- By Michael Squier
- Posted November 6, 2017
My Grandfather Lost His Pancreatic Cancer Battle, but Taught Me a lot About Life
*Editor's Note: This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Ambry's Creative Director, Michael Squier, is sharing memories and lessons learned from his grandfather, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. Ambry encourages everyone to know their family history of cancer. If someone in your family has pancreatic cancer, you could be at an increased…
- By Vanessa Petersen
- Posted October 24, 2017
I Mustache You a Question...
Did you know that 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? And that your risk is increased if you have a brother or father who has been diagnosed? You may never know that men and their families are quietly battling this disease, even though the statistics are the same for women and breast cancer. So why does…
- By Valerie Smart
- Posted October 24, 2017
An 18-Year Survivor of Breast Cancer Shares Her Story
My name is Valerie Smart. I’m a wife and mother with three beautiful children, two boys and a girl. And I am an 18 year breast cancer survivor. This is my story. I was diagnosed with a stage II ductal carcinoma (a type of breast cancer) in August of 2000. I had eight cycles of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation followed by Tamoxifin. I lost…
- By Nicole Schweppe
- Posted October 18, 2017
My Breast Cancer Journey, Part 2- How I Prepared for Chemotherapy
I like to prepare for the worst but hope for best. When I started chemotherapy for my breast cancer, I knew what it meant for my hair and body. I was aware of the side effects and what each cycle could bring. To physically get my body ready for chemo I did a few things that might sound trite or shallow, but I knew they would help me feel somewhat…
- By Nicole Schweppe
- Posted October 12, 2017
My Breast Cancer Journey, Part 1- Your Thoughts are Your Reality
My breast cancer journey started on March 31st, 2017. I sat in the doctor’s office for my follow-up appointment after my lumpectomy. Before the lumpectomy, I was told I had less than a 1% chance of the tumor being cancerous by three different doctors. I sat there and told my doctor about my workout regime and that the incision was a little…
- By Laurie Curtis
- Posted September 28, 2017
How my Genetic Counselor Provided Guidance When I Needed it Most
I went in for genetic testing because cancer runs in my family: My maternal grandfather had prostate cancer; his sister had an unidentified cancer; my mother died from ovarian cancer; both her sisters have had breast cancer, one of which had bilateral breast cancer, 18 years apart; and 2 of my 3 female cousins have had breast cancer. One cousin…
- By Jessica Profato, MS, CGC
- Posted September 25, 2017
Knowledge is Power: Learn More About Lynch Syndrome
Over the past few years, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, have received a lot of media attention. From the perspective of a Genetic Counselor, I can say that these stories have helped raise awareness about hereditary cancer and the importance of understanding your family history. I hope that…
- By Karen Malkin Lazarovitz
- Posted September 21, 2017
How I Lost My Lady Parts But Gained So Much More
My story begins more than 9 years ago, when my father called me to say was having genetic testing. His cousin had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had a known BRCA mutation. Many people I’ve spoken with have no idea that they can inherit this from their father, but I did. It is vitally important to meet with a genetic counselor before…
- By Kim Price
- Posted September 18, 2017
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer- What you Need to Know
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition® has been supporting the women, families, and caregivers affected by ovarian cancer for more than 25 years. With 1 in 75 women being diagnosed with the disease, the NOCC is especially focused during the month of September on bringing earlier awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease to women throughout…
- By Cynthia Rigali Lund
- Posted September 18, 2017
Life After Chemotherapy and Surgery for Ovarian Cancer
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and it’s a wonderful way to encourage women to create a deeper consciousness about their bodies. As I approach my five-year survivor date—the closest marker we have to saying “cured,” I can say with deepest gratitude how much I appreciate my body and all that it does for me, as well as how much…