Men's Health and Prostate Cancer Prevention with Dr. Christopher Keel
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with USA Health urologist about prostate cancer and men's health. They start by weighing the reasons for why some men avoid seeing a physician and discuss how the advent of Viagra for erectile dysfunction helped motivate many men to go to a doctor’s office. Dr. Keel highlights the importance of screening for prostate cancer starting at age 40 or 45 depending on family history. He explains how robotic surgery has improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects. Dr. Keel also explores the usefulness of genetic testing for high-risk patients and how new...
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Staying Well During Cold And Flu Season
The Cancering Show
In this episode of the Cancering podcast, Dr. JYP discusses how to avoid illnesses such colds, flu, and COVID while undergoing cancer treatment. She offers practical tips such as handwashing, using up-to-date hand sanitizer, and avoiding others who are ill. Dr. JYP gives advice on when to wear a medical mask and when to use an N95 to reduce the risk of infection. She also talks about the importance of home testing for COVID and flu, as well as when to call the doctor's office for certain symptoms. This episode covers the usefulness of supplements such as vitamin D and zinc, which can...
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Advocating For Africatown with Rev. Christopher Williams
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce interviews Rev. Christopher Williams Sr., pastor of Yorktown Missionary Baptist Church, about the struggles and resilience of Africatown, Alabama. Rev. Williams highlights the powerful impact of community support and the opening of the Africatown Heritage House Museum. He discusses high rates of cancer in his congregation and the area, and environmental concerns related to a now-closed industrial plant. Despite frustrations, local advocacy has led to positive changes, including new community resources to improve the lives of residents. Rev....
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Overcoming Ocular Melanoma with Ashley McCrary
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with , a mother of four and survivor of ocular melanoma. Diagnosed in 2012, Ashley recalls that two of her college friends from Auburn University had also suffered from this rare eye cancer. She tells the story of having her right eye removed and how she later learned that the cancer had spread to her liver. Despite her devastating diagnosis, Ashley shares how she stays positive and finds purpose through her faith and intentional interactions with fellow eye cancer survivors and others. She talks about her foundation, , which helps fund travel for cancer...
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Meet Your Cancer Team
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce focuses on the importance of building a strong cancer care team. She explains the roles of various medical team members, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and different types of nurses and nurse practitioners. She also highlights nonmedical support staff like social workers, nutritionists, and counselors. Dr. JYP emphasizes the value of relying on your caregivers and fellow patients for support, and the need to inform primary care doctors and other specialists about your cancer diagnosis. She briefly...
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Summertime Cancering
The Cancering Show
In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP discusses the importance of cancer patients taking extra precautions during summer activities. She explains the sensitivity of chemotherapy patients' skin to sunburns and advises using mineral sunscreen and protective clothing. Dr. JYP also highlights the risks of swimming in certain types of water, the importance of proper head and hair care, and the need for hydration and avoiding strenuous activities in the heat. She offers other practical tips for those who are traveling, gardening, fishing and picnicking. Don’t worry; cancer patients can...
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Clinical Trials, Biomarkers and Cancer Astronauts with Fred Neubauer
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Fred Neubauer, a stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma survivor, shares his inspiring journey with Dr. JYP. Fred’s rare bile duct cancer was discovered during imaging for a kidney stone. Facing a challenging diagnosis, he explored advanced treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and innovative clinical trials, which helped shrink his tumors. Despite the difficulties, Fred remains hopeful and proactive in managing his cancer. Dr. JYP emphasizes the significance of biomarker testing, which helped Fred access treatments tailored specifically to his cancer's characteristics. Fred...
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A Caregiver's Journey Through Brain Cancer With Michelle Matthews
The Cancering Show
In the episode, Dr. JYP delves into the heart of living with, and beyond, brain cancer with Michelle Matthews. Michelle shares her husband Matt's journey with glioblastoma and how they remained hopeful throughout the diagnosis and treatment. Despite the challenges, they cherished every moment together and found solace in support from their loved ones and community. Michelle also stresses the importance of self-care and the role of caregivers in cancer treatment and survivorship. Dr. JYP emphasizes the significance of shared experiences and compassionate care in the cancer journey. Ultimately,...
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Advance Care Planning with Stephanie Broussard
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with licensed clinical social worker about the importance of patients sharing their wishes regarding palliative and end-of-life care. Broussard stresses the need to include a social worker as part of the cancer care team from the point of diagnosis to address emotional distress. She explains that palliative care, which focuses on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, is different from hospice care, which is a Medicare benefit and service for those with a terminal diagnosis. shares why it's vital for everyone, even young adults, to have a...
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Five Years of Survivorship with Gina Gregory
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with , a breast cancer survivor and a second-time Cancering Show guest. Gina shares her journey five years after her initial diagnosis, discussing the difficulties of living with cancer and the side effects from treatment, such as receding gums and ringing ears. She is open about the challenges, as well as the strength and faith she gained along the way. Gina offers advice on how survivors can manage their health after cancer, including eating a balanced diet (and finding a middle ground with organic foods), and making time for regular workouts. Having...
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In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with Facebook Live celebrity and Cancering Warrior Princess Gina Gregory. Gina is a patient at the Mitchell Cancer Institute and has completed two surgeries, lost her hair, finished chemo and radiation treatment for breast cancer, and rang the bell twice. Her experience makes her an expert to give a detailed blueprint preparing physically and mentally for anyone's cancer surgery and journey. Plus, get those pens out and jot down all the Warrior Princess tips for pre-op planning, dealing with post-op recovery, chemotherapy fashion choices, and making the best out of a difficult situation.
Takeaways:
1. Cancer treatment is a marathon, but it can be managed with preparation, knowledge, patience, and a sense of humor.
2. Be proactive in all phases of your cancer treatment.
3. Seek advice from other patients and ask questions.
4. Always get a port.
5.Be open with your doctors and your family on what you need and want for your recovery and well-being.
6. Millions of others have cancer. Know you are not alone.
Follow Gina's journey on MCI's Facebook and Instagram at #ginasonajourney
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Quotes and Notes
If you are so serious, concerned, frightened, and all of those things, you just, you just have let go and let the process take its course. - Gina Gregory
It's very important to listen to what other cancer survivors tell you. They've been there, and more than likely what happened to them will happen to you. - Gina Gregory
Warrior is a much better, much stronger, more aggressive word than "survivor." - Gina Gregory
Millions of other women have breast cancer; you're going to be okay, just like they are. - Gina Gregory
I rang the bell twice and spent a year of dealing with being diagnosed with breast cancer. I had two surgeries, and I've gone through two phases of chemotherapy and radiation. - Gina Gregory
Just because I have gotten over this portion of treatment doesn't mean that it's ended. Even in remission, cancer is still with me. So, I have to be more proactive. I have to be this Warrior Princess, who is constantly battling this horrible disease. - Gina Gregory
Always a port. Do not even second guess. - Gina Gregory
A blood port is a place that accesses a vein that's always available, and it goes completely under the skin. - Dr. JYP
A lot of oncologists advise patients to keep a port in for up to six months or a year after treatment. - Dr. JYP
All in all my chemotherapy experience was positive. - Gina Gregory
Cancer gives you a lot of perspective because I think everybody goes through very similar things and I think you have to have a sense of humor about all of this. - Gina Gregory
Work out the things you know you will need. Get the wigs ahead of time. I made sure that I had all of the different medications and supplements and other little goodies that people told me that helped them. - Gina Gregory