and not me? Eff you, Cancer. Eff you." (click here to comment)  

• "Dear Cancer; Though my life will never be the same, and I'm ok, now, with you stopping by, it really ticks me off that you hurt the people I love, and changed their lives too. You're a greedy one. My port is out, my hair is growing, that 50lbs lost is going to stay off(thanks for that), and the cancer song I wrote is in the hands of some musicians who will try to make a difference. Up yours, Cancer." (click here to comment) 

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

• "'I am a 4 Time Liver Cancer Survivor. Told I wouldn't survived. Nor have kids. I did both. I just celebrated 15 years being cancer free. There are not many of us. It's a small group. So I am trying to get the word out!' - Katie, survivor 

  Did you know that October is #LiverCancerAwareness month? Please share!" (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "Gotta love seeing a smile this big!! Surgery #4 for Sawyers battle against Burkitts Lymphoma. You've got this ‪#‎SawyersWarriors" (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "We love connecting with the IHC family EVERYWHERE! Got this awesome snapchat earlier. Thanks for sharing Abby!! Happy No-more-port day :)" (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• Hi. I finished chemo two years ago for Acute Myleoid Leukemia. Even though I have no pain I still suffer from severe sensory neuropathy. It's all over My body. My senses are completely screwed up. I have numbness and tingling all over my body. I am extremely stiff in my muscles, bones and joints. It literally feels like my bones will break if I push them too far although I know they are strong because o had a bone density scan and they are good. Anyone else suffer from this? (click here to answer) 
• Im 23 with stage four b cervical cancer, currently on my 17th round of chemotherapy. I was just wondering how many rounds everybody else has done~(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've 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)

• My 10 Year Plan Is Just To Be Alive- Heather felt secure with herself and her career path, until a cancer diagnosis was thrown into her life. After beating cancer, a shift in perspective changed the goals she once set for herself and her career, and affected her ability to secure a job. 

• It Took Getting Cancer For Me To Understand Cancer- At an early age Michelle lost her father to cancer. It wasn't until she faced a cancer diagnosis herself, years later, that she had the opportunity to properly reflect on her and her father's lives.

• Two Ugly Cancers and Three Beautiful Tattoos Later...-Did you get a tattoo to commemorate your cancer experience? As soon as Jennifer began her collection, she felt empowered. It didn't matter that they were hidden by clothes, what mattered was that she knew they were there. Her tattoos are the reminder of how far she's come. 

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

• "Dear cancer, because of you, in the past 18 years, I have 500 stitches, 7 titanium plates, 46 nails in my body. Now, people call me Iron Man. I can't take any more surgeries." (click here to comment)

• "Dear cancer You came to me when I was 10 years old and left me two years later, your name was Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I was glad that you were finally out of my life. After you were gone I dealt with sexual abuse for 5 years, bullying, and homelessness. But guess what? After all of that I'm still here. You know what I want to do now? I'm going to college to become an OBGYN. You didn't win, none of my situations did. I'm raising money to accomplish my dreams and you and my past will never stop me. Dear cancer I made it and you will never win." (click here to comment)  

• "You took a chunk out of my leg, some lymph nodes, and some money from my bank account. But I'm not letting you take anything else." (click here to comment) 

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

• "'Today I have made it!!!!!! I am 1 year cancer free! I lost my thyroid but small price to pay to save my life and I can have many more years to spend with my family!!!!!'

  Thank you for sharing your good news with us, DeeJay!

  " (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "We are so happy to share this news from Emma: "Last year today I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Now I'm a survivor and completely cancer free. Also, I found out that my Make-A-Wish Americagot approved and I am going to Paris, France!" (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• Have any of you had the tram/DIEP reconstruction done? How did that go for you? (click here to answer)
• I'm 22 years old with stage 4 breast cancer. Any other young gals out there I can relate too..! (click here to answer) 
• Does anyone else on this site have Chrodoma? I was diagnosed with it last year (2014) and they said it was rare but even some cancer specialists haven't heard of 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!

In case you've 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)

• How My Pregnancy Gave Me Cancer- There's a rare chance during a pregnancy that could lead to something called a Molar pregnancy, which threatens the life of a child. For one mother, this affected the twins she was expecting and in turn led to her getting Cancer. 

• Beach Bod Ready, Cancer Scars and All- Coming to terms with one's scars is never simple. Having to face them with the added pressure the summertime brings can make it even more stressful. But for Taylor, a survivor of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, she learned to accept these markings of her war with Cancer. 

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

• "Hey Cancer. I just wanted to tell you this one thing. You think you got the best of me, think you've had the last laugh. Bet ya think that everything good is gone. Think you left me broken down, think that I'd come running back? Baby you don't know me cause you're dead wrong. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger! With that being said, you made it to where I could only have one child. In some ways, I should thank you for that. Some people don't even get a chance to have one child. I did, and I thank God for her everyday. Thanks to you Cancer, I'll always think about raising more kids, and I'll think about the four babies that I lost, to my dying day. So guess what. You came, my family and I fought, I won! Have you figured it out yet that I'm mad? I am angry at you. I won though so, Cancer, you can kiss my ass because you didn't bully me for very long, and I beat you." (click here to comment)

• "It's been quite sometime since I wrote to you. I just wanted to say that I can't stand you! You took so much from me, but I refuse to let you win. You will never win. Someday my voice will be heard because THYROID CANCER IS NOT* THE GOOD CANCER!! There is NO such thing as a GOOD CANCER!" (click here to comment)  

• "I hate you. 24 years ago you took all my female parts and left me in CHRONIC PAIN. Do you know what it feels like to hurt everyday to the point you can't walk because it hurts so bad.Cancer sucks." (click here to comment) 

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

• "We love seeing you all spreading the Cancer, Not Cooties message all around the world! Thanks for being a part of the ‪#‎IHCFamily‬." (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "Do what you can with what you have where you are."(I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "'My 8 year old son Lucas Celebrating his 7 year cancer free anniversary on August 15 2015. He was diagnosed with stage 3 hepatoblastoma at 12 months old. 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 liver transplants later he is 7 years cancer free!! Lucas has also survived hydrocephalus with a vp shunt, 2 liver transplants 10 days apart (I donated the 2nd), a massive stroke. I was told he had no chance of surviving and if he did he'd be completely blind and never walk again, a desmoid tumor in his head, and over 50 other surgeries and procedures. He's my blessing and I'm so proud of him and so proud to call him my hero and my son!!'

  Here's to Lucas and a long, happy & healthy life ahead!"

   (I Had Cancer Facebook Page) 

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

• Hi! I'm an 8-year survivor of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I had a really hard time figuring out how to live after cancer and I talked to a lot of other people who were having the same experience trying to figure out "what's next?", feeling that my old life didn't fit anymore, dealing with grief and anxiety. Now, I'm considering putting together a workshop to help other people answer the same kind of questions for themselves. What do you think? Is that something that would benefit anyone? What topics would you want it to cover? (click here to answer)
• My first period have my masectomy was three days early and the period after my first chemo was 5 days late. I'm 51 and the doctor had thought chemo would push me into menopause. I'm ER and PR positive. Has this happened to anyone? (click here to answer) 
• I had my first chemo for breast cancer two weeks ago. I'm taking cyclophosphamide and taxi there. My hair has not held its style as well and yesterday when I would run my fingers through my hair some strands would come loose. Do you think I'm starting to lose my hair? How long will it probably take? (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've 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)

• Will My "Scanxiety" Ever Go Away?- Scan anxiety, or "scanxiety," is the tension that builds up as those fighting cancer approach their regular check-up scan. Read more about this feeling below.  

• 7 Things NOT To Do When Diagnosed With Cancer- When you first receive a cancer diagnosis, questions will start flooding your mind. It's important to keep these under control by knowing what NOT to do. 

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

• Dear cancer, Today makes 16 months in remission. I will finally get my expanders change over it has been 2yrs they been in. My blood pressure goes up everytime I go into a hospital setting of any kind due to the mental abuse I recieved from my oncologist. I would of never met those oncologist if it wasn't for cancer, so screw you cancer and the horse you came in on..Thursday I get my new boobs thank you God for all you have done and will do...#AllCancerPatientLivesMatter (click here to comment)

• Why two cancers in 3 months? Why take away my chances of ever bearing a child? Why change my life forever at 33? (click here to comment)  

• Dear cancer, you thought you're getting the best of me the second time around? The first time you attacked my body, all you did was delay my goals of becoming a nurse with chemo, but I ended up learning way more than I would have from nursing school alone. Now that I finally graduated, you want another battle with me. I'll be coming for you with radiation and a stem cell transplant. All you'll do again is delay my life, but I would be learning more from it.(click here to comment) 

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

• "Do something every day that brings you happiness - no matter how small." (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "'Dear Cancer, It will be 3 yrs in October since my last chemo treatment and boy oh boy i kicked your Assssss!! You left me scared up, damaged nerves and pain all the time.. But what you really did for me is GIVE ME LIFE. You gave me a reason to fight you and win!! I'M winning. You taught me the most valuable lesson I could have ever learned!!! Live love and laugh. I'm stronger than I thought and I am a winner!' -Hell yeah, Laurie!"(I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• I had my first chemo for breast cancer two weeks ago. I'm taking cyclophosphamide and taxi there. My hair has not held its style as well and yesterday when I would run my fingers through my hair some strands would come loose. Do you think I'm starting to lose my hair? How long will it probably take? (click here to answer)
• My first period have my masectomy was three days early and the period after my first chemo was 5 days late. I'm 51 and the doctor had thought chemo would push me into menopause. I'm ER and PR positive. Has this happened to anyone?(click here to answer) 
• I'm currently undergoing expansion, and I feel that I look different in clothing. My doctor has told me that the reconstructed breast will be overfilled because they will need extra skin because of possible skin damage that will be caused by radiation. I will probably not have the final reconstruction surgery for at least 6-7 more months until chemo and radiation have ended. I'm small chested and I tried using a prosthesis (removing lots of the fiberfill) but it still didn't look right. I've tried wearing loose fitting shirts, but I still look uneven. And the problem with unevenness will switch as the expansion continues and the reconstructed breast is overfilled. Any suggestions on what worked for 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 Guys! 

In case you've 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)

• Where Does Strength Come From?- Some people may think they are strong, and then the word ‘Cancer’ is thrown into the equation. A million questions run through your mind with no answer of where to start. What will you do? How will you overcome? How will you find the strength to get through this next battle? 

• How To Talk To Kids About Cancer- A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. The urgent challenge of explaining cancer to children at any age can be overwhelming when the future is uncertain and you're still trying to get your own head around this "earthquake zone." 

• 5 Quick Tips For Cooking During Chemo- Chemo can alter your taste, sensation of feeling, your ability to smell, and cause untold side-effects that will alter the way you see yourself and the world. Chef Ryan Callahan has developed a few tips that can help making eating enjoyable again. 

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

• Why two cancers in 3 months? Why take away my chances of ever bearing a child? Why change my life forever at 33? (click here to comment)

• Dear cancer, you thought you're getting the best of me the second time around? The first time you attacked my body, all you did was delay my goals of becoming a nurse with chemo, but I ended up learning way more than I would have from nursing school alone. (click here to comment)  

• Dear Cancer, its been two years since my last treatment and I won.You lost. But you left me with a lot of battle wounds that are heavy and permanent. My sinuses dont drain the same, my hair no longer curls, and my shunt is itchy. You make moving on difficult, but I will move on.(click here to comment) 

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

• "Two friends who fought and beat Leukemia together! Did anyone else have have a loved one going through a cancer diagnosis at the same time as you?" (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

• "'I had a year and a half of total treatments and today was my last one!' - Congratulations Esther! ‪#‎cancerfree‬"(I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

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

• So, I was diagnosed with colon cancer in May, and endometrial cancer in July. I'm single, and 33, and have lost my fertility. (click here to answer)
• Hello I am new to this site....hoping to find other women in my situation just had a double massectomy in April learning to deal with the every day life of it....Hope to hear from you to help each other make this journey in our life easier... (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