Glenda was first diagnosed with vulvar cancer on January 31, 2022, and again on August 23, 2024. She wishes someone had shared the warning signs with her earlier—both diagnoses came as a complete surprise. Soon after her diagnosis, Glenda was grateful to discover Cancer Lifeline. Her mother had passed away from lymphoma on December 18,...
My name is Victrinia, and I am a uterine cancer survivor. I am, in fact, a poster child for early detection. I’ve lived as a survivor for over sixteen years. And even after all these years…I still think about it. I still have an emotional relationship with that experience. Like so many others, I can...
Everyone knows about the conventional treatment pathways for cancer…. Chemotherapy… Radiation… Surgery. This three-pronged approach has been the bedrock of cancer treatment since the 1940s. But since then, so many other pathways to healing have emerged. Immunotherapy… Targeted Therapies… Hormone Therapy… have all changed the landscape of care. But there is an underpinning modality which...
In August 2024, Keng-I was diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Living in Hawaii and navigating the uncertainty that comes with a new diagnosis, she knew she needed more than just medical treatment—she needed support, community, and resources to guide her through the journey ahead. Driven by a desire to find holistic options that aligned...
Life often presents unexpected challenges, and for cancer patients, those challenges can feel overwhelming. The emotional, physical, and mental struggles may seem impossible to overcome, but even in the darkest times, hope is within reach. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some steps to help you move forward. Acknowledge Your EmotionsThe first step toward healing...
Rick was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer about two years ago and began treatment immediately. Early on, his palliative care team at Providence Swedish introduced him to Cancer Lifeline, but at the time, he wasn’t ready to join any classes or support groups. About 6 months later, after doing some research on the...
A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that affects not only the individual but also their relationships with partners, family, and friends. The emotional and physical toll of cancer can bring challenges, but it can also deepen connections and foster greater understanding. Navigating these changes with open communication, patience, and mutual support can help maintain...
In 2018, LuAnn’s life changed forever. She was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, (Neuroendocrine lung cancer), along with thyroid cancer. It all started with what she thought was walking pneumonia. A lung X-ray revealed something much more serious. She was the first person in her family, on either side, to be diagnosed...
The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a season filled with joy, traditions, and the warmth of family and friends. But for many, the holidays can also bring challenges—a sense of loneliness, reminders of loss, or the stress of navigating health issues and financial difficulties. During these...
Carol will be the first to tell you her story is a bit unusual. She was born with multiple tumors and underwent radiation treatment as an infant and toddler. Back then, radiation therapy was seen as a “miraculous treatment” that could make problems “disappear,” though much less was known about its long-term side effects. In...
