Where MD Anderson patients made important connections

Cancer can feel very isolating. But it can help to connect with others who’ve been there.

We recently asked several patients and survivors where they made their most meaningful connections at MD Anderson. Here what they said.

myCancerConnection Survivorship Conference

“I met many ladies in the inner waiting area for radiation treatments. But I made the most connections at MD Anderson’s myCancerConnection Survivorship Conference a couple of years ago. The ladies I sat with shared their stories of survival with me, and we still keep in touch to this day. That’s also where I took the first step towards becoming a myCancerConnection volunteer. This gives me the chance to talk to other vulvar cancer patients -- something I love.”

-- Jami Mayberry, vulvar cancer survivor

My care team

“The nurses and physician assistants I met during appointments, scans and treatments were very important connections for me. They gave me realistic insight into what was going on and what I should expect. My doctors were wonderful, but I felt I could talk with these other professionals in a more relaxed manner.”

-- Eric Kleiman, liver cancer survivor

A survivor

“Thanks to my doctors at MD Anderson, who recognized the positive impact that fellow patients can have on your mental and emotional well-being, I connected with a multiple myeloma survivor who was willing to share his story with me. We have continued to stay in touch and regularly update each other on our lives and our recovery.  For me, making that meaningful connection was empowering. I encourage others to embrace the patient community at MD Anderson. When you do, you'll quickly realize you are not alone. You are fighting alongside a group of incredible individuals all on the same brave path to recovery.” 

-- Jennifer Davis, multiple myeloma survivor

Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Center

“After my stem cell transplant, I connected with someone my age who was going through the same treatment at the Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Center. We still keep in contact and update one another on how we're doing. It's nice to have someone who can relate to you.”

-- Jaymee Fiskum, anaplastic large T cell lymphoma small cell variant survivor

The waiting rooms

“I made most of my connections in MD Anderson’s waiting rooms. I started talking to other patients by asking them where they were from, how long had they been getting treatment and what they were diagnosed with. It gave me a lot of comfort to speak with other people who were going through the same thing. No one truly understands what you're going through like a fellow patient.” 

-- Roxie Deese, acute myeloid leukemia survivor

myCancerConnection offers one-on-one support by connecting you with other cancer patients, survivors and caregivers who’ve been there. Learn more.