For many patients and caregivers, the first visit to MD Anderson can be a little daunting. On top of wondering how you and your family will cope with your cancer diagnosis, you may be worried about everything from parking to what to expect on your first day to whether your doctor will listen to your concerns.
Below, several patients and caregivers share what they wish they'd known before coming to MD Anderson. We hope their insight helps make your first visit a little easier.
You're not just a number
"I wish I'd known that it's pretty easy to be a patient here. I was intimidated by stories of how going to MD Anderson is like being in a cattle call. I did not find that to be true at all. It's peaceful and, even though the size can be intimidating, there are so many forms of help and ways to ease the visit. MD Anderson is a place where I feel listened to and not like a number."
-- Brandie Sellers, two-time breast cancer survivor
Continue reading New patient advice from veteran MD Anderson patients and caregivers .
We see plenty of people in hospital gowns in the halls and clinics here at MD Anderson. But women in evening gowns? Almost never.
So, at least a few jaws dropped when Wendy Hunsaker and 12 of her closest female friends and relatives walked into our Radiation Treatment Center on a Monday afternoon, clad in evening gowns.
Wendy was here for her last round of radiation treatment for breast cancer. And, when it was over, she intended to celebrate by ringing the bell surrounded by friends and relatives.
But first, a wardrobe change: Wendy would trade in her hospital gown for a knee-length white beaded evening gown, a cashmere wrap and glittering gold heels that, as Wendy put it, "The Wizard of Oz's Dorothy would envy."
A guest list of "prayer warriors"
Wendy began planning her intimate black tie celebration soon after she started radiation treatment in October 2012. She'd been inspired by her sister-in-law, Linda, a two-time triple negative breast cancer survivor who'd stressed the importance of celebrating the end of her cancer treatment.
Wendy ordered gold glittered invitations instructing guests to wear "evening gown bling" and planned a seated dinner at her home to follow her bell ringing.
Continue reading From hospital gown to evening gown: Ringing in the end of radiation treatment.
Whether you're celebrating Hannukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, no holiday celebration is complete without dessert.
Sure, holiday treats are usually loaded with fat, sugar and calories galore. But they don't have to be.
Add a dash of health to your holiday treats by whipping up these dessert recipes from our new online cookbook.
Whole wheat snickerdoodles
We've trimmed fat and sugar from this popular cinnamon cookie without sacrificing flavor. Even better, our recipe replaces the usual white flour with whole wheat flour -- a good source of cancer-fighting dietary fiber.
Date truffles
Looking for a quick, elegant treat? With just six ingredients, these date truffles fit the bill.
And, here's some more good news: the dates are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Plus, the almonds and walnuts in this recipe deliver omega-3 fatty acids, cancer-fighting vitamin E, magnesium and fiber.
Continue reading 5 healthier holiday dessert recipes .
Quitting smoking isn't easy. But it's one of the best decisions you can make for your health. Giving up tobacco helps lower the risk for cancer, stroke, and heart and lung disease. In fact, people who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years by 50%.
That's why MD Anderson encourages smokers to make a plan to quit as part of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 15. By quitting -- even for just one day -- you'll be taking an important step toward a healthier life.
Curb smoking urges with nicotine replacement therapy
So, what's the best way to quit? For many people, nicotine replacement therapy options like gum, lozenges and the patch can help curb your urges and help you wean off tobacco for good. These products deliver controlled doses of nicotine to an individual without the harmful chemicals that are in tobacco products.
Whether you've been smoking for 30 years or 30 days, your body has developed a dependence on nicotine. So quitting will result in some degree of nicotine withdrawal. This often causes smokers to give up trying to quit, but there are many options to help manage nicotine withdrawal and quit successfully.
Continue reading Quit smoking: How to curb the urge.
