Black and Brown Thrivers

What to expect with active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer?

I was recently diagnosed with low-risk, Stage I prostate cancer and learning about my treatment options. My doctor explained that I have several good choices, including active surveillance, which means closely monitoring the cancer with regular tests and check-ups, or more active treatments like surgery or radiation therapy right away. I'm told that many people with low-risk prostate cancer like mine can safely start with active surveillance to avoid treatment side effects, with other treatments still available if things change. I'd love to hear from others who've been in a similar situation. • If you chose active surveillance, what has your experience been like with the regular monitoring? • What factors helped you decide between active surveillance and immediate treatment?

What to expect when starting chemo for stage 4 lung cancer?

I have squamous cell lung cancer. Stage 4 has already moved to L5 in my back and throat. No surgery, stating chemo soon. Brenda Wrighton

What to expect during prostate cancer monitoring after recurrence?

I have prostate cancer that has recurred after radiation treatment. My doctor explained that I'll be on a monitoring plan that includes regular PSA blood tests, physical exams, and possibly imaging scans to track my condition and help decide when additional treatment might be needed. I'm trying to understand what this monitoring phase looks like day-to-day and would love to hear from others who have been in a similar situation after radiation treatment. • What has your monitoring schedule been like, and how do you handle the waiting between appointments? • What helped you mentally prepare for PSA test results and follow-up visits? If you've navigated monitoring after prostate cancer recurrence, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience and any tips that helped you through this phase.

What is observation like for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation?

I have recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy, and my doctor has recommended observation (also called watchful waiting). This means regular check-ups and monitoring instead of starting active treatment right now. The idea is to watch for any symptoms or signs of progression while avoiding more intensive treatments unless they become necessary. I'm trying to understand what this approach looks like in real life and would love to hear from others who have been in a similar situation. • If you've been on observation for recurrent prostate cancer, what has your monitoring schedule been like? • What signs or changes did you and your care team watch for, and how did you manage the uncertainty of waiting?

Can't fast during Ramadan because of cancer - feeling heartbroken?

I’m kinda heartbroken I can’t fast this ramadan

How do I stay strong as a Black woman fighting cancer?

After completing several rounds of different treatments, I realized…I’m not a thriver yet! Im a black woman…i can’t get tired yet…I’m a soulja…I strive to be a warrior! Holding on to faith over fear…. God is with me!

What to expect with goblet cell adenocarcinoma appendix cancer treatment?

I was recently diagnosed with goblet cell adenocarcinoma - an appendix cancer. From what I understand at this moment, it’s a rare but aggressive type of cancer and is treated like colon cancer. I will be having about a foot of my colon removed along with my lymph nodes and part of my abdominal peritoneal (sp) wall. My lymph nodes will be tested to make sure there wasn’t any spreading. Then, per my oncologist, I will need to undergo 6 months of chemotherapy. Just looking for others who may be going through this or those that may have gone through a similar situation as well ❤️

What's radical prostatectomy like for low-risk prostate cancer?

I have low-risk, localized prostate cancer and my doctor mentioned radical prostatectomy as one of my treatment options. This surgery would remove my entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue. My doctor explained it's equally effective as radiation therapy or active surveillance for my type of diagnosis. I'm trying to learn more about what this experience is like from people who've been through it. I'd love to hear from others who had similar diagnoses and considered or went through this surgery. • If you chose radical prostatectomy for low-risk prostate cancer, what helped you make that decision? • What was your recovery experience like, and what do you wish you had known beforehand?

What's EBRT radiation therapy like for early-stage prostate cancer?

I have low-risk, localized prostate cancer and I'm learning about external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as a treatment option. My doctor explained that it uses high-energy radiation beams from outside the body to target cancer cells in the prostate while trying to protect nearby healthy tissue. I understand it's considered equally effective as surgery for early-stage prostate cancer like mine. I'd love to hear from others who have been in a similar situation and chosen EBRT. • What was your day-to-day experience like during treatment? • What do you wish you had known before starting EBRT?

Has anyone had brachytherapy for low-risk prostate cancer?

I have low-risk, localized prostate cancer and my doctor discussed brachytherapy as a treatment option. From what I understand, this involves placing tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue around it. Since my cancer is low-risk and hasn't spread, brachytherapy could work as a standalone treatment and would be just one procedure instead of multiple radiation sessions. I'd love to hear from others who've been in a similar situation and considered or had brachytherapy. • What was your experience like with the procedure and recovery? • What factors helped you decide between brachytherapy and other treatment options?