Share Your Story

“For so long ovarian cancer has been a secret part of my life. That’s over now.”

"My body, job and health may have changed but cancer didn’t spread to my soul. I’ve still got that fire in my eyes to make an impact and contribute."

"Having lived through dangerous hurricanes and cancer treatments, sometimes even simultaneously, I have witnessed firsthand the devastation that is left in the wakes of both of these traumatic events and see many parallels between the two that those who have not experienced cancer might miss."

Traveling helped me remove myself from the storyline of cancer and reconnect with the world around me.

Here are four keys to surviving the ordeal – especially for partners and caregivers.

Cancer made me realize how much of life I let slip by while trying to be in control and achieve perfection. Surviving cancer has taught me there is peace and serenity in giving up the need to be in control.

When I got CURE®’s spring issue in the mail; I couldn’t put it down! Now that I’m going into my 10th year of survival from a highly aggressive cancer; it’s my turn to write about my experiences based on the stories in this issue.

Now that I have completed my surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, I have decided to focus on one important part of my treatment and share my experience with you. Maybe I can reach the right people so that others won’t have to experience what I did.

While recovering from ovarian cancer and chemotherapy, I got it into my head that I needed a garden space. My garden represents not only my physical labor, but also my focus, which is on the future.

Being a part of a groundbreaking clinical trial put me on the path to recovery. I continue to eat healthy, exercise regularly and do my part to ensure my cancer does not return.

A poem about how the medical community has helped reduce cancer and save lives.

Through volunteer work and participating in the “Road to Recovery” program as a driver with the American Cancer Society, one survivor found the perfect outlet to cope with the emotional side of healing after chemo treatments.

An online ad prompted one survivor to reflect upon the question, "Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut?" At least one aspect of being an astronaut would be better than adapting to life after cancer: a debriefing is provided at the conclusion of the voyage.

Yes, some days are harder than others, even though my strength has been depleted, my courage has been renewed.

CURE magazine and other resources helped one survivor navigate diagnosis and beyond.

While the surgeon suggested I have a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatments, I had already made my decision. I requested a double mastectomy without any type of reconstruction. Why would I pursue such a radical alternative? In this post, I explain my choice.

There are many instances I could tell you about when and how God carried us through my son’s battle with testicular cancer. The right things happened at the most opportune times.

As I have gone through this cancer journey, I have realized that people don’t know what to say or do when a loved one has cancer. I can speak out on my firsthand experiences and offer some advice.

Music can help people tolerate and distract from emotional and physiological pain while going through cancer treatments and scans.

Creating more personal time tops the list of goals many people want to accomplish. With work time, partner or family time and social time all demanding our attention, we are constantly juggling our day-to-day responsibilities. “Me-time” allows us to de-stress, unwind and rejuvenate. Taking time for yourself allows you to renew, heal and create reserves of energy and peace.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care what race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or even age you are. It takes no prisoners. And it certainly did not take me. I continue to remain resilient despite what I’ve been through and despite what still may be on the horizon.

Don’t let a terminal diagnosis get you down to the point where you stop living your life. Have an adventure, buy the shoes and eat the cake.