Cancer U Thrivers

Stephanie Warner is a midwest cancer survivor and thriver. With twenty years of nursing experience and four years of surviving cancer behind her, she brings compassion and support to help others through value-based teaching and mentoring. She shows others how to embrace their strength and thrive in their own lives.

• 02:42: Since this is the first time that I'm seeing you, let's just go ahead and let's just do an exam.
• 07:24; There was an overwhelming sense of fear.
• 09:19: I was sitting there for an hour and I was so sick.
• 12:04: It’s so overwhelming with the diagnosis right away and there's so much information.
• 14:19: My tumor size was at its maximum size.
• 15:53: It was five hours of surgery.
• 18:44: Was there any discussion about harvesting your eggs at all?
• 19:58: I came out of recovery and I was in a lot of pain afterward.
• 22:33. It just got to the point where my cycles were so beyond painful.
• 24:37: So how do you think being a nurse shaped your cancer experience?
• 28:30: They removed 27 lymph nodes in my pelvic area.
• 29:50: It looked like a rash starting that isn't very typical or common.
• 32:19: I went to pick something up and I felt like my pelvis was going to snap in half.
• 34:39: I've learned that if I stay very active, these things don't flare up as much.
• 36:35: Based on your diagnosis, we are willing to contribute funding to your egg retrieval.
• 38:32: We came out of that retrieval and 13 eggs were able to be retrieved.
• 39:37: What is the one thing you wish you had known at the very beginning of your cancer journey?
• 40:32: If you could do only one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 41:59: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 42:50: Aside from Cancer U, what is one resource you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• American Cancer Society
• Livestrong
• Email Stephanie at [email protected]
• Call Stephanie at 507.380.5431

Victorianne Russell Walton is a two-time Breast Cancer Survivor. She is a CEO, a Breast Cancer Advocate, a Motivational Speaker, Radio Host, Lifestyle Coach, Chronic Disease Instructor, and Oncology Patient Navigator Trainer.

• 03:15: I know my body; I knew that there was a problem.
• 05:24: The oncologist that I was seeing, on my third request, he told me to stop calling.
• 07:00: When he relayed the message that I was interrupting his golf game, I was furious.
• 09:07: Do you believe your physical doctor or your spiritual doctor?
• 11:33: They put these pins in you, so they know where the tumor is.
• 13:14: My fingernails fell off, my toenails fell off, my mouth turned black, my teeth cracked.
• 15:21: What was your worst moment?
• 16:19: What was your best moment?
• 18:00: Not only was it back, but it mutated to triple-negative.
• 20:45: Everybody has a journey, and everyone's journey is different.
• 22:04: I listened to those messages and they remind me of who I am.
• 24:16: And I said, sir, you'll kill me before I kill you.
• 26:40: When they took him to the emergency room, the doctors discovered the cancer.
• 28:23: She said, oh my gosh, you didn't die.
• 32:14: I'm still here for a reason.
• 36:33: And the next day it's like, okay, what can I do? Who needs my help?
• 38:15: What is the one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your cancer journey?
• 40:26: What is one thing you would do to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 43:25: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 44:00: Aside from Cancer U, what is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?

Resources

• Call Vicki at 301-442-5105

Randy Lopez is a featured spokesperson for the Colon Cancer Alliance and a stage four cancer survivor. He was featured in CNN’s Special Investigation Saving Your Life hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Randy appeared on CBS’ Health Watch Colorectal Cancer Digestive Health Awareness Webcast hosted by Dr. Travis Stork of The Doctors. He was previously a board member for the National Colon Cancer Coalition based in Minnesota.

• 00:25: Randy is a featured spokesperson for the Colon Cancer Alliance and a stage four cancer survivor.
• 02:16: She just did a digital exam and told me it was an internal hemorrhoid.
• 04:33: I remember just being so painful.
• 06:26: That went well and then went through chemo.
• 08:10: Did they take a portion of your colon out?
• 10:01: By that time, we had just moved back to California.
• 12:23: We’re not recommending you go through chemo again.
• 14:45: I was doing meditation to keep my mind going.
• 16:15: How long was this sort of second treatment?
• 18:33: We're grateful for the doctors.
• 20:15: But if I saw people that are going through cancer, they're in their 70's.
• 22:04: I found five or six people who had survived stage four liver cancer, exactly what my sister had.
• 24:43: What was your best moment during all of this?
• 26:41: I think you definitely find out who your friends are.
• 28:18: I remember sitting in the passenger seat and looking out the window and I just lost it.
• 30:25: I wanted to hear the word change and when we finally heard the words change, it was bad news.
• 32:10: I don't want to forget that there were days that I did not feel at all like I can't even cope.
• 35:28: I just went to have an endoscopy just this last week.
• 36:37: What is the one thing you wish you had known at the very beginning?
• 37:30: If you could only do one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why I would change?
• 38:59: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 40:12: And aside from Cancer U, what is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?

Resources

• Tweet Randy @randylopez  or @stage4survivor
• Randy’s Theatre company
• Faces of Blue: Check Your Colon
• Check Your Colon at Mount Kilimanjaro

Grace Charrier is a global patient leader and public health advocate serving on several international cancer and health panels. Grace also serves as a Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN) where she enables conversations and collaborations.

• 00:33: Grace Charrier is a global patient leader and public health advocate serving on several international cancer and health panels.
• 02:33: I just fell in my bathroom.
• 05:09: And that was when it was discovered.
• 07:45: I had to be as positive as possible and make affirmations that I was going to get out of it.
• 10:25: That was chemotherapy. I couldn't keep anything down.
• 12:24: Did you choose to do reconstruction at all?
• 14:30: How is your daughter during all of this?
• 16:30: We’re on top of this, we're on top of this mom, we're going to get through it.
• 18:16: My worst moment was sitting in limbo, waiting.
• 19:40: What was your best moment during this time?
• 23:04: Now my money goes on charities.
• 24:46: Especially where I come from, cancer is considered a death sentence.
• 27:34: What is one thing you wish you had known at the very beginning of your cancer journey?
• 29:30: How do you tackle having a relationship now?
• 32:55: If you want me for who I am then and I love you and you love me, that shouldn't be the problem, right?
• 35:18: When you're not looking, you're just being yourself, focusing on yourself being your best self, that's when the right person shows up.
• 37:24: If you could only do one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 43:40: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 44:35: Aside from Cancer U, what is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• Impossicant!: Quirky Inspirational Tales From A Cancer Survivor (Grace’s book)
• American Cancer Society
• The Lancet

T.J. Sharpe is a Stage IV melanoma patient who shares his journey through cancer in the Patient #1 blog. He was diagnosed in August 2012 with melanoma tumors in multiple organs, four weeks after his son was born, undergoing six surgeries and four immunotherapy treatments over two clinical trials.

• 00:34: T.J. Sharpe is a stage four melanoma patient who shares his journey through cancer in the patient number one blog.
• 02:15: With your history of melanoma and these spots on a chest X-ray, we think you have a recurrence of your cancer.
• 04:26: How did you know the first time that you even had melanoma at that early stage?
• 06:36: The tumor in my small bowel was 8.5 centimeters, so I had that for a while.
• 08:23: The oncologist tells her that her husband's going to be dead in two years.
• 10:10: I had a colostomy bag for 2.5 years.
• 14:16: Tell us about the first clinical trial
• 16:15: I went from being the first person in this trial to talking through my entire cancer journey.
• 17:28: What was your worst moment during all of this?
• 19:45: What was your best moment?
• 21:47: They finally said that they don't think I had any active cancer.
• 23:57: How do you look at your life differently now than before?
• 26:17: What is the one thing that you wish you had known at the very beginning of your cancer journey?
• 28:30: If you could only do one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 34:55: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 36:16: And aside from Cancer U, what is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• Stupid Cancer
• Cancer Support Community
• First Descents
• TJ Sharpe’s Website
• Tweet TJ @teamTJSharpe
• TJ on Facebook

Dr. Véronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror® and the 7 Essentials System®, and co-founder of My Breast Friend™. Her signature process has empowered thousands of women in over 56 countries around the world.

• 00:33: Dr. Veronique JR better known as Dr. V is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.
• 03:30: That’s when I created the step-by-step guide called the seven Essential System.
• 05:47: Fast forward a couple of years then I was clear; I was no longer actively cancerous or producing cancer.
• 07:42: We bring women together and we've created community because as you know, it can be a very lonely journey, right?
• 09:52: What about the actual testing as you mentioned, different blood tests. How does the average person get access to something like that?
• 12:15: You want to make sure that your thyroid levels are optimal especially for breast cancer.
• 14:00: We are all susceptible to cancer.
• 15:55: I grew up in a very toxic environment.
• 18:07: If there's a lot of conflict going on in your head, there's chaotic energy, your immune system is going to be compromised.
• 20:30: What do you think was your worst moment?
• 21:42: What was your best moment?
• 22:50: What is the one thing that you wish you had known at the very beginning of your first cancer journey?
• 23:39: It’s okay to give yourself permission to relax, to take a nap, to meditate [and] to be calm.
• 25:48: You know our thoughts speak to every single cell in our body and affect our DNA.
• 27:33: If you could do one thing to improve healthcare in the US, what would it be and why?
• 31:03: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 31:50: Aside from Cancer U what is the one resource you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• Heal Breast Cancer Naturally: 7 Essential Steps to Beating Breast Cancer (Dr. V’s book)
• Breast Cancer Conqueror
• My Breast Friend self-exam tool
• 5 Gears: How to be present and productive when there is never enough time

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 in 2009, Laura began helping others through advocacy and peer support organizations. In 2012, Laura moved into oncology nursing, specializing in breast cancer, survivorship, and wellness.

• 01:35: I've been a nurse for 11 years; it's a second career for me.
• 03:13: I actually got to use my degree and I designed neckties.
• 04:33: Take us back to before that diagnosis.
• 06:15: I started to notice a lymph node.
• 07:25: I remember my mammogram was on my brother's birthday and my husband was out of town.
• 09:00: I knew it. I knew it. I was right.
• 11:00: People just stepped up and it was the most amazing feeling.
• 13:40: I actually came down with mono.
• 15:16: You said some doctors asked if you were depressed, do you think they would have asked a man if he was depressed?
• 17:40: Here are your options and then let's talk about it.
• 20:11: You're not looking at life through the same lens.
• 24:06: What was your best moment?
• 28:07: What was your worst moment?
• 30:54: I just felt kind of dejected and just kind of like what the hell?
• 31:09: What's the one thing that you wish you had known at the very beginning of your cancer journey that perhaps you tell your patients now?
• 32:54: If you could only do one thing to improve healthcare in the US, what would it be and why?
• 36:45: There are so many interested parties who have a vested interest in keeping things with the status quo because they are making money.
• 39:00: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions 
• 40:22: Aside from Cancer U, what is the one resource you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• My Pathology Report
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer
• Imerman Angels
• Young Survival Coalition
• Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition

Carly is a stage I papillary cancer survivor. She is passionate about creating better health outcomes for cancer patients through the fields of health literacy, patient education, and cancer research.

• 01:23: So, I was diagnosed when I was 27.
• 02:43: My doctor felt a lump in my throat.
• 04:00: I was working at a hospital at the time
• 05:18: I do think it is important to have a second opinion.
• 07:00: My surgeon was calling to tell me that it had metastasized.
• 08:06: It's a pill that that is radioactive.
• 10:08: I had this large incision in my neck
• 11:32: People call it the good cancer.
• 13:36: I also wanted to be seen as a normal person.
• 15:28: I don't really like asking people for help.
• 19:07: My lying down pulse was 150 beats per minute.
• 21:55: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that's located in your neck.
• 24:32: I am considered in remission.
• 26:00: What was your worst moment?
• 27:36: What was your best moment?
• 29:25: How do you look at your life differently now than before you had cancer?
• 30:45: I want to advance research in the cancer community.
• 32:25: What is the one thing that you wish you had known at the beginning of your cancer journey?
• 35:32: If you can only do one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 39:40: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 41:00: What is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• Clinical Trials (US Government Website)
• National Cancer Institute
• Twitter: carlyflumer
• Instagram: carlyflumer
• Email: [email protected]

JoJo Rankin is a Marriage Coach at R Family Strong. She is a former practical nurse at an oncology infusion center where she learned we are all stronger than we think we are.

• 01:29: I've had uncles and aunts passed away from cancer.
• 03:51: The patients become your family.
• 05:02: We did not run it like a factory.
• 06:00: What if any preconceived notions did you have about oncology and cancer?
• 06:42: I think the experience was amazing though.
• 07:24: So, tell me about one of your favorite patients.
• 09:21: We are all stronger than we think we are.
• 11:40: Nurses play a huge role in this particular disease.
• 12:51: Oncology is its own world.
• 14:07: What was the worst time for you as a nurse?
• 16:05: What did that time as an oncology nurse teach you?
• 17:40: Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions.
• 19:10: We just can't be offended by everything.
• 21:09: If you can improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 25:12: I love telehealth for certain situations.
• 26:28: We've had 30 kids over the years. We've been foster parents for almost a decade.
• 29:40: What are you most grateful for in your life?
• 31:50: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 33:05: What’s one resource that you want to recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?

Resources

• I’m stronger than I think I am (journal on Amazon)
• Rfamilystrong (website)
• Strong business Stronger Marriage Facebook Group
• Operation Mom Elevation Facebook Group for Moms
• IM Jojo on Facebook

Brigitte is the founder of Gemini Media, host of Real Things Living Podcast, Author, a Health Advocate who focuses on delivering the best solutions to her clients. She’s an accomplished business professional in the communications, publishing, and print management industry.

• 01:28: I first got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
• 04:17: And I kept saying what the hell is causing this?
• 05:43: It’s called an acoustic neuroma.
• 06:32: We're just gonna radiate your brain. Excuse me?
• 07:42: I chose a method called cyberknife.
• 12:18: We would I call it the monster.
• 13:09: I just wanted to be there for my sons to graduate.
• 15:51: I had to be the fighter to find the solution.
• 18:27: What were your before and after moments?
• 21:26: My cancer, my health, and my family are a priority.
• 22:10: I had my double mastectomy on my 49th birthday.
• 23:38: What was your worst moment?
• 24:36: What about your best moment?
• 27:55: What is the one thing Bridget you wish you had known at the very beginning of that very first cancer journey?
• 31:48: Wow those are some really nice ones.
• 34:16: I think you should get two opinions and if those two opinions don't match, get a third right?
• 40:23: If you could do only one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 45:50: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 46:50: Tell us about the resources that you have for cancer patients and caregivers. 

Resources

• ShareCare.com
• Real Things Living: A Coloring Journal by Brigitte Cutshall
• Real Things: 6 Ways to Embrace Life by Brigitte Cutshall
• Expecting the Good: Inspiration from a Bad Ass with a Big Heart by Brigitte Cutshall
• Real Things Living Podcast