Two generations receive treatment at MD Anderson
In 1980, Jack Brown was 38 and busy working in oilfield sales. When a lump appeared on his left groin, he ignored it until his wife, Bobbie, urged him to visit a doctor.
His New Iberia, Louisiana doctor removed the tumor, and a biopsy showed it was cancer. “It really rocked our world,” Bobbie says. “We thought cancer was the end. Jack started making final plans.”
Jack remembers asking the doctor what he suggested. “He suggested...
Taking charge of esophageal cancer treatment
Tim Orellano knew something was wrong when minimal physical activity made him short of breath. “Other than acid reflux, I considered myself...
Pancreatic cancer survivor savors normalcy
Relda Marshall’s only pancreatic cancer symptoms seemed benign to her — stomach pains and belching after eating.
Eventually, Relda...
Resilience in the face of a 38-year cancer journey
Pat Gruy has received six cancer diagnoses since 1978. Despite this, Pat has refused to be negative. “I don’t ever feel sorry myself,” says the Beeville, Texas native. “I never ask, ‘Why me?’ – and I never will.”
Pat’s first cancer diagnosis – melanoma — came after her partner (now husband) noticed that a spot on her back was bleeding while the pair played a doubles tennis match. “I wasn’t worried,” Pat says. “I thought it...
Prostate cancer survivor shares hope after treatment
As an officer of three decades in the Houston Police Department, Joseph “Joe” Levingston was meticulous about details. When it came to his...
Adrenal gland tumor survivor celebrates life
In 2005, violinist Treesa Gold became concerned when she began experiencing weight gain, hair loss and acne. She saw a doctor, who told her...
From caregiver to MD Anderson volunteer
Even while she was undergoing chemotherapy to treat stage IV breast cancer, Pat McWaters was passionate about helping other patients. So,...
Phase I clinical trial gives renal cell carcinoma survivor life
Because of his father’s prostate cancer history, Carl “Travis” Klimitchek always made health screenings a priority.
But he didn’t expect...