We've had an overwhelming response from people looking to tell their story, so we decided to do a Part II on our question, "How do you react to a cancer diagnosis?" Hear stories from some of our newer bloggers, including twin sisters diagnosed with the same cancer only weeks apart, a mother concerned for her young children and several bloggers who found a positive attitude and peace in their faith.

  • Diagnosis: Papillary Thyroid Cancer

    I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer one week after my 37th birthday. My cancer was detected by my OB/GYN on a well check. I had no obvious symptoms, and never felt sick, so the diagnosis essentially came out of the blue. It felt like a rug had been pulled out from under me.

    Initially I was in shock and struggled understanding how I could have cancer in my body and not be aware of it. I saw myself as a healthy 37-year-old. I was scared, worried, angry and confused. I was a mother of two young kids (5 and 8 at the time) and so part of my initial fears were related to how my diagnosis, treatment etc. would affect them.

    It was also a very difficult thing to share with my family and friends, but immediately the support I received was amazing. Just weeks after my diagnosis, my identical twin sister was diagnosed with the exact same cancer. This added a very difficult layer to all of this, even though we were both lucky to have someone to talk to about every appointment, surgery, treatment etc.

    After feeling all of these strong emotions initially, I found a lot of strength inside and then focused on being positive and kicking cancer’s ass!

  • Diagnosis: Papillary Thyroid Cancer

    When I received the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer I was in complete shock, because my identical twin sister had been diagnosed with the same cancer three weeks previously. When she was diagnosed, I felt like I couldn't breathe and I cried a lot. I had a difficult time talking about it with anyone. When she was diagnosed I did a lot of "research" about thyroid cancer online which can be good and bad!

    My sister asked her doctor and surgeon at the time if they thought I should get checked even though I didn't have any symptoms. I only had an ultrasound of my neck because we are identical twins. Two days after my sister had her thyroid removed, I had the ultrasound. I was not worried about me at all at this time, as I felt like it was a formality. After the ultrasound showed some suspicious spots, I had a biopsy of my thyroid. My twin sister was right there with me, as she had been through a biopsy several weeks before.

    The next night my doctor called while I was giving my young children a bath (15 months and 4 at the time). I left the room and took the call. When the doctor said that I also had thyroid cancer, I remember having a hard time breathing, and I started shaking. I tried to formulate questions but it was difficult. I returned to the bathroom and nodded "yes" to my husband and continued assisting my children.

    Telling my family and friends that I also had papillary thyroid cancer was very difficult. It was especially difficult telling my parents that now two of their daughters have cancer at the same time.

  • In 2011 I came down with what seemed to be a case of the flu. I saw a couple of doctors, who ordered some tests, and I was referred to Dr. Gamblin at Froedtert.

    When I saw Dr. Gamblin, I had no idea that cancer was a possibility. I just thought I had a tumor. When I first saw him, he told me that I had been presented before the Tumor Board and there was a 95 percent chance I had cancer. I told him, well, I still had a 5 percent chance.

    I had peace until I woke up one night and realized I really did have cancer. But when I thought about how God had opened doors for me -- getting me in quickly to see the doctors, and getting favor in all my steps, even sending me to the Faith Clinic at Froedtert -- I thought, well, why would God open all these doors and give me favor, just to kill me? I just rested in His peace, knowing that He is in control of this situation.

  • Diagnosis: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

    Since my children were only 13, 10 and 8, my very first reaction was, "What will my children do without a mother?" That was the last time I thought about death.

    Once I accepted my diagnosis, I decided I would do anything and everything the doctors requested of me with no complaints. I put complete trust in their abilities.

    Now, that doesn't mean I didn't ask questions! Dr. Schultz later told me he remembered our first appointment because I walked in with a big black binder full of information about Hodgkin’s. Since my career was focused on research, it was natural for me to arm myself with information.

    Ultimately, I coped through numerous ways: belief in my doctors, support from my family and friends, faith and knowledge.

  • Diagnosis: Myxofibrosarcoma

    After the initial “I’ve got what?” it begins to settle in: “I’ve got cancer.” One can take different avenues at this point: Why me? Poor me, what did I do to deserve this? OMG I’m going to die… Or one can say, “I AM GOING TO BEAT THIS!!!” Life is full of decisions, and now one must make a monumental determination: Which path will you choose?

    Because of a strong faith, a super supportive family and a phenomenal support group, We chose the latter: I AM GOING TO BEAT THIS!! Does attitude alone beat cancer? I don’t think so. Does it help? I am convinced it does.

    And so the journey began in 2007, 264 hours of chemotherapy, 25 radiation sessions, 10 surgeries, and today at each check-up I hear, CANCER FREE!!

    "Happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make those dreams come true.”

    Be well.
    JAV

  • Diagnosis: Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma

    The first time I was told that they found a mass and it could be cancerous, I was not alarmed. My first thoughts were I needed a second opinion and wanted more information. Due to my faith in God, I took what they said to God in prayer and trusted that he would take care of me whatever it was that I would have to go through.  So I was not scared.