Stand Up To Cancer

Braeden Rockow

Six-year-old Braeden is the twelfth person in the world to fight a rare form of cancer that usually starts in the brain, but in his case appeared on his spinal cord. Doctors recently removed 95% of the tumor; the rest had to be left behind or Braeden would run the risk of paralysis. Twenty-eight radiation treatments followed, and Braeden has had a remarkably quick recovery. "He loves life, and one of the phrases he uses a lot is 'I can do it myself,'" says his grandmother. "When you see him, you would never know he has cancer."
http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20100121/FON0101/100120125/1985/FONnews/Boy-with-rare-form-of-cancer-rallies

Susan White

This incredible piece from journalist Susan White recounts her experiences undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer. Two years in, the chemo seems to be working, but it's incredibly difficult to endure: "When I was first diagnosed, I learned of three other nonsmokers in the Omaha area who had lung cancer," she writes. "I never met any of them, and yet I have wept when each died -- for what they went through, for the families they left behind, for the terrible sense of foreboding their deaths give me. But I'm not giving in. I have scores of people praying for me. And we press on with the chemo."
http://www.omaha.com/article/20100125/LIVING/701259957

Lee March Grayson

Grayson, an attorney and 13-year-survivor of chronic myelogenous leukemia, urges cancer patients to take an active role in their own treatment. He learned from experience: when he was fighting the disease, he and his family questioned his doctor routinely to make sure he was getting to best possible care. Now the founder of Marrow Power, which organizes counselors to help patients and families deal with the challenges of cancer, he tells cancer patients, "It's not being disrespectful . . . you are trying to save your life. You're allowed to question your doctor, you're allowed to fire your doctor."
http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/01/randolph_attorney_advises_canc.html

John H

In a comment on a recent "With You, We Stand" entry, John H wrote: "On November 17th, 2008 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was totally out of the blue, and I will never forget that day . . . I am happy to say there is no detectable sign of cancer in my body today. I am thankful and blessed. But more importantly, I like to think I also became "aware." Aware of cancer, its symptoms, treatments, detection and impacts. I have become a vocal proponent of self-exams. I have become so much more sensitive of the friends near me who since have also been diagnosed with various forms of cancer; sensitive to what they are feeling, and what lies ahead for them . . . But human spirit and resolve is unyielding, and cancer will be defeated. Keep up the site and keep the encouraging posts coming . . . and let's all STAND UP when we need to."

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments as well.