Previous Articles | Sponsor a Newsletter | Join CancerCrew+

• Read the empowering story of Roger Rasmussen, who took control of his health by paying for his own MRIs and lab tests.

• Learn the simple, step-by-step process for ordering your own blood work and MRIs without a doctor's referral.

• Discover why owning your health data is a powerful act and how you can connect with a supportive community in Cancer Crew+.

Hey, Crew!

Raleigh and I started CancerCrew+ because we know how isolating a diagnosis can be. Suddenly, you’re on a conveyor belt, told there’s only one path. If you dare to question it, you’re made to feel alone. That’s why we built a place to prove that you are never, ever alone.

Earlier, we had the privilege of speaking with a man who embodies this spirit, Roger Rasmussen.

Like many of you, Roger found himself at a crossroads. The path laid out for him by the system didn’t feel right, it was a path of fear and of handing over the keys to his own body. He felt powerless. But instead of accepting that, he did something radical. He decided to take his power back..

He told us about his decision to start paying for his own tests. He needed data, not someone else’s interpretation of it. He wanted to see his own progress, track his own markers, and become the world’s leading expert on himself.

Over the years, Roger has paid for nine of his own MRIs. Nine. He didn’t wait for permission or a referral. He found a clinic, paid his money, and got his scans. 

He started getting his own regular PSA and liver panel tests, creating a timeline of his health that no one could take away from him.

When he talked about his results, he wasn't talking about fear. He was talking about confidence. Each test was the proof he needed to trust his gut and stay the course. He wasn’t guessing; he was tracking. 

Roger’s story isn’t about going against doctors. Instead, it’s about empowering yourself. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we stop asking for permission to be in the driver’s seat.

How to Track Your Own Progress Outside the System

Roger’s story is inspiring, but you might be wondering, how do I actually do that? It can feel like the system is designed to be confusing, but it’s easier than you think. 

Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

1. Ordering Your Own Blood Work

You can track your own markers just like Roger did, without a doctor’s sign-off, through Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) lab testing. 

Here’s how simple it is:

• Step 1: Order Online. Go to a site like Ulta Lab Tests or Quest Health, pick the tests you need, and pay directly. No referral is needed.   

• Step 2: Visit a Local Lab. These companies partner with thousands of labs nationwide. Just bring your lab order form for a quick blood draw. No appointment is needed in most cases.   

• Step 3: Get Your Results. In a few days, you’ll get an email with a link to your secure, private results.   

Inspired by Roger, you could start with a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (to check liver function), a Vitamin D test, and a High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) test for inflammation.   

2. Getting an MRI on Your Own Terms

Think you need a referral for an MRI? Not always. The key is to skip the hospital and go to a freestanding imaging clinic. At these private centers, if you’re paying yourself, you’re the customer, no permission slip required. 

Companies like Express MRI state it on their websites, "No Doctor's Referral Required".   

The biggest myth is the cost. A hospital MRI can run into the thousands. At a freestanding clinic, the price for the same scan is often dramatically lower, typically in the $500 to $1,500 range, with the radiologist’s report included.    

Your Journey is Our Journey. Go Deeper with Cancer Crew

That spark you feel from Roger’s story? That’s the energy that fuels our entire community.

But the stories and guides we share here are just the beginning. The real power happens when we can talk about it together, honestly and without judgment. It happens in the spaces where we can ask the tough questions and share what we’re learning.

That space is Cancer Crew+.

When you become a Cancer Crew+ member, you are stepping into the inner circle of this community. You’re helping to keep this sanctuary alive for everyone who needs it, and you're getting the full support you deserve.

With Cancer Crew+, you unlock:

This journey can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Join the hundreds of other members who are done walking this path alone.

You are not alone. Find your people here.

With heart,
Raleigh and Carli
Founders of The Cancer Crew

Must-Reads You Might’ve Missed