TeamIHadCancer
TeamIHadCancer
Survivor: Breast Cancer (Stage II)
Get and/or give support
New York City, NY
Female
About Me
My Journal
I am a Survivor
Type of Cancer
Breast Cancer (Stage II), 2008
Treatment Information
Stage of Treatment:

Finished treatment 5 or more years ago

Treatment Types:

Acupuncture

Escozul

Hospital:

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)

Side Effect:

Chemobrain

Discussions (11)
Chemo & Radiation
Has anyone used Animal Therapy (Pet Therapy) to help you get through rigorous treatments like chemotherapy or radiation?
June 9th, 2014
General
Favorite cancer-related books?
March 20th, 2014
Weekly Roundup 3/7/2016
March 7th, 2016

Hi Everyone!

In case you've missed out on what else has been going on at the I Had Cancer community, here is a quick recap. As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!

Recent Blog Posts (please email blog@ihadcancer.com to learn more)
How To Tell Your Friends You Still Need Them (Even After Cancer): https://www.ihadcancer.com/h3-blog/03-03-2016/how-to-tell-your-friends-y...

9 Books Written By Cancer Fighters, Survivors, and Supporters | #WorldBookDay: https://www.ihadcancer.com/h3-blog/03-03-2016/8-books-written-by-cancer-...

When You Get Cancer You Really Value the Little Things: https://www.ihadcancer.com/h3-blog/03-07-2016/when-you-get-cancer-you-re...

Recent Dear Cancer Messages (What do you have to say to cancer? Let it out here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer)
It's been awhile. I'm angry and frustrated because I can't get the pain under control one bit. I'm so sick of you! Go away already. This month is 3 years since my grandfather passed away because of you. Why can't you just leave everyone alone??? link: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer/daniellemaria/136210

Dear Cancer: Get out of my life and let me live content and happy. I don't need your complications and worry. I've never been this sick in my life! Go away! link: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer/nycwoman/136061

Dear Cancer I hate you for what you have put me and my family through. Am not the same happy go person I use to be but am a much stronger person now and that's all thanks to you. Your nothing but scum and one day you will be gone forever. You tired to take me but I won :) link: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer/adelewht/136027

Recent Facebook posts (Don't forget to Like us on Facebook!) https://www.facebook.com/ihadcancer/?fref=ts

Former President Jimmy Carter has announced that he no longer needs treatment, less than seven months after being diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain.
Link to blog here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/h3-blog/09-05-2015/4-life-lessons-jimmy-carte...

"162 since my diagnosis and 29 days since my last chemo and I am rocking it! Every day since September 24th had brought on a new experience. Some emotional, some physical, others simply have no words. Cancer might have taken my hair but that's all I let it take. Don't let your struggle take your heart, spirit, or fight. Find that one thing that keeps you going and don't let go. "- Michelle
Link to post here: https://www.facebook.com/ihadcancer/photos/a.185234874877837.45450.11534...

Jessica is a heart attack survivor, heart transplant recipient and a two-time cancer survivor. Can we get a hell yeah for Jessica and her ‪#‎LifeAfterDiagnosis‬?
Link to post here: https://www.facebook.com/ihadcancer/photos/a.185234874877837.45450.11534...

Recent Discussion Questions (Ask anything you want on our Discussion Board: https://www.ihadcancer.com/discussions)
"Lost taste & have bad taste during/after radiation to head/neck- Anyone have any info on this. I was diagnosed with a rare EsthesioneuroBlastoma tumor in my nasal cavity. I had skull base surgery and they removed both sides of my scence of smell. Now I'm done on Tuesday w/ radiation & wondering when I'll be able to TASTE things again. Everything tastes GROSE!" Answer here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/discussions/thisreallysucks/136212

"Has anyone had problems with there bladder after a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer" Answer here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/discussions/adelewht/136120

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

Weekly Roundup 3/1/2016
March 1st, 2016

Hi Everyone!

In case you haven't already figured it out, we've launched a completely new site, with features that are both familiar and new! We've worked hard and hope that you love it and enjoy using it as much as we do. In case you've missed out on what else has been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a quick recap. As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!

Recent Blog Posts (please email amelia@ihadcancer.com to learn more)
This Is For Anyone Who Feels Alone During Cancer: https://www.ihadcancer.com/h3-blog/02-24-2016/this-is-for-anyone-who-fee...

Recent Dear Cancer Messages (What do you have to say to cancer? Let it out here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer)
My God is way bigger than you, and you never had a chance staying in me. You actually gave me more of an appreciation for life; rather than tearing me down, you lifted me even higher. Don't ever think about coming back either, cause my God and I will defeat you again. Done it twice, and can do it again. Bye! link: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer/keegand/135112

Dear cancer, although you're a horrible and ugly disease, you did create the opportunity for this safe space we call IHC to exist. If anyone's having any troubles with the site, connect to me! Send me a message! Here to help out the fighters and survivors xoxo link: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer/angela-nocerino/135072

This might not be what someone would expect to hear but cancer has given me a gift that i probably would have not found. The gift of appreciating, appreciating everything...my kids noise, the dogs barking, the freaking sun, my mom being annoying, just everything. Before i was diagnosed i was living a life like many people, like a robot. Including bitching about everything and hating humans more and more each day. I don't want to die, i have young children, perfect little boys, but I'm so glad that i appreciate them 10000000x's more. They say it always takes a tragedy to change you, i guess this is mine. I love everything and everyone right now, old people, young people, the Jack ass that revs his bike across the street haha at least I'm still hear to hear it. I'm gonna fight, God put me in the ring to make me tough, so i will fight and i will kick and bite and do everything and anything to win. link: https://www.ihadcancer.com/dear-cancer/karladenisse/134894

Recent Facebook posts (Don't forget to Like us on Facebook!) https://www.facebook.com/ihadcancer/?fref=ts

IHC Member and AML Survivor, Nicole shares her tips in this past weekend's issue of USA TODAY for Mediaplanet USA's Blood Health campaign, featuring "13 Tips from a Blood Cancer Survivor". Connect with Nicole here: http://www.ihadcancer.com/ikickedass
Link to article here: http://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/nutrition-and-diet/13-tips-from-a-...

Check it out! Our founder was on the cover of The Long Island Herald this past weekend, talking about her diagnosis and why she decided to build IHC. If you're in the area, grab a copy!
Link to article here: http://liherald.com/rockvillecentre/stories/Overcoming-the-diagnosis,77139

We've contributed an article to Cure Today! "10 Tips to Help You Navigate Life After Cancer and the New Normal"
See more at: http://www.curetoday.com/share-your-story/10-tips-to-help-you-navigate-l...

Recent Discussion Questions (Ask anything you want on our Discussion Board: https://www.ihadcancer.com/discussions)
"Hi friends! Has anyone had the gene study and had the PALB2 gene come up positive? Just got these results and consulted with a genetic counselor." Answer here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/discussions/linda633333/102230

"Hello... I need your help. My dad has lung cancer, and he's doing very good. He just are at the final stage but the chemo that he receive is taxol, and he needs a filter for that medicine. And I dont find it in my country... Do you know the suplier name or were I can find it in US??? Im desperate right now...thank you" Answer here: https://www.ihadcancer.com/discussions/danielagarcia/102204

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

Weekly Roundup 2/16/2016
February 16th, 2016

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)

  • Choosing The Right Foods To Fit My "New Normal"- Two-time breast cancer survivor Jennifer knew that she had to make a change in the way she selected and ate food. Her "new normal" included a new journey with diet and nutrition. Read more below. 

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

  • Dear cancer, I hate you as much as I love you! You help me realize how I was strong but you also make me realize my weakness! You come into my life on my most depress time when all I wanted was to finish with my life , but because of you I wanted to live and now each day I live my life to prove you that you attack the wrong girl. Now I'm 6 month cancer free ! I had cancer..cancer never had me (click here to comment) 
  • Dear Cancer, I was scared but I was strong. That together with the strength of my friends and family, the work of doctors, nurses and scientists, I survived you! You gave me the worst ten months of my life but now I'm having the time of my life knowing that if you come back, I can and WILL beat you again! There may be no cure yet but in the near future I believe there will be and you will be wiped off this earth completely so no man, woman or child will have to see your ugly name in their life every again! Here is to all the warriors here today, gone from the past and coming in the future! My love to you all. xxx (click here to comment)

  • Thank you for teaching me the power of unconditional love. (click here to comment) 


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


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

  • I was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer last June. I have been doing chemo treatments since then. My last PET scan showed 90% of the cancer is gone and after 3 more treatments I will get to take a break from chemo. The hope is the cancer will not return of course but I am having trouble thinking about how to live in that unknown of whether or not it will return. How do you live in the moment and not think about it returning? I was planning my funeral at 39 and now I get to start living again but don't know when or if the rug will be pulled out from under my feet again. Any advise? (click here to answer)
  • Sorry I haven't been on for a while and then really busy lately. I never said this on here. I am diagnosed with seizures now and I have breakdowns that end up like seizures. They don't think they'll never stop. I'm going to make this long story short. I've been in the hospital in for 5 weeks straight and also last month. The last time I was in the hospital was because of a seizure and also I lost control of my left leg and left side. While I was there I had to be transferred to downtown Hospital because the doctor wanted to see me and he couldn't get to the hospital because of the frozen ice. He came into the room and said I have to show you something and I said okay what do you have to show me. It was my MRI from last time. It didn't show on the MRI from the beginning or the last one in October last year or December. There is a something in my brain and they can't give me 100% is not cancer it could be damaged when I fell from seizures or blood damage I don't know they're going to wait a month for another MRI to see what it is. Please pray cuz I'm scared 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

Weekly Roundup 2/9/2016
February 9th, 2016

Hi Guys! 

#WorldCancerDay is over but the convo shouldn't be, so we're launching a new campaign. Wanna be a part of it? Email emily@ihadcancer.com!

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)

  • Choosing The Right Foods To Fit My "New Normal"- Two-time breast cancer survivor Jennifer knew that she had to make a change in the way she selected and ate food. Her "new normal" included a new journey with diet and nutrition. Read more below. 

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

  • Dear Cancer, I honestly thought you won when you took my mom away from me. She was my everything and I honestly didn't want to go on living life without her. But after a year of grieving, I realized that you didn't win at all. Because during that time, I took my pain and I channeled it into something that's going to help patients and caregivers beat you once and for all. So you know what? THANK YOU for causing me all this pain. Because without it, I wouldn't have been able to create this tool for all the ones that are still in this fight: https://youtu.be/xezvOLcPe48 (click here to comment) 
  • Dear cancer, I wish you hadn’t brought so much pain and loneliness into our lives; I wish you hadn’t made my mom suffer so horribly; I wish she never met you. However, you did not win; you did not break her spirit and even if she will be leaving us soon, she still is and always will be a wonderful mom, loyal friend and awesome woman and I am so very grateful for finally understanding that. (click here to comment)

  • I will be two years cancer free as of May 12th! I was diagnosed with stage four RCC (renal cell carcinoma) kidney cancer, mine is extremely rare in that the cancer has only been found in a lymph node attached to my thyroid. I had a partial thyroidectomy, and I haven't had to be on any thyroid treatment other than calcium And vitamin d supplements! As of yet, no signs of cancer in my kidneys but I do go in for routine cat scans on my chest and pelvis and ultrasounds on my neck. I do have some lymph nodes and cysts that they are monitoring closely to see if any biopsies have to be done. I've had a few biopsies and a very painful biopsy of my uterus lining and all of that to check for cancer there. I'm so thankful that none has been found. I am currently separated from my husband of ten years, I have been a military wife for all my married life. My mom and sisters are been my support system now, and my two beautiful children are my light and reasons to smile (click here to comment) 


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


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

  • Sometimes I feel alone. I had cancer for a year and a half, went through chemo and radiation and have been in remission for just over a year. My loving wife tries, but she feels as though cancer is behind us and that's where it should remain. We talk about it sometimes, especially if I have a follow up or tests, but it usually just makes me more angry and feeling alone and misunderstood. 99% of the time I'm fine, but sometimes it's really hard emotionally. Anyone relate? In those alone times how do you cope? (click here to answer)
  • Hello... My dad has lung cancer, and he has 6 months now with chemotherapy, but two months ago he start to feel his hands and feets frozen. And he sais thats hurts and does not feel de hands sometimes, and struggle to walk because the feets hurts.. Plus, he suffer of extreme cold, but just in hands and feets. Im looking for some info about but just find about the effect but red hans, or feeling weir and not frozen... Any of you are having or had this kind of problem? Thanks (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

Weekly Roundup 2/1/2016
February 1st, 2016

Hi Guys! 

Today is the first day of National Cancer Prevention Month! What kinds of goals and choices do you make towards your own health? 

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 Cancer Taught Me The Meaning of Self Love- If you struggle with defining self love and what it means to you, especially after having cancer, then continue reading below.

  • That Time They Told Me My Cancer Might Be Back- When Courtney, an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia survivor, was reaching her 18-month mark of remission she was not prepared to hear the words "your cancer might be back". While many of us unfortunately live with a fear of recurrence, it's hard to prepare ourselves to hear that it could be back for real. Read more below. 


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

  • I wish you hadn’t brought so much pain and loneliness into our lives; I wish you hadn’t made my mom suffer so horribly; I wish she never met you. However, you did not win; you did not break her spirit and even if she will be leaving us soon, she still is and always will be a wonderful mom, loyal friend and awesome woman and I am so very grateful for finally understanding that. (click here to comment) 
  • I will be two years cancer free as of May 12th! I was diagnosed with stage four RCC (renal cell carcinoma) kidney cancer, mine is extremely rare in that the cancer has only been found in a lymph node attached to my thyroid. I had a partial thyroidectomy, and I haven't had to be on any thyroid treatment other than calcium And vitamin d supplements! As of yet, no signs of cancer in my kidneys but I do go in for routine cat scans on my chest and pelvis and ultrasounds on my neck. I do have some lymph nodes and cysts that they are monitoring closely to see if any biopsies have to be done. I've had a few biopsies and a very painful biopsy of my uterus lining and all of that to check for cancer there. I'm so thankful that none has been found. I am currently separated from my husband of ten years, I have been a military wife for all my married life. My mom and sisters are been my support system now, and my two beautiful children are my light and reasons to smile. (click here to comment)

  • You really do not want to know how much I hate U! you took away the desire for me & my husbands sex life!!! WHY? (click here to comment) 


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


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

  • I believe the cancer may have been instigated by my having severe preeclampsia during my last pregnancy and my son being born with Coombs Disease-where my blood was attacking his blood. He had to be born via emergency c section and almost didn't make it five days after birth he had to be taken via ambulance to a town 2.5 hours away to the NICU there. He had very low white and red blood cells and low platelets. He grew stronger and was a fighter. My husband was deployed to Afghanistan at the time and did not meet him until our son was seven months old. It was very hard taking care of a newborn and my daughter by myself away from family and friends. I was wondering if anyone ever felt irritated or upset that family when family brings up cancer, either telling me about people they know who had cancer and died or going thru cancer diagnosis? (click here to answer)
  • I had a PET scan and it showed my NHL Follicular has shrunken in my spleen and my neck, but my ovary lit up. The doctor didn't seem worried, but he showed enough concern to say I must have another scan in 3 months. Any thoughts on 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

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