Author: Chris Sanchez

Yolanda’s Multiple Myeloma Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 24, 2025
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April 24, 2025

Why Listening to Your Body Matters: Yolanda’s Multiple Myeloma Story

Yolanda has been navigating life with multiple myeloma since 2008. Before her diagnosis, she was immersed in the fast-paced fashion industry. Back then, she began noticing some odd symptoms, like a constant craving for starchy foods and her knee joints clicking when she moved. Cancer wasn’t even on her radar.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

It wasn’t until routine bloodwork revealed unusually high protein levels that Yolanda consulted a hematologist. This eventually led her to the Mayo Clinic where she received a diagnosis of smoldering myeloma, a stage that comes before active multiple myeloma. This was a pivotal moment, as it highlighted just how crucial it is to have a specialist who truly understands the disease. Thanks to an oncologist focusing on multiple myeloma, Yolanda’s knowledge about her condition grew significantly.

Yolanda then entered what’s called a “watch and wait” period. While it’s typically a year-long phase, for her, it stretched to five years before her myeloma became active and needed treatment. This phase brought its share of emotional ups and downs, along with the challenge of grasping all the medical details.

When it was time for treatment, Yolanda started with radiation and later moved on to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The road wasn’t easy. Managing medication side effects was tough, but she eventually reached remission. Along the way, she became a strong advocate for herself, learning the importance of open communication with her doctors. She also discovered how beneficial regular exercise and staying active are in managing multiple myeloma.

Yolanda’s advice to others? Take a deep breath, stay engaged in your healthcare decisions, and focus on living well. She believes in speaking up during doctor’s appointments and stresses the value of having a supportive, knowledgeable medical team.

For Yolanda, multiple myeloma doesn’t define her life; it’s just one part of her story, and she’s determined to live it fully. Watch her video to learn more from her about:

The unexpected symptoms that led her to her multiple myeloma diagnosis.
How Yolanda’s stressful career masked signs of a serious condition.
Why having the right doctor made all the difference.
How Yolanda turned exercise into a powerful tool for managing her health.
Self-advocacy from someone who’s been through the ups and downs of multiple myeloma.

Name:
- Yolanda B.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 38
Diagnosis:
- Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms:
- Anemia
- Unusual craving for starchy food
- ‘Clicking’ sound produced by knees under certain circumstances (such as when walking up stairs)
Treatments:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Yolanda!

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Emily’s Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 21, 2025
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April 21, 2025

Controlling What She Can: Emily Navigates Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Emily, a former Olympic athlete, was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma) in July 2024. Her health concerns began shortly after giving birth to her son in November 2023. Initially, she experienced what seemed like postpartum-related stomach aches, which progressed to early fullness, unexplained weight loss, and vomiting without nausea. Despite several medical consultations and tests — including endoscopies and biopsies that initially came back negative — Emily trusted her instincts when something didn’t sit right.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Determined to find answers, Emily sought a second opinion that finally led to the correct diagnosis of stage 4 stomach cancer. While the news was devastating, her response was both inspiring and empowering. She shifted her focus to what she could control — her mindset, her health, and the time she spends with her family. Despite being told her cancer was incurable, Emily holds onto hope, continually reinforcing positivity through daily affirmations and self-belief.

Exercise remains Emily’s anchor. Drawing from her athletic background, she incorporates physical activity into her routine — not to train for competitions, but to maintain her strength during treatments. Running, skiing, lifting weights, and even simple walks help her feel like herself. This connection to her physical well-being supports her mental health, creating a cycle of resilience and positivity.

Emily also channels her energy into meaningful projects for her family. She writes heartfelt letters for her son and compiles a cookbook for her husband, ensuring her presence remains strong in their lives. She embraces integrative approaches to health, combining traditional treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy with lifestyle habits that nurture her body and spirit.

While navigating the emotional weight of her stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis, Emily’s perspective is profoundly moving. She acknowledges the fear but refuses to let it define her. She often reminds herself, “I’m a sample of one,” choosing to see statistics as impersonal numbers that don’t capture individual possibilities. Emily’s story isn’t just about living with stage 4 stomach cancer — it’s about living fully, with intention and love.

Watch Emily’s video and find out about:

How her competitive mindset fuels her life with stage 4 stomach cancer.
The symptom Emily thought was postpartum-related, but ended up changing her life.
How her intuition led to a diagnosis that doctors initially missed.
From chemotherapy to cookbooks: Emily’s heartfelt way of leaving a legacy.
Why Emily believes statistics don’t define her story and how that belief empowers her.

Name:
- Emily D.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 35
Diagnosis:
- Stomach Cancer (Gastric Adenocarcinoma)
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Persistent postpartum stomachache
- Early satiety
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Emily!

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Candace’s Life Beyond Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 19, 2025
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April 19, 2025

Finding New Ways to Start a Family: Candace’s Life Beyond Stage 3C Cervical Cancer

Candace’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and redefining what family means. Diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer at just 25, while serving in the Air Force and navigating fertility treatments, her life took an unexpected turn. She had been managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since she was 16, so symptoms like heavy bleeding and irregular periods were easy to dismiss. It wasn’t until an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure in 2022 that doctors noticed something amiss — her cervix appeared irritated and friable (overly sensitive and prone to irritation & bleeding). A biopsy post-dilation and curettage (D&C) confirmed the diagnosis.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Hearing the words, “You have cervical cancer,” was surreal for Candace. Still groggy from anesthesia, she laughed when the doctor said these words to her — an unexpected response fueled by shock and disbelief. But underneath that laughter was a whirlwind of emotions. The rapid progression from diagnosis to a radical hysterectomy left little time to process. Losing her fertility at such a young age was a profound grief, not just for the biological children she’d dreamed of but also for the part of her identity tied to motherhood.

Candace’s treatment journey for stage 3 cervical cancer was intense: multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation (brachytherapy), and eventually immunotherapy. She went from balancing military duties post-chemo to confronting the harsh side effects that compounded with time, including nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.

Despite the physical toll of her stage 3c cervical cancer, Candace’s emotional and mental landscape was equally challenging. Cancer became an uninvited identity marker. Conversations often revolved around her illness rather than her passions or family. Determined to reclaim her narrative, she and her husband intentionally spoke openly about cancer, refusing to let it be the unspoken “C-word” in their lives.

Through all this, Candace’s hope remained anchored in her desire to have a family. Thanks to fertility preservation, she and her husband have two embryos frozen, with dreams of using a surrogate in the future. She also emphasizes the importance of fostering and adoption, showcasing how family can be beautifully diverse.

Candace’s support system, particularly within the Air Force, played a pivotal role. From understanding leadership to friends who became family, she felt embraced every step of the way. She advocates fiercely for seeking help, whether through therapy, friends, or acknowledging when it’s okay not to be okay.

Candace’s story isn’t defined by stage 3 cervical cancer. It’s shaped by courage, community, and the unwavering belief that life, even when altered, can still be meaningful and full. Watch her video to learn:

Why she insists that cancer doesn’t define her story.
Candace’s candid take on losing fertility at 25 but holding onto hopes of motherhood.
The surprising way Candace reacted upon hearing, “You have cancer.”
How the Air Force became Candace’s unexpected support system.

Name:
- Candace C.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 25
Diagnosis:
- Small Cell Cervical Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 3C
Symptoms:
- Heavy uterine bleeding
- Irregular menstruation
- Cervix seemed irritated and friable
Treatments:
- Surgery: radical hysterectomy
- Radiotherapy: brachytherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Candace!

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Ben’s Grade 3 Brain Cancer (Oligodendroglioma)

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 17, 2025
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Ben Finds Strength and Self-Advocacy Amidst Grade 3 Brain Cancer (Oligodendroglioma)

When Ben moved to Manchester, he carried with him more than just his belongings — he brought a grade 3 brain cancer story of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering advocacy, too. Diagnosed at just 24 with brain cancer (oligodendroglioma), Ben’s journey through unexpected seizures, misdiagnoses, and transformative treatments reshaped his identity and view on life.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Ben’s first seizure happened on his 18th birthday. The seizure was initially dismissed as an isolated incident linked to low phosphate levels. It wasn’t until more distressing episodes years later, during some of which he lost the ability to speak, and frustrating misdiagnoses of anxiety, that he discovered the real cause: a brain tumor, specifically an oligodendroglioma. This revelation came after persistent advocacy for his health, driven by his gut feeling that something was seriously wrong.

Ben’s grade 3 brain cancer experience highlights the importance of listening to your body and pushing for answers. He faced medical professionals who brushed off his symptoms, only to later uncover the truth through sheer determination. His diagnosis led to a whirlwind of treatments: brain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The physical challenges were immense, but Ben’s mental health battles were equally profound. He grappled with identity shifts, social anxiety, and the overwhelming task of finding a “new normal.”

What’s remarkable about Ben isn’t just his grade 3 brain cancer experience but also how he’s leveraging what he went through to advocate for others in the cancer community. He emphasizes the value of a strong support system — friends, family, therapists — and the need for mental health care alongside physical treatment. Ben’s candid reflections on his fears, frustrations, and triumphs offer a raw, authentic look at life with a brain tumor.

Now, Ben’s focused on self-acceptance and living authentically. His scar, once hidden under a cap, has become a symbol of his story, resilience, and growth. He’s learning to embrace life beyond grade 3 brain cancer, advocating for mental health awareness, and encouraging others to be their own strongest advocates.

Watch the video and learn more from Ben about:

What he wishes every young person knew about mental health and advocating for their health.
How his story progressed from misdiagnosed anxiety to a life-changing brain tumor diagnosis.
How he turned fear into strength and became his own biggest supporter after all his treatments.
The story of resilience and hope the scar he once hid now proudly tells.

Name:
- Ben M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 24
Diagnosis:
- Brain Cancer (Oligodendroglioma)
Grade:
- Grade 3
Symptoms:
- Seizures
- Intermittent loss of ability to speak
Treatments:
- Surgery: awake craniotomy
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Ben!

Inspired by Ben's story?

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Ben’s Grade 3 Brain Cancer (Oligodendroglioma)

Newlyweds Navigate Cancer: Cody’s High-Grade Astrocytoma Story

Nicholas Has Terminal Grade 4 Brain Cancer —But He’s Not Giving Up Hope

Kyle and Rachel’s Grade 4 Brain Cancer Story

Kelsey’s Grade 3 Brain Cancer Story

Amanda’s Grade 4 Brain Cancer Story

Tags craniotomy, Oligodendroglioma, radiotherapy

Breast Cancer Hormone Therapies Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Mastectomy Patient Stories Surgery Treatments

Kathleen’s Lobular Breast Cancer & Flat Closure Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 17, 2025
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Kathleen Reclaims Body Confidence After Lobular Breast Cancer

Kathleen opens up about her unexpected encounter with lobular breast cancer (invasive lobular carcinoma or ILC). Her story isn’t just about diagnoses and surgeries — it’s about resilience, body acceptance, and community.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Kathleen’s breast cancer story began subtly over a decade ago with a benign cyst in her right breast, which led doctors to monitor a faint shadow in her left breast. Despite regular check-ups, it wasn’t until she noticed bloody nipple discharge, a symptom she now knows can indicate breast cancer, that things escalated. Even with MRIs — one of which helped reveal that she had calcifications, a result of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) — ultrasounds, and biopsies, her cancer remained elusive until a mastectomy finally revealed the presence of lobular breast cancer or ILC, a sneaky type of cancer that spreads like a spider web, making it notoriously hard to detect in imaging.

Kathleen reacted swiftly and decisively to her diagnosis. Discovering invasive cancer in one breast prompted her to opt for a second mastectomy for peace of mind. Interestingly, she discovered that ILC accounts for about 15% of breast cancers, yet it flies under the radar compared to its more common counterpart, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC ).

Choosing not to undergo reconstruction, Kathleen faced challenges advocating for her preference to remain flat. Unfortunately, her first plastic surgeon didn’t fully respect her wishes, leaving her with excess skin after surgery. This experience, known as “flat denial,” is common among women seeking a flat closure after mastectomy. However, Kathleen found her voice, connected with supportive online communities, and eventually met a surgeon who honored her decision.

Body-image recovery was transformative. Rather than dwelling on loss, Kathleen embraced her new body, drawing parallels to her carefree childhood self. She even had a beautiful wild rose tattoo done to celebrate her scars and overall experience. Her advocacy work with groups like the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance and Stand Tall AFC has helped empower countless women to embrace their post-mastectomy bodies confidently, just as she has.

Kathleen’s health journey didn’t stop with surgery. As a nutritionist, she initially believed diet was the key to cancer prevention but later shifted her focus to exercise oncology. She now leads Walk Away From Breast Cancer, a community initiative that promotes physical activity among survivors.

Kathleen’s story is a beacon of hope, illustrating that life after cancer isn’t just about survival — it’s about thriving, self-acceptance, and finding strength in community. Watch her video to learn more from her about:

Why she chose to go flat — and how this pivotal decision reshaped her life.
How she found freedom and confidence after her double mastectomy.
The invisible side of breast cancer: her journey with hard-to-detect ILC.
How she turned body-image struggles into empowerment and advocacy.

Name:
- Kathleen M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 49
Diagnosis:
- Lobular Breast Cancer (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC))
Symptoms:
- Bloody nipple discharge
- Appearance of “shadow” during breast ultrasound
Treatments:
- Surgery: mastectomy
- Hormone therapy

Kathleen M. lobular breast cancer invasive lobular carcinoma ILC

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Kathleen!

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Camilla’s Stage 4 Stomach Cancer: Choosing Her Own Path

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 17, 2025
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Camilla’s Story of Hope Beyond Terminal Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Camilla, a 40-year-old mother of four, was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 stomach cancer in February 2025. While the diagnosis was shocking, to say the least, she discovered an unexpected clarity and appreciation for life. She admits it sounds odd, but her diagnosis flipped her perspective entirely — refocusing on her health, family, and self-love.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Before her diagnosis, Camilla sometimes had trouble swallowing and also discovered that a gland in her neck was swollen, something she initially dismissed as minor. It wasn’t until her symptoms worsened that she sought medical help, leading to an endoscopy that revealed a cancerous lesion. The CT scan results brought more devastating news: the stomach cancer had spread to her liver and lymph nodes. Despite being told that surgery wasn’t an option and only palliative chemotherapy was available, she chose a different path.

Camilla refused chemotherapy for her stage 4 stomach cancer and leaned into integrative health practices. She transformed her diet — cutting out sugar, dairy, and processed foods, and focusing instead on organic vegetables, fruits, wild fish, and whole grains. She incorporated fasting, yoga, meditation, and self-healing activities to support her mental and physical well-being.

Camila’s mental health has been a powerful part of her experience. She acknowledges that her emotional state directly affects her physical health. On down days, she feels the presence of her cancer more intensely, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. She embraces her feelings, allowing herself to cry, rest, and seek help without shame.

Planning her wedding for 2028, Camila embodies hope and determination. She refuses to accept her terminal stage 4 stomach cancer prognosis as her fate, believing that hope is vital for life. She is emphatic that one must never give up. Even when leaving the hospital with a terminal diagnosis, finding hope can transform despair into empowerment.

Watch Camilla’s video and learn from her about:

Finding hope after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Why she refused chemotherapy and what she decided to do instead.
How mental health can impact physical well-being during illness.
The surprising ways her cancer diagnosis changed her life for the better.
Her secret to living with a purpose beyond a terminal prognosis.

Note for Readers: Every person’s experience with cancer is unique. Camilla’s treatment decisions are deeply personal and based on her values and circumstances after having been told that surgery is not an option and being offered palliative chemotherapy. The Patient Story encourages anyone facing a diagnosis to explore all available options and consult with their healthcare team to determine what’s best for them.

Name:
- Camilla C.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 40
Diagnosis:
- Stomach Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Issues swallowing
- Swollen gland in the neck
Treatments:
- Palliative chemotherapy was offered but declined
- Nutritional changes to support her comfort and energy
- Meditation and mindfulness practices
- Self-directed healing methods

What is palliative care? Palliative care focuses on helping people feel as well as possible when living with serious illness. Treatment is not about curing the disease but focuses on easing pain, managing symptoms, and supporting emotional and spiritual well-being. People can receive palliative care at any stage of illness, alongside other treatments, or on its own.

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Camilla!

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Stage 3 Kidney Cancer (ccRCC): Jeff’s Diagnosis & Recovery

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 14, 2025
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Jeff is Thriving After Stage 3, Kidney Cancer

From Pain to Purpose with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)

Jeff faced stage 3, grade 3 kidney cancer head-on. His experience began in late 2022 when he experienced a nagging pain in his left flank. Initially dismissing it as a common ailment like diverticulitis or a urinary tract infection, Jeff didn’t voice his discomfort until the pain returned—this time, accompanied by blood in his urine. A routine CT scan to investigate a suspected kidney stone revealed not just the stone but also a five-centimeter mass on his right kidney.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Jeff took this harrowing news surprisingly well. Perhaps it was his background in the medical field or maybe sheer resilience. Either way, he approached the situation methodically. After consultations, tests, and a biopsy, and despite hopes for a less severe staging, post-surgery pathology reports revealed stage 3, grade 3 kidney cancer (clear cell renal cell carcinoma or ccRCC) with renal vein involvement.

In response, Jeff leaned into his support systems—his family, his faith, and online communities. Instead of succumbing to fear, he chose empowerment: learning, sharing, and advocating.

Following a radical nephrectomy to remove his affected kidney, Jeff embraced a proactive approach to his health. Surveillance scans, daily exercise, active participation in support groups, and integrative therapies like dietary changes became his new norm. His Mediterranean-inspired diet, tailored to manage chronic kidney disease and prevent kidney stones, helps him feel his best.

Through it all, Jeff never lost sight of hope. He channeled his experiences into writing a book, One Kidney: Dealing with Kidney Cancer, and even founded a support site, The Kidney Coach. His candid reflections resonate with many survivors, offering both practical insights and emotional solidarity.

Jeff’s story isn’t about being “cured” of stage 3, grade 3 kidney cancer—it’s about thriving, adapting, and living life fully, despite the shadows that cancer can cast. Watch Jeff’s video to delve into:

How a routine kidney stone check revealed something far more serious.
The way that he turned a cancer diagnosis into an empowering experience.
The surprising moment he realized the full impact of his diagnosis.
How he created a support network for others facing similar challenges.
What helped him cope? Hint: It’s more than just medical treatments.

Name:
- Jeff K.
Diagnosis:
- Kidney Cancer: Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)
Staging:
- Stage 3
Grade:
- Grade 3
Age at Diagnosis:
- 63
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Left flank pain
- Blood in urine
Treatments:
- Surgery: radical nephrectomy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jeff!

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Jackie’s Relapsed Ovarian Cancer (Dysgerminoma) Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 14, 2025
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April 14, 2025

Strength and Positivity: Jackie’s Relapsed Ovarian Cancer (Dysgerminoma) Story

Jackie shares her experience with relapsed dysgerminoma ovarian cancer, a rare ovarian tumor that typically affects women in their 20s or 30s. Diagnosed in 2021 at age 27, her encounter with this rare cancer was both a challenging and an enlightening experience. Reflecting on her journey, Jackie opens up about the initial symptoms, which included intense abdominal pain that she mistook for period cramps. However, when the pain escalated and she began vomiting, she realized it was something far more serious.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Jackie went to the emergency room, where the medical team initially suspected appendicitis, but a CT scan revealed something unusual around her ovary. Surgery confirmed the presence of a large tumor on her right side and a smaller one on her left. These are known as ovarian germ cell tumors. Most ovarian germ cell tumors are benign, or noncancerous. The medical team removed the right ovary, leaving the left one in, as Jackie and her husband hoped for more children.

When pathology results confirmed stage 1A ovarian cancer known as a dysgerminoma, Jackie was devastated. The cancer diagnosis was a harsh blow, especially knowing she had to remove her left ovary, affecting her dream of having more children. Her family’s history of cancer included her infant son’s diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a cancer that forms in immature nerve cells. Despite her own struggles, Jackie found solace in knowing it was her and not her son again, having seen how hard it was for him to go through treatment.

After her initial surgery, Jackie faced a relapse. Routine CT scans indicated enlarged lymph nodes, leading to a biopsy that confirmed relapsed ovarian cancer. This time, her cancer was stage 2 and chemotherapy was necessary. Jackie embarked on a grueling regimen, though she was grateful for minimal nausea and supportive family by her side. Hair loss was another hurdle, but she embraced the change, even finding comfort in shaving her head.

To further complicate her health, she was dealing with a herniated disc, relying on a cane to get around. Therapy, particularly dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), became a lifeline for her, helping her navigate the psychological aspects of her cancer experience. Techniques like meditation and perspective-shifting were instrumental in maintaining her mental health.

Jackie’s resilience shines through her relapsed ovarian cancer story. She completed chemotherapy and celebrated ringing the “no more chemo” bell on September 6, 2021. Regular scans now form part of her life. She emphasizes the invaluable support of loved ones and the strength found in staying positive.

Watch Jackie’s story to learn from her about:

The strength of a mother’s love.
The importance of seeking therapy as needed.
Positivity as a lifeline during challenging periods.
How light, love, and generosity can help overcome even the darkest times.

Name:
- Jackie A.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 27
Diagnosis:
- Ovarian Cancer (Dysgerminoma)
Staging:
- Stage 1B; relapsed as Stage 2
Symptoms:
- Extreme pain in right side
- Vomiting
Treatments:
- Surgery: Oophorectomy, lymphadenectomy
- Chemotherapy

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jackie!

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How Tod Thrives with Stage 3 High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 10, 2025
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Thriving with Stage 3 High-Risk Multiple Myeloma: Tod’s Experience

Tod never imagined that a routine physical would uncover stage 3 high-risk multiple myeloma and upend his life. A self-proclaimed Type-A personality, Tod was used to burning the candle at both ends — wake surfing, tackling DIY projects, and reveling in a fast-paced career. But in 2023, everything changed. He started feeling persistently fatigued and getting sick more often but dismissed it as just part of aging. His long-time doctor insisted on a blood test, which revealed an alarming spike in protein levels, hinting at something far more serious.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Receiving a call from his doctor while driving, Tod heard words that no one ever expects: “It could be cancer.” Shocked and in disbelief, especially considering he’d always been one of his doctor’s healthiest patients, he was quickly referred to an oncologist. Multiple tests and a bone marrow biopsy later, the diagnosis was clear: stage 3 high-risk multiple myeloma.

The initial shock was overwhelming, but Tod’s resilience kicked in. With his doctor at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center guiding his treatment, Tod faced his biggest fear — needles — head-on, undergoing frequent blood tests, biopsies, and infusions. Yet, amidst these challenges, an unexpected discovery surfaced: an aneurysm that could have been fatal if left untreated. Thankfully, this was addressed promptly.

Fast forward through grueling stage 3 high-risk multiple myeloma treatments, including stem cell harvesting and a transplant, Tod’s health saw significant improvements. From having 60-80% cancer cells in his bone marrow, the numbers plummeted to just 0.12%. His energy levels soared, his appetite returned, and remarkably, he dodged many common side effects of cancer treatment — he never even lost his hair.

Today, Tod’s back to doing what he loves, namely wake surfing, building projects, and living life with an invigorated spirit. His gratitude is palpable, not just for his medical team but for life itself. Reflecting on his stage 3 high-risk multiple myeloma experience, he emphasizes the power of staying positive, being proactive in one’s healthcare, and the importance of support systems. His passion for helping others shines through on his YouTube channel, where he shares his story to inspire and inform.

Tod’s journey is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, hope thrives. Watch the video to learn from him about:

The phone call that changed everything — and how he fought back.
Beating the odds: How his health improved beyond expectations.
Life after his diagnosis: his empowering story.
The surprising discovery that saved his life outside of cancer.

Name:
- Tod H.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 62
Diagnosis:
- Multiple Myeloma (High-Risk)
Staging:
- Stage 3
Symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- High blood protein levels
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy: induction therapy
- Stem cell transplant

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Tod!

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Alli’s Experience with Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 10, 2025
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April 10, 2025

From Isolation to Empowerment: Alli’s Experience with Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)

Alli was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2019, but her experience started many years before that. Growing up, she was often the kid with a tummy ache, and by the age of three, she’d already had her gallbladder removed due to gallstones, something only adults usually go through. In college, her situation took a turn for the worse: she started experiencing constant stomach pain, extreme weight loss, and, eventually, blood in her stool. Despite years of being dismissed with diagnoses like irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety, Alli knew something deeper was wrong. It wasn’t until the visible symptoms escalated that doctors finally took her seriously and diagnosed her condition.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Living with ulcerative colitis, a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), meant dealing with overwhelming fatigue, feelings of isolation, and the anxiety of an unpredictable future. Alli describes how hard it was to be gaslit regarding her condition and to try to explain her condition to friends and family who couldn’t fully grasp what she was going through. She regrets not joining support groups earlier, realizing how valuable it is to connect with others who truly understand.

For years, Alli tried different medications, but nothing offered lasting relief. Her health declined rapidly, with her weight dropping to 100 pounds due partly to a loss of appetite and her spending a lot of time in the bathroom. As a stay-at-home mom with two kids, it was heartbreaking not being able to care for her family the way she wanted to. Eventually, faced with limited medication options and a desire for a better quality of life, she chose to have an ileostomy.

Waking up post-surgery, despite the pain from the procedure itself, Alli felt incredibly relieved. Adjusting to life with an ostomy bag wasn’t easy, but she quickly embraced it, realizing that it gave her freedom she hadn’t felt in years. She could eat again, more than she ever could before surgery, and she was no longer bound by the fear of sudden symptoms. The emotional toll of ulcerative colitis had been heavier than the physical symptoms, leading to deep depression and anxiety. With her health stabilized, she found her mental well-being improving, too.

Alli now advocates for ulcerative colitis awareness, ostomy acceptance, and mental health support within the IBD community. She openly shares her story to help others feel less alone, hoping to normalize conversations about living with an ostomy. Her messages? An ostomy doesn’t define you, you are more than that bag — and yes, life gets better.

Watch the video to hear from Alli about:

The emotional side of ulcerative colitis that no one talks about and how she faced it head-on.
What it’s like living with an ostomy — Alli gets real.
The turning point: Why she chose surgery and never looked back.
From college struggles and missing out to newfound freedom and making memories — Alli’s life after her ileostomy.

Name:
- Alli R.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 24
Diagnosis:
- Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Constant defecation
Treatment:
- Surgery: ileostomy

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Alli!

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