Gabby DeMassi 3x Cancer Survivor
Her incredible story, Hacks for getting through treatment, Reco's on what helps her the most
MY CANCER FAMILY:
Your story was also in the news for such a beautiful reason (CLICK HERE) does it still resonate with you today and what message will you give to others about how people / cops helped you?
GABBY:
This right here was one of those ironic situations I was just talking about! Who would have thought that on one of the busiest days of the year in NYC, I was starting a new treatment, ran into two beautiful angel cops and to this day talk to them every other week. I’ve always really been someone who asks for something if it’s needed. At that moment, I wasn’t settling for sitting in traffic and potentially missing a very important appointment with a treatment that has an expiration time. I followed my gut, pin pointed the two officers, and told them the truth about my situation. They didn’t even blink and immediately came up with a game plan for me. Not even just a tactical plan but provided such emotional support to both myself and my parents. I was certainly in the right place at the right time and the angels in blue made such an impact on my life. I will forever cherish this memory and can’t wait to see them again.
MY CANCER FAMILY:
What have you learned by sharing?
GABBY:
I understand that sharing is not for everyone, and I absolutely respect that. It can be overwhelming at times but I feel I created a healthy balance of sharing and keeping some information to myself to process. It is extremely fulfilling when I am given the opportunity to help someone going through a similar situation or even helping a caregiver. Whether I share it publicly or in a direct message, it has opened my eyes up even more to see that IT CAN ALWAYS BE WORSE. Everyone has a story to tell and is handling battles of all different shapes and sizes. We should be thankful each and every day for what we have.
MY CANCER FAMILY:
What’s the best way for others to support you?
GABBY:
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers, please! I believe in the power of prayer and hope that one day my prayers will be answered, and this cancer will fully disappear and I will be cured. That is the goal!
MY CANCER FAMILY:
What would you say to others diagnosed with Cancer so young like you?
GABBY:
Whenever someone asks how I stay so positive, I really try to stress that there will of course be dark times but never take your eye off of that end goal. There are silver linings that come when you least expect them it, and miracles happen every day. Cancer is scary. Don’t avoid your feelings. Find people to talk to. Share with your friends and family. Get a good therapist to help you find positivity because it was a big game changer for me
MY CANCER FAMILY:
Do you have a favorite non-profit and how did / can they help you, especially in ways that people may not know about?
GABBY:
During the early part of my diagnosis, so much was unknown for me and I didn’t really know where to go for answers and comfort. I heard of this amazing rockstar on TV, Diem Brown, who was going through a similar situation to mine, during the same time. So I turned to her for inspiration and motivation. She really embodied the same mindset that I have where we will let NOTHING bring us down. Through a wildly amazing encounter of two of her friends, it was shared with me how Diem started her own company, MedGift, that essentially takes the guesswork out of how one can help. It allows you to create a medical registry that others can view and participate in to help you with products or contributions. You can read more about it here!
Additionally, I participate in the MSK Cycle for Survival fundraiser for rare cancer. It’s a really cool experience!!
Gabby's Hacks
MY CANCER FAMILY:
Can you share YOUR top Cancer Hacks for getting through treatment?
GABBY:
Some things that helped me during the harsher treatments were:
- Getting extra fluids either during treatment or going the day after to minimize the intensity of side effects
- Having an open dialogue with family, friends, and work so they understand what is going on and alleviates any added stress.
- Cold and sweet foods really helped when I had taste aversions or loss of taste/smell.
- Meeting with alternative medicine doctors to see what can be taken alongside treatment to help with symptoms. I know it can be a touchy subject but at one point my nausea was so bad that the only thing that helped me (even from the direction from my doctors) was medical/recreational marijuana through a filtered pen.
- Being prepared ahead of time with headwear accessories, wigs, cold caps, etc. This helped me from a fashion and day to day standpoint so I could feel somewhat normal through it all.
- Exercise. Even if there were times that I didn’t want to, exercising and working out was and is a huge game changer for me mentally and physically.
Gabby's Reco's for Cancer Treatment Products
MY CANCER FAMILY:
Do you have favorite products you are using during your cancer journey?
GABBY:
Absolutely! There were many things I had to figure out over the years since everyone’s side effects differ, but this is what has helped me:
- Gel eye mask (to freeze or heat up) – for irritation and inflammation from treatment. One of my clinical trials deposited in my cornea at a higher dose and it actually changed the shape of my eye temporarily. These masks helped the function of tear ducts.
- Heated blanket – during treatment
- L’oreal Faux Pony – cute clip in pony to add some length and have some fun during growth
- Lanolips – lip moisturizer
- Cetaphil Eczema lotion– for face and body moisturizer
- Minoxidil – prescribed by doctors but this helped to boost my hair regrowth. I have lost my hair three times throughout my battle and I want others to know that even with this, my hair has grown back wonderfully this time. There’s hope!