From Doctor To Patient with Dr. Thomas Butler
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes back , a seasoned oncologist who specializes in supportive oncology. Dr. Butler shares his journey from humble beginnings and a fascination with science to a career in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients. He discusses the distinction between palliative and supportive care, advocating for an approach that supports patients throughout their cancer journey — not just at the end of life. Dr. Butler also offers personal insights from his own cancer diagnosis, reflecting on what he has learned...
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Understanding Skin Cancer with Dr. Harrison Howard
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with , a surgical oncologist who specializes in melanoma. Dr. Howard explains that not all skin cancers are the same, emphasizing that melanoma is more dangerous compared with basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. He highlights the importance of detecting melanoma early, as it is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. They discuss surgical and systemic treatment advancements, including the practice of sentinel lymph node biopsy and the game-changing benefits of immunotherapy. Dr. Howard says clinical trials are essential in improving treatment methods and...
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Art Therapy for Cancer Patients with Margaret Wielbut
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes , a trained art therapist who works with patients at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Margaret delves into her personal journey, from discovering art therapy to implementing it in cancer care in Mobile, Alabama. She describes art therapy as a marriage between art and psychology, emphasizing its benefits for cancer patients in creating hope, reducing anxiety, and bringing purpose to the cancer journey. She shares stories about how art can turn clinical spaces into environments of light and creativity. Sponsored by the , the MCI’s art therapy...
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Liquid Biopsy Technology with Dr. Daisy Escobar
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Daisy Escobar to discuss her background and her expertise in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Escobar shares her journey to the Mitchell Cancer Institute and talks about her family. The conversation focuses on cell-free DNA technology, also known as liquid biopsy, which is used primarily for cancer surveillance and monitoring. Dr. Escobar explains the benefits and limitations of this technology, including how it compares with traditional biopsies and its potential in early cancer detection. The conversation also...
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Fighting Cancer in Alabama: Insights from Dr. Scott Harris
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris discuss the intersection of infectious disease and cancer in Alabama. Dr. Harris shares insights into the state's cancer trends, including the impact of delayed screenings during the pandemic, and disparities in cancer outcomes based on geography and race. They discuss the collaborative efforts among state agencies, nonprofits, and medical communities to combat cancer. They also delve into Alabama's strategic initiative, Operation Wipe Out, aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and treatment....
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Chaplain Kim’s Holiday Tips for Cancering Patients and Families
The Cancering Show
In this heartfelt episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes back Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks to discuss the complexities of celebrating the holidays while dealing with cancer. They explore the bittersweet nature of the season, emphasizing the importance of modifying expectations, planning ahead, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Chaplain Kim shares practical advice on managing emotions, supporting family members, and including children in celebrations. They also discuss commemorating a loved one who is no longer present, and ensuring everyone feels valued and included. Whether...
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A Nonsmoker’s Cancer Story with Leah Phillips
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP speaks with Leah Phillips, a nonsmoker diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in 2019. Leah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy in health, sharing her journey from initial misdiagnosis to targeted therapy success. Despite an initial prognosis of six to 12 months to live, Leah has surpassed expectations with a targeted drug that led to significant tumor reduction and stability for over four years. Leah discusses her participation in clinical trials, the benefits of multimodal therapy, and her role in the . For more about Leah, see...
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Breaking Free From Nicotine: Insights With Susan Crutchfield
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP and guest Susan Crutchfield discuss the complexities of tobacco addiction and strategies for quitting smoking. They highlight the importance of nonjudgmental support, individual motivations ("your why"), and the availability of various medications and therapies. The dangers of vaping, especially among youth, are also covered, emphasizing nicotine's addictive nature and health risks. The Great American Smokeout is promoted as an event that encourages smoking cessation through peer-to-peer engagement. The significance of early lung cancer detection, particularly through...
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How to Read Your Results #3: Pathology Reports
The Cancering Show
Dr. JYP concludes a three-part series focused on understanding the most common medical reports received by Cancering patients. This episode delves into pathology reports and how patients can use them to better understand their condition. Dr. JYP describes the key elements of pathology reports and defines terms such as "benign," "malignant," “carcinoma,” and “sarcoma.” She discusses how detailed reports from biopsies aid in staging cancer and the implications for treatment options. She reminds listeners that pathology reports should always be discussed with a doctor, and that reviewing...
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How to Read Your Results #2: Blood Chemistry Tests
The Cancering Show
Dr. JYP continues a three-part series focused on understanding the most common medical reports received by Cancering patients. In this second episode, she discusses blood chemistry panels. She explains common abbreviations suck as BNP (basic metabolic panel) and CNP (comprehensive metabolic panel), guiding listeners through key components including sodium (NA), potassium (K), magnesium (MAG), kidney function tests (BUN and creatinine), and glucose levels. She discusses the importance of understanding normal ranges, the potential causes for abnormalities and the most common questions patients...
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So, you've been diagnosed with cancer. What happens next? Can you turn this shocking news into something that's a part of your life but not running your life? Is it even possible for patients to still live their lives with a cancer diagnosis? In this episode, Dr. JYP consults with MCI oncologist and supportive care physician Dr. Thomas Butler about delivering and managing the emotional side of a cancer diagnosis, and how patients can still live their lives with that life-changing reality. Even an "incurable" diagnosis. Dr. Butler candidly shares his thoughts on talking with doctors, building trust, the importance of positivity and spirituality, and the interdisciplinary care processes that affect the cancer patient, family and community.
Key Takeaways
- Patients can still live their lives and even thrive with a cancer diagnosis.
- Dr. Butler focuses on looking at the positive things he can do to make his patient lives better.
- Unless it's going to be harmful, Dr. Butler tends to favor quality of life over strict patients treatment adherence.
- Talk to your doctors: patients and physicians should build a relationship based on open communication, trust, and honesty.
- Doctors should strive to be good listeners and strive to understand more than being understood.
- Speak up and ask questions: patients should feel like they are the center of attention, and there is no such thing as a bad question.
- Patients with a support network tend to manage their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship better.
- Positivity and spirituality can be beneficial for a patient in motivating them to do well during their treatment.
- The goal of palliative care is to make you feel better and make your life more comfortable.
- Patients are NOT alone in their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Resources:
Dr. Thomas Butler - Website
The Doctors Said:
Patients can still live their lives with a cancer diagnosis. - Dr. Pierce (JYP)
If you tell me that you can't cure the cancer, that doesn't mean that it's going to end your life. It means you've just got a different perspective on your life. - Dr. Thomas Butler
I think that we can focus on looking at the positive things we can do to try to make their lives better. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Communicating with honesty is essential, and patients need to be able to trust us doctors that we're going to treat them like we would a family member. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Sometimes the initial diagnosis is so shocking that you may have to revisit the conversation because you don't really know exactly what the patient heard or can recall. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Letting people express their distress is important, and I think for me the best technique is listening. I'm wanting to hear from the patient experience as opposed to what I'm dictating that their experience should be. It's better to understand than to be understood. - Dr. Thomas Butler
I like to listen to patients tell about how their treatment is because it helps me know what to tell other patients. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Make sure the patient understands that they are the center of attention. It's not what I want; it's what they want. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Give the patient the confidence that they can ask what to expect. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Palliative care has kind of a negative connotation because a lot of folks think of it as end-of-life care. But, the word palliate means to make you feel better. I tell folks that that's the goal of palliative care is to make you feel better. - Dr. Thomas Butler
When folks do have family support, they tend to do better as far as the management of their disease. - Dr. Thomas Butler
I encourage patients to realize that they're not alone, and at MCI we have people who can help take care of them. - Dr. Thomas Butler
The cancer diagnosis sometimes makes patients feel isolated, and I think knowing that others are walking through it with them can be helpful. - Dr. Thomas Butler
Having a spiritual focus on the meaning of this disease and their life can be beneficial in motivating patients to do well during their treatment. - Dr. Thomas Butler
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The Cancering Show is brought to you by USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute at the University of South Alabama. MCI is a cutting-edge cancer research and treatment center built to fight cancer smarter in Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama. Our researchers and clinicians focus daily on the struggle against cancer, serving a potential catchment population of more than 4.1 million people, with a singular focus of advancing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond with science, technology and hope.
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