10 questions about gynecologic cancers
Each year, approximately 100,000 women are diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer: cervical, ovarian, fallopian tube, uterine (also called endometrial cancer), vulvar or vaginal.
We spoke with Shannon Westin, M.D., associate professor in Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and co-leader of MD Anderson’s Ovarian Cancer Moonshot™, to learn more about these diseases. Here’s what she wants every woman to know...
Leukemia survivor: How I cope with fear of a recurrence
It’s been six years since I was first told that I had no evidence of acute myeloid leukemia. But thoughts about recurrence still pop into...
Two-time breast cancer survivor is grateful for treatment innovations
When Suzanne Callahan first came to MD Anderson in 1997, she was a terrified 38-year-old mother with stage IIIB breast cancer in her left...
Throat cancer survivor now singing MD Anderson’s praises
Music has always been a part of James McManus’ life. The middle son in a family of musicians, he was the lead singer of a rock ‘n roll band with his brothers in high school, and continued performing in one form or another throughout adulthood.
In the summer of 2015, though, the lifelong baritone feared his days at the microphone were over.
James came down with a hoarse throat, and it never really went away. “It got to where...
Squamous cell carcinoma survivor: How cancer helped me discover a new passion
When I started college, I had a specific vision of where my life was heading – I was going to be an Air Force pilot. I had a full Air Force...
How radiation therapy may affect your daily routine
Cancer treatment often requires patients to make changes to their daily routines or lifestyle habits. But just how much do you need to change...
Total pelvic exenteration survivor: ‘Life is precious. Don’t waste it.’
I’m very seldom sick, so being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and ultimately needing a total pelvic exenteration at age 48 took me by surprise...
Glioblastoma patient regains quality of life with Integrative Medicine Center’s help
Bratton Fennell, 53, is one of the top-ranked distance runners for his age group in the Carolinas. During his brain tumor treatment, it turned...
How the right support helped me through breast cancer
After my double mastectomy in 2002, I vividly remember running on the beach and hearing some teenagers making fun of my child-like figure....
5 questions about MD Anderson after Hurricane Harvey
While many of our employees, patients and the Gulf Coast region continue to recover from Hurricane Harvey, one thing remains unchanged: MD...
From Ewing’s sarcoma patient to medical student
I’ve always been good at math and science, so I’d given some thought to becoming a doctor, even as a teenager. Then cancer came along, and...
Two-time ovarian cancer survivor: Never give up
My late husband, Rocky, died of melanoma in 2008. He fought it three different times over the course of our 18-year marriage. He endured so...
Dating after a T-cell lymphoma diagnosis: a love story
As a bald, sick, 26-year-old cancer patient, I wasn't expecting to fall in love. I only weighed about 100 pounds, was taking multiple...
Finding peace after my terminal cancer diagnosis
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer or told your disease is terminal, there’s always a place for hope. I truly believe I wouldn...
Survivor: Have anal cancer? Get some humor
I’m really blessed that I found out about my anal cancer diagnosis early on. That’s a big part of the reason why I’m living without any evidence...
Pancreatic cancer survivor: Clinical trial gave me my life back
Sometimes I forget that I have pancreatic cancer because I just don’t believe it’s going to kill me.
In fact, I’ve never felt healthier...
Teen osteosarcoma survivor: ‘I can still do anything’
I never realized how many children got cancer until I came to MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. But the story of how I got there is...