I’m a cancer-slaying gyrl musing about life in a post-chemo world. On my blog, I offer expert analysis on all things health and wellness, including how chemo brain can work to your advantage and why beer makes life worth whipping cancer for. By day, I’m a freelance editor for AOL, Martha Stewart Living Omimedia, and Columbia University. My work has also appeared in Essence and Black Enterprise magazines and on The Root.com.
58 Comments
April 7, 2009 at 3:36 pm
A True Warrior Princess
May 8, 2009 at 3:10 pm
A super hero indeed!
May 12, 2009 at 7:51 pm
“Could Chana Garcia aka Slayer be some sort of superhuman? That certainly sounds sexier than referring to myself as a mutant.”
Girl! Are you kidding me? Can I quote this one??? I love it! I’m loving your blog thus far. I’m adding you to my blog’s blogroll….And I’ll be at the conference too!
May 20, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Loving your blog! You’re such a fabulous writer and inspiration. Do you, ma! Can’t stop the hustle …
May 28, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Bravo… I hope to see you at the Un-Gala on June 10th!!
With Truth, Adele
June 1, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Hopefully you remember I me. I met you through a mutual friend, about 6 years ago. We hung out many times together and a group of us even travelled together to Puerto Rico in 2005, Unfortunately, due to a falling out that she & I had, I no longer kept in contact with you. That was a big mistake on my part!
I am a faithful reader of Black Voices, especially the Entertainment blog. Imagine my surprise when I saw your pic on the front page along with your cancer awarness article and blog. This is yet another reminder about how life is so short, as soon as I saw this I immediately had to reach out. Words cannot express how sorry I am to read what you have been going through, but I’m encouraged and inspired to see that you managed to turn a negative into a positive. That’s one of the things I remember and really admired about you!Your blog is so informative as well as inspirational and touching on so many different topics, (Just looking at your pics brings back fond memories of the good times & I must say you still look fabulous!)
Also, in May 2006, my mother was diagonsed with Stage III colon cancer, which is hard for anyone at any age but for someone her age (73, at the time) it was very difficult. Fortunately, she is now doing well, even though she is no longer recieving chemo, she goes to her doctors regularly and is still wearing the Port , which must be cleaned out every 2 months, until it is determined that she is cancer-free.
I wish you all the happiness in the world!
Sincerely,
Lisa (from the Bx.)
June 4, 2009 at 8:17 am
Congratulations on your fight with Ovarian Cancer!!! I commend you for being persistent with getting answers. I am an Ovarian Cancer Educator in upstate NY and invite you to check out the http://www.livelikeliz@yahoo.com website. Live Like Liz originated after young Elizabeth Amisano died of Ovarian Cancer. She had been misdiagnosed for quite awhile, which is understandable, because it is rare for young women your age to get Ovarian Cancer.
We are having a race this Sunday in her memory. We also have another young 25 year old woman who is fighting and winning her battle with Ovarian Cancer. You can see part of her story at http://www.odessafile.com.
Continue the fight and please, continue informing woman of the importance of paying attention to signs and symptoms your body is telling you. Thank you again for your fight against Ovarian Cancer!!!
June 4, 2009 at 9:09 am
I just had to stop through and give you an internet hug, high five, pat on the butt, fist bump, forehead kiss, drink, dinner, massage, Christmas gift, birthday gift and any other thing to say that I am proud of you…and I don’t even know you! Well, I do now..sort of! You blogs gave me much insight to an amazing woman. Having a child doesn’t make you a woman, just as having a biological son doesn’t make me a man. Adoption is always a wonderful option. I am sure that whomever you invite into your life, they are going to be on top of the world.
Keep doing you because it is a wonderful look. The sparkle in your eyes is absolutely amazing and your smile is sooooo inviting! You have so much to share and I look forward to watching your continued growth via your blog.
All the best to you! I always say that God is amazing and does amazing things for amazing people! You are absolutely super delicious!
Sincerely,
Marty Embry
http://www.lulu.com/martyembry
June 4, 2009 at 9:49 am
When I read your story it was like reading my life’s story. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Stage III C Cancer at the age of 23. I too had a doctor who was adamant that I was six months pregnant even after telling her that could not be possible. It took me going to a county hospital to learn of my diagnosis. I knew something was seriously wrong particulary when I could barely breathe and I had lost weight drastically. I am happy to say that I am now 36 and going strong. I would really like to assist in your efforts to bring more awareness to this disease. Please write me back.
June 4, 2009 at 10:16 am
Please email me usmbrandi@aol.com
June 4, 2009 at 9:56 am
Chana,
I cannot tell you what it meant to have the AOL homepage come up this morning at work and see your beautiful face and your important article.
I am a survivor of this disease….and heard the same words you heard “you are to young for this to be cancer so don’t worry”. I was 27 years old, the mother of a 15 month old baby, gained a little weight, was feeling tired….etc.
After two surgeries, many CA-125′s, up&down emotions; I can happily tell you that I will be celebrating my 51st birthday this month. That is more then 20 years cancer free!
It seems that so little progress and awareness of this disease has been made, thank you for bringing your story to the world.
June 4, 2009 at 10:19 am
I would to get all the young OC survivors full stories. Please email me usmbrandi@aol.com, I will send my phone # to all of you who want it via email.
June 4, 2009 at 10:07 am
I would love to talk or email with you about our OC 3C experiences. I am now 32 and was dx at age 28 a gynonc who misdiagnosed me for 1 1/2 years came to see me in the hospital, he was no longer my gynonc, and said ‘you were the zebra in the herd’. I would love to help you in any way I can to spread the word about this life altering way to often deadly cancer. Please write me back.
June 4, 2009 at 10:36 am
Wow! That’s about all I can say. You really are a warrior and thank you for speaking out on ovarian cancer and giving a voice to all of the women fighting this disease. At Georgia Tech, right now, we are working on an early detection test for ovarian cancer as well as better treatment methods. Please check out our website and let me know if you have any questions.
June 4, 2009 at 10:36 am
First, I want to congratulate you on your victory! However your comment in your article
“I am a classic example of what happens when medical professionals engage in age- and race-based bias. It never occurred to my gyn, also a young black woman, that I had ovarian cancer. She had almost completely ruled it out.”
is TOTALLY off base. The practice of medicine is like being a detective. You start with clues to guide you to looking in a particular direction for what the problem is. Very important clues to begin with are age, sex, and ethnicity. Would I think of ovarian cancer in a MAN that presented to me? No, men DON’T have ovaries. Would I think of sickle cell anemia in a Caucasian…not right off, no, but it might be a consideration later on in the process. Blacks are particularly prone to sickle cell, but it can occur in anyone of Mediterranean descent (Greek, Italian, Northern African). Any GOOD doctor starts with the more common problems according to age, sex, ethnicity, family history, and a variety of other considerations. With the pressure to save time and MONEY for the patient one must be prudent in their approach to diagnosis of medical problems. Too many people want it both ways…don’t spend my money looking for the problem, but tell me what I have and don’t make ANY mistakes. Believe it or not, if YOU can make mistakes, your doctor can make mistakes…we are human!
June 4, 2009 at 10:45 am
A gynological oncologist told me ‘you were the zebra in the herd’. I was 26 when I started seeing him. I was 28 and stage 3C when I was dx my a different gynonc. I often wonder if he had just ran a CA125 or done more test would my cancer have been discovered at stage 1 and EVERYTHING treatment related would have been different.
June 4, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Chana…. thank you so very much for your very insightful blog!
To Norman… I would like to take a minute to address you in reagrds to your opinion on Chana’s comment being “TOTALLY off base”. I have a feeling that you are NOT a black female, and there is probably a preety good chance that you are in the medical field… as you mentioned someone “presenting to you”.
I too have recently been misdiagnosed for the past year by a very popular GYN here in NYC. When a person such as myself has done everything in their power to research their symptoms and be proactive in regards to their health, what should we call a misdiagnosis? Mistakes can cause someone their LIFE! Yes we are all humans, and we can all make mistakes… no one is disputing that, but what about accountability? We all choose our professions, and we are all compensated based on those choices! If we don’t do our jobs well can we all chalk it up to just being HUMAN? The possibility of ovarian cancer could be a little far fetched as you mentioned in a male, but could it be as far fetched for a relatively healthy woman suddenly presenting with abdominal pain and a history of ovarian cysyt? It appears that Chana has a family history of cancer, a CA-125 doesn’t cost very much in the grand scheme of things! Could you imagine if a pelvis MRI was scheduled?? Let’s not make excuses… I commend Chana for being as diplomatic and gracious as she has been in regards to her misdiagnosis… I can only pray that I can follow in her foot steps!!!
June 4, 2009 at 10:37 am
Well I thought that the website would post – http://www.ovariancancerinstitute.org
June 4, 2009 at 10:40 am
With faith in the Lord you can make. A true fighter indeed.
Please check out this water, it will help. http://www.thewatertruth.com/cgraham
June 4, 2009 at 10:42 am
A wonderful story of self advocacy and listening to your body. All to often, we place too much confidence in doctors and forget that they are human. I stumbled upon your article and could not stop reading. In the words of a friend, “Live, Love, Laugh”. You are wonderful.
June 4, 2009 at 10:45 am
Libby…thanks for the George Tech website update…this is awesome! Early detection is so important in this disease. I would ask that everyone who reads this thread to see your gyn EVERY YEAR and ask your family and friends to do the same.
God Bless!
June 4, 2009 at 10:54 am
I just had the pleasure of reading your story on Black Voices, and wanted to let you in on something that has been keeping many cancer survivors well. It is called Kangen Water.
Check out the videos on this site http://www.anointedwater.com and testimonies here http://www.anointedwater.com/Testimonials.html.
June 4, 2009 at 11:02 am
You are spreading a great message with your strength and positive attitude. In another week I will be a 2 yr breast cancer survivor. I have a strong family history my mother lost her battle 29 years ago and my aunt is now fighting ovarian cancer.
While receiving 6months of chemo, I spent my time creating a non profit org. Please check out my website and see the message i am spreading.
keep up the good work!
Shari
June 4, 2009 at 11:04 am
Just to add to the ovarian cancer stories out there: I was diagnosed on November 13, 2005; 4 days before my 41st birthday. Before diagnosis, I was told I had indigestion. I knew that was wrong. My gynecologist found a 13cm tumor on my right ovary and saved my life in emergency surgery. Stage 1, thank goodness. 6 chemo sessions later, I am an advocate for taking control of your own health. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t be shy. Ask questions, research, probe, see as many doctors as necessary until you are satisfied. I have also started a foundation to help cancer patients directly. Post-cancer, life is crisper. I like it better.
June 4, 2009 at 11:05 am
Dope, just all around fire. Not sure what else to say, fan of your work, always love to read good writing and always love someone who fights. But what is up with you being a carnivore? My belief is that your system would run more smoothly without added junk, just my opinion. Also what else do you do besides the chemo?
June 4, 2009 at 11:52 am
Wow! I am truly inspired by your knowledge, courage, strength and mentoring. I lost my Father a year ago to a very brief battle with Acute Leukemia. In looking back…our family had seen some very early symptoms that we all believe were signs of this disease overlooked by MANY doctors of all ranges. Had we took the reigns early on, this disease could’ve been treated less aggressively which is ultimately what took his life. You are so right in saying we have to listen to what our bodies are saying. My Father is at rest now, may God keep him since he has completed his Good Deeds here on earth. It seems as though you have a plan to educate us all and keep our bodies in check! You have so many more “Good Deeds” to fullfill. What a terrific Gift of Giving to share!
May God continue to grant you with a healthier and prosperous life.
God Bless you and keep you always….
June 4, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I don’t even know you, but I read your story on AOL and you’re the bomb! Keep being the dynamic, beautiful and courageous woman that you are, and you will stay blessed (tenfold than what you already are).
) Keep it going!!
June 4, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Chana – Your story is inspirational as well as a word to the wise to be our own advocate. As an Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner, I work with women who have ovarian cancer and in all cases it was Stage III or IV before diagnosis. But there is hope. Eden Energy Medicine is a complement to traditional medicine. In fact, energy medicine protocols help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and enhance the body’s ability to use the chemo. I am happy for the positive outcome of your experience and encourage you to add to your healing and prospects for continued well being by reading Donna Eden’s ENERGY MEDICINE and ENERGY MEDICINE FOR WOMEN. You can check her web site, http://www.innersoure.net, to find a Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner in your area. It is all about flow, balance and harmony. She provides a 10-Minute Daily Energy Routine that encourages our energies to flow in healthy patterns and this is one of the best things you can do for your well being. Give the body what it needs – energy and oxygen – and its innate healing powers are amazing. One of the things Donna Eden teaches is cancer cannot live in a well oxygenated body. My work over the past six years with ovarian and other cancer clients has been a privilge. Energy protocols are actually self-advocacy tools and this work is beginning to get recognition and acceptance albeit slowly. I am fortunate that a Princeton oncologist is now acknowleging that we can be partners in healing and will actually refer patients to my practice. He actually came for a personal session to see just what this work was all about…to me that is progress! You have taken this personal challenge and turned it into a campaign for self-advocacy and awareness. Thank you on behalf of all women. May you be heard and may you stay strong on your healing path. You are a healer of the most important kind in this world. Warmly, Diana
June 4, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Keep doing what you do! You are a blessing!
June 4, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Chana, you are truly an inspiration for us all!
Theo, Jr. and the Gregory Family
June 4, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Thirty-five years old, two small sons, Ovarian Cancer.
It was like having an out of body experience. The doctor walks into the room where I am having an ultra sound. He moves the tech out of the way, looks at the scanning images of my body and asks the question, “You look so young. Do you have children?” It has been twenty years since my surgery, my loss, the changes in my body and in my soul. I am thrilled that I have been able to see my children grow and also welcome grand-children into my life. I am here at 54. I am alive. I am angry when I hear that the way we look and feel is not what a doctor is often taught to recognize as a woman with Cancer. Ovaries have no religion or color. Let’s send a strong message to all the gastros who have missed this deadly disease. When I was misdiagnosed in 1989, Gilda Radner had given her life for me. When I begged to be seen again by the gastro, I walked away with a coupon for fifty cents for a laxative. That was his answer to my pain and to my aches and unexplained bloat. Get the word out. Save all of our sisters, mothers, and girlfriends. Do it for the daughters you deserve to have. Just do it.
June 4, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Hello Chana,
I can’t recall how your story popped up on my computer today, but I was encouraged by it. I remember reading it and thinking, “She’s a great writer.” I read the entire article and saw that you were a writer. I guess that’s why….God knew that the hardknock he allowed in your life, you would tell it! Look at what your story has accomplished. I’m glad that you made it! I kept reading because I have experienced consistent bloating, and I do look slightly pregnant. I’ve gained weight but I’m unsure if it is because of something other than eating too much! LOL. Can you tell me what you mean by digestive problems?
Well, thank you for the information thus far, and I wish you beautiful babies and a wonderful husband!
June 4, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Not Dx, but I’m convinced I have OC. I’m caucasian, 36, no known cancer risks. In 2001, I had my last child. Lost a good deal and then slowly started putting it back on, all in the stomach. Started having abdominal problems that I attributed to stress with my job.
Today, I look 9 months pregnant, have GI issues (bowel problems, pain, extreme gas, early satiety), am tired all the time, unable to lose the weight through diet or exercise (never really had a problem before once I set my mind to it), period irregularities (skipping 6 months when I have always been regular) etc. My pap was “normal” but I wasn’t convinced so I pressured the doc for more testing which revealed PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome or a bunch of cysts). That was that. He won’t see me more than once a year like a regular healthy woman, or investigate to see if those cysts (which I have insisted are causing pain – or at least I think it is my ovaries causing the pain) are cancerous or benign.
I saw a GI specialist to rule out any GI issues (small stomach ulcers and “gastritis” do not warrant my symptoms) and an endocrinologist to rule out thyroid issues. (My mom and 2 of 3 sisters have thyroid problems). Saw thyroid doc because my increased risks of thyroid/diabetes: 1) PCOS (endocrine disorder that puts me at risk of diabetes) 2) thyroid family history 3) had gestational diabetes in 2001. He acted like I was a medical anomaly because I do NOT have diabetes OR a thyroid problem despite my risks (and I should just be grateful and exercise). HE doesn’t want to see me (even for preventative) unless and until I have a thyroid problem or diabetes.
So that leaves gyn issues – namely PCOS. With the GI testing, I have had an EGD, colonoscopy, HIDA scan (for gallbladder) and abdominal ultrasound to check all my innards. Nothing. My understanding is an abdominal U/S should show ascites, but nothing was ever noted. Can it be missed? I have fluid build up in my legs and ankles, so assume part of my stomach could be / is fluid.
I’m at a loss. Everyone acts as if I am a hypochondriac, but I should not look 9 months pregnant. Plus I have symptoms. I know risk of my ovarian cysts being cancerous are slight, but does happen. I hear horror stories of women with 30 pound abdominal tumors and wonder if that is me. Or women like you who were misdiagnosed for a long time. OC used to be “silent killer” but SOME docs now recognize that some or all of my symptoms ARE early symptoms of OC.
Plus these days, you can’t see a specialist without a referral and my docs all act like I’m crazy. But I think a woman knows her body more than a stranger – doctor or not. A few years ago my mom had a cancer scare. She is vague on the details (which confounds me) but apparently it caused her to have a hysterectomy where they determined it wasn’t cancer and her ovaries are still intact, which leads me to think uterine or endometrial.
My Gyn said my cysts are “small,” but couldn’t they be cancerous and small (early stage)? Also, that was about 9 months ago. He hasn’t checked them since. (My weight is the same). What to do? I’m not opposed to a “2nd opinion” but what’s the point if they are all going to treat me the same and not investigate because I don’t have the risk factors?
June 4, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Briana please go see a gyn/oncologist!
June 5, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Ask for a CA 125 blood test to begin with ASAP. You need a vaginal ultrasound. Please get a second opinion. You can email me and I will give you my phone # usmbrandi@aol.com. My story is way up but to sum up I had a ‘cyst’ on my ovary 1 1/2 years later it was correctly dx as OC 3C, I was 28. I am now healthy and 32. Please don’t stop trying to find your answer.
June 4, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I have to tell you it is nice to know I’m not the only one who has been through what you have. My brother mentioned you this morning and told me to check it out.
I’ve had to have both ovaries removed two seperate times. My last Tumor was the size of a basketball and weighed six pounds. Luckily it was NOT cancer. I always said I’d never do chemo ever again.
I just wanted to let you know that I admire you.
June 5, 2009 at 4:27 pm
N.L. – Thanks for your input. Today, I called the ONLY Gyn/Onc. in our city (I think we’re the 3rd largest city in Alabama) & he requires a Physician’s referral (as I feared). My Gyn acts like PCOS is no big deal – he’s not going to do anything more than once a year at most. I had to push for testing to get the Dx & follow-up testing that I think should have been standard anyway with PCOS.
I succeeded in getting the referral for the endocrinologist I THINK because of my 3x increased risks (gest. diabetes hx, thyroid family hx, PCOS), and even HE did not care to see me again. (Trust me – I am NOT difficult. I bite my tongue a lot).
I don’t think I will be able to get the Gyn’s referral to see the Gyn/Onc. without something more. I think my only hope is to see another Gyn for a regular 2nd opinion & go from there. At least I think I found one who MAY be somewhat more experienced with PCOS itself.
I hate getting 2nd opinions though – I never know if I should tell them I’m getting a 2nd, what the other doc has done (or tell them those results), or start from scratch (don’t want their “expertise” clouded by another doctor’s tests/dx). I always feel like I am cheating on my doc somehow & like he may drop me “for being difficult.” (Sometimes it is hard getting in to see new docs). Any recommendations? (Ironically, my current Gyn was my “2nd opinion” on my 3rd/last pregnancy (in 2001) because the 1st doc said “Alabama law states I HAVE to have a 3rd C-section,” which was total BS. She (1st doc) also was late testing me for gest. diabetes (which I did have) and was pushing the envelope on Strep B testing, which I had with my 2nd (which is typically fatal to newborns, at least with vag. deliveries). I would have reported that doc to the medical board, but was obviously overwhelmed after delivery).
I just don’t want to be one that fall through the cracks. Even if it turns out to be nothing (let’s hope) and I’m just a big ole hypochondriac, I’m paying for the insurance and testing, put my fears to rest! I mean – it’s not like I just stubbed my toe and now want to be tested for Ovarian Cancer. I have definite issues and symptoms!
Anyone familiar with PCOS have sources (websites) that shows recommended (Gov’t or Gyn expert) “standard of care” or any statistics on “cysts” (especially “small” ones not otherwise characterized by size, type, or description) becoming malignant? Or anyone have recommendations on what, if anything, to tell the 2nd opinion doc?
June 8, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Briana,
Don’t stop….don’t worry about cheating on your doctor….if their feelings get hurt, to bad. It is your health we are dealing with. After my first surgery, which was to remove the mass, that was not cancer….or so they thought. Anyway, after that first surgery, the oncologist was brought in and told me six weeks of recover and he would do a complete hysterectomy….I was 27 years old! I was living in VA Beach at the time and called my old GYN in Northern VA. Her words were “Go see the best”….she recommended a doctor in Baltimore…Hopkins. That is what I did, skipped the VA Beach oncologist and went straight to Baltimore…..This story continues but the point is…who cares what they feel, it is your health and possibly your LIFE…. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any additional questions at neda.moyer@corp.aol.com or we can continue through this chat so others can see and share.
June 8, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Hi Chana-
I do not know if you will remember me, but I am Chelise (Cheli) Harris’ little brother and Brande Latney’s cousin. We all lived in the same general neighborhood near P.S. DuPont in the elementary school days.
In any event, your story is fantastic and I am glad you are raising awareness in the community. Keep on slaying them and being a positive and shining example for all of us.
All the best,
~Derek Harris
June 15, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Love it, girl!
June 15, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Dearest Chana,
I can’t tell you how genuinely HAPPY and startled I was to see your blog in my email this morning! Yours was tuly one of the more pleasenter emails given all of the unecessary ones I tend to receive on a far too regular basis…
You have such a gift for expression and your instinct is definitely enviable! I saw Deanna and the Jones crew in Florida recently for Mrs. J’s Big B-day and hoped that I would hear from you. I’ve been reading your blog and reliving so very much of what you have so passionately and purposefully written. Your now the second person that I’ve known personally too encounter and survive ovarian cancer. Please continue to keep writing, inspiring and LIVING…that SUPER SHERO life.
Much love,
Kevin
June 20, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Your story, your drive, your compassion is amazing! I, too have a compassion about health prevention and awareness. I am 23 years old, but I am going to the doc soon to discuss some issues myself…
I plan to walk my way over to you and introduce myself…We are both attending the Blogging While Brown Conference.
Be Beautiful!
June 24, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Your photo is just stunning!
I’m so happy to have found a new blog to visit! WOOOO HOOO!
July 11, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Hello Chana!!!!
From the moment you walked into the photo suite at OCNA, I knew your were someone special!! Thank you for sharing your story, expressing your truth and being light as a feather. Thank you for trusting me to “beat” your face..lol and encouraging me to contribute to the blog world. Please keep in touch and take care!!
Freedom feels great!
Tekeyla.. Make-up artist
August 6, 2009 at 10:51 pm
You rock!
August 14, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Deep…
You have been through a lot, and you kick ass.
I do like how you transfer your thoughts into words.
GW
August 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I read the article in the September, 2009 Black Enterprise-When the Killer is not Silent.
I am a 47 year old Black female that was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2007. I lived an entire year cancer free. Then in November, 2008 I had a recurrence of the cancer to my liver. I had surgery and now I am undergoing chemotherapy. I feel fine. I lost some weight but not significantly noticeble. Yes, after you have been diagnosed you do have a differnt outlook on life and people. I never asekd “Why me?” I said “Why not me?” This cnacer jumped on the wrong somebody. I feel fine. No side effects of the medication. Yes my hair thin so I shaved it off before it all came out and boy did I look good bald. I wear a wig and no one knows it is not my hair unless I tell them. I work everyday. I go to work with my Chemo pump. Like Mary J. Blige song says, ” I am fine, fine fine” ” I like what I see when I walk pass a mirror” I am so glad to read about another survivor.
Yvette
September 3, 2009 at 11:46 am
Hello,
Ms. Garcia, I would love to have you on my podcast to discuss your story.
Check out archives of myprevious shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/joykeys.
We did a show with Life Coach Rana Walker andthe AmericanCancer Society discussing breast cancer and African American women, Singer Angie Stone was onthe show discussing her battle with Diabetes and we had Mercedes Scelba-Shorte (America’s Next Top Model runner-up)discussing her fight with Lupus.
Thank you.
Joy
September 17, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Hi Chana,
I work for a national non-profit organization in Washington, D.C. My organization is currently looking at the relationship between conserving natural areas and the development of new life saving drugs. I was hoping you might be interested in this issue and in sharing your story of survivorship in relation to medicines based on compounds from nature.
If you are interested, I am happy to send you more information on our campaign. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks so much,
Jennifer
October 5, 2009 at 12:49 am
Chana-
It’s been longer than forever. One of our Howard friends told me about your website and I am very glad that I checked it out. It truly is amazing! I am glad that you are using your gifts and the power of the written word to both tell your personal story and to bring this issue to so many people, including myself.
Keep doing what you do! It is definitely making an impact.
October 7, 2009 at 12:54 am
Congrats on putting together such a successful event. Your drive is awesome and your contributions many. And because of you two more undereducated lesbians now know what eyebrow threading is!!! We’ll pass it on….
October 20, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I thought you might be interested in Uinterview’s interview Kerry Washington about the fight against ovarian cancer: http://www.uinterview.com
November 12, 2009 at 12:48 pm
we need the public option so I can cancel my health insurance. I pay $8000 a year and am healthy, if I can pay a $750 penalty and then just buy it the month I need it thats perfect, no health questions asked no waiting period.
And since the public option will offer s medicare reinbursement to providers my dollars won’t be there for the cost shift. ha ha
November 12, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Terrific article!!!!!!!!!!
November 23, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I found my way to you through the website of Mason Jamal (of Mason Says).
I originally came here to network and connect to other bloggers/journalists of color. Once I got here, I started reading and discovered you were a cancer survivor.
I have great respect for that. My mother was told by a battery of doctors that she had six months to live. She was in college at the time and was about 42 years old. (She went back to school once all of her children had grown up.) She lived another 10 years! During that time she got a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in social work.
She lost the battle three years ago and I miss her terribly, even now. Your words are very comforting and echo many of the things she told me in her final years.
Keep up the work that you are doing. People need to hear that survival is possible, necessary and that you should fight for every last breath, no matter what your doctors tell you.
Namaste.
December 2, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I would like to volunteer to share with medical students about my ovarian cancer. I am especially wanting to do this because my own daughter, a family practitioner and teacher of resident students missed the signs. Is there such a program in Des Moines, IA or Omaha NE?
December 10, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hi,
I just read your story. I’m one of the organizers of the T.E.A.L. Walk in Prospect Park and had been wondering about your team name. I really liked it!
It was nice to read your story and I’m sure it is helpful for others who are diagnosed to read about your experience. I wish you the best of luck. Keep fighting!
I’m trying to find an email contact for you. If you have a moment to send me your contact info I’d like to talk to you about your involvment in our next walk.
Best,
Pamela E.
December 14, 2009 at 4:59 am
How inspiring you are! Would like to share the work I’m doing around breast and cervical cancer. Starting two new projects especially for young Black women in 2010. Can we talk?
Jacci