Read stories from cancer patients who have received treatment at Duke.

Patient Stories

Brain Tumor

Petty Family Comes to Duke Cancer Institute 
Lynda Petty, wife of NASCAR legend Richard Petty, was diagnosed with lymphoma and received treatment at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. Watch her story. 

Brain Surgery Patient Story: Charlene Midgette
A successful brain surgery brought new hope to one family.

Brain Tumor Patient Story: Bob Dumas
A radio personality brain tumor survivor shares discusses the excellent care he received at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Patient Story: A Mammogram Saved My Life
Lauren Ward, a 35-year-old mother with no family history of breast cancer explains how a mammogram saved her life. She encourages all women to become more aware of the risks associated with breast cancer and what they can do to prevent the disease.

Breast Cancer Patient Story: Eloise
An experience at Duke helps one breast cancer patient beat the odds.

Breast Cancer Patient Story: Tamara
The Duke Cancer Institute offers a team approach to providing the best breast cancer care possible. Watch cancer patient Tamara's story and hear from Duke Cancer Institute physicians and researchers.

Patient Slideshow
Breast cancer patients at Duke share how a personalized approach to breast cancer care is giving them new hope in fighting the disease.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Patient Story: Jack Homan
A colorectal cancer patient discusses how his treatment at Duke has far exceeded his expectations.

Gynecologic Cancer

Cancer Patient Story: Wanda Thomas
Wanda Thomas shares how staff at Duke helped to make her four month stay pleasant.

Ovarian Cancer Patient Story: Marsha Massey
An ovarian cancer patient talks about her Duke physician.

Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Patient Story: Erik
A patient recounts his experience with the Duke lung cancer team.

Lung Cancer Patient Story: Martha Sorrell
A lung cancer patient talks about her Duke experience.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma Patient Story: Robin
Robin tells her story about fighting lymphoma.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Patient Story: Mika Elliott
A prostate cancer patient shares his story.

Prostate Cancer Patient Story: Robert Bryant
A minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment allowed Robert Bryant to play through the rest of his life, instead of sitting on the bench.

Skin Cancer

A Melanoma Patient's Story: Jane Caddell
Jane Caddell talks about her experience with melanoma.

Skin Cancer Patient Story: Diane Davis
Diane Davis shares how exceptional care she received at Duke 31 years ago has allowed her to live a full, happy life.

Skin Cancer Patient Story: Doug Bryant
A patient with malignant melanoma talks about his Duke physician.

Urologic Cancer

Prostate Cancer Patient Story: Mika Elliott
A prostate cancer patient shares his story.

Prostate Cancer Patient Story: Robert Bryant
A minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment allowed Robert Bryant to play through the rest of his life, instead of sitting on the bench.

Renal Cancer Patient Story: Wesley Proctor
Phyllis Proctor Baker shares how Dr. Allan Friedman showed her husband respect and dignity as he battled a life-threatening illness.