Cancer Patient Survivorship Stories

Thomas Goode - Lung Cancer Survivor

When Thomas Goode found out he had lung cancer in March 2004 he was worried. He had come to the emergency room thinking he was having a heart attack only to learn his heart was in perfect working order. A chest X-ray revealed a spot on his lung and when he woke up from the diagnostic bronchoscopy an entire team of caregivers was there to support him. “When someone tells you that you have cancer all kinds of thoughts go through your head,” states Mr. Goode. Through social services, support groups and education, survivors are able to deal with the uncertainties a cancer diagnosis can bring. Read more about how Thomas is living with lung cancer.

Erick Davis' Story - Melanoma Treatment Success

In the spring of 2004, Erick Davis discovered a lump just above his elbow. "It felt like a marble had been placed under my skin," stated Erick. At the time, Erick was training for the "Escape from AlcatrazSM Swim" a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. He thought the lump was just a muscle knot or some other athletic injury, fortunately his wife convinced him to consult with his local primary care doctor. Read more about Erick's Biochemotherapy treatment for Metastatic Melanoma.

Kari Worth - Melanoma Survivor

The day after her daughter’s first birthday, Kari Worth was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma. Kari had a lot to live for, she had a young son, a little girl and a full life, and obviously she did not want cancer to get in her way. She decided after consulting with her physicians to put all of her faith and energy into what was possibly the only option that could save her life: a cancer treatment called biochemotherapy. Read Kari's story of survival.

Hazel Hyde Neibert - Breast Cancer Survivor

Hazel Hyde Neibert is the first to admit that, years ago, her health was low on her priority list. But when she discovered a lump in her breast last year, everything changed. Immediately, she called for an appointment at Sutter-affiliated California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco. After a mammogram and a biopsy, her worst fears were confirmed: breast cancer. Read and listen to Hazel's story about finding a breast lump.