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From Multiple Tumors to a Liver Transplant: How Keaton Survived Rare Bile Duct Cancer (Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma)
Keaton H., Bile Duct Cancer (Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma) Symptoms: Mild heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort, persistent low-grade abdominal pain Treatments: Chemotherapy (gemcitabine, cisplatin, FOLFOX), monoclonal antibodies (durvalumab, zenocutuzumab), radiation therapy (Y-90 radioembolization), surgery (liver transplant)
Bile Duct Cancer, Chemotherapy, durvalumab, FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin), Gemzar (gemcitabine), Immunotherapy, Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, Liver transplant, Monoclonal Antibodies, Patient Stories, Platinol (cisplatin), Radiation Therapy, Treatments, Y-90 radioembolization, Zenocutuzumab -
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From Crohn’s Flare to Incidental Kidney and Appendix Cancer: 30-Year-Old Mom Emily’s Experience
Emily M., Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma with Clear and Papillary Cell Properties), Stage 2; Appendix Cancer Symptom: Incidental discovery during treatments for Crohn’s disease Treatments: Ablation therapy (cryoablation), surgeries (colectomy, ostomy surgery)
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“Love is a Choice”: Gray’s Cancer Caregiver Perspective on His Late Wife Samantha’s Metastatic Breast Cancer
Gray M., Spouse of Samantha, Breast Cancer Patient ”They say love is not a feeling — it’s a choice. And we chose it. Samantha definitely chose it. She knew how to engage in the act of loving her family.”
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When the Lump Wasn’t ‘Nothing’: Selina’s Stage 4 Parotid Gland Cancer Experience
Selina P., Parotid Gland Cancer (Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland), Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: Appearance of a small, movable, eventually painful lump that would sometimes produce a “crackling” sensation when touched, persistent earache Treatments: Surgeries (parotidectomy, lymphanadectomy), targeted radiation therapy
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Motherhood, Horses, and HR+ Metastatic Breast Cancer: Joelle’s Story
Joelle E., Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: None per se; attributed to pregnancy (severe pregnancy nausea, very low weight gain in pregnancy, lack of milk production in right breast, intermittent nipple inversion, profound fatigue and bone pain, severe right hip pain and difficulty walking) Treatments: Targeted radiation therapy, hormone therapies (tamoxifen, leuprolide),…
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Itchy Skin, Night Sweats, and a Neck Lump: Alexia’s Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms
Alexia S., Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Symptoms: Night sweats, intense itching and rash on wrists, legs, and feet, fatigue and falling asleep mid-conversation, shortness of breath, dizziness, blurry vision, appearance of neck lump and chest mass Treatments: Chemotherapy (ABVD, BV, and BEAM), immunotherapy (nivolumab), autologous stem cell transplant
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From Hip Pain to Metastatic Breast Cancer: How Mom and Teacher Erica Shows Up for ALL of Her Kids
Erica H., Breast Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: Stage 1: appearance of lump in left breast; Stage 4: severe pain in hip, ribs, spine, and shoulder blade Treatments: Surgeries (double mastectomy, reconstruction), chemotherapy, cold caps, radiation therapy, hormone therapy (aromatase inhibitor, letrozole), targeted therapy (CDK4/6 inhibitor, ribociclib), integrative care
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LeeAnn Found Meaning After Her Adult Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Brain Tumor Diagnosis
LeeAnn T., Brain Tumor (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma or DIPG), Grade 2 Symptoms: Facial tingling, double vision Treatment: Radiation therapy
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How an Athlete’s Mindset Guided Marina’s Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Experience – Twice
Marina B., Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Stage 2, BRCA1+ Symptoms: Month-long twinge of pain in breast (first diagnosis), appearance of lump in armpit (second diagnosis) Treatments: Chemotherapy (AC and paclitaxel), surgery (mastectomy and reconstruction), radiation therapy
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Kalei’s Stage 4 Rectal Cancer Story: Has My Cancer Returned?
Kalei M., Rectal Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: More frequent bowel movements, presence of mucus, tissue-like substance, and blood in stool, stomach cramping and sharp pains Treatments: Radiation therapy, chemotherapy (FOLFOX), surgeries (two lung resections)
