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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In this episode, Dr. JYP has a candid and enlightening chemotherapy conversation with her friend, colleague, and USA Health University Hospital oncologist Dr. Sachin Pai. Dr. Pai shares what chemotherapy really is, and he addresses some of the myths, misconceptions, and fears associated with this incredibly common and effective treatment. Listeners can learn about the many innovative treatment options that are now available and how oncologists and doctors determine a patient's specific cancer treatment. Lastly, Dr. Pai talks about the dreaded chemo side effects, how doctors can control these issues, and some the chemotherapy improvements over the last 30 years.
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Key Takeaways:
- Chemotherapy is a word that comes from "chemical" and "therapy." So, even an antibiotic or a Tylenol that you take is chemotherapy.
- Knowing the patient, their lifestyle, other medical problems, and any previous cancer treatments are all factors when determining treatment.
- Today, oncologists and patients have many more cancer treatment options available compared to 10 years ago.
- Cancer chemotherapy has improved so much over the past decade that even if a patient experiences some of the side effects, it's probably no worse than the fear of getting chemo.
Resources:
Sachin Pai, M.D., M.S.C.I. - Website
The Docs Said:
For cancer treatment, chemotherapy is still a mainstay, and it's probably going to be that way for a while. Right now, I think chemotherapy helps a lot of patients by keeping them away from cancer and curing their cancer. If the other cancer treatment advances and innovations like immunotherapy pick up, someday I hope people will say, "Oh, they used to do chemo at the time." - Dr. Sachin Pai
I am a medical oncologist. I treat cancer patients with chemotherapy and some of the newer medicines like targeted therapy and immunotherapy. - Dr. Sachin Pai
Cancer chemotherapy is basically a drug that's designed to kill the cancer cells. Cancer cells divide very fast, and the chemo is designed to kill those cells that are dividing fast. - Dr. Sachin Pai
Your doctor is testing the tumor to see if it is mutated. Or, you're testing the patient or the patient's family to see if they inherited that mutation. - Dr. Pierce
It's very important to know your patient first and what previous treatment they have received. It does make a difference in what treatment we choose. - Dr. Sachin Pai
In this day and age, not only do we as physicians, certainly in oncology and medical oncology, have many more treatment options available, but the patients now have a lot more options as well. - Dr. Pierce
The odds of beating these cancers are so much higher. Even if we can't guarantee a cure, it's quite possible that you would live out your normal life and pass away from something else other than your cancer. - Dr. Pierce
This science is evolving so quickly. Chemotherapy is so different from what somebody may have experienced from a friend or family member even a few years ago. - Dr. Pierce
There's almost nobody who complains of nausea and vomiting these days because we have so many good drugs that can control the side effects. - Dr. Sachin Pai
I always tell my patients that the first one is the hardest because every chemotherapy treatment after that is totally predictable. You know that their experience will be very similar and you take away that fear of the unknown. - Dr. Pierce