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By Tim Morgan New Hampshire What started as a suspected case of appendicitis on Halloween 2024 quickly spiraled into a confusing medical ordeal. When I went for surgery to have my appendix removed, there was a note in MyChart about a "possible malignancy" and removal of the right side of my colon which left me thunderstruck even though the surgeon indicated that it was probably nothing. A week later, I received the words that every patient dreads - "You have cancer." The Se

I have always been a pragmatist, a teacher of English Literature who looked for logic in the narrative arc of a story. But nothing in the great works of fiction could have prepared me for the moment the story became my own—or more accurately, my son’s. My son, “Hunter”, is 43, a gifted cinematographer living in Tulsa. He sees the world through a lens of light and shadow, but in 2023, a shadow fell over us that no camera could filter out. It began with standard abdominal pain

By Debbie Carmel California In 2024, at age 64, my world changed overnight. It started on a Tuesday in January with a sharp pain in my lower left abdomen. Like many of us do, I chalked it up to "old age" or maybe diverticulitis. I even felt well enough by that Saturday to go wine tasting with friends. I had no idea that a “watermelon-sized” tumor was growing inside me. By February, a wellness exam led to a CT scan, and by March, I was in surgery. My diagnosis was a moving tar

By Helene Morris Maryland Before I asked my most pressing question, my surgical oncologist answered it. “Helene,” he said, “This is not your fault. There is nothing you did to cause this cancer.” Three weeks later, I was in an operating room at Mercy Hospital, undergoing the surgery that would extend my life. Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, known simply as CRS with HIPEC. is among the most aggressive treatments used for advanced abdominal

This letter, penned by a devoted daughter, highlights the profound impact of skilled, expert care in the treatment of abdominal cancers. It underscores the critical importance of getting to specialized care when navigating the complexities of an advanced diagnosis. This heartfelt account serves as a reminder of the difference that expertise and empathy can make in the lives of patients and their families - enabling longer life, better quality of life, and more moments she'll

Matt turned 40 with big plans. A healthier lifestyle. More time with family. But when unexpected symptoms led to a rare cancer diagnosis, everything changed. Leading up to his 40th birthday, he decided to get healthier “to be there for his wife, son, and parents.” Matt started eating better and exercising in late Spring 2019. Despite these changes, Matt began experiencing some intense stomach pains and vomiting; he didn’t think much of it as he thought he had a nasty stomach

By Sarah Seitz Baltimore, Maryland In January 2023, I believed I was finally getting my life back. For years, my body had been in open rebellion against me. I lived with extreme abdominal pain, stabbing cramps that dropped me to the floor, fainting spells, overwhelming fatigue, and an inability to eat. I lost forty pounds in just a few months without trying. My periods were excruciating. I missed work, missed time with my family, and made more emergency room visits than I can

By Antonia Dyroff Zurich, Switzerland The Challenge of Diagnosis and Isolation For many, a diagnosis of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is a life-altering event that changes one's world overnight. Upon discovering a large appendix tumor within the abdomen—a circumstance that seemed unimaginable—I underwent two major surgeries to remove the tumor and to manage the disease. Each operation presented a fierce physical and emotional battle, followed by a recovery process that was bot

By Joseph Vaakaa Nigeria During her life time, my mother, the late Mbakuran Vaakaa, had no major health challenges, apart from amoebic dysentery and a peptic ulcer, until sometime in August 2018 when she started complaining of pains in her lower abdomen. At the General Hospital Adikpo Benue State in Nigeria, the healthcare professional said her problem was likely hemorrhoids , after a period of treatment, the problem persisted and she was referred to another hospital (Federal

By Sonya Walker October 2025 (Col. Ret.) Dr. Lawrence Henry's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self- advocacy, and...

By Kristin Logan Texas October 2025 In 2023, I finally thought I had my life figured out. My only child was off to university in the...

In a HuffPost article about stage 4 ovarian cancer and 5-year survival, readers are introduced to Susan , a woman diagnosed with stage 4 disease whose journey challenges common expectations. The article uses Susan’s experience as a powerful example of hope and resilience, showing that while statistics are important, they don’t tell every person’s story. Susan and her husband on their wedding day in 2017. What Susan’s Journey Teaches Us A strong reminder that survival curves

By Tamron Little September 2025 I’ll never forget the day my entire world shifted. I was just 21 years old, only five months into...

By Linda McLaughlin New Jersey September 2025 A cancer diagnosis hits you like a ton of bricks. It’s one of those things that happens to...

By Christine Strovink New York May 2024 From video transcript: It started with an emergency. I had to have emergency surgery. They...

By Alli Bannister Perth, Australia August 2025 Hi my name is Alli - I am originally from the UK, and we now live in Perth, Australia. We...

By Rick Sell Allentown, PA August 10, 2024 In early November 2023 I underwent what was supposed to be a routine laparoscopic surgery at...

By Mat Edelson Washington, D.C. August 19, 2025 Hi, I'm Mat. My cancer story is really the story of three people. My mom Claire, my wife...

By Sam Plantz West Virginia July 2025 To be the best for those you love, you must do the best for yourself. Almost seven years ago, my...

By Bo Plantz Maryland February 2025 Every day I talk to lots of folks about cancer - about my own experience, about the challenges the...