Radiation: 614 Real Stories
614 stories match radiation. 511 of them mention surgery.
Stage II Breast Cancer: Natalia’s Survivor Story
Natalia, from Colombia, had a hard, growing lump in her left breast. An early ultrasound found nothing, and three months passed before a mastologist removed the lump and confirmed cancer. Dissatisfied with the information and manner of her first doctor, she…
Read this storyStage III Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: Anne’s Survivor Story
Anne developed persistent diarrhea with blood and later unexplained weight loss. After several months, a primary-care physician referred Anne to a gastroenterologist, and testing confirmed Stage III rectal adenocarcinoma in February 2017. Anne was 39 at…
Read this storyStage III Breast Cancer: Elizabeth’s Survivor Story
Elizabeth was 45 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer after first finding a problem in November 2017. Her mother had developed breast cancer at 51, so the family had already been encouraged to remain alert. When an initial appointment was delayed…
Read this storyBreast Cancer: Stephanie’s Survivor Story
Stephanie Spiesz was 50 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2013. She had noticed lumps in her left breast but was not especially worried until her husband urged her to see a doctor. Within days, she had a checkup, mammogram and biopsy, and…
Read this storyColorectal Cancer: Steve’s Survivor Story
Steve B., a 30-year-old computer programmer, noticed intermittent rectal bleeding and the feeling that he needed to use the bathroom but could not. His family physician knew Steve had a family history of colon cancer and recommended colonoscopy. The test…
Read this storyColorectal Cancer: Ed’s Patient Story
Ed Godic, 60, first tried changing his diet after noticing blood in his stool. When 2 weeks without gluten and with healthier meals did not improve the bleeding, he saw his primary care doctor at Cleveland Clinic Beachcliff Family Medicine. His doctor advised…
Read this storyStage I Breast Cancer: Shirley’s Survivor Story
Shirley, from Canada, was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in 2016 after finding a hard lump in her left breast. The news brought anger, fear and sadness, although she also held onto a sense of hope. Her doctors recommended breast-conserving surgery with…
Read this storyStage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Sarah’s Patient Story
Sarah Cawley, a 32-year-old physician assistant and mother of 2, first noticed a breast lump while breastfeeding. That lump was a milk cyst, but she was advised to return after breastfeeding ended. At the next visit, another lump was found and monitored…
Read this storyStage IV Colorectal Cancer: Dawn’s Survivor Story
Dawn Eicher had intermittent bleeding from age 21, but for years she was told she was too young for cancer. In 2012, while pregnant at 35, she developed worsening bleeding, mucus, narrowing stools, and pain. Her symptoms continued after the birth of her son…
Read this storyGastric Cancer: Sara’s Patient Story
Sara Souto Strom built her career around understanding why people develop cancer and what influences survival. In 2002, that work became personal when an acid taste in her mouth led her to have an endoscopy. The test revealed early-stage stomach cancer. Sara…
Read this storyStage III Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Bridgette’s Survivor Story
Bridgette was 66 when she found a lump under her arm in the shower. Just 3 weeks earlier, her mammogram had been reported as clear. Further testing led to a stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis in May 2012. The diagnosis was frightening…
Read this storyStage II Breast Cancer: Martha’s Survivor Story
Martha was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer more than a decade ago after the cancer was found during a health examination. She had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer, so the diagnosis was unexpected. She sought a second opinion while…
Read this storyStage 0 Breast Cancer: Linda’s Survivor Story
Linda, originally from Malaysia, found a lump above her right breast while showering in 2007. Further evaluation showed stage 0 breast cancer. She had no other symptoms. The diagnosis left her worried, nervous, and overwhelmed. Following her doctor’s…
Read this storyStage III Breast Cancer: Mary’s Survivor Story
Mary was diagnosed with stage 3 metaplastic breast cancer in May 2007 after an 11-month delay. She had noticed a lump in her left breast, along with nipple discharge, redness, irritation, and thickening. Across nine medical visits, mammography, scanning…
Read this story