Patient Stories

When Veronica Brent had a constant cough and shortness of breath from walking, her daughter suggested she should have a chest x-ray. The x-ray showed she had lung cancer, and a biopsy showed she had cancer on the pancreas. She was concerned how to break the news to the family.

Plunging from nightmare to nightmare, Serena was diagnosed with breast cancer, while her 39-year-old husband, Robert, had a stroke, which claimed his speech and movement, leaving him “trapped in a thoroughly trashed body.” Paying the medical bills added to their struggles during the pandemic.

Ed Sawa, a 65-year-old male breast cancer survivor, describes his journey through treatment with his support system by his side. Ed hopes that by sharing his story he can help men better understand the possibility of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mary Trouba, who was encouraged by her sister to write about her experience as a patient with metastatic breast cancer, tackles the importance of the words we use when discussing cancer, explaining her problem with the phrase “battling cancer.”

Crystal Ortner, PsyD, chronicles her difficult experiences with advanced-stage colon cancer and offers a heartfelt affirmation on the power of love.

Neelam Shinde, a 2-time breast cancer survivor, reflects on the power of positive thinking and remembering that setbacks are integral parts of life.

A chest x-ray and a CT scan revealed a diagnosis of stage IV (advanced) non–small-cell lung cancer after John Doll was experiencing shortness of breath and a lingering cold.