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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Navigating Pain On The Cancer Journey
The Cancering Show
In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP explores the topic of pain and its connection to cancer. She shares a powerful personal story highlighting the importance of addressing and managing pain in cancer patients. She also discusses the types of pain that can arise during the cancer journey, the difference between cancer pain and treatment pain, and when to communicate with your doctor about your pain. Dr. JYP also relates strategies for managing pain at home and the importance of finding the right pain relief methods. Join us as we delve into this crucial aspect of Cancering. ...
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This is a special edition of The Cancering Show. Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce and guest Dr. Jennifer Scalici discuss some of the most critical and unique information concerning the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and how it relates explicitly to cancer patients and their cancer treatment. The pandemic is a serious health situation, especially for anyone with any pre-existing medical conditions, including patients currently diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. While this is an anxious time for the medical profession and patients, knowing the vital information, following the prescribed hygiene guidelines, maintaining social distancing and being vigilant about our overall health, will help us get through this time together. Stay healthy, be kind to others and stay strong.
Key Takeaways
> Consult your physician about any upcoming cancer treatments, surgeries and routine appointments.
> MCI wants to reduce COVID-19 exposure for cancer patients when the urgency of a surgical procedure is not imperative.
> Overall outcomes and survival rates depend on maintaining and finishing your cancer treatments.
> If you are having COVID-19 symptoms, our recommendation is to stay home, stay indoors, self-quarantine and call your doctor for further instructions.
> If you are feeling well and your treatments are going well, consult your physician and consider rescheduling your appointments one to three months out.
> MCI patients can come to the Mitchell Cancer Institute safely and expect that they will not encounter any symptomatic employees or patients in our facilities.
The Docs Said:
MCI buildings are secure and symptom-free. A patient can come to the cancer center safely and expect that they will not encounter any symptomatic employees or patients at the cancer center. - Dr. JYP
We have a visitor policy, one visitor per patient; those visitors are also screened in person at the door. It's an effort to protect both our patients and our staff. - Dr. Scalici
If you are having symptoms, the recommendation is to stay home, stay indoors, self-quarantine and call your doctor for further instructions because most instructions after that will depend on your health and medical history. - Dr. Scalici
There are some cases where we don't have the option to postpone surgery. If so, we're going to continue at that point to do those time-sensitive surgeries in more urgent cases. - Dr. Scalici
It becomes tough to start new immunotherapy in the face of a potential pandemic like COVID-19. - Dr. Scalici
Once you start radiation treatment, you want to finish radiation. Overall outcomes and survivals really depend on that. - Dr. Scalici
There are no plans to halt radiation, so from start to finish, we want to stay within the prescribed period because people do better. - Dr. Scalici
I think it's very reasonable for patients to stay home and socially distance themselves. We're asking those patients to stay home and can keep in close contact with us to let us know how they're doing. - Dr. JYP
We know that if you've had any medical problems before, the COVID-19 risk is probably a little bit higher. This risk is not truly specific to cancer. - Dr. Scalici
Grandparents, maybe it's time to visit the grandkids via Facetime. - Dr. Scalici
Limit your exposure to others, and if you have to be out, maintain a six-foot space away from other people. - Dr. JYP
Take advantage of the technology to connect with your friends and family, but please take the social distancing guidelines and warnings seriously. - Dr. Scalici
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Sponsor
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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