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, in 2005, she and her husband, Roger, signed up to volunteer with MD Anderson’s one-on-one support program – now called myCancerConnection – and in MD Anderson’s Hospitality Centers.
Although Pat’s breast cancer had metastasized to her liver, the couple still made volunteering a priority. “Luckily...
Understanding stem cell transplants
A stem cell transplant is often the best option to treat blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, as well as bone marrow...
How a clinical trial gave me my life back after MDS and AML
Five years ago, my spouse and I had settled into our dreamed-of retirement. Although our 28 years as professors at the University of Arizona...
Why I’m taking tamoxifen to avoid breast cancer
My family is no stranger to cancer. In 2005, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and in 2006, my older sister faced a diagnosis of lobular breast cancer.
Although both lived in Florida, I insisted they come to Houston to be treated at MD Anderson. I wanted the best possible outcome for my precious family, and I felt that MD Anderson was an integral part of that plan.
As a registered nurse and the caregiver...
Childhood brain tumor survivor dreams of curing cancer
San Antonio resident Tony Castro was only seven years old when he started showing the first signs of a childhood brain tumor.
He began...
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...
Breast reconstruction: 4 things to know
For many breast cancer patients, breast reconstruction is an important part of cancer treatment. The goal of breast reconstruction surgery...
Phase I clinical trial takes colorectal cancer prognosis from hospice to healing
Tim Givens considers himself blessed.
Despite being diagnosed with chemotherapy-resistant colorectal cancer three years ago, the 71...
For Boot Walk co-chairs, MD Anderson’s mission is personal
Between them, husband and wife Malcolm and Dorothy Paterson have been diagnosed with three different types of cancer, one of which is so rare...
Endoscopic mucosal resection helps patient avoid surgery
In 2015, after 25 years of traversing the globe for an airline, Catherine Arellano was enjoying her retirement traveling for fun with her...
Throat cancer survivor: The good, the bad and the ugly of treatment
After seven chemotherapy cycles and 35 days of radiation, I sat in my bedroom thinking about what words best described my seven-week treatment...
Vismodegib lets eyelid cancer survivor keep his vision
When Paul Skobel’s eyelid cancer returned in 2013, his local oncologist told him that he would probably lose his right eye because of the...
Clinical trial gives Houston patient hope
Before Gail Barr was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram in 2013, a slight thickening in her right breast was her only...
When a doctor becomes a cancer patient
A cancer diagnosis can change your life forever.
But when doctors receive a cancer diagnosis, it can also change the way they practice...
Retroperitoneal sarcoma survivor: An ode to my caregivers
A cancer diagnosis was the furthest thing from my mind when I had a myelogram for persistent left leg pain in February 2010. But when the...