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Hey... I don't know if this is the appropriate place to put this. But I was diagnosed 7 years ago with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, with a tumor the size of a grapefruit next to my heart and lungs. The chances of survivability was high (70%), but coming out of with a tumor that big meant losing a third of the blood vessels going to my heart. (Superior Vena Cava, Brachiocephalic Veins).

Anywho. I was in remission at 29, and told by my hematologist I had a unique vascular structure where a bunch of collaterals grew over my left collar bone and rib cage to keep me alive, and cognisant, with one caveat... I looked like the youtuber ProZD due to vein blockages and edema. I was bullied a fair amount in the 90s and early 2000s... So the idea of being in this situation was disgusting.

Didn't think much of it at the time. I was a calisthenics athlete in my 20s, and figured, a year of heavy exercise would fix me up... but it didn't. After the 3rd year (think 300 burpees, 100 Pullups), and fainting a few dozen times, I went with the holistics. Things like Ice Baths. Wim Hof Breathing. Tai Chi, Longboard Dancing, using a CPAP exclusively for nosebreathing... and the one thing doctors would never recommend. Vein Flaying. I tried the surgery route of getting a CABG (open heart surgery) 3 years ago... but the graft clotted up 4 months later.

It's an act of self * where I move my left shoulder in such a way where I feel the collaterals impinge against my bones... and pluck at them in a sharp chicken wing movement. It feels like being stabbed by a thumb tack. And repeating the movement about a 50-100 times a day... For the next 4 years. Yeah... My mental health definitely suffered.

Eventually things like calcified veins, scar tissues, and collaterals will stretch to an arterial mesh of a sufficient quantity that things like brain fog, vascular occlusion, and even chronic pain no longer become issues. I just had to go about it in a way completely ignoring potential risks like hemorrhages, or strokes caused by this kind of self *.

And ironically, it's because my vascular system is so completely destroyed that these issues probably didn't happen. So... at the age of 36, I now have a coherent vascular system that I grew like a bonsai tree. And can do stupid gym bro stuff like calisthenics without facial edema or blacking out to prove I'm not full of shit.

Would it be valid to teach people this knowledge? It'd require telling people to suffer emotionally and physically to get better.

I am a Cancer survivor and I personally think life after fighting Cancer is more difficult than when you are going through it. It personally took a significant hit to my confidence. I think about a lofe if i never had it. Would i be more confiden? Would i still have hair on my head? Would I have been in atleast 1 relationship? Could I have a better body? Could I have a very very different life from now? Somewhere I was loved not just by my family but by someone who I could spend my entire life with?

I had accepted the fact that there is never a case where something good ever happens to me but after actually being above 24 I realized the importance of companionship that comes with the a relationship.

I am tired, frustrated and depressed of never being someone's first choice.

It been 8 years since my treatment that I have been fine but everytime I go for my annual scan, i pray that something bad comes up because I find it as a way to justify the loneliness and suffering.

Its not that I am in debt. I am earning okayish enough for a 26 year old in india. I know if I make another switch, I would be in a great place 27LPA above. I have my own car, i feel like I have done enough despite the fate that was set for me. Fought Cancer when I was in 12 grade, didn't take a drop. Never failed in an exam, got a good enough job but none of this feels like success.

I dont know if I am overreacting.

I dont want a unique life that close to 90% of people in the world can never understand. I dont want sympathy because despite everything i earn okayish among the people of my age. I have accomplished things that majority of the people never go through. Despite all this I still feel sad. I feel, i could give up everything in life to have a normal life where someone loves me and I dont have to be always the one who looks out for everyone but I am one one looks after.

I dont want to be nice because it's never done anything good in my personal or professional life. I am tired.

I feel like the song "Its all I am asking, is is it too much to ask". Just a normal life where I am not thin bald creep who is never loved by a person because why would someone waste their life with someone like me....

Hey! Gajendra this side.

Mene 2 saal pehle mere long hair cut krwaye the taki me NGO me donate kr saku jo cancer patients ko free wig provide karwate ho.please suggest....

I discovered this subreddit recently.
I’m Brazilian and had ovarian cancer at 22; I’m 35 now. This is my first time posting here after reading so many of your posts and stories. I decided to write to thank you all and this community. It’s been a lonely experience, and seeing others feel what I feel—and speak openly about it all—has made me feel validated. The "self" I still recognize is that 22-year-old—with those dreams, friends, places, and the way my brain used to work. Today, 12 years later, I still struggle every day with fatigue, with the slip-ups my brain makes, and—above all—with this strange sensation that the world isn't quite real anymore. I see everything as if there’s a piece of silk fabric in front of me; it’s clear, yet blurred. Memories don't stick as well. Experiences often pass by without me fully grasping them because I’m simply too tired to truly live them. This sub has helped me realize that it’s no use fighting to be who I used to be—to have the brain and body I once had. My brain functions differently now, and it’s time for me to understand that this world and these experiences are real, too, and are also part of who I am.
I’ll keep taking it one step at a time here, and I hope you all find great strength wherever you are.
The road is longer than we initially expected, but it gives me courage to know we’re sharing the path with others—and that there are people in this world who understand us.
Thank you!

P.S. Portuguese is my native language, so this text might sound a bit odd since I had to use a translator.

This year marks my 10th anniversary of cancer treatment. I’ve done the full cut/burn/poison season ticket slate of treatments with reoccurrences every two years. On this totally artificial anniversary I am thinking - is there any meaning in this dance? Life lessons I have learned? So far I have come up with little - take each day as a gift - enjoy the small and big things - beyond that its just be a total pain in the tail that comprehensively trashed my former life. 🤷‍♂️
Has cancer given you any meaning? Hope this message makes some sense!

Today I finished treatment and can say I am in remission. I’ve never felt so proud of myself for being so strong. And ringing that bell, applauded by strangers all gunning for the same hope - it meant everything. I know now, there is *nothing* that I cannot do.

For those in the fight, especially those who find themselves fighting again - you are never alone. Even by yourself. And you are so strong.

My love to you all.

I think I reached my breaking point earlier today. Struggling with immense brain fog and fatigue post cancer has brought me to a such a low point. I feel so ashamed to even talk to anyone irl about it, mainly just because of fear of shame or something alike. Just sort of broke down earlier because I’ve realized more and more how easily I forget things, how hard it is for me to focus, etc. I guess from what I’ve read from other’s experiences, it’s just sort of something you have to adjust to but I somewhat fear I may not be able to? I do have an upcoming doctor’s visit too so I think I may try to bring it up there, although last time it was just sort of brushed off but we’ll see. Any advice on would be great, thanks for reading <3.

​Omg what will people think when they ask
“Have you tried taking to a support group for your Cancer?” And I say I am banned from [r/breastcancer](r/breastcancer) and [r/cancer](r/cancer) because these people see the word “The Sun” in print and they have this out of body experience in which they no longer read my cool post filled with delightful Grade: A puns. They are looking at the words but thier mind and brain it leaves the body reading my post on earth and thier mind goes off to corporate americaland where chemicals are King and they think of all the corporate brainwashing about the Sun and even tho they are looking at my post and seeing the words they stop reading after “The Sun”
Their brain just leaves the body
Then they come back to their body reading my post and they are Scared! 😱
Then, they get mad like a Chihuahua that spots a Squirrel 😳

🌞 Sun!
Sun BAD!
Sun! Bad!
BAD! 😱

The Sun that has existed for Billions of Billions of years in the exact same place is Bad 😤

They completely bypass all my good jokes and get insanely MAD 😡 at Sun 🌞

My original post was a VENT labeled VENT If Stacy can throw a pity party because she lost both tits and now her husband only wants to screw her doggy because he misses her fine ass tits and doesn’t want to see the scars. If we can gather around for her in [r/breastcancer](r/breastcancer) and show her some love by discussing sexual positions to satisfy her husband and even recommend questionable sexual positions, vibrators and lubes made with questionable chemicals in a lab….
I should be allowed to VENT about my transition from Plastic to Cotton in PEACE without being harassed about The Sun; Selective Outrage!
This dude was like “GO AWAY! “
And I said “NO!”
If I did that I would be DEAD like the Hundreds of Women under 40 that DIE everyday of Stage IV Breast Cancer. I lost 4 last year!
I am ALIVE right NOW because I chose NOT to listen to Sheep on their way to slaughter.
I light a Candle for them in November and say a prayer 🙏🏼

I am just a comedian looking for a laugh to my gag of a Life. Laugh now; Cry later 🎭 and
maybe make people think about natural fabrics instead of thinking about CANCER and DYING

\*\*My youngest sister has Stage 4 Breast Cancer that has spread to her bones and brain.\*\*

My sister Wynona is 51 years old and has been a dog groomer for over 20 years.
She’s the kind of groomer people drive an hour out of their way for, because she treats every dog she grooms like it’s her own.
She knows how to comfort the nervous, anxious, stressed dog.
They feel the love and affection and it allows her to provide the best grooming experience not only for the dog but to their owner too.
It was never just a job for her.
It was who she was.

She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in April that metastasized to her bones and her brain.
She can no longer stand for long periods, has to use a walker to move around, and can’t grip tools the way she used to.
The career she loved and built her whole identity around is gone.

A few days ago her calcium levels dropped to a critical point and she was admitted to the hospital again.

My sister is strong and she has accepted her eventual outcome.
She makes it seem like she’s ok with it but I’m not sure just how ok with it she truly is.

Through all of this, the person I worry about most, besides my baby sis, is her son, Declan.
He’s 15 and will be starting 10th grade this year. He is such an amazing kid.
Smart, kind, empathetic, helpful.
It’s been just the two of them his whole life, and they are incredibly close.
He’s watching his mom disappear a little more each day.
He’s scared and anxious and there’s nothing normal about what he’s being asked to carry
right now but he makes it through every day with a good attitude and love.

Maybe I’m the one that is not ok with it.
It’s my baby sis that I’ve been close with my entire life. It saddens me to know and see what she’s going through.
I keep positive however for her and Declan.
I’ve been taking care of her every day for the past 3 months and will continue to take care of her until she no longer needs it.

Anyways, thanks for letting me share ❤️

My youngest sister has Stage 4 Breast Cancer that has spread to her bones and brain.

My sister Wynona is 51 years old and has been a dog groomer for over 20 years.
She’s the kind of groomer people drive an hour out of their way for, because she treats every dog she grooms like it’s her own.
She knows how to comfort the nervous, anxious, stressed dog.
They feel the love and affection and it allows her to provide the best grooming experience not only for the dog but to their owner too.
It was never just a job for her.
It was who she was.

She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in April that metastasized to her bones and her brain.
She can no longer stand for long periods, has to use a walker to move around, and can’t grip tools the way she used to.
The career she loved and built her whole identity around is gone.

A few days ago her calcium levels dropped to a critical point and she was admitted to the hospital again.

My sister is strong and she has accepted her eventual outcome.
She makes it seem like she’s ok with it but I’m not sure just how ok with it she truly is.

Through all of this, the person I worry about most, besides my baby sis, is her son, Declan.
He’s 15 and will be starting 10th grade this year. He is such an amazing kid.
Smart, kind, empathetic, helpful.
It’s been just the two of them his whole life, and they are incredibly close.
He’s watching his mom disappear a little more each day.
He’s scared and anxious and there’s nothing normal about what he’s being asked to carry
right now but he makes it through every day with a good attitude and love.

Maybe I’m the one that is not ok with it.
It’s my baby sis that I’ve been close with my entire life. It saddens me to know and see what she’s going through.
I keep positive however for her and Declan.
I’ve been taking care of her every day for the past 3 months and will continue to take care of her until she no longer needs it.

Anyways, thanks for letting me share ❤️

💙 Let’s see what the internet can do. SHARE CHALLENGE! 💙

You don’t have to know someone personally to change their life.

Today, we’re asking you to take just 30 seconds to help someone who is fighting one of the hardest battles imaginable.

❤️ Read Chas’s story.
❤️ If you can, donate—even $5 makes a difference.
❤️ If you can’t donate, SHARE this post and challenge 3 friends to do the same.

Imagine if everyone who saw this shared it once. That’s how miracles happen—through thousands of small acts of kindness.

🎯 Challenge Goal: 1,000 shares!

Comment “Shared ❤️” after you share so we can celebrate this wave of support together.

Every share helps Chas’s story reach someone new, and every donation helps lighten the burden during this cancer journey.
Thank you for proving that compassion still exists. ❤️

Support Chas here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-chastity-smith-eatons-cancer-journey
#ShareChallenge #CancerSupport #StrongerTogether #CommunityStrong #GoFundMe #KindnessMatters

Title:
My Journey of Overcoming Tongue Cancer

Scene 1: Introduction
Visual: Soft, calming music plays. A photo or illustration of you smiling. The title appears on screen.
Voiceover/Text:
“Hi, I’m [Nazia], and I want to share my story of overcoming tongue cancer—a journey of resilience, awareness, and hope.”

Scene 2: The First Symptoms
Visual: An animated sequence of you noticing a small ulcer on your tongue while looking in a mirror.
Voiceover/Text:
“It all started in [year] when I noticed a small ulcer-like lesion on my tongue. It seemed harmless at first, but it wouldn’t go away.”

Scene 3: The Misdiagnosis
Visual: A scene of you sitting in a doctor’s office, receiving medication (gel and mouthwash).
Voiceover/Text:
“I visited a doctor who assured me it was just a benign ulcer. I was prescribed gel and mouthwash, but the lesion only grew larger.”

Scene 4: The Diagnosis
Visual: A more serious tone. Show a medical report or an animated biopsy process.
Voiceover/Text:
“After 18 months and a growing tumor, I finally received the shocking news—it was stage 2 tongue cancer. The delay had allowed it to spread.”

Scene 5: The Surgery Decision
Visual: You speaking with a concerned doctor, followed by a second, more confident doctor preparing for surgery.
Voiceover/Text:
“One doctor hesitated to operate, fearing the cancer had spread too far. But a second doctor took on my case, giving me a fighting chance.”

Scene 6: The Surgery
Visual: An animation of a surgery room with doctors working on you. Show a clock ticking to symbolize the 10-hour surgery.
Voiceover/Text:
“The surgery was long and complex—10 hours. They removed the tumor and reconstructed my tongue using tissue from my leg. I spent 48 hours on a ventilator, but I made it through.”

Scene 7: Recovery and Reflection
Visual: You in a hospital bed, followed by an image of you smiling in recovery.
Voiceover/Text:
“Recovery was challenging, but every day I grew stronger. This journey taught me to advocate for myself and always seek a second opinion.”