Everybody Has a Story
Cancer Patients Share Their Stories
The physical changes most cancer patients experience can also have an impact on their body image and mental health. To better understand these impacts, Texas Oncology surveyed current and former cancer patients to help raise awareness and spark a conversation that brings greater understanding and validation to the physical, mental, and emotional experience of fighting cancer.
Cancer can make patients feel isolated or alone, but having a strong support system can have a positive impact on their mental and emotional health. If a patient or someone they know is struggling with self-acceptance and/or other negative thoughts, feelings, or emotions, Texas Oncology encourages anyone affected by cancer to consult with their physician and care team for help.
Resources
The resources below can provide patients, caregivers, and providers with important and helpful information on how to address and manage the toll of cancer on one’s body image and mental health.
Stories of Inspiration
Voices of Your Neighbors
Mike Diers: Fighting Cancer with the Power of Perspective
It was Thanksgiving 2016 in Kyle, Texas, and Mike couldn’t shake a lingering cough. By January 2017, he gave in and visited a doctor – but a steroid pack and a few prescriptions later, the cough still lingered.
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Veronica Laurel: Empowered Breast Cancer Survivor Chooses Her Path Forward
Veronica Laurel has long made it a habit to do regular breast self-exams, but she never thought that one day it would lead to a breast cancer diagnosis.
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Using Art to Bring Hope to the Cancer Community
Nell Nations, a cancer survivor and chief radiation therapist at Texas Oncology–Wichita Falls, painted a vibrant horse statue named Hope to inspire and uplift cancer patients, caregivers, and her community, turning her personal journey with cancer into a symbol of resilience and encouragement.
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Candy Friday: Finding Joy Through The Trial
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Candy Friday drew on her lifelong resilience and support from her oncologist and the Pink Phurree dragon boat team, finding strength in community, nature, and her unwavering spirit to navigate treatment and recovery.
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