Share Your Story is a platform for Ironwood Cancer & Research Center’s patients, caregivers, and vendors to talk about their journey with cancer and to inspire others by sharing what they have learned along the way.  If you are interested in sharing your story, please email us at marketing@ironwoodcrc.com.

Mary K. used to drive past Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers every day on her way to work. In February 2017, Mary was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. As an avid runner, she had no physical signs or family history that indicated she would be affected by cancer. Now, two years later, Mary is cancer-free and serving as a support companion to an Ironwood patient that is now on the very same journey.

Amanda, an ambitious career woman with three young children, visited the emergency room one evening for what she thought was pneumonia. Her diagnosis: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Under the care of medical oncologist, Dr. Anita Koszyk-Szewczyk, Amanda was able to fight cancer and learn some valuable lessons along the way.

Greg, a successful businessman in Arizona, visited his doctor after experiencing symptoms of what he thought was Valley fever. The diagnosis: Stage IV Adenocarcinoma of the Lung with bone metastases.

At that moment, his life changed forever. His primary care doctor referred him to Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers’ medical oncologist, Dr. Tara Iyengar for cancer treatment. Now, five and a half years later, Greg is healthy and thriving.

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers patient, Jeni W., shares her story of hope while battling two different kinds of breast cancer tumors.  This wife, mother and professional is working with our multi-disciplinary cancer care providers medical oncologist Dr. Kalyan Mantripragada, breast surgeon, and radiation oncologist to treat the tumors.

“I am very grateful to Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers and so is my husband and I am happy to say that I am four years cancer-free!” 

“My life today is filled with hope and with joy.  I never knew I had such amazing friends, doctors and caregivers. Everyone that I meet, I fall in love with them.  I never knew there were so many people out here that cared.”

“I learned that you can’t take a good day for granted when you have that good energy and you actually feel energy energy flowing through you and you want to do something don’t worry about the housework,  it’s all gonna be there. Use that energy to do something you’re gonna remember.”

“I felt like they gave me a team and a plan.  Once I knew what my plan was, I was ready to focus on that.  I said I am going to run with it! I’m going to deal with this. I’m going to face this with dignity and grace.”