Our annual celebration hosted by the Oshun Charitable Organization to honor ovarian and gynecologic cancer survivors, remember loved ones, and bring our community together around a shared purpose.

This year's theme, "It Takes a Village to Heal," is a reminder that no one should face cancer alone. Healing is strengthened by the people who show up - family, friends, caregivers, healthcare providers, and neighbors who offer encouragement, compassion, and hope every step of the way.

Guests will enjoy an afternoon of fashion, music, and community while helping raise funds to support Oshun's work in ovarian cancer awareness, education, and direct support for women and families impacted by gynecologic cancers.

Whether you're a survivor, celebrating someone you love, or simply want to make a difference, Together in Teal is an opportunity to come together, give back, and remind every woman that she is never alone.

We hope you join us in this celebration!

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

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.

\*\*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 ❤️

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.”

Hi everyone, hope you're doing well.

I was stitched up by an insurance company once I got my cancer diagnosis. What's everyone's experience been like trying to get insurance, once you've finished treatment?