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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Triple Negative Breast Cancer with Dr. Ayesha Munir
The Cancering Show
In this Cancering episode, Dr. JYP is joined by oncologist as they tackle the complex and crucial topic of breast cancer and health disparities. Together, they explore the impact of socioeconomic status on health inequalities, the challenges faced by different racial groups in accessing breast cancer screening, and the concerning prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer among African American women. They discuss the research into the biological underpinnings of triple negative breast cancer and the promising developments in immunotherapy. This is an episode you won't want to...
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Therapeutic Gardening With Barbara Boone
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with guest Barbara Boone, who shares her journey with endometrial cancer and how gardening has helped her through the tough times. Barbara emphasizes the benefits of gardening, such as stress relief, a sense of achievement and being part of a nurturing gardening community. Even during her cancer treatment, Barbara stayed positive by focusing on daily achievements and supporting others. Dr. JYP points out the need for cancer patients to take safety precautions in the garden, such as wearing a mask to protect against harmful microbes. They also...
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Cancer as a Chronic Disease
The Cancering Show
In the latest episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce delves into the topic of cancer as a chronic disease. It's a thought-provoking discussion that challenges our understanding of cancer and survivorship. Dr. Pierce emphasizes that cancering is not just a phase or a battle to be won, but an ongoing journey that requires long-term management and adaptation. She shares insights on the concept of cancer as a chronic disease and its implications for patients, survivors and caregivers. 3 Key Episode Takeaways 1. Chronic Disease: Dr. Pierce emphasizes that cancer is an ongoing...
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Choosing Previvorship with Haley Orillion
The Cancering Show
In today's episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce is joined by the brave and resilient Haley Orillion, who shares her powerful story of undergoing risk-reducing surgeries after learning she carries a BRCA gene mutation. From the societal pressures she faced to the emotional aftermath of her surgeries, Haley opens up about her experiences and ongoing challenges. Dr. Pierce guides us through Haley's journey, emphasizing the importance of support and advocacy, and breaking down complex information for listeners. Join us as we delve into the emotional and practical aspects of genetic mutations,...
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Miss Mobile Bay: Childhood Cancer Survivor Turned Activist
The Cancering Show
In this inspiring episode, we meet , a 13-year cancer survivor and an extraordinary advocate for childhood cancer research. Hannah shares her story of overcoming cancer at a young age, her journey to becoming Miss Mobile Bay and her relentless pursuit of her dreams. Hannah's resilience and dedication are truly remarkable, from her experience lobbying in Washington, D.C., to founding the nonprofit H.U.G.S. 4 Childhood Cancer. Prepare to be moved by her inspiring journey and her message of hope and empowerment. Join us as we delve into Hannah's incredible story and her impactful work in the...
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Cancering through the Holidays: Navigating Emotions and Celebrations
The Cancering Show
In this holiday special episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce discusses the unique challenges that cancer patients face during the holiday season. Drawing on classic Christmas and holiday movies, she offers guidance on managing mixed emotions, navigating events, adapting to food restrictions, and providing support as a caregiver. Additionally, she addresses the financial hardships many cancer patients experience and emphasizes the gift of presence as the most meaningful present during the holidays. Throughout the episode, Dr. JYP extends support and encouragement to...
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Managing Mental Health With Cancer
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce discusses mental health and its impact on cancer patients. She emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns and seeking help, as they can affect the overall quality of life and even survival. Dr. Pierce explains that mental health encompasses external factors (such as basic needs and purpose) and internal factors (such as anxiety and depression). She advises patients to assess their ability to engage in daily activities and seek help if they cannot. The oncology team is a good starting point for support, as they have expertise in...
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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