Cancer Patient Stories

Bile Duct Cancer

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  Doug Yaus

  Doug Yaus says you have to be involved in your care — and never give up hope — even when your options seem to have come to an end. Read Doug's story.

Brain Tumors

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  Jayden Aldona Gonzalez

  When a brain tumor unexpectedly appeared in 20-month-old Jayden Gonzalez, Mayo Clinic doctors responded quickly to remove the tumor and restore his health. Read Jayden's story.

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  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.

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  Laurie Beach

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

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  Emily Crawford

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

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  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.

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  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.

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  Raley Mae Radomske

  Raley Mae Radomske was all set to begin a new chapter in her life when the unthinkable happened. Raley, a national rodeo champion, started experiencing seizures. An MRI revealed a brain tumor. Read Raley Mae's story.

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  Andy Walch

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

Breast Cancer

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  Monique Sisneros

  When Monique Sisneros was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, she was determined to win—for herself and for her family. Read Monique's story.

Islet Cell Cancer

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  John Fulton

  Decades after beating bone cancer at Mayo Clinic, John Fulton returned, this time to defeat islet cell cancer. John says that, once more, Mayo helped him "beat the system." Read John's story.

Kidney Cancer

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  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.

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  Jasper Johnikin

  Innovative technology and surgical expertise helped Mayo Clinic physicians save kidney cancer patient Jasper Johnikin's kidney — and his life. Read Jasper's story.

Liver Cancer

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  Wain McFarlane

  They're playing our song: A musician joins forces with his Mayo team to battle cancer and promote organ donation. Read Wain's story.

Lung Cancer

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  Sara Bennett

  Mayo Clinic's team of oncologists, surgeons and radiologists' collaborative effort at treating multiple lung cancer occurrences a success. Read Sara's story.

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  Jane Fausel

  Jane Fausel invested in her health by choosing Mayo Clinic to treat her lung cancer, and she's glad she did. Read Jane's story.

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  Earlene Taylor

  Adventures call and Earlene Taylor still answers, thanks to Mayo doctors who helped her beat lung cancer again. Read Earlene's story.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

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  Wendy Hamilton

  After a successful stem cell transplant for stage 4 peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Wendy Hamilton turns her gratitude into action. Read Wendy's story.

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  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.

Pancreatic Cancer

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  John Fulton

  Decades after beating bone cancer at Mayo Clinic, John Fulton returned, this time to defeat islet cell cancer. John says that, once more, Mayo helped him "beat the system." Read John's story.

Prostate Cancer

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  Randall Minion

  Diagnosed with prostate cancer at a relatively young age, Dr. Randall Minion chose robotic surgery as the best way to maintain his full, active lifestyle. Read Randall's story. Read Randall's story.

T-cell Lymphoma

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  Wendy Hamilton

  After a successful stem cell transplant for stage 4 peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Wendy Hamilton turns her gratitude into action. Read Wendy's story.

Throat Cancer

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  Danny Snodgrass

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

Thyroid Cancer

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  Tom Sherrard

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

Tongue Base Cancer

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  James Donnelly

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

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  David Farrell

  A tongue tumor threatened to cut short this volunteer firefighter's life, but surgery and radiation treatment at Mayo Clinic saved his life. Read David's story.