My cancer journey began in October 2000 with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Surgery entailed the removal of 40% of the pancreas, the entire spleen, a slice of the left kidney, and five lymph nodes.

I was fortunate that the cancer only spread to the first lymph node, and the others were clear. It was not until years later, when I had the occasion to look over my surgical and pathology reports, I learned that I had adenosquamous carcinoma; a rare, aggressive type of pancreatic cancer with...

Finding out you have advanced cancer can be a tough thing. People with advanced cancer can be overcome with worry, fear, sadness, and defeat when they are diagnosed. Stage III or stage IV cancer is not a death sentence.

As long as you are willing and open, no matter what type of cancer you have, what stage of cancer you are in, or what your cancer prognosis may be, there are ways to stay positive. Some ways are practical and some emotional, but all 10 of these insights from WhatNexter’s...

It's summertime, and grilling out is a staple of many get-togethers. But does grilling increase our cancer risk? Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society, says, "It's possible, but there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to the potential cancer-causing chemicals from grilling."

Read more about how to make grilling healthier and choosing the right foods to grill.

Do you think these summer grilling habits are worth...

Many cancer patients have felt a brain fog before, during, or after cancer treatment. Commonly referred to as chemo brain, the exact cause is unknown, however recent studies have found that some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause changes in the brain. 

Not everyone experiences chemo brain , but those who have know that it includes trouble concentrating, trouble remember details or how to do everyday tasks, losing your train of thought, trouble...

In January of 2012, I learned about Relay for Life when I was a participant in the LiveStrong program at my local YMCA. Our small group of survivors agreed it would be a fun event to join so I stepped up (at my first Relay ever!) as Captain of our Team called Team “Y Not?”

Lisa and Her Mother

In 2010 I had lost my mother to lung cancer. She battled for two years, and I was diagnosed just four months after her with AML Leukemia. At that time we fought our way through day in and day out,...

Of all the side effects of chemotherapy, hair loss is one of the most obvious. Hair loss is not certain; every person is different. But if you do lose your hair during chemo, typically hair will really start to grow back when chemotherapy treatment is over at about 6-10 weeks.

And while WhatNexter’s were glad, they were also a little bit surprised. Hair after chemo might grow in differently than before and could continue to change. Ultimately WhatNexter’s made the best of it and found a way...

Whether it is a “No More Chemo” party, planning a fun trip, or doing something special for yourself, the end of chemotherapy treatment is typically a major milestone along one’s cancer.

Often WhatNexter’s feel happy about ending treatment, but also still a little shaky about moving forward with their life. Celebrating the end of treatment may boost your confidence that you really did just conquer something and that it is okay to be proud of that.

1. Have a Potluck, BBQ, or Backyard Party
...

Prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer are the four most common types of cancers that affect men. In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Week it is important to know what you can do about cancer prevention and early detection. Below are some things you may want to be aware of in order to take your life into your own hands.

1. Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
About 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The chance of a man getting prostate cancer increases with...

Cancer statistics on body weight and cancer risk are eye opening for people with or without cancer. Approximately 2 out of 3 Americans are considered overweight or obese; poor nutrition and/or physical inactivity is the cause of 1 in 3 cancer deaths. Fortunately, you can take control of your weight and start making healthier choices. Below are a few things you may want to know about achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Why Pay Attention

Being overweight or obese raises a person’s...

All WhatNexter’s have a unique diagnosis story, that “oh no” moment of shock when they find out about their cancer. The next steps of digesting a cancer prognosis can be difficult; often the process goes from shock to sadness to finding a way to fight. It may help to read inspiring ways that other WhatNexter’s have coped with their prognosis. If you have just been diagnosed with cancer, we hope these tidbits from WhatNexter’s will help you find your own ways to cope.

Get Past the Shock
One...