Cancer Education

Patient Stories

Amyloidosis

• 

  John Rizzo

  John Rizzo was deeply concerned when he was diagnosed with a rare disease, amyloidosis. "Fortunately, I was in the right place at the right time and met the right people." Read John's story.

Bile Duct Cancer

• 

  Baron Bluhm

  A liver transplant, and the second chance it brought him leave Baron Bluhm grateful for those who provided his care - and still searching for words to express his gratitude for the donation that saved his life. Read Baron's story.

• 

  John Gwazdacz

  John wants others who receive diagnoses of bile duct cancer to know there is hope. Read John's story.

• 

  Carolyn Johnson

  Jay and I both decided that if anything is ever wrong with us, we're going back to Mayo Clinic. Read Carolyn's story.

• 

  Aaron Segedi

  "I will never forget [my Detroit physician] telling me that his hospital doesn't transplant to a patient who has bile duct cancer. My doctor of over 14 years could no longer help me." Instead, Aaron was referred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Read Aaron's story.

Bladder Cancer

• 

  Donald Sannes

  Surgery for bladder cancer removed his disease and preserved his function. Read Donald's story.

Brain Tumors

• 

  Cynthia Amendt

  Artist and teacher Cynthia Amendt sees her teaching — and her health — reach new levels through participation in a clinical trial. Read Cynthia's story.

• 

  Laurie Beach

  A rare brain tumor couldn't stop Laurie Beach from enjoying the life she dreamed of. Read Laurie's story.

• 

  Kathy Crandall

  Successful brain tumor treatment at Mayo Clinic starts Kathy Crandall on a new path in life. Read Kathy's story.

• 

  Emily Crawford

  Emily Crawford's summer vacation included an unexpected event — brain tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic. Read Emily's story.

• 

  Jackson Hoeger

  After fighting cancer for four years, Jackson Hoeger and his family finally feel like they've graduated from the school of hard knocks. Read Jackson's story.

• 

  Emmy Holliday

  Clinical trials have given hope and time to Emmy Holliday. Read Emmy's story.

• 

  Margie Hartmann and Jessica Nastrom

  Shopping, going to lunch, seeing a movie — just a few things mothers and daughters do together. Add having Gamma Knife™ surgery to the list for Margie Hartmann and her daughter, Jessica Nastrom. Read Margie and Jessica's story.

• 

  Nelda Metz

  Nelda Metz had been healthy all of her 49 years. Imagine her surprise, when she learned she had a malignant brain tumor. But incision-free brain surgery had her back with her family quickly. Read Nelda's story.

• 

  Grace Phillips

  Brain tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic in 1932 helped Grace Phillips live an extraordinary life. Read Grace's story.

• 

  Andy Walch

  Surgery and an investigational drug give brain tumor patient much more than anyone expected. Read Andy's story.

Breast Cancer

• 

  Tea Allegri

  It is a long trip from Caracas, Venezuela, to Rochester, Minn., but quality and efficiency motivate Tea Allegri and her husband, Luigi, to travel to Mayo Clinic when they have a serious problem. Read Tea's story.

• 

  Debbie Baselle

  When Debbie Baselle learned about a Mayo Clinic clinical trial to control hot flashes, she was eager to sign up. Read Debbie's story.

• 

  Mary Berman

  Dr. Mary Berman found herself "mesmerized with Mayo" when she was treated for breast cancer. "As a doctor, it was stunning to see how well medicine can be practiced." Read Mary's story.

• 

  Wanda Bowen

  Wanda Bowen (pictured with her daughter) appreciates the close monitoring of the Executive Health Program. "I feel confident that if anything shows up, they will find it." Read Wanda's story.

• 

  Keri Christian

  After surviving breast cancer, Keri Christian underwent genetic counseling to help safeguard her family's future health. Read Keri's story.

• 

  Arlene Dunlop

  Arlene Dunlop is a breast and ovarian cancer survivor whose treatments have kept her well and out enjoying life. Read Arlene's story.

• 

  Sharon Francis

  Sharon Francis was working on a new design collection when the pain started. "I thought it was just a bad headache," she says. "Then I fainted in the elevator." Read Sharon's story.

• 

  Deborah Evens and Gayla Holmgren

  Vitamin B12 imaging gives breast cancer survivors another option. Read Deb and Gayla's story.

• 

  Rolande Graves

  Professor Rolande Graves has faced her breast cancer the way she has faced any obstacle — with determination and a positive attitude. Read Rolande's story.

• 

  Regina Hamilton

  An MR-guided biopsy found Regina Hamilton's breast cancer months before other diagnostic tools could have. Read Regina's story.

• 

  Jan Hawkes

  When Jan Hawkes was diagnosed with breast cancer, maintaining her active lifestyle meant coordinating care between Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester, Minn., and Arizona Read Jan's story.

• 

  Kris Holladay

  Kris Holladay had children with special needs and a new grandbaby on the way when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A revolutionary new radiation treatment helped Kris beat cancer on her own terms. Read Kris' story.

• 

  Pam McCall

  Mammography technologist battles breast cancer with support from her Mayo Clinic "family." Read Pam's story.

• 

  Lynn Van Wagenen

  Lynn Van Wagenen and her co-worker Stephanie Carter fight breast cancer together. Read Lynn's story.

• 

  Janet Vittone

  Janet Vittone, M.D., two sisters and her mother were diagnosed with breast cancer in the same year — and received the same swift treatment at Mayo Clinic. Read Janet's story.

• 

  Rose Wells

  When Rose Wells was diagnosed with breast cancer, her faith and positive thinking helped to ensure she'd always be there for her family. Read Rose's story.

• 

  Tracy Williams

  For Tracy Williams, fighting breast cancer also meant finding true friends. Read Tracy's story.

Carcinoid Tumors

• 

  Jim Turner

  Cancer treatment and heart surgery at Mayo Clinic helped Jim Turner live actively in retirement. Read Jim's story.

Cervical Cancer

• 

  Jeanne Greenfield

  Cancer survivor for 17 years and still counting Read Jeanne's story.

Colon Cancer

• 

  Michael Blake

  Michael Blake had good intentions when it came to being screened for colon cancer. "But I always found some reason not to get there." Then he read about "virtual colonoscopy." Read Michael's story.

• 

  Jim Driscoll

  Businessman Jim Driscoll plans to have a colonoscopy every three years from now on. Read Jim's story.

• 

  Carlos Genardini

  Early diagnosis and laparoscopic colon surgery put Carlos Genardini on a fast track to recovery from colon cancer. Read Carlos' story.

• 

  John Simpson

  John Simpson credits diligent Mayo physicians with catching several different cancers early. Read John's story.

Esophageal Cancer

• 

  Robert Mitchell

  The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell says he survived esophageal cancer thanks to the multidisciplinary treatment and encouragement he received from his Mayo Clinic medical team. Read Robert's story.

• 

  Wayne Stillman

  "Mayo's commitment to each patient and to the whole picture, which in my case included genetic testing, saved my life," he says. Read Wayne's story.

Esthesioneuroblastoma

• 

  Jill Lewis

  Neither Jill Lewis nor her primary care providers could figure out why allergies and sinus infections plagued her. Removal of a rare, cancerous tumor in her nasal cavity, offered relief. Read Jill's story.

Hairy Cell Leukemia

• 

  Geoffrey Kurland

  A novel treatment brings a positive ending for a patient with a rare cancer. Read Geoffrey's story.

Kidney Cancer

• 

  Karen Gibson

  Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to remove a renal cell tumor prompted this Jacksonville mom to participate in a study to help unravel the mystery surrounding her disease. Read Karen's story.

• 

  Dale Johnson

  "I didn't want to settle for anything less than the very best care." Read Dale's story.

Leukemia

• 

  Elijah Poolman

  Today 10-year-old Elijah Poolman and his family have a lot to be thankful for. Elijah has battled a rare form of leukemia — and won. Read Elijah's story.

• 

  Wendy Zins

  Long-term cancer survivor who had a bone marrow transplant gives others hope. Read Wendy's story.

Liver Cancer

• 

  Mary Jane Bollinger

  Transplant receipient becomes transplant volunteer. Read Mary Jane's story.

Lung Cancer

• 

  Jim Davis

  For 35 years, they've done everything together. They were even diagnosed with terminal cancers, together. Read Jim's story.

• 

  Dale Johnson

  "I didn't want to settle for anything less than the very best care." Read Dale's story.

• 

  Milo Pietz

  Lung cancer surgery at Mayo Clinic returns South Dakota singer to an active life. Read Milo's story.

• 

  Harold Willhite

  "Nothing's in a rush," says Harold, back in his workshop after surviving two lung cancers. "I've got the rest of my life." Read Harold's story.

Melanoma

• 

  Warren Farwell

  When Warren Farwell learned that he had ocular melanoma, he joined a research trial at Mayo Clinic comparing two treatments for this type of cancer. Read Warren's story.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• 

  Margaret Adams

  Radioactive drug combination results in reprieve from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Read Margaret's story.

• 

  Greg Nelson

  A difficult-to-diagnose cancer brought Greg Nelson to his knees, literally. But a bone marrow transplant put him back on his feet. Read Greg's story.

• 

  Sue Stein

  Sue Stein believes everything happens for a reason, including her seven year battle with cancer and the stem cell transplant that helped her win. Read Sue's story.

• 

  Charlotte Wolter

  Experimental therapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma put Charlotte back on the lake. Read Charlotte's story.

Osteosarcoma

• 

  Shanna Decker

  When Shanna Decker was 7 years old, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She received treatment at Mayo Clinic and today is a healthy, active young lady dedicated to touching the lives of others. Read Shanna's story.

• 

  Branden Lombardi

  "I knew that life wasn't going to stop, so I just had to catch up and do the best I could." Read Branden's story.

• 

  Aitana Paya Perez

  Persistant bone cancer hasn't stopped a Spanish student from pursuing her education — and her dreams. Read Aitana's story.

• 

  Casey Quinn

  A combination of treatments brought positive long-term results for a student with osteosarcoma. Read Casey's story.

• 

  Erin Sweeney

  Tempe girl is among the first in nation to benefit from new prosthetic device that grows with her. Read Erin's story.

Ovarian Cancer

• 

  Arlene Dunlop

  Arlene Dunlop is a breast and ovarian cancer survivor whose treatments have kept her well and out enjoying life. Read Arlene's story.

• 

  Susan Quinn

  Strong faith and medicine brought an ovarian cancer patient back to health. Read Susan's story.

Pancreatic Cancer

• 

  Harold Gerndt

  Before Harold Gerndt, M.D. sought a second opinion from Mayo Clinic regarding treatment for pancreatic cancer, he and his wife, Marilyn, got input from a registered nurse and five physicians. These experts aren't Dr. Gerndt's private medical team; they're his children. Read Harold's story.

• 

  Steve Rogers

  A Fateful Fall: Pancreatic cancer patient beating the odds. Read Steve's story.

Pituitary Gland Cancer

• 

  John Simpson

  John Simpson credits diligent Mayo physicians with catching several different cancers early. Read John's story.

Prostate Cancer

• 

  Mike Carlson

  Prostate cancer treatment puts Mike Carlson on the right path. Read Mike's story.

• 

  Jim Davis

  For 35 years, they've done everything together. They were even diagnosed with terminal cancers, together. Read Jim's story.

• 

  John Fitzpatrick

  John Fitzpatrick attributes his successful treatment at Mayo Clinic for prostate cancer and atrial fibrillation to Irish luck and excellent doctors. Read John's story.

• 

  Dale Johnson

  "I didn't want to settle for anything less than the very best care." Read Dale's story.

• 

  Jack Keller

  A thorough search for prostate cancer proved to be the right approach for Jack Keller. Read Jack's story.

• 

  Bernardo Loose

  Mexico's Bernardo Loose drove over 700 miles to receive treatment for an aggressive prostate cancer ... and forged a lifelong friendship with his Mayo surgeon. Read Bernardo's story.

• 

  DeWaine Silker

  DeWaine Silker has nothing but praise for the surgical team and the da Vinci robotics system that helped him beat prostate cancer. Read DeWaine's story.

• 

  John Simpson

  John Simpson credits diligent Mayo physicians with catching several different cancers early. Read John's story.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

• 

  Jorge Noguera

  Jorge and his family journeyed from Spain for him to receive cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic. Read Jorge's story.

Salivary Gland Tumors

• 

  JoAnn Selvera

  JoAnn Selvera had almost given up hope of being able to speak or eat normally. Mayo surgeons removed the lump from her throat and gave her a normal life again, and she couldn't be happier. Read JoAnn's story.

Skin Cancer

• 

  Howard Lloyd

  Nonmelanoma skin cancer returns twice, but can't keep a retired Navy officer from running his life. Read Howard's story.

Spinal Cord Tumors

• 

  Carolyn Lengh

  Carolyn Lengh, a principal at a private school in Milwaukee, knows the wear and tear countless hours in a demanding job can cause. But that didn't explain the back pain she'd felt for six months. Successful removal of a spinal cord tumor brought relief. Read Carolyn's story.

T-cell Lymphoma

• 

  Wendy Hamilton

  While hiking on a trip with her daughter, Wendy Hamilton often had to stop and rest. She attributed it to higher altitudes and middle age, but Hamilton was diagnosed later with stage 4 peripheral T-cell lymphoma. A bone marrow transplant got her back on the right path. Read Wendy's story.

Throat Cancer

• 

  Bob Grinnell

  Arizona 'Santa' survives cancer, radiation and gives back to kids — Bob Grinnell's trademark white beard was spared during delicate laser surgery to remove a tumor in his throat. Read Bob's story.

• 

  Danny Snodgrass

  Laser microsurgery was the right choice for throat cancer patient Danny Snodgrass. Read Danny's story.

• 

  George Todd

  Mayo Clinic provided a treatment for George Todd's cancer that saved his voice. Read George's story.

Thyroid Cancer

• 

  Tom Sherrard

  Radiation therapy and surgery put a stop to aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer. Read Tom's story.

Tongue Base Cancer

• 

  James Donnelly

  Coordinated approach to care brings results for business school professor. Read Jim's story.

• 

  David Farrell

  A tongue tumor threatened to cut short this volunteer firefighter's life, but surgery and radiation put out the cancer's flames. Read David's story.

Vaginal Cancer

• 

  Ann Flintoff

  When Jacksonville, Fla., resident Ann Flintoff was told she had vaginal cancer in 1998, she thought about her 3-month-old grandson Sean and hoped she'd live long enough for him to remember her. Read Ann's story.