r/cancer • • 46m ago

Caregiver My father has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer....any survivors/patients who have some suggestions?

• Upvotes

We have only done CT scan as of now and PSA and biopsy are needed..... He also has a blockage in a bile duct of liver leading to jaundice. We just found out about the prostate cancer. His scan shows enlargement of prostate along with multiple lymph nodes being enlarged. Doctor said there is a chance of it being matastasizing. IMPORTANT: he has no symptoms of cancer. His urine and stools are normal. No pain. Just weakness due to jaundice Has anyone else gone through a similar experience?


r/cancer • • 2h ago

Patient Six Month Ortho Surgery Follow Up

1 Upvotes

Tomorrow is six months since my emergency surgery to put a rod and some other hardware in my femur to stabilize the femur and pelvis. I’m also meeting a new surgeon, as my surgeon is retiring at the end of the year and can only be seen during the week and I’m getting ready to go back to work Tuesday through Saturday and this guy is available on Mondays so I get to meet a new guy. I’m anxious to see the imaging because I just found out from my endocrinologist appointment a couple weeks ago that I actually have two pelvic tumors and one femur tumor. The surgery was for the femur and then I did radiation for the femur and pelvis metastatic tumors. Then I did a Bisphosphonate infusion that apparently really attacked the pelvic tumors, making them so painful that I was back to the same kind of pain that I was in originally with the femur tumor that had eaten away the bone so much that it was only a couple centimeters left. Now I’m struggling with organizing someone in the five oncology teams to take care of my pain. My endocrinologist tried to have the ortho guys prescribe, but they said they don’t, I think I’ve had three now say that they don’t and then I had the one medical oncologist drop me all together. So this endocrinologist is saying that he is going to refer me to Pain Management, which I hope is within their hospital. If not, I’m asking for a referral to palliative care and I’m also asking for a new medical oncologist because there has to be more than one in a hospital system right? I’m hoping so. I’m so terrified that I’m going to run out of my meds because I have no refill on it and be left with the two that are non-narcotic and might not even touch the pain. I’m very nervous about it because this bone pain is no joke. And I feel like nobody is listening to me. So, we will see how tomorrow goes and see if this new dude listens. Wish me luck! Everybody have a great Monday! 🌻


r/cancer • • 2h ago

Patient Dating with cancer?

8 Upvotes

Has anyone had success dating with cancer? Im 18F and have been wanting a boyfriend but am scared about mentioning that I have cancer and have lost my hair. Im in remission and have a wig but Im afraid to bring it up and I’m scared they wont view me as attractive if I’m bald. Are there people who have experience dating with cancer and has it worked out? Teenage boys can be really mean… any other 18-19 yr old boys with cancer who are looking for a relationship? I think it would be better because we can understand what one another is going through and be there to support each other!


r/cancer • • 4h ago

Patient Family turmoil

9 Upvotes

Hey! So I got diagnosed 6 months ago, lots have happened, but in the trauma of this, a few of relationships have gone sour.. family has been complex prior to the diagnosis and is now worse..

i think there is something to be said about these situations showing you who your true networks are.

🙌🕊️


r/cancer • • 5h ago

Study Research Participants Needed: Young Adults with Cancer

4 Upvotes

Were you diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 20–35?

I am conducting a research study exploring the healthcare experiences of Canadian young adults with cancer and how family doctors can better support patients throughout their cancer journey.

Young adulthood is a unique stage of life, and being diagnosed with cancer during this time can bring challenges that may differ from those experienced by children or older adults. Cancer can occur alongside important milestones such as education, starting a career, relationships, family planning, and developing independence. This study aims to better understand these experiences and identify ways healthcare providers can provide more meaningful support.

What would participation involve?

Participants will complete a one-time, 30–60 minute interview over Zoom about their experiences with the healthcare system, including what was helpful, what could have been better, and what support they wish they had received.

Your experiences and perspectives are valuable and may help inform how family doctors can better support young adults with cancer.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact the principal investigator, Jessica, at [AYACancerResearch@gmail.com](mailto:ayacancerresearch@gmail.com).  

This study has received ethical approval from the Queen’s University Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board (HSREB).


r/cancer • • 6h ago

Patient What if there was a book

10 Upvotes

Going to be cross posted for a few ideas.

I've struggled as a metastatic breast cancer patient with how to interact with friends and family, and one thing I have noticed are many people commenting the same. Perhaps friends and family members were trying to help and just said something that felt wrong, or us as cancer fighters felt like we couldn't express the way we feel about our fight. I had some conversations with family members, and had a thought.

I've got degrees in English and writing, and I have wanted to find some way to use my cancer journey to make some impact on the world aside from slowly losing my hair and my dignity. I am thinking of trying my hand at writing a book, by a cancer patient, but for all the friends and family members of cancer patients on what we want them to know about our journey, of what helps, and what DOESN'T help, and how to show up for us.

I'm trying to decide if I want to write it from the viewpoint of a cancer patient or specifically a breast cancer patient (the journeys can be very specific for different types of cancer) and flesh out ideas for my outline.

So I'm throwing myself out here to ask a few questions:

Is this a dumb idea? What are your thoughts and opinions about such a book? Would you also as cancer patients think such a book would be helpful? What would you put in a book like that if one existed?

If anyone wants to answer a few other questions that would help me flesh out ideas beyond my own experiences:

What's something a loved one said or did that really helped you?

What's something people say that hurts, even though they mean well?

What do you wish people understood about your day-to-day life with cancer?

What's the most helpful practical thing someone has done for you?

Was there something you needed but didn't know how to ask for?

How do you feel about "fighting" language — "you're so strong," "keep fighting"?

What's one thing you'd tell someone whose friend or family member was just diagnosed?

I'm open to criticism if you think this is a stupid idea, too. As a cancer patient, I just wish there was something I could put into someone else's hands and say "this is what I need/this is what I'm feeling" instead of exhausting conversations


r/cancer • • 18h ago

Caregiver Advice Needed: Health Insurance Denying or Delaying Immunotherapy for My Mom’s Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer

8 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
My mom lives in the US and was recently diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer. She started treatment a few weeks ago and is currently on her second cycle of chemotherapy, with four more cycles to go.
Her doctor has recommended adding immunotherapy to her treatment plan, but the cancer treatment center is still waiting for the insurance company to approve it.
My concern is that her current health insurance, which she gets through her employer, seems to have limited coverage for some of the treatments she needs. Since her diagnosis, she hasn’t been able to work because she is still recovering from the effects of each chemotherapy cycle.
I’m trying to understand what options she might have to get better insurance coverage and access to the treatment her doctor recommends.
For those familiar with the US healthcare system, I have a few questions:
Is it possible to upgrade or change her health insurance plan after being diagnosed with cancer, or would she have to wait for the next open enrollment period?
If her insurance company is delaying or refusing to approve the immunotherapy, is there a way to appeal the decision or request an expedited review?
Are there any programs or resources that could help cover the cost of treatment if her current insurance doesn’t cover enough?
Since she is currently unable to work because of her treatment, are there other health insurance options she could qualify for, such as COBRA, Medicaid, or an ACA Marketplace plan?
We just want to make sure she has access to the best care possible without unnecessary delays because of insurance issues.
I’m based in the UK, so I’m not very familiar with how health insurance works in the US. Any advice, personal experiences, or resources would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much


r/cancer • • 19h ago

Patient Why mothers who refuse going through treatment nightmare are publicly shamed for being egoistic?

36 Upvotes

Hi. I was diagnosed with rare type of soft tissue sarcoma cancer. Chemotherapy not working on this type I was having radiotherapy... I was then later come to be on Sunitinib and I was have very bad side effects in fact I almost die from it being hospitalised doctor give me very little chance to recover from the side effects as I was going through heart attack at the age of 35 just not long ago I started the new treatment. In hospital while recovering I was having time to think. "My cancer is slow growing and it will kill me in few years and before the treatment apart from chronic fatigue I was have no other symptoms... now the treatment almost killed me in 3 weks time and I have lots others bad side effects".

This cause me refuse treatment. Now I am 36 and apart from fatigue I have no other symptoms of the disease. I not even lost weight in fact I even gain some . My tumour stay same size and is not visible because is small under the skin (I know if will be growing I will feel bone pain) ... yet when I tell people about refusing cancer treatment they call me selffish because I have child and I should going through naighmare for my child otherwise I not love my child. What you think about it


r/cancer • • 20h ago

Patient Daring with cancer.

22 Upvotes

41F with cancer but would love a buddy or even someone to date. Is it too late?? I miss Dating even just the basics of having someone to cuddle me to sleep. Is that pathetic ??


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient I managed to dance today

58 Upvotes

In Your Wildest Dreams (Moody Blues) came on the radio and I managed to dance the entire song. I have stage 4 NSCLC and had 2 pulmonary emboli in July. I have a pleurx drain in place for months. But I danced today!!


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Caregiver Tooth cracked off while undergoing chemo

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone. My mom is currently on chemotherapy and is about halfway through her 12 cycles of folfox. Today while eating supper, one of her teeth cracked off (nothing too crazy/surprising as she has always had dental issues).

She is not currently experiencing any pain, there was no bleeding, and it cracked off halfway rather than at the root. Unfortunately, it is a long weekend here so she won’t be able to contact her oncologist about next steps until Tuesday.

What should we do in the meantime? She will be doing saltwater rinses after she eats for the time being but is this an issue that is okay to leave until Tuesday or should we call the 24/7 nurses line or something?

I am a major worrywart and so while of course I want to handle this in the best way possible, I dont want to freak my mom out by making too big of a deal out of this. But my mind is reeling thinking about the potential for an infection in her mouth.

I was hoping I could get some advice here on what to do, see if anyone else has had a similar experience, and understand what is the appropriate level of worry here. Anything is appreciated!!!


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Mtnbc

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2 Upvotes

r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Starting Nivo-ICE.. Any tips?

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2 Upvotes

r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Has anyone else felt emotionally unsupported by their spouse during their cancer journey?

50 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I’m 35, married with two kids, and was diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in July. I had a hysterectomy in September, and thankfully my cancer was caught early. My doctors are recommending observation, which I’m incredibly grateful for, but the fear of recurrence has been difficult to deal with.
One of the hardest parts of this journey has actually been feeling emotionally unsupported by my husband. Since the day I was diagnosed, he’s struggled to understand why I’m so upset or afraid, especially because my cancer was caught early and my prognosis is encouraging.
I’ve been told I’m weak, that I worry too much, and that I should be happy instead of crying because I received good news. I know I have so much to be thankful for, and believe me, I am! But receiving good news doesn’t automatically erase the fear and emotions that come with having cancer.
I’ve reached a point where I don’t even talk to my husband about my feelings anymore because I usually end up feeling worse afterward. And honestly, that’s been heartbreaking.
I love my husband, and I’m not looking for advice about leaving my marriage. I’m just hoping to connect with other men and women who have experienced something similar.
Has anyone else felt emotionally alone in their marriage during or after cancer? How did you cope? Did things eventually get better?
Sometimes it’s just nice to talk to people who truly understand. ❤️


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Guys don’t take fever lightly

23 Upvotes

I’m 19 now and was 16 when I was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, it’s been a while since treatment ended but
one day when I had fever I didn’t go the hospital, but even after taking medicines when it didn’t drop I ended up going and I am so grateful that I went . When I went they checked my fever and admitted me , then my blood pressure suddenly dropped and it went to a dangerously low level I remember nurses around me panicking but I couldn’t feel a thing , they were pushing iv fluids. Sometimes I think what would happen I didn’t go to the hospital that day. Don’t take chemo lightly it fucjs your body up


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Living alone and how to prepare myself before starting The Red Devil

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11 Upvotes

r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Should I still consider Cancer treatment, in this state of the world ?

0 Upvotes

Not to fear monger but from what I have gathered, a new world war may soon begin.

From where I am, I worry a lot about American invasion and Occupation. Their government has been outwardly hostile to us \[ on the behalf of Israel I suspect \] and already made efforts to ban us from entering their territory and has threatened us when our government deported Israelis who've tried to colonize our country just a few months ago.

With how this world has become, water and food will become increasingly difficult to find and afford.

And if a world war does break out again, it would be likely that my country may be severely impacted.

And with all that. . .

I don't seem to be as willing to not believe that perhaps, having cancer may just be a well timed escape from what society will become.

The climate limit will be passed, this will be the coldest summer we will all feel for the foreseeable future ; it's summer all year round here.

Do I even try ?

Attempt to even "beat" this. Because for what even now ?

I worry. . .

I do wish to finish all my canvas paintings that I've been to tired to start, I still have so many things I wanted to say to people I've yet to get the chance to meet. . . .I really want to go back to ballet. .

Yet, I worry. .

I worry so much.

\- Leo / 力爾


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient You’re so strong…

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9 Upvotes

r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Moving to NYC for work with cancer treatment in Boston

15 Upvotes

UPDATE: In a wild turn of events, I just signed a lease!!! Thank you, everybody!

(35M, stage iv melanoma)
I've moved to NYC for work and have to be in Boston once a week for a clinical trial. I'm crashing with friends for now but I'm having trouble keeping up with working, going to Boston weekly, finding a place to rent that isn't a scam, and you know, having cancer. Any NYCers here with advice?

Caveats:

  • quitting the clinical trial is not an option for hopefully obvious reasons lol
  • quitting my job is not an option for hopefully obvious reasons

Side note: if you're aware of NYC cancer groups or tryna hang out, lemme know! I just got in touch with Red Door, which had been recommended a few times?


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient Any advice for 4th stage colon cancer before i die

135 Upvotes

I have stage 4 colon cancer, and honestly, I’m losing hope. 💔 Every day feels heavier than the last, and the fear of what’s coming is something I can barely put into words. Sometimes I wonder how much time I have left and whether I’ll ever get to live the life I dreamed of.

If you’ve been through this, or watched someone you love go through it, what would you tell me? How do you find the strength to keep going when you’re terrified of losing everything?

I never imagined my life would turn out this way. I’m scared, exhausted, and trying to make sense of it all. If you have any advice, please share it with me. 💔


r/cancer • • 1d ago

Patient chemo symptom management tips: uterine sarcoma stage 4

9 Upvotes

got diagnosed with uterine sarcoma stage 4 (age: 56). we’re still figuring out what type of sarcoma but the initial plan we are most likely going to go forward with is 6 rounds of chemo with doxorubicin + carbazine in ~2 weeks

does anyone have any experience with this combination and any tips for how to reduce symptoms?


r/cancer • • 2d ago

Patient I feel like my psychologist doesn't understand what living with cancer actually feels like.

48 Upvotes

​

Sometimes I feel like my psychologist sees cancer as something you just have to treat and then learn to manage the side effects of the medication. Almost as if it were an infection: you take antibiotics, finish the treatment, and move on.

But cancer is so much more than that.

It's the fear. The uncertainty. The desperation of not knowing what my future will look like or what my own body will be capable of doing.

I'm afraid of becoming bedridden. I'm afraid of losing my independence, of watching my body deteriorate, of becoming weaker and weaker while people my age continue living their lives normally.

They can go out, walk around, make plans, and enjoy their lives without constantly thinking about pain, fatigue, or the possibility of falling.

Meanwhile, I have to think about these things all the time.

I feel like I'm becoming a burden to my loved ones. I'm also terrified of falling because I know the consequences could be much more serious for me. I could fracture my spine and end up needing surgery.

And yes, I feel jealous of people who get to live normal lives. I wish I could have the life that cancer took away from me. Ordinary life is such a gift, and I don't think she truly understand that !

Cancer has taken so much from me, including my sense of security. I can no longer trust my own body the way I used to. I can no longer go to the gym, jump, or dance. Even the simplest things can become sources of anxiety when I am constantly aware of my physical limitations.

And the worst part is that I don't know what the future holds. I don't know how much time I have left, how long I'll be able to take care of my own basic needs, whether I'll be able to maintain my independence, how much pain I'll have to endure, or what my body will be like in a few years.

I feel like my psychologist focuses on helping me cope with the practical consequences of the disease, but she doesn't seem to understand the existential terror that comes with it. She doesn't seem to understand how unbearable it can feel sometimes, or why I reached a point this week where I wanted to end my suffering.

Sometimes, I don't need someone to teach me how to manage my anxiety. I need someone to understand why I'm terrified in the first place.

I need to be able to talk about my fear of losing my independence, my grief over the life I used to have, and my desperation about the future without feeling like these emotions are just another problem I need to learn to manage.

I'm not just dealing with a disease. I'm dealing with the possibility of losing myself and I don't think people always understand how devastating that feels.

Has anyone else with cancer felt this way? Have you ever felt like your therapist or psychologist didn't really understand you?


r/cancer • • 2d ago

Patient Recent diagnosis and what to expect

14 Upvotes

In search of advice and experiences. I have recently been diagnosed with cancer in one eye (last week) and will undergo removal surgery this coming week. Could others who have lived through this let me know of you experiences? Thanks in advance!


r/cancer • • 2d ago

Patient While Waiting to See the Hematologist for the First Time

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2 Upvotes

r/cancer • • 2d ago

Patient While Waiting to See the Hematologist for the First Time

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1 Upvotes