standuptocancer cancer cancersurvivor breastcancer cancersucks fromyourbreasthealthtoyourbesthealth breastcancersurvivor leadlikeawoman oprah treatitbeatmoveon breast nike cancerfighter cancerwarrior fuckcancer orangetheory cancerawareness cancerprevention cancerresearch chemo doctoraprilspencer becoming breastcancerawareness breastcancerfighter crestwhitestrips findacure ford globalbreastcancerawareness globalbreasthealthandwellnesscenter hope jasoncarlfox
"My cancer diagnosis felt like a whirlwind. My life changed drastically. I remember leaving the infusion clinic on my last day of chemo, tears were streaming down my face and I have never felt so grateful to be alive at that moment. I like to focus on the positive things, though. Some relationships in my life have gotten stronger. I have recognized my own personal strength. I am more present now during my daily life. I don’t take anything for granted anymore and I am so grateful to be alive! My cancer diagnosis has helped me recognize my strengths, find my voice and be present in daily life. I realized that I was taking my health for granted! Positive mental attitude goes a long way! Above everything, remember to love yourself." - Lisa Mehler, cancer survivor.
"I was 17 years old when I first felt a strong chest pain and had difficulty in breathing. Three weeks later I had my diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, stage IV located in my mediastinum. I had the disease for at least one year before diagnosis. I remember asking my doctor how serious my situation was. He said, “I don't know if you will turn 18.” I was scheduled to do four cycles of CHOP. I had to do eight because my cancer was highly aggressive and resistant. After each treatment I would stay one week in bed feeling sick but then I would make the most of the good days until the following treatment. I graduated high school while doing chemotherapy. I always kept positive because I had so many dreams I wanted to fulfill! I wanted to go to law school, become a lawyer and fall in love. It was not easy but after the eight cycles, I entered remission in 2000. My immune system was incredibly debilitated but I survived and I got into law school.
Just when I thought the nightmare was over, in 2001, the cancer came back. Exactly the same but more aggressive. I remember being calmer this time. I also remember seeing tears in my doctor's eyes when he told me it was back. I was forced to quit law school. I felt like if I were in a glass house where everything was breaking. I did three rounds of ESHAP in the hospital but the treatments didn't work. I had to start using a mask permanently to protect myself given my weak immune system. I underwent an autologous stem cell transplant. I felt re-born. It was hard to have my mom taking care of me again like a baby but it paid off. After many months of restrictions and limitations, I recovered. I went back to my life, to Law school, to love. Today, I am cancer free for more than 17 years old. After the stem cell transplant I was told that I would never be able to do certain things. Today I can do anything I wish. As they say, I am a rare case of success." -Sandra Ferreira, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor.
Thanks @chefbenford for nominating me and @nycfit for showing me new moves to @danceordonate to support @unitedcancerfront ! I now challenge @pamwiz @nycfit @chefmarcmurphy @cyclesanity_official @dominiquecrenn @hongthaimee @thebillyharris and everyone else to #danceordonate for the #unitedcancerfront to help find cures for cancer #beat cancer #standuptocancer @jahprayzah