Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Conference
Check back for a new 2021 date!
The Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Conference is a free annual event held for young adult patients, caregivers and family members regardless of where they received treatment. The conference offers the opportunity to:
- Learn from cancer experts
- Visit with exhibitors
- Connect and be inspired by other young adult survivors
Past topics include:
- Tips for dealing with fatigue
- Managing scanxiety
- How to cope with chemobrain
- Relationships and intimacy
- Humor heals
- Blood cancers 101
- Cooking for survivor health
Parking
Free self parking is available in the Pressler Garage, located at 1180 Pressler (between Fannin and Bertner Avenue). After you park, take the garage elevator to Floor 4 to Mays Clinic. Then follow the signage to the Duncan (CPB) Building. Parking Map
Email cancer180@mdanderson.org to learn more about the upcoming conference.
The conference was a energizing and empowering experience that allowed me to connect with other young adult survivors. I realized I am not alone.
Conference Attendee
Past Conference Presentation Slides
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Managing Scanxiety
Presentation defines and describes scanxiety and provides resources to practice coping skills.
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Managing Fatigue
Presentation explores strategies to manage and overcome fatigue.
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How to cope with chemo brain
Presentation reviews the latest research on chemo brain and provides practical tips.
Andrew Jones was a rising star on The University of Texas men's basketball team in late 2017, when he started experiencing flu-like symptoms. Thinking it was just a virus, the sophomore guard pushed himself to keep playing until a broken wrist finally forced him onto the sidelines. But the symptoms persisted, even after Andrew’s wrist healed and he’d returned to the basketball court.
“I just thought I had the flu,” Andrew — now preparing for his senior year — explains. “But when I tried to come back, I was still having trouble. I started having headaches, dizziness and trouble breathing. I was also coughing up blood and had a fast heartbeat.”
A trip to the doctor in January 2018 revealed it was more than a virus. Andrew had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“That was so shocking,” he says. “I’d just turned 20, and none of my relatives had ever had cancer.”
Andrew’s acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment
Andrew came to MD Anderson, where he began receiving the drugs ponatinib and blinatumomab under the care of Elias Jabbour, M.D. That chemotherapy combination put Andrew in remission within a month, but he has continued to take those medications to ensure that the cancer is gone. Andrew will get his last IV infusion of blinatumomab in August 2019, but will continue taking one ponatinib pill a day for at least the next five years.
In the meantime, he’s not letting his acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment slow him down. “I only played a few more games last year before redshirting for the season so I could rest,” he says. “But I started playing again last fall, and this is the best I’ve felt in a while.”
What Andrew appreciated about MD Anderson
One thing Andrew really appreciated was the opportunity to exercise and practice on the basketball court in MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.
“I had a PICC line, so I’m still able to work out and play,” he says. “And Kim’s Place was a great place to go when I wanted to get out of my room and relax.”
Andrew also feels like having cancer unexpectedly has enriched his worldview. “It was weird at first, and I didn’t understand it, so it took some getting used to,” he says. “But having cancer gave me a broader perspective of how many people are affected by this disease, especially young people.”
Andrew’s advice for other young cancer patients
Today, Andrew is back in top form and has his sights set on entering the NBA draft within the next couple of years. He credits God, MD Anderson and the support he’s gotten from his friends, family and school for his health and recovery, calling the decision to seek treatment there “one of the best ever.”
He also advises other young cancer patients to manage their mindset and stay motivated with inspirational thoughts. “Focus on the things that you love and enjoy,” he says. “Even when you don’t feel your best. Don’t be defeated. Stay active.”
Register to hear Andrew Jones share his story at MD Anderson’s Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Conference on Saturday, June 1.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
request an appointment online.
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