Volunteer finds joy and purpose in connecting with others
Human interaction and connection.
That’s what’s been most impactful to MD Anderson volunteer Arsalan Hojabri. And he quickly learned how important they are to cancer patients and caregivers as well.
Hojabri started as a college volunteer at MD Anderson in April 2024 while pursuing his master’s degree in medical science from Baylor University.
On any given day, he could be directing patients to the correct room for...
Acoustic neuroma survivor regains hearing after surgery with cochlear implant
Casey Brown was diagnosed with a benign skull base tumor called an acoustic neuroma in September 2022.
Her diagnosis came after...
Proton therapy helps survivor overcome two cancer diagnoses
In early 2022, Phil Sprick noticed a lump behind his cheekbone while shaving. He visited his ear, nose and throat doctor a few weeks later...
Stage III colon cancer survivor grateful for MD Anderson’s expertise
There was a point during colorectal cancer treatment when Tommy Allen didn’t think he was going to live. He was in pain 24 hours a day, the tumor wasn’t responding to chemotherapy and no doctor in the area was comfortable performing surgery on him due to the tumor’s location.
That was all before he got to MD Anderson. Today, Tommy is cancer-free, and he loves sharing his story of hope, commitment and triumph.
A challenging...
Metaplastic breast cancer survivor grateful for immunotherapy combination clinical trial
Alejandra Cintora González is an active wife and mother who eats healthy and doesn’t smoke. So, when she was diagnosed with metaplastic breast...
Mucosal melanoma survivor trusts MD Anderson to treat rare cancer
Joy McDevitt was diagnosed with a rare cancer called mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity on Aug. 6, 2024. She had seen an ENT because she...
MD Anderson helps bladder cancer survivor through recurrences
What began as a summer family vacation in New York ended with a bladder cancer diagnosis for Houston-area resident Bill Hennessey.
...
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor thankful for clinical trial
When Ian Leybas was diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called peripheral T-cell lymphoma in 2019, he and his wife educated...
What to expect at your first mammogram
You may feel nervous about getting your first screening mammogram. After all, it’s your first one, so you don’t know exactly what to expect...
A personal calling guides postdoctoral fellow to research tumor evolution in breast cancer
For postdoctoral fellow Rachel Dittmar, Ph.D., cancer research is more than just business. It’s personal.
Having lost her grandmother...
Cholecystectomy explained: What to know about gallbladder removal surgery
A cholecystectomy is a common surgery to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small sac located on the right side of your abdomen...
Rectal cancer survivor finds connection and comfort at MD Anderson
Kim Phillip was diagnosed with rectal cancer in November 2020. She was 46 at the time, so it was considered young-onset colorectal cancer....
From patient to student: How this breast cancer survivor hopes to encourage others
Fifteen years ago, Paula Jones was diagnosed with stage IIIC triple-negative breast cancer. She was treated at MD Anderson and describes the...
Vasectomy and prostate cancer risk: What you should know
A vasectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done in males as a form of permanent birth control. During the procedure, the vas deferens (...
Preventing and managing caregiver burnout
When you are the caregiver for a cancer patient, you play a crucial role in supporting them during cancer treatment. It’s a huge responsibility...
Lymphoma survivor uses AI to help explain her treatment
Cate Heroman is a retired early childhood educator focused on children of preschool and early elementary age. She also volunteers in pre-K...
Prostate cancer survivor thankful for second opinion at MD Anderson
Bill Kish’s prostate cancer diagnosis came after his doctor felt something unusual during his annual physical. Blood work showed his PSA level...
Positive thoughts helped adenoid cystic carcinoma survivor heal
When Tammy Ebbinghaus was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal cavity in 2023, the timing couldn’t have been worse. She was...
Olfactory neuroblastoma didn’t stop this survivor from achieving his goals
When Justin Masse was diagnosed with a type of skull base tumor called olfactory neuroblastoma, he wanted to learn everything about this rare...
Clinical Ethics Fellow passionate about improving patient care
Maureen Pontarelli, D.Be, describes her career path as a bit unconventional.
The Rochester, New York, native attended college in Rhode...
Video producer’s storytelling supports MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer
Alex King came to MD Anderson after 20 years of working in TV production in Las Vegas. The work was fun, but it was a constant grind....
What is anal dysplasia? Causes, treatment and outlook
Anal dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the anal canal change and become abnormal. Anal dysplasia is not cancer. But it can turn into...
Understanding sarcoidosis: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the growth of lesions called granulomas. Although it is most commonly found in the lungs...
Breast cancer survivor’s mindset and trust in doctors got her through treatment
Kristy Mouton started getting annual mammograms at age 26 due to a family history of breast cancer. Her results had always been normal. But...
Understanding adult rhabdomyosarcoma: Types, prognosis and treatment
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the skeletal muscles. The disease is most common in children and adolescents...
How to cope with cancer when you live alone
Finding out you have cancer can cause a whirlwind of emotions. Not to mention, you’ll also need to make important treatment decisions...