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Allison’s Example of Self-Advocacy Living with Stage 4 ALK+ Lung Cancer
Allison Z., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ALK+, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptom: Severe back pain Treatments: Targeted therapy (ALK inhibitors), radiation therapy
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How Faith Sustains Maria Through Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer
Maria C., Stomach Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: Rapid weight loss, fatigue, inability to hold food down Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery (robotic distal gastrectomy), radiation therapy
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How Flu-Like Symptoms Led to Megan’s Stage 4 Melanoma Diagnosis
Megan S., Melanoma, Recurrent (Stage 1A & Stage 4) Symptoms: New mole, cough, wheezing, chest pain, back pain Treatments: Surgeries (mole excision, reconstructive surgery, thoracic surgery), immunotherapy, targeted therapy (BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors), radiation therapy
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Decades of Unanswered Symptoms Finally Lead to Michelle’s Stage 1 Papillary Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Michelle L., Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Stage 1 Symptoms: Hormone imbalances, mood swings, depression & anxiety, unexplained weight changes, chronic digestive issues, weakened immune system, painful/irregular periods, insomnia, fatigue and low energy, lump in the neck, difficulty singing/voice changes, shortness of breath, physical weakness, arm pain Treatments: Surgeries (lymphadenectomy, total thyroidectomy, partial right neck dissection), radioactive…
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How an ER Visit Uncovered Hayley’s Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (pNET) at 27
Hayley O., Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (pNET) Symptoms: Severe right-sided pelvic pain, nausea, diarrhea Treatment: Surgery (pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple procedure)
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The Power of Positivity and Advocacy in Mary’s Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer Care
Mary M., Endometrial Cancer, Stage 4B, Grade 2 Symptoms: Unusual fatigue, urinary tract infections, extreme pain on the right side of the abdominal area Treatments: Surgery (hysterectomy), chemotherapy, immunotherapy
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Living with Metastatic Lung Cancer: Clara’s Honest Take on Life and Treatment
Clara C., Lung Cancer, MSH6, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: Pelvic pain, joint and bone pain, breast lump, extreme lightheadedness and dizziness, vomiting, fainting spells, swollen lymph node in the neck, neuropathy, headaches, unexplained weight loss, severe anemia Treatments: Radiation therapy to the brain, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
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Beneath the Surface: A Surfer’s Story of Melanoma and Self-Advocacy
Mart H., Melanoma, Recurrent (Stage 2A, Stage 1B, Stage 1A, Stage 0) & Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms: Non-healing lip lesion, black mole on upper arm that grew, changed color, and bled Treatment: Surgeries (wide local excisions on the arm, chin, cheek, and back)
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Mary Jane Redefines Life with Inoperable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer
Mary Jane B., Stomach Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: Fatigue, night sweats, sharp back pain, bloody stool, unexplained weight gain, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe anemia, loss of appetite and early satiety, sudden and intermittent dry cough, persistent stomachache, distended abdomen, frequent headache, forgetfulness Treatments: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy (anti-HER2 receptor monoclonal…
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Kelle’s Approach to Navigating Bile Duct Cancer with Positivity
Kelle C., Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) Symptoms: Feeling run down, pruritus (itching), fatigue, brain fog, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Treatments: Surgery (pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple procedure), chemotherapy, immunotherapy
