By Sarah Oates
Four years ago, I'd just completed my first round of chemo for the
treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma, one of the most common forms of
breast cancer.
When I remember the summer of 2007, I think about
navigating -- the halls of MD Anderson, my feelings, the changes
brought about by my illness.
I didn't attend Anderson Network's Cancer Survivorship Conference that year. Too busy just dealing, you know?
But
I did make it the next year, and now it's an annual pleasure. There was
a lot to absorb at that first conference, but I'll never forget how
good it felt to be with and talk to others who had navigated a similar
path.
That sense of community refreshed my hope.
Now I'm eager to get to the conference to see old friends and meet new
ones. If you asked me what I enjoy most about the conference, I really
don't think I could choose one aspect of it over another.
If you haven't attended a Cancer Survivorship Conference, I promise you'll get something out of it-- perhaps a new friend or information that helps you navigate your own experience with cancer.
As for me, I'm looking forward to hearing the stories of former Major League Baseball pitcher Dave Dravecky, chef Hans Rueffert, and mountain climber Sean Swarner, all cancer survivors.
And I'm looking forward to seeing friends. I hope to see you there.
Related stories
The Cancer Survivorship Conference: Why I Go, What I've Learned
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