Our Stories

Hello again everyone,

Yes it is still raining over here, extremely heavy today, but then again it is the UK! I think all the best authors must write their best whilst the weather is poor as it makes sense then to be glued to your typewriter or Pc and not out wandering the beautiful countryside getting wet!

Hope you are all well and finally managing to overcome the indulgences of the festive period. I know some of you will frown at my excesses over the holidays especially given my diagnosis but my view is simple - shiny shoes are happy shoes and happiness is definitely medicinal so if I upset anyone you have my upmost apologies and I appreciate we all deal with our situations in our own way and this is the only way I know. Talking of apologies I would like to post one on the back of my first article on your fabulous site where I mentioned the eating of 'mice pies' at Christmas and after it was brought to my attention I would like to say it is purely a spelling mistake and not a English past time. Mince pies are actually a festive treat made of fruit that are eaten en-mass in the UK.

My desire to write to you all again so soon comes on the back of an experience I had at the hospital last week and following on from my regular visit to the Oncologist for a review of my progress. I was extremely pleased to hear that my body is reacting well to the current rounds of treatment and my PSA (relating to prostate cancer) levels had fallen from a whopping 455 (under 4 is the norm) to a more suitable 21.5 and then lately to a lowly 4.2 so as you can imagine I was very happy to hear this. This euphoria however was short lived when I was reminded that after all they cannot cure my problem and that it was purely a situation of containment and that the average time scale of reversal lasts around 18 months! Right I thought, time to pull ones socks up, regain the smile and get stuck in, there is a life to live!

I had never heard of the phrase 'BUCKET LiST' until watching Susan being interviewed on Canadian television and mention of such a list and it was almost freaky that following on from my hospital visit that the film of the same name 'THE BUCKET LIST' (starring - Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) was showing on a regional channel. Given the news I had just received maybe it wasn't the best choice to watch this movie but forever the fool I went ahead and did so. Although not the most realistic movie, as most of us won't have the funds Jack's character has in the film and we wouldn't have the opportunity to take things to such an extreme, it did make me realise how important having fun is during our predicaments and hence I decided on my own 'BUCKET LIST'.

On the back of my experience I have now booked to visit friends in Brussels Belgium for a long weekend at the start of February followed by a trip to Switzerland at the end of that month to visit members of my family who live near Zurich and then the big one, I have booked my flights for a trip over to your neck of the woods and at the start of July I am visiting my very dear friends in Sqaumish BC for a couple of weeks. I am so excited to be travelling back to the Vancouver area as it is so long since i was last in Canada and all I have is great memories of your beautiful country. Holidays aside, I also managed to go to a gig with my 17 year old daughter Charlie the other night to watch 'Enter Shikari" a fantastic English 'Dub, Hardcore, Rock' band and although I was surrounded by people of her age, some who spent the whole evening crowd surfing it was one of the best evenings I have experienced for ages and was a great example of using a 'BUCKET LIST'.

Of course I discussed my ides with my consultant and doctor and given my current healthy state they had no problem whatsoever in sanctioning my travel plans as long as they didn't coincide with any treatments planned. I do appreciate I am fortunate at the moment to have the ability to travel and my heart goes out to you fellow cancer sufferers that can't enjoy such luxury but all I would say is that please stay strong for not only yourselves but also for everyone around you and think about your own 'BUCKET LIST".

Love to you all and F-CANCER

John x

Ps I fly to Vancouver on the 30th June if anyone would like say hello and share a smile with a mad Englishman!

This is my first time writing about living with my cancer, and after reading so many others, I'd like to put down on paper what it's like and what I've been thru, living with cancer!
BTW..I decided to choose a picture with the wig I had to wear after losing all my long hair after radiation instead of a current one where my hair has grown back and is now to the actual bottom of my back! My friends and family are amazed at how much it has grown!
I go back now 4 years ago being diagnosed with pharangeal cancer, basically cancer of the throat and voice box). My first treatment was 9 weeks of radiation, with chemotherapy the first day only, and the last day only. I was lucky to be able to go 2 years before it grew back and grew back fast! My 2nd surgery took my voice box, my thyroid, and glands so I was now not able to talk.
Funny, but thru all these three years I was never scared! Funny, everyone thought I would be, but I learned quickly that being a strong independent lady doesn't help in matters like this...You need your family and friend and you need to be able to lean on them. Once I got used to the idea, it was much easier to do! And I thank God for them every day. My two wonderful sons, Chris and Jason, my three sisters, Judy, Donna, and Karen, my sister-in-law, and my daughter-in-laws!!!! Also including my brothers and brother-in-law, and all of my nieces and nephews! My closest friends, there was nothing I couldn't talk to them about. I was amazed every day and sometimes took my breath away at how much they wanted and were there for me...nothing was too big or small to ask of them, they were there to do it and this is when I learned what unconditional love is.
So when asked if I was scared the past 3 years? The answer is no...not when I was surrounded by so much love. I don't live my life getting up every day thinking about cancer, it's in the back of my mind, but never a full mind searing thought that would scare me so much as to bring me to my knees, NEVER!!!
My 3rd surgery, was the closest I came to passing...when I blew my left carotid artery, and lost all my blood..they worked on me all night, then had to fly me by jet to another city hospital of operate to see if they could fix it...and warned my family it was very unlikely I would make it this time. Only 2to 3% make it out of this, Of course, my son stood up and said, ok, ok, just tell us what's next, the Dr.said you don't understand I'm trying to prepare you for her probably not making it this time...and once again, lol...my son said, yes, yes,,,but what's next.
What he told me later was they didn't know their mother...I was too tough to let go yet. It wasn't my time! And...he was right!!! 2 weeks later they drove me back to my home hospital and the emergency Dr. who treated me was there and was absolutely amazed to see me there alive!!! He said everyone had talked about my story, and they were going to be further amazed to see I was still alive!!
My family watched me go thru all this...plus they had to put a stoma in so I could breathe and thought, how can she go thru all that and still be here?
It was because of them. With that kind of love...it was easy...I live my life one day at a time and that makes it very easy. I do take it easy..but the one thing I've changed is I hug everyone coming into my home and when they're leaving. I tell them I love them every time I talk to them..and it's now spread...they do it with their children and outer family members!!!!
So next week I go for an MRI, to see if everything is ok in my brain, and if it is...I have a feeling it'll be a long time before they'll have to see me again!!1
Funny, but having cancer doesn't scare me...it has brought me more positives than negatives into my life. And my family & friends show me their love much more and appreciate spending time together much more! How can you beat that!!!
So, as my oldest son always says...Fuck Cancer...it doesn't control my life....I say...I have cancer, or I've had cancer, but I control my life!!!!

Hi there everyone in BC,

Merry Christmas to you all from a wet and windy yet beautiful North West England.

I just wanted to tell you that I am sat in bed enjoying a nice cuppa and proudly wearing one of your fantastic bracelets that I have just found in a present I opened from some of my very close friends that reside in Squamsh BC and who are currently visiting the UK for the festive period.

Of course you will probably wonder why a random Englishman is writing on Christmas morning when he should be fighting off the wrapping paper and getting stuck into the turkey, mice pies and of course the odd glass of wine or two (bit early for that actually) but I just thought I had to write after donning the bracelet and the resulting feeling once I put it on (not sure it goes with the pyjamas mind!)

As for my own link to the big C I was recently (5 weeks ago) diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer which of course has come as a huge shock especially given my healthy lifestyle and young age (well 48 is young to me!). I decided from the word go that negatives would not come into the equation and it was positives only for me. Having spoken to the guys in BC they pointed me to your campaign and I was pleased to see others with the same outlook and positive attitudes as myself. I always throw in a few jokes when explaining the situation to others so it completely relaxes them and they feel more comfortable to ask questions or discuss treatments etc and so far it has worked a dream. I think happiness is reciprocal and if I laugh and others laugh too then we are all happy and the situation is made so much more bearable.

I know I could write forever but you will have heard it all before so I won't bore you all with the same old same stuff, just for all you cancer sufferers and their families from a mad Englishman, stay positive, sack negativity and have a lovely Christmas, onwards and upwards and F-CANCER.

Love to you all

John x

Susan, I thank you for your support and your gracious gesture in allowing me to use your art work.
I now proudly wear your logo across my back and shoulders, I am completely in your debt.

My wife Kelly was a beautiful 6' athlete, who competed all her life in her favorite sport volleyball.
She taught me how to love, nurture, and truly appreciate life.
Her smile was infectious, and affected everyone around her. Sunrise is my time with Kelly as the sun reminds me of her smile.

Kelly started itching and turning yellow in 2007, which was eventually diagnosed as a blocked bile duct.
She had a transduodenal resection in which the pre-cancerous tumor was removed from the bile duct and her recovery went well, and she returned to the court to compete with her volleyball teammates.

Late in 2008 her digestive system began passing fats through her system undigested and a cancerous tumor was discovered and removed with a whipple procedure in early 2009.
Her recovery allowed us (myself a rower) to attend the World Masters Games in Sydney Australia 8 months later, with Kelly's team placing 6th in the 50+ age group.

In March of 2010 I was diagnosed with stage 3 collorectal cancer and began chemo-radiation-chemo-surgery-chemo-surgery regime.
In early summer Kelly began losing weight and both her calf's took turns getting sore and swollen.
The day I was admitted for my first surgery Kelly was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, and her surgeon called up a series of tests to find out about her weight loss.
When I woke up from surgery Kelly was present and the surgeon said my surgery went excellent, which my pathology report later confirmed.
We had the results the following day from her CT scan and there was numerous tumors on her lungs and liver, and in the end her spine.
She was immediately admitted for a biopsy on the largest of the tumors on her liver, some extremely kind hearted nurses arranged a double room for us which even had a slight view.
We told the kids (Sara 23, Jessica 21, Mitchell 15) when they visited that I was too cheap to take mom on a holiday, so we had to settle for a courtyard view from our hospital room.
The biopsy ultimately confirmed the cancer had returned and that it was inoperable. Upon my release I began caring for Kelly at home and her medication was changed to slow release morphine, with break through morphine as required.

Kelly's friend Jan stopped by one day with your fuck cancer bracelet for Kelly, and this instantly became a symbol for her feelings and thoughts from that day forward.
Shortly after my second last chemo treatment we had a consult with The Cancer Clinic oncologist to discuss potential chemo for Kelly.
We were advised that Kelly had advanced ampullary cancer and that we could start a chemo regime, but Kelly's condition was so poor that she would likely be hospitalized for the duration of treatments, and at best these would only prolong the inevitable conclusion. She and I were devastated, I had to give her break through morphine to get her home and the Home Care people set up appointments for us the following day. Addy, a wonder Home Care Specialist, came and immediately established a close bond with Kelly (she of course had to show her the bracelet) and we all decided that moving her to the hospital was in order. I had the ambulance staff take her to St. Pauls Palliative care that afternoon and she passed away peacefully in the company of our family the next afternoon. Kelly battled long and hard without complaint or concern, and once I was diagnosed she disguised/hid most of her symptoms from all until she knew I was going to recover.

I would do anything to have Kelly back, but I am simply left with honoring her memory and making a statement "fuck cancer".

I am a veteran of cancer, not just a survivor.

Your friend,
Daryl

The Tattooist (engraver) was Danny at Right of Passage, Saskatoon.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2011 at the age of 50. I have had surgery and 2 rounds of Chemo at this point, with 6 more rounds of chemo to go and 30 zaps of radiation and then back for more surgery. I am DETERMINED to win this battle. I have had setbacks but will continue to move forward because Cancer cannot win...FUCK CANCER

Four days before my 21st birthday a tumor was found in my spinal cord. This tumor had been developing for at least seven months - which is the time it took for doctors to figure out why I was slowly becoming paralyzed from the waist down. Upon biopsy it was determined that I had a very rare form of a cancer called Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET). I immediately began radiation to my entire central nervous system. I received radiation for six weeks and that was able to shrink the tumor a good amount, the rest would have to be taken care of through very intense chemotherapy. I received chemo for six months and then completed another year of oral chemotherapy. Everything worked and I went into remission.

Throughout my treatment I also participated in physical therapy for what became a total of three years. That is how long it took for me to be able to learn how to walk again. I still have some damage to my spinal cord and walk with a cane.

Fast forward ten years...I began having "weird" headaches that felt as if there was some type of pressure in my head. I told my doctor about this and he rushed me in for an MRI. This is when I found out that I had a recurrance of my PNET, but this time in my brain.

Due to the fact that I had already had radiation to the brain ten years earlier, I could not have it again. I underwent two brain surgeries to remove as much of the three tumors as possible; two of the three were inoperable. I also began chemotherapy which was again successfull in eliminating the tumors. Once I was found to be in remission I underwent a stem cell transplant to try and prevent another recurrance. That was hell, but I made it through and after almost a year was able to return to my job as a social worker.

Unfortunately, two years later, I am undergoing treatment again for another recurrance in the brain. This time the tumor was found very early and was able to be completely removed with surgery. The chemo I am receiving this time is less intense and has very little side effects. I am able to continue to work and my scans continue to be good showing no signs of cancer.

I am lucky because I have a very supportive husband and family that never let me down. I have always managed to keep a positive attitude throughout my struggles with this disease and that is why I fell in love with this bracelet when it was discovered. I will also be getting this as a tattoo as soon as I am done with my chemo. Thank you for creating this bracelet for everyone that has been effected by this horrible disease.

Through our husband's work association I met two wonderful women D'Arcy and Peggy. It's rare for work collegues to have their spouses get along famously. We've been getting together every year for 10+ years at the Peggy & Frank's cabin for Mayfest. While we started out as strangers; Peggy, D'Arcy and I are now friends and have shared many laughs and tears over the years.

Last summer at Mayfest, D'Arcy complained of the cold she couldn't shake. That fall she was diagnosed with CLL and entered into chemo. First course didn't go well due to automimmune challenges and she is slated for a bone marrow transplant this fall.

FCancer is pretty much how us three girls feel about D'Arcy's situation. So in solidarity we all are sporting your bracelets to remind us every day of our friendship and thoughts and prayers for D'Arcy.

p.s. my mother was just 'kicked out' of Cancercare after a breast cancer treatment. Peggy and I now live in hope for the D'Arcy's treatment will result in her getting kicked out soon......Love U D'arcy!

This is an awesome message and such a wonderful way to raise awareness. I was diagnosed with ALL whenI was younger and felt as if it took such a chunk out of my life and now I don't know where I would be or who I'd be if I had that chunk back. Going through this experience made me who I am today. I am at the school of my dreams finally, and studying to be a Social Worker so I can work along side the amazing people who saved my life at St. Judes Childrens Hospital. We are all part of the plan, I embrace life by embracing the plan set out for me. One day I'll be able to purchase one of these amazing bracelets and wear it proudly. Peace.Vibes. and Love.

I am buying this bracelet for my wife. She is 46, and facing chemo and surgery for breast cancer. Her story is a common one. Young, healthy, active, and now faced with a significant battle on her hands. She has imense support from family and friends. She has an absolutely outstanding outlook, and I am fully confident that this story will have a happy ending. We are two treatments into the program, and she is beautiful. I have never been more proud of her.

Dear Susan,

Thank you for being you and doing what you do – sharing your story and your passion is inspiring and supports our work greatly on many levels.

LOVE the EMBRACE LIFE message!

With many thanks and best wishes,

Janice

Janice Wright MD, CCFP
Director of Clinical Services
InspireHealth
www.inspirehealth.ca

InspireHealth’s LIFE Program is the Single Most Important Step in cancer care. Tell someone you know today. No referral necessary.

My mother was diagnosed with 4th Stage adenocarcinoma in November of 2010. It started in her lungs, and has moved to her head and her bones. She is only 52 years old.

This bracelet exactly says what I want to scream out to Cancer. Yes, F Cancer.

It has made a 5'7 woman become 108 pounds, give her bouts of deliria, 30 pills a day, and have to have an injection every day. Her body is unwilling to accept chemotherapy, so we just live day to day.

So Thank You for this bracelet. It is exactly what I needed today.

REMINDS ME TO EMBRACE LIFE EVERYDAY WITH NO REGRETS.

On June 3, 2011, together with my family and friends,we walked all night to support Cancer Research at the 12th Annual Barrie Relay for Life.

For three (3) years now my team (Because You're Mine) " I Walk the Line" have participated in the Barrie Relay for Life event. My sister Alison and I started the team in support of our dad Phil who is a prostate cancer survivor. We wanted to show our dad how much he meant to us and that we will never stop fighting the fight.

This year we had 12 members on our team, and we paid special honour to my best friend Randall "Rolls" Pugh. Rolls was diagnosed with sarcoma just over 1 year ago and recently was diagnosed with lung cancer. He is fighting the fight of his life, and together with his wife Brenda, daughter Sarah, his mom and dad Barb and Bill, cousin Scott and many more we dedicated the night to him. Because that night, like every night we fight for him and stand behind him in love and support. (I love you Rolls).

Our team came in 6th place from a fund raising perspective in over 85 teams that participated in the Barrie Relay for Life - and I am proud to say that I personally placed 7th in individual funds raised amongst over 1800 people enrolled in this year's event. A total of approx $230,000 was raised by all participants in Barrie!! Wow! What an accomplishment!!

To help raise incremental funds the day of the event, we raffled off a F CANCER bracelet - earning an additional $375 in donations. We were the talk of the event - EVERYONE wanted to win the bracelet!! The picture shown here is of my dad and I standing on the track encouraging people to purchase a raffle ticket. What an overwhelming response. Everyone was asking how they too can get their bracelet!

A big thank you to Susan and Lisa for all their love and support. Thank you for making this year's Relay for Life memorable and so amazing.

Love and appreciation,
Mark Saunders

Nico Hawryliw

Nicola Edward Kenneth Hawryliw was born January 16, 1992 and passed away April 30, 2011 in North Battleford. Nico leaves behind his broken hearted family – parents Allison (Kennedy) and Lionel, and sister Jane, grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Nico was a loving and generous person. His soul was older than he was. His hilarious sense of humor was with him until close to the end of his life. His love of life, family and friends was evident in the way he cared for others, never wanting to hurt feelings. He was intelligent and enjoyed school. He never procrastinated with homework and always did it to the best of his ability. He was unselfish – putting other’s needs before his own. He was compassionate – always worrying that everyone was included. He hoped to become a social worker, after realizing a hockey career was no longer possible. His sister Jane was his best friend – they spent many great moments together.

Nico loved all sports, especially hockey, fishing and golf. He was a collector - never fully using what he obtained, but it was important to him to have it. He travelled from coast to coast in Canada and had visited 22 American states.

Nico was first diagnosed with a CNS germinoma in February 2005. His 6 + years journey inspired us in many ways. He taught us how to love, to be courageous and to never give up. His fortitude united our community and Nico became a local hero, which he modestly denied. In 2010, Nico was awarded the Canadian Cancer Medal for Courage. He was very proudly humbled by this honor.

The celebration of Nico’s life will be Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 7 pm in the North Battleford Comprehensive High School gymnasium. Dress is casual. Feel free to wear your favorite team apparel or Nico’s favorite color - green. Donations may be made to the Nico Hawryliw Fund c/o the Battlefords and District Community Foundation Inc. at RBC Dominion Securities, c/o Rob Rongve, 1101-101st. Royal Bank Tower, Suite 602 North Battleford S9A 0Z5. A tax receipt will be issued and various charities will benefit from this endowment fund. Bob McKay of The Battlefords Funeral Service (306) 446-4200 is in charge of arrangements.

I wanted to let you know that I am thrilled with the exception service I received from you with this order. I will be giving this to my son, who has been battling bone cancer, for his 16th birthday this week.

I have recommended your company to many people and have shown this bracelet to everyone. People love it, so hopefully you will receive more orders from my recommendation.

Thanks again.

In June 2010 I lost my mother to cancer. It was the most brutal experience I had ever gone through. Cancer took a very special person who spent her life finding the good in people and really did embrace life.
Inspired by my mother I decided to do a fund-raiser for my co-workers who are in tremendous battles against cancer. We are all city employees working for the City of Greater Sudbury.

One of these people started working for the City on the same day I did as a transit bus operator. His wife has lung and liver cancer. They are a young 47 years old and have one daughter. My friend has been off work for several months caring for his wife and ensuring that they live life to the fullest. We are not sure what the future will bring but we are doing what we can to support them in the moment.

Another co-worker is also a bus driver. This employee has throat cancer and has just recently had his voice box removed. He has been off work for several months and as he is a part-time employee he has no short term benefits. I have met with this employee and have had a great conversation using different methods like white boards and hand signals. He is in great spirits and is clearly ready to embrace life. He was extremely happy when I presented him with his fuck cancer bracelet. He loved what it represented and was wearing it proudly. He is also looking at returning to work in July. We can’t wait to have him back.

The last co-worker which I did fund-raising for has had to endure cancer which has attacked his son. It is a rare form of cancer which attacked the spine. They have had to travel to and from Toronto on a regular basis. This has had a significant impact on their financial situation as the father has had to take time away from work to care for his son. From what I understand the cancer has had an impact on the son’s ability to walk.

We hate to talk about a prognosis because it’s not always the best subject when talking about cancer. When my sister found this web site it gave us something we could use to say what we realy feel about cancer and how we want to approach life.

I hope the money raised with our event (which included the sale of bracelets) will make a little difference in the lives of the people we are trying to help.

The attached photo was taken at the fund-raiser and includes one of the people we were raising money for. He is the only man in the picture.

I first heard about the bracelet from a friend who was supporting her girlfriend through her cancer treatment. The message rang true for me and when I was diagnosed in 2009, I bought a bracelet for myself and for those closest to me who were supporting me through my journey.
Happily, I completed my treatment and have been "back to normal".

When another friend was told she might have cancer, I felt it was appropriate for me to pass my bracelet on to her. She too loved the message and we giggled over the f*** cancer message.

Now I find that I may be facing cancer again and the first thing I did was to buy a replacement bracelet...hopefully to ward off cancer once again.

Thank you for bringing humour into this most frigtening of experiences!!!

Hi In March 2009 as a result of moving to another city and making an appointment with a new doctor he noticed a nodule on my Thyroid. After a fine needle aspiration is showed Herthle Cell Lesions. No one gets excited about thyroid cancers so the Surgeon ( even after I tried many times to have myself moved me up the waiting list) I finally had the surgery October 1 2010. On October 28 I returned to hear the good news from the surgeon when they told me that they were surprised to find that I had Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. A very rare type of thyroid cancer. A blood test will indicate if the cancer is still evident in my body of which it was and January 12 Ihad a bilateral neck dissection. I will have to wait till March to find out if there is still evidence of cancer. It could move to lungs, bone, liver etc. This type of cancer does not respond to chemo or radiation so its imperative to remove it all during surgery.

The pain was a lot worse than I ever expected and I am now in physio in order to get back in shape. I cannot feel my ears and as far down as my chest as all my nerves are cut during surgery.

I am going to believe that they have removed all the cancer. Glad to be alive at this point.

In July 2010 I visited my brother and sister in law who live on Vancouver Island, they kindly gave me a F*K cuff which means an awful lot to me. Our lives like many others have been haunted by cancer with the loss of loved ones. Today a dear friend of mine lost her mother, so I have ordered her a matching cuff which I know she will treasure as much as I treasure mine.

My mother who is now 72 was diagnosed 4 years ago with breast cancer, underwent chemo, radiation and mastectomy and is so far now cancer free. I was diagnosed at 49 yrs old in the spring of 2008, and because of early detection, underwent surgery only which involved mastectomy and complete reconstruction of my left breast. I am also presently cancer free. Now my 20 year old daughter is undergoing screening for a lump but initial tests do not indicate cancer at this time, THANK GOD!! She will have to be diligent about it for the rest of her life however. There was previously NO history in my family on either side so we are inclined to think environmental causes...but will never know for sure. This has become epidemic and so disturbing. I bought the bracelet but it expresses my sentiments so well and hope the donation portion will help others facing this horrible affliction.
Linda Doerr

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. I underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Bald and sick, I was overwhelmed by the goodness that was manifested by people I knew, and people I didn't know. It was life changing for me. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. I would often hear people comment on how gracefully I was handling my illness, when in reality I was drawing my strength from their outpouring of love. Deep down I was scared. F*Cancer

In 2008 my life changed again, when my first grandchild was born. It brought out feelings of sadness in the beginning. Would I live to see him grow up, start school, get married? Or would I be the grandmother that was just a vague memory in a little boy's mind? Even though I felt I had beaten cancer, the fear still lingered deep inside. F*Cancer

When my grandson was 5 months old, he came into our care permanently. I was 50 years old and faced with motherhood. But now the fear was even greater. This little boy had been abandoned by his birth mother. Was it fair to him to have me fill that void, and then lose me? F*Cancer

In January 2010, I was one month shy of being cancer-free for 5 years, a milestone for breast cancer survivors. But the back pain I had been experiencing since December become unbearable. The cancer had recurred and was attacking my spine. F*Cancer

I will not lose this battle. I will fight it with every ounce of my being. I want to live and I will. I love you Dominic. F*Cancer

Thank you Susan, and thank you for the beautiful design that says what we all feel. I will be ordering a bracelet and wearing it proudly as a reminder every day that I am stronger than the cancer.

I learned about the bracelet from my hairdresser who has her own horrible story of battling cancer. For anyone that has gone through it or loved someone that did, this bracelet says it all and feels good to wear it. You can't go around every day saying fuck cancer, but you can wear this and feel like you are.

I had lost many family members to cancer but it hit hard when my husband and father both died of cancer within a few years of each other. My husband was diagnosed weeks before our son was born and had a very unsuccessful battle. The chemo was horrible. The tumors were painful. All of it came out of nowhere. He didn't fall into the typical categories for his cancer. All the doctors were shocked. But, as many of us know, cancer does not discriminate.

So, when my grandmother asked me what I wanted for Christmas, there was only one thing on my mind, this bracelet. She lost her husband, two brothers and only son (my Dad) to cancer. While she would never walk around wearing a bracelet that says this, she told me she agrees with the sentiment.

For those going through their own battle, I wish you strength and love of those around you. I hope you wil be able share your own personal success story on this page!

My name is Jennifer Dempsey and I am the proud mother of a very brave brain tumour survivor. My youngest child, Brandon, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 4 and spent 10 years battling this terrible disease. He was cautiously declared tumour free at the age of 14 after undergoing numerous surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. He is now 16 and is doing great. He is a Grade 11 honors student, works part-time and has lost 25 pounds as a result of making some serious lifestyle changes. On his 16th birthday, I allowed him to get a tattoo on his chest which reads "Survivor''. He has become an advocate for the brain tumour community throughout the years, doing everything in his power to create awareness of the disease. I am chairperson of two brain tumour organizations, one local and the other national. Sadly, I all too often see children and adults lose their battle to cancer but I also see the tremendous amount of progress being made in the fight against this deadly disease. I wanted to buy bracelets for Brandon and I so that we can help spread the message that cancer can be beaten. Brandon is living proof of it!

I was shocked when a lump came to the surface of my body just under my armpit....i knelt in the shower and cryed "oh my God" over and over again....My brain engaged again after fear went on a rampage through my body........Called the doctor and in i went for ultra sound."'That did look suspicious" she said and then sent me for a mamogram...'No its not breast cancer" and found great relief of the news.No one person in and on my families sides had breast cancer.So in i went to biopsy the lump.Stage 3 follicular non-hodgkins lymphoma Cancer!That threw me for a spin and then i got aggressive.Lets fight this.I read all i could get my hands on and went forward with the treatment of chemo thereapy.After my last session #8 treatment i hoped on my Harley and drove over 3 thousand miles.The first few days i just hung on for dear life and by the second week of the trip i was in control again.Stronger body and mind.When i finished the ride i started maintanance therapy...more chemo, again 8 more rounds, but spaced out 1 every three months.Very doable.I just finished my 6th yesterday and saw a lady with the braclet on and i needed to get one because this is now how i feel " Fuck Cancer" sums up just about everything i have to do to move forward.I don't wear any color on my body dipicting what cancer i have,but you would think "pink"is the only cancer there is...........All is going well and life is sweeter than ever!!!!

I'm a cancer fighter myself! Since being first diagnosed back in May 2009 with Multiple Myeloma (same as Lisa Ray), I decided from that moment I will not let this own me. I actually felt a warming relief now knowing what has been draining me of my energy of the last 6-8 months. Taking things head on has always been my way. So I figured this would be no different. There was no time to feel sorry for one self. Strangely I finally found purpose with my life and this was the battle! Whether it is in the form of bad or good news, one must take hold of it and do good.

To know me, I am a very athletic, physically strong guy, aged 44 that always took care of himself. I was the one guy in my group of friends that had an annual medical, ate healthy, drink little and did not smoke. I water-skied, downhill skied, mountained biked, played volleyball twice weekly and the list goes on. I also continued to work during this time, driving 65kms one way to my office in Oshawa everyday. Not only was I dealing with the cancer, I also had a broken rib (which is how we discovered this), I was anemic, and also had acquired through the chemo a blood clot in my right leg. I guess fate really doesn't play favourites, you can do all the right things and still be so unfortunate with so many things going wrong. At this point I thought to myself, if god wants to take me down, he'll have to hit me with more than just this small list of things! My self reserve and toughness was really started to shine through at this point.

The summer of 2009 was a tough one, but I have managed to survive that first 4 months round of chemo (Dexamethasone and Velcade) and get my self set for a stem-cell transplant for December. While waiting on "the list" I at a very last minute decided to get involved in a PMH charity event. The 5k Your Way for Multiple Myeloma. With 8 days before the event I started my charity drive. I set a goal of $2000 and in 2 hours I achieved that. I then upped the goal to $5000 and before that weekend I hit that. After a week, I was floored to find out that I managed to raise $10,000 towards this cause the first time out. It was a good feeling and one were my sense of purpose really kicked in. It also was a good break while I waited for the call to be admitted for the SCT. The stem-cell transplant seemed like a breeze. I was able to walk 3 km's everyday on the hospital floor as we were confined due to our weakened immune system. The toughest thing was the hospital food. Gosh, someone really needs to let them know at PMH that it would go a long way to recouping when the food actually tastes like the food it resembles!

Apparently I was a text book case during my stay at the wonderful Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. By the way, I just cannpt say enough about the doctors, nurses and staff at that place! Thank you... seems so little. Back to my text book case. I got my Christmas present and was released on Christmas Day. My recouping was none eventful much like my experience in PMH. I had no really side effects or complications. Just long boring days. Even my energy levels with low red blood counts didn't seem to slow me.

February showed up and so did the Olympics in Vancouver. Opportunity presented itself to me do off I went to see the spectacle. It was awesome! At this point the neupogen I received in December decide to show its side-effects. The soles of my feet were burning, but again I decided I wasn't going to let this run my life and I pushed on and walked Robson St., saw 5 hockey games, and took in skiing in Whistler. It was worth it and the extreme pain I felt everyday and night in my feet for four weeks finally disappeared.

Easter then showed up and so was a trip we had planned to beautiful Antigua with my beautiful girlfriend. It was a week well deserved for both of us. She has been so good sticking by my side. Supporting me, but I believe this is tougher on her than me. The resort was something out of a dream! Just incredible! The greatest thing though happened on the Wednesday mid week on the beach which we had all to ourselves. I proposed and she said yes! The proposal is a story in its self, which I will tell another time time. We were both very happy. Wedding is to be spring of 2010. Hopefully on a day that is just as memorable!

As you can see, I haven't sat back and watched the world go by and felt sorry for myself. I have continued on, doing things and keeping busy with others, not sitting back and waiting for it to come to me. You have to really take life by the horns and live it!

Finally in May it was found that the SCT was not as successful as we all hoped. Back to the drawing board. It was actually having a nice break from the drugs from January to June. The mind was once again clear, decisive and concise. Oh... what a feeling! No more fog! haha! Unfortunately short lived and since the end of June I have been back on Dex along with Revlamid. Both have been working their magic and results are looking good. Perhaps a partial remission is in order? Let's hope because work in a fog is always a challenge!

Speaking of work, no more drive to Oshawa 65 km one way. It's now a walk to the downtown towers which takes all of 15 minutes. Some things we need to do for ourselves is to eliminate unnecessary stresses, eat better, get excercise and keep a sound mind. Please read the Anti-Cancer book it will do you good! I especially liked what I learned about eating. No more sugar, no more white or bleached flours. Eat lots of veggies, and also remember to get lots of sleep.

So today I sit and I am writing this quick and short note. I hope it gives someone a sense of comfort knowing others are walking this road. Keep brave, hold your head high and take control of your life. You only get on chance and this is it regardless of the cards dealt!

Be well!

A year ago my girlfriend showed me the lovely *uck cancer bracelet her brother bought after losing their mother to cancer very suddenly. I remember at the time feeling sad for her and thinking what a thoughtful thing for her brother to do.

A year forward and I am sitting in front of my dr as he is telling me my "cancer" responds really well to chemo and radiation - the only thing i could think of asking him was if he was really sure because i looked and felt fine except for a silly cough. Did he have the right person? Did he have the right diagnosis? After all I had alot of people praying for me - surely there must be a mistake.

Testing and treatments begin and suddenly your life is taken over and you are immersed in cancer world. Learning a new language and meeting new people.

My two teenage children, husband, sisters and brothers have been tremendous - so many times i wonder how i can repay them for giving up part of their lives to help me and my family through this terrible ordeal. I remembered the bracelet and I look forward to the day when I am healthy again and give one to each of my sisters and mom - you see they are the ones that really see the effects of cancer on a family ... *uck cancer! Anna Crawford, Orillia Ontario

I just wanted to say how much I admire what you are doing. Having lost my mother to ovarian cancer 7 years ago in December, and then watching my father and voice teacher fight cancer battles (and win!) this past year, this sentiment resonates very loudly. I love your message and look forward to wearing it on my wrist every day.

My adorable older brother got a new kidney from my other amazing brother two years ago. They are both doing great. Except that tdoday my adorable brother called to tell me that he has colon cancer and the Dr, told him it has spread to his liver. So now he has to find a plan that will accommodate his new body. I don"t know what to do?

But my dear friend is battling bladder cancer and is wearing this beautiful Fuck Cancer Bracelet. So because I refuse to feel helpless I just bought one for my brother, his beautiful wife and his 3 very special grown children. This amazing family were at my side 3 years ago when my 25 year old daughter took her own life. So on behalf of all these people who do nothing but love and give and care to others, I say for them, Fuck Cancer, we have had enough! Do not under estimate the power of family love, we will fight this and win! Just watch us now.

Thank you for this beautiful, cheaky little token of expression of power!
Karen

Cancer has taken my mom, her mom and a number of my aunts - and is currently working on two other aunts.

Cancer has tried to take me and I say ... F*CK you Cancer!

Six year breast cancer survivor.

Kris

I came across this story after I read the link on Brett Wilson's website. He was someone I had admired for a long time - and had no idea that he had a journey through cancer as well. My father was diagnosed recently with Prostate Cancer, and I knew that this bracelet is something I had to have. And had to share the message it represents.

Cindy S.
Saskatoon, SK

I have been trying to find a way to grieve since July 28, 2002 when I lost my aunt to gall bladder cancer. When I came across this web site, I was like, "yeah that's right, f*** cancer!" I have been reading the other posts, seeing pictures of other's family members, and to all of those who have battled and survived,well, in short, you are my hero. I cannot imagine a harder task then to fight everyday and then finally win. For lack of a stronger word, it must be truly rewarding to know you are in control of your life!

For those who have lost someone they loved like me to this horrible disease, I am so sorry. It is heartbreaking, but we live on and share/have memories that we will cherish forever, and then we pass those memories down to others.

My aunt had Crones Disease, which had made her weak before diagnosed with cancer. At her best, she weighed 100 lbs, and at her worst, 89 lbs. Cancer was never in the picture. She was only 48 when she died. I remember coming home after high school (I was 15) and my mom just sitting there on the couch crying and then told me the news. My aunt was my mom's older sister, and did not have kids of her own. My younger sister and I were her kids.

I remember the last day I saw her. She was covered in blankets, swollen all over her body, completely inflamed. I remember saying goodbye, like even then I knew it was the last time I would see her. My regret is that I didn't stay by her side longer. I miss her terribly.

F* cancer! It shouldn't take away those we love. Keep fighting.

-Jess (Chicago)

Susan, I just wanted to say... that I am inspired by you. I was at the Team Finn wine tasting fundraiser last night and discovered your beautiful f* cancer bracelet. I knew immediately that this was something I needed to wear. I am 40 years old and will celebrate 5 years as a cancer survivor this October 27. These 5 years have been the best of my life in terms of healing, living intentionally, taking risks, being connected. So for me, it is both f* cancer, and thank you cancer.

Anyway, I didn't win the bracelet in the auction - it was a competition to the end - but I picked one up at YYoga, and will be getting one for my friend who is 38 and just had a double mastectomy.

Your story inspired me, your jewelry touched me... thank you.

Rochelle

On January 9, 1972 Leukemia stole my dad from me – he was 51.
On March 20, 1972 cancer took my mom – she was 48.
I was only 11.
What does an eleven year old feel they she loses her parents within 3 months to cancer? I can honestly say, at the time, relief.

Like all dads he was my hero – he could do anything, except slay the cancer dragon. Like all little girls (and the youngest of the family) I had my dad wrapped securely around my baby finger. In 1971 Leukemia snuck up behind him when he was taking care of my mom, providing for our family and stole him. How dare Leukemia take him? Didn’t cancer know that I needed him to be my rock? Why did it have to be my dad? Who would teach me to drive? Who would walk me down the aisle?

I remember the day like it was yesterday, when I heard my mom received THE call that she would need to go to St. John, New Brunswick for chemo treatments, this was around 1965. I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but I remember her crying as she talked on the phone – I knew that this trip to St. John did not include a fun weekend at my favourite aunts. Seeing her cry made me cry – with her best reassurance she said ‘everything will be OK – don’t worry’. This was the beginning of the end for her.
She made many trips to St. John for chemo, many visits to the hospital, towards the end of her life, our family doctor made nightly trips into our house to give mom something to help her sleep and be comfortable and ease the pain.

At eleven I had no idea the impact of losing my parents would have on my life – I just knew that they, especially my mom, was no longer in pain, which she was no longer suffering. Relief that there were no more surgeries, relief that there were no more trips to the hospital for her, relief the doctor no longer had to make the nightly trip into the house, relief that her pain was gone, relief that it was finally over.

I understand now the impact. They missed seeing me drive, graduate, walk me down the aisle to my husband Carl. (And would they have loved him. Carl would have enjoyed many drinks with my dad under the tree on the front lawn. He would have also teased my mom, and she would have swatted him with the dish towel, and made his favourite meals). They missed meeting my step-daughters, and grand-daughter. They missed seeing me become an adult.

Now that I am an adult (some of my friends will completely disagree with me on this). The day I turned 48 was very emotional for me. That was the age she was when she died. I have now out lived her – and 48 is not old, although it seemed like it was at 11. When I turned 48, I wanted to honour this woman, who fought this disease for most of the time I had known her. Whatever we did had to be challenging, so my husband, Carl and I participated 7 of the Weekend to End Breast Cancer events across Canada.

Two years from now, when I turn 51, I will be the same age as my dad was when Leukemia stole him. I will do something special to honour him.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason – even losing my parents at 11. It has made me passionate about raising money for cancer research and care so that no parent has to leave a young daughter behind ..."

F* Cancer - you are NOT going to win!!!!

www.BreastStrokeGolfTournament.com
www.TickledPinkCookbook.com

My brother is a cancer survivor so I ordered on for each of us.
Cheers.

My husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour - summer of 2008. Life changes in an instant. He is my inspiration and the love of my life.....now and always. We are positive people and he is the strongest person I know - The bracelet is priceless and made us laugh...you need to have a lightness with this otherwise heavy load.

I’ve been dealing with this disease since I was eight years old when my mom passed in 1978 after only a one year long battle. Wow have things changed.

I’m now forty and way too many friends and family members have been affected by this disease. Now my fiance and best friend of twenty plus years is in remission after being diagnosed twice with breast cancer. She is a true inspiration; the strongest person I know, a great mom and a survivor.

I would like to encourage people to remember that you are your best advocate, seek alternatives, talk to people, don’t get caught in the western medicine revenue machine and FUCK CANCER.

My mother was diagnosed with cancer in March of this year, my Aunt passed in May, my uncle was diagnosed in June and a good family friend passed in August. I came across this story and bracelet and immediately sent the link to my sister. We are constantly trying to find ways to keep positive and stay strong - the message behind this bracelet as well as the stories shared have helped us both do that.
Cancer Sucks. F Cancer.

This December marks the sixth year that my mother is free from ovarian cancer, initially diagnosed at stage three. I saw the bracelet on a colleague the other day and knew that it would be the perfect Christmas gift for her. It states the attitude that we all need to have towards cancer.

Thank you.

Just over 8 years ago, “cancer” became a household word in my family. My brother Danny was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and was to undergo a very serious surgery which doctors advised was his chance for a cure…he is cancer free to this day.

About 3 years later, my sister Dianne was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and underwent surgery to remove part of her bowel. After several rounds of chemo therapy and radiation Dianne was ready to carry on with her life…just at the time my Mom was diagnosed with non-hodgkins Lymphoma! Mom also underwent surgery and several rounds of chemo and radiation and doctors were “optimistic”.

After 2 years Dianne’s cancer returned in her Liver. Surgeons removed 2/3’s of Dianne’s liver and once again she battled with chemo and radiation. For three years both Dianne and Mom had been cancer free until just recently doctors discovered Dianne’s cancer had returned and Mom’s is back as well…they will not stop fighting and their family will be there with them screaming….F*cancer!!!!

I work in a Pediatric Oncology Clinic as a Pediatric Oncology Pharmacist. One of my 17 year old patients, who is fighting a rare form of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, was wearing one of these bracelets, together with a wrist full of silver bracelets she has been collecting after each round of chemotherapy. A friend of mine had inspired her on starting this collection, as she herself sports over 30 silver bracelets, which she rarely ever removes.

For this friends’ 55th birthday, I decided she, too, should sport one of the F*Cancer bracelets, as her father is currently on his own journey with this horrible disease.