Sharing Hope

Popular culture has long used war as a metaphor to describe the human experience of cancer. We are attacked by an enemy (cancer), unwillingly conscripted, and expected to fight with the help of generals (doctors) and allies (other medical personnel) who counterattack with an arsenal of weapons. But, I don’t think so. Cancer begins with a single mistake within our bodies, so why would I want to think of my body as an enemy when, for the most part, it has served me well? I wasn’t about to go to war with myself even when my body made a mistake.

#RogelInspires is a social media series that gives patients, doctors, researchers, nurses, family members and anyone involved with the Rogel Cancer Center a chance to share what inspires them to stay positive in their daily activities. This positivity then bounces back to those swiping through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy Group for Persons Living With Advanced Cancer provides support and encourages participants to take a deeper look at finding meaning in life regardless of one’s situation.

Four years after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Rose Mary Worthen faces every day with hope. Her passion for art led her to create inspirational charms -- or stones -- that she shares with others. Sharing hope, sharing joy, sharing laughter keeps her going.

The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center created the 3Ps of Cancer podcasts to highlight how to face cancer through prevention, being prepared and through the progress in cancer treatments and research. Each episode tackles one of these areas with topics presented by University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center physicians, staff or patients.

There's more to cancer treatment than just surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. There's services to help the healing and mental exhaustion that comes with actual course of treatment. So, what are the support services provided to cancer patients by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center? How do they help? We asked the director of the Rogel Cancer Center's Patient and Family Support Services for answers.

Just before graduating from the University of Michigan several years ago, Alex Kip was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, threatening to end his career as an actor and playwright. In the course of treatment, Mr. Kip lost his singing voice. After his treatment was completed, Mr. Kip wrote, My Other Voice. The play was inspired by his experiences with lymphoma.

Eric Fearon, M.D., Ph.D., director of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center talks about dramatic improvements in cancer treatment and what more is to come as the Cancer Center strives to improve the lives of people facing the disease.

Gerald Ross was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract -- also called upper urinary tract cancer, but he didn't let the diagnosis or the treatment get him down. He's always relied on his positive attitude and he remained positive in the face of cancer.