Softly, but firmly, the gastroenterologist spoke, “Your hips will have to wait.”  The patient, a   singer, songwriter  and  dancer, pleaded, “But my hips can’t wait! The orthopedic…

Last week, Melissa had the pleasure of attending the 7th National United Ostomy Associations of America conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as an exhibitor, entertainer, and as the new National Conference Social Director! She saw some old friends and met some…

The New Year is for new experiences and Melissa has just embarked on an exciting journey that she can't want to tell everyone about.

That's right, Melissa is the new National Conference Social Director for the United Ostomy…

For our American readers, or those who love a turkey dinner, I’d like to talk about Thanksgiving. Pre-ostomy, it was one of my favorite holidays, full of good food and visiting family. Post-ostomy, it’s still centered on loved ones, but…

Recently, Melissa had the pleasure of reviewing two new products from Stomagienics, the StomaGenie and the StomaPress. They promise a smoother, easier, and more seamless ostomy bag application. She had met the lovely Stomagienics representatives at the WOCN conference in…

After a brief hiatus, Melissa Marshall is back with all new episodes of Melissa Marshall's Bag of Tricks and Ostomy Tips! Every Tuesday, she'll return to introduce you to an all-new ostomy product and tell you where to get…

The No You Cant'cer Foundation has partnered with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for host a toy drive that will benefit their Child Life Development. Until October 1st, we will be collecting toys, craft items, and gift cards to bring…

For today's post, we have a fantastic interview with director Anisha Vijayan. Anisha has just completed a short documentary about living with an ostomy in India. This project is only one on her impressive resume, but to us, it is…

It seems as though everyone enjoyed reading LTC(R) Justin Blum's story last tuesday, which you can read HERE. So today we're bringing another special guest, Louise Hunt. Louise is a British ostomate who has chronicled her life, IBD struggles…

At the No You Cant'cer Foundation, we understand that everyone's journey is different and everyone's needs are different as well. In order to try and expand the conversation we hope to spark, we have invited former and present ostomates to…

One thing no one expects about cancer is that it may very well happen to them. People know cousins, coworkers, grandparents, neighbors, and friends that get diagnosed with the “Big C”, but never think that their doctor will welcome them…

Three new colors were recently added to the No You Cant'cer butterfly collection, making it a fantastic time to remind everyone about what each color stands for and where all the proceeds from your purchases go. You may order these…

Today, Melissa will be addressing some of the most commonly asked questions she gets on the blog. Hopefully, it will answer some of yours, as well. 

1. What surprised you the most about having an ostomy? 

The first…

This past weekend, Melissa flew to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to attend the OstoMyFamily conference, hosted by Ostomy 2-1-1. There, she met with health care providers and other ostomates to obtain the training necessary to become a certified United Ostomy Association…

My first flight after receiving an ostomy bag was an eye opening and trying experience. But through research, trial and error, and finding out what works for me, I now look forward to all my travels. In fact, as I’m…

Melissa is currently still healing from the proctocolectomy that made her ieostomy a permanent fixture in her life. A large part of having an ostomy is the ability to make light of the realities of the lifesaving appliance you rely…

As Melissa heals from her latest surgery, the one that made her ostomy bag a permanent fixture in her life, she took the time to reflect upon the journey that brought her to where she is now, as a life-long…

Melissa is so proud to up against these three strong and beautiful survivors for this year's Hero of Hope Patient Award. We at the No You Cant'cer Foundation would appreciate your vote, as a win for Melissa will highlight…

Melissa recently traveled internationally for the first time since her ostomy surgery. She visited Macau with her two dear friends Linda and Donna. While International travel is sometimes stressful under the most ideal circumstances, the added stress of the ostomy…

Melissa Marshall is proud to present the newest addition to the No You Cant'cer Foundation, Melissa Marshall's Bag of Tricks and Ostomy Tips! Every Tuesday, Melissa will be back to introduce you to an all-new ostomy product, or accessory, and…