It was about a year ago when I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer! I remember that I was shocked when the Urologist told me at his office! I decided to put my trust in my Lord!! At that moment and up to the date of my surgery, I had peace of mind!

My surgery was successful and now I’m Cancer Free!! I’m still dealing with a couple of issues physically but I’m Thankful to be a Cancer Survivor!!

God Bless all the Cancer Survivors and everyone that’s Fighting Cancer!

I have just been diagnosed 3 weeks with breast cancer. You guys give me hope. Thank you.

In 2005 my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I honestly think I took it worse than she did. She broke down maybe once for just a few minutes, but that was it. She decided that she could beat this and she would. She had a lumpectomy first, but we got a call back that they didn’t get it all and she needed to do another lumpectomy. The day before surgery, Dr. Tackett, her surgeon, called personally to discuss another plan. He wanted to do a mastectomy so they decided on a double mastectomy with reconstruction, having Dr. Kays perform the reconstruction. The surgery was 6+ hours and the nurses kept us well informed. A very special nurse and close friend, Amy Peterson, changed her schedule so she could be in the OR with my Mom. She came out multiple times to inform us how it was going. Had it not been for her, we would have been lost. It’s amazing what even the littlest of information will do. When Dr. Tackett had finished his part he came out, sat down with the family and discussed what he did and what to expect. Dr. Kays did the same. Both doctors were very personable and made this difficult journey much easier. Its been 7 years now and my Mom is cancer free. After the surgery she required no chemo or radiation. I have no doubt the Lord healed her. It’s only by His grace that she is here with us today and that she came through her diagnosis and treatment with flying colors. She didn’t even take any pain medication after the surgery. Most people think Heros wear capes, but my Hero wears a mothers ring, her Pink Ribbon shirt proudly, and goes by the title, Mama.

I was diagnosis with breast cancer in 2007. I would like to thank my Dr. William Mcnulty and Dr. Kamran Goudarzi for all they have done for me during my time of my cancer. TO ALL THE BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS OUT THERE YOU CAN MAKE IT, ALL YOU NEED IS GOD AND PRAY! MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS YOU! ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE! I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY FAMILY FOR BEING THERE FOR ME ESPECIALLY MY SON. HE WAS FIRST PERSON I TOLD HE BROKE DOWN AND CRIED. THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD SEEN MY SON CRY. HE TOLD ME THAT HE ALWAYS LOVED ME AND EVERYTHING WOULD BE FIND. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY AUNT, CAUSE SHE WENT WITH ME TO EVERY DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SPECIAL THANKS TO MY DAUGHTER CAUSE SHE MEANS THE WORLD TO ME AND SHE SAID EVERYTHING GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!

Between God and ALL the gifted workers at the Zimmer clinic almost one year of being told cancer is in remission. I rank the Zimmer Clinic; its staff a 5 out of 5 for excellent service. The picture below is why I’m glad to be alive. My 3 babies.

The staff at the Zimmer Cancer CEnter are some of GOd’s special people. They take you by the hand and never let go; from the front door to the scary rooms, they are there with you. Thank you for being there for me.

Cancer treatment is hard and challenging for each person and so those who give us care play a vital role in our recovery. I commend the radiation team for their expertise and professionalism, and for the compassion and hope always so lovingly given.

My breast cancer was discovered by a mammogram. After my radiation treatments, it went in remission. Last year, it returned in my left lung. It’s in remission again and I am feeling fine. Thanks to everyone at the Zimmer Cancer Center and to Dr. Meyerson.

Have been cancer free for one year now and could never adequately express my gratitude to Doctors Opper, Payne, Nichols and McNulty. These wonderful men of medicine and their staffs have literally saved my life. As those of us who have (or have had) cancer know, there are no guarantees. Every day is a blessing and one to share with those we love. And to our Heavenly Physician, in whose hands we all reside, I am eternally grateful and humbled. Love, Hope and Peace to all.

In 1999 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy. Then I began chemo and radiation treatments. During the treatments I had to have my gall bladder removed, had to deal with a 2nd degree radiation burn and had 5 hospitalizations for various other problems. At the end of the first year, I was wiped out, BUT, I had hope! At my one year checkup, I was told the cancer had returned. At that time I made the decision to have a double mastectomy . I did so and also at the same time had Tram Flap Reconstruction. For a few weeks, I was a bit down BUT, I had hope. Now some 13 years later in my late 60s I am a healthy, happy Grandmother and often speak or council others who are undergoing similar diagnosis and/or treatments. My surgeon, Dr. Greg Bebb was so upbeat and supportive as a Christian doctor; praying with my husband and I before each surgery and just being encouraging in general throughout the project. Couldn’t have gotten through it all without him! Our grown children will tell you now that they did not realize how seriously ill I was back then but even so, did not think I would be around to see my grandchildren today! God is good! Thank you for this opportunity to share with others.

Cancer came to take my life in 2008, but with NHRMC’s care and treatment, not to mention the amount of HOPE, I am now 4.5 yrs post diagnosis of prostate cancer and doing fairly well. With faith, hope and love and excellant care: at the hospital and at home, we are now ’Standing Up 2 Cancer’ and you can too. I would like to thank all the caregivers at NHRMC and Zimmer, both nurses and doctors and most of all my wife, we are continuing to fight this fight!

Sept 26th 2007 was the darkest day of my life. That was the day that I was told that I had a basketball-size tumor and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had been terribly sick for 3 months and previously misdiagnosed by 3 doctors. When I came to the Zimmer Center I could tell that my prognosis did not look good. My CA125 (which was supposed to be 30 or below) was 126. But I cried out to God to spare my life and he brought me Dr. Powell and a team of caring nurses. Dr. Powell realized how urgent my condition was and scheduled my surgery for the next day (even though he had a full schedule). I spent that night in my hospital room at New Hanover crying and praying. I imagined the worst scenario but prayed that God would save me. One of the nurses on duty (Shirley) was so kind and comforting. She checked on me periodically through the night and prayed for me every time she came in. The morning of my surgery Shirley arranged for several nurses and a doctor to come in and pray for me along with a few members of my family. I couldn’t believe that all these busy people took time to come in and pray for me. Prayer makes a difference. When I awoke after the surgery Dr. Powell had good news for me. He said he got it all and my organs looked clean! I think that even he was surprised. He recommended that I get 6 months of chemo since cancer cells can hide so I took his advice. I didn’t want to get sick again. My CA125 was a 6 after the surgery and came down to a 3 after the chemo. It continued to decrease to less than 1 each time I had my blood tested at my check-ups. Chemo was not an easy path but it has been 5 years this month that I have been cancer-free! I have learned to keep a positive attitude, give your troubles to God and keep relying on Him, follow your doctor’s advice, and learn how to live a stress-free (or less-stressed) life. I received excellent care at New Hanover Hospital and the Zimmer Center. I am grateful to Dr. Powell and the nurses on his team (Melinda, Nicole, & Debbie to name a few) for saving my life. They represent God’s love as human angels here on earth as they give of themselves everyday trying to comfort, care and encourage patients. So I say a big thank you to all the healthcare providers at the Zimmer Center for bringing me through the past 5 years.

Going through chemo isn’t easy. I had some complications and scary experiences during the 6 months of treatment. In an effort to help others, I wrote ”Survivor’s Guide to Chemo” which sells on PublishAmerica.com, Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com. It is a handbook based on my experiences with tips and suggestions on how to make it through chemo with as little pain and discomfort as possible.

I am a 31 year old woman with two children, a husband and a full time job. I feel that I an the definition of having a ”normal” life. On febuary 22, 2012 my world was forever changed because I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I learned at that moment that cancer doesn’t care how old you are or how busy you are.

I am here today because Dr. Charles Scott and his wonderful nurse Angela took the very best care of me. Dr. Scott really listened to me and let me make decisions in my treatment. I can’t thank him enough for all that he, his nurse, and the hospital has done for me. I am living proof that you can win the battle with cancer and be an even stronger person for it!

Dr. Roc McCarthy of Comprehensive Urology saved my life using the da Vinci Robotic Machine to surgically remove my cancerous prostate in September of 2010 at NHRMC. Since then my PSA score has been below 0.1, which indicates, at this time, that the cancer did not spread outside the prostate. I experienced minimal adverse effects from this very successful surgery, and went home the next day. Within a few weeks, I was able to return to my normal daily activities. At age 75 next year, I am also considering doing one or two triathlons.

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma seven years ago. It was the absolute worst time of my and my family’s life. I was high risk for the treatment because of other health problems and as the doctors feared I had to stop the Inteferon after 11 treatments. It was very hard hearing the doctor say there was nothing else they could do for me and hoped that that had been able to do enough. But I was blessed with great doctors and the prayers of so many who were constantly remembering me and lifting me up. I am seven years and counting.

I am a five year survivor of stage IV Ovarian Cancer. My primary care doctor Albert Meyer discovered my cancer when I visited him concerning a swollen leg. I attribute my recovery to him, Dr. Gajewski and his wonderful staff, my husband and my faith in God. I also had a strong support group which included my close friends and family. My husband Craig is also a survivor of prostate cancer. We have been married for 48 years and are grateful for every day we have together.

Seventeen years ago I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At the time I was 23 years old and a new mother. I couldn’t allow myself to be afraid. The cancer was small but aggressive and the plan was to remove the cervix completely, which would prevent future pregnancies. That was a terribly feeling. After talking with my physician and explaining that I wanted more children he hesitantly opted to do a less radical surgery to improve my chances of having successful pregnancies, but only if I promised to return for check ups every 6 months indefinitely . I have since had two more beautiful healthy children, although the pregnancies were difficult and both children premature. They are miracles that cancer tried to steal from me but by the grace of God are here! I am also a Radiation Therapist and I have been for nearly 20 years. I have been blessed with the opportunity to help so many others here at the Zimmer Cancer. I work along side wonderful care givers who are truly passionate about ”caring” for our community. Every day is a good day! My motto is ”Never loose Hope, always stand on Faith and turn your back on fear!”

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2011. I had a double mastectomy on New Years eve at NHRMC. From that very scary day until now, I have been blessed with the best ”Team”.  God, My family (friends included), Doctors, Nurses, PA’s,Tec’s and all others that have made my journey easier. I was never alone.

Never,never give up! I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 25 in 1970. Then diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer in 2004 caused by the radiation I had taken for pallative care for the breast cancer. I wasn’t suppose to live with the breast cancer, but I had 2 small children and I asked God to let me see them grow up. Today they are married and I have 4 wonderful grandkids. All the doctors that treated me with the radiation at NHRMC are gone, but with the lung cancer, Dr.Tinsley, Jr. was my wonderful doctor and I feel like a wonderful friend now. Thanks to God, I’m still alive and thankful for every day He has given me. Like I said before, Never, Never, give up!

Twice have been thrown into the fight. In 1990 diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma resulting in surgery and removal of most of the tumor. In 2004 diagnosed with prostate cancer resulting in surgical removal then radiation treatments. Bottom line is: with the help and efforts of many medical personnel, ’I am still here’.

In April of 2007, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I spent May and June of 2007 receiving chemo and xrt. At the very end of June, I suffered an abdominal aneurysm as a result of the tumor abrading an artery in my stomach. I coded in the hospital, was revived, and ultimately air-lifted to UNC Hospitals after getting a stent put in the artery to stop the bleeding. At the end of July of 2007, I had surgery at UNC to remove the remainder of the tumor. They removed 30% of my esophagus, 20% of my stomach, all of my spleen, and about 30% of my pancreas, plus all the lymph nodes in the area (13 in total – 3 of which were ”hot”). I was told that they got clean margins and felt good about the chances of success.
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Scary? Yes. Hope? YES, but educate and talk to others facing what you are dealing with. Faith? Yes, in yourself and how strong you are.  Faith in your Drs. and Nurses, but take nothing for granted.  Ask questions til you are satisfied with the answer.  Do not be afraid to stand up for your self and your own needs during this time.  You know your body, they know the science to help you SURVIVE.  I have come to love my Drs and Nurses . I also would like to say that the PPl who go hand and hand through you with this are one of your biggest strengths.

I found out 1 year ago I had stage 4 endometrial cancer. I feel so grateful to Dr. Nieves and her staff for being here for me. I know I can count on Dr. Nieves for the best treatment. That helps me to enjoy everyday life. I still go to the gym each day and circuit train, zumba and I walk 4-5 miles a day. I might run a little also but that’s between you and me. (ha ha) I know Zimmer Cancer Center is fighting hard for me and I will fight also. I pray for us all to not let fear guide our life’s, but for joy and love be with us.

When you hear the words you have cancer, you immediately feel a sense of loss. However having someone you love by your side makes the journey a lot easier. That person helps you to increase and remind you about your faith in God. It is your faith in God, your loved ones and courage that will get you through. Late in the midnight hours when you feel like your all alone, it is good to know that you have someone beside you, and God above you, looking down on you to comfort you in your time of need. Don’t give up, stay strong, and keep the faith, God will never leave you, and He will pull us all through this. Yes I know this is a long journey but remember we are all here to lift each other up and to keep each other encouraged.

I was unfortunate enough to require a lobectomy for lung cancer on June 1, 2011. I was fortunate enough to have the wonderful staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center to care for me during my hospitalization. I feel that I was truly blessed to have Dr. Robert Cortina and Byron Carter of Wilmington Surgical Associates to care for me during surgery and recovery.

Not only that, but they all are still holding my hand to ensure that lung cancer stays down for the count!

I was diagnosed in June 2007 with stage 3C ovarian cancer.Thank God there is a Zimmer Cancer Center. I have received the BEST care from Dr. Gajewski and his staff. I wish I could name them all here but there are too many to list.I have passed the five year mark which is the average survival rate for ovarian cancer patients. With God’s help and the contiuned help of everyone at Zimmer, I plan to be here many more years.I cannot end this without thanking my husband, children, family and friends who have been so supporive and loving druing the past five years.

I never questioned my diagnosis of colorectal cancer or became frightened by it, since the team of professionals treating me were so thorough, so empathic and forthright. I trusted them completely–and still do. We have certainly shared the worst of my journey, but more so, we have shared the very best of it, which has included much laughter, great faith, and open, caring arms. I don’t think too much about the disease, never really did, as I left that to the doctors and nurses who knew more about it than I; instead, I remain in awe of every day and all the possibilities offered to me, and through that sense of wonder I have survived. There’s plenty left for me to do with my life, and I will always be grateful to everyone at NHRMC for helping me in that journey.

Cancer can be beat! I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and then in 2005. I am now healthier than I have ever been. I bike, play tennis and ”wog” its a cross between a jog and a walk. I will be wogging in the NHRMC Foundation Oct 6th to benefit the Pink Ribbon Project, come wog with me!

I am a two-time breast cancer survivor! The disease has been prevalent in my family for 30 years, attacking me and my grandmother the same year, 1981. I survived; my grandmother did not. Through the use of modern day medicine and prayer, many of my other relatives who have experienced cancer in one form or another have survived, including two of my sisters who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment options changed significantly in the 13 years between my two occurences, and even more so today . Stay hopeful, my family is.

Arriving at New Hanover hospital in an ambulance while having a grand mal seizure (I didn’t know what was happening), was quite a shock. I was stable enough several days later to find that my head was shaved, I had 48 staples after brain surgery (tumor partial removal) in the side of my head, I had glio discs inserted in the brain area, and Dr. Huffmon operated with a wonderful staff on a not-so-wonderful diagnosis of Glioblastoma. Dr. Huffmon did excellent surgery, kept me informed, told us what the future held, clearly explained what terminal brain cancer is and that it was nothing I would ever pass on to family. Made me decide that I am going to fight this thing forever, and fight it hard. It is 19 months since the surgery and I am beating the average, so I give applause and credit to Dr. Huffmon, his wonderful staff, your terrific hospital and all the staff that took care of me during my stay there. They inspired me to fight for what is important in life. I’ll continue to fight the fight and race in the races!!!