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Cancering through the Holidays: Navigating Emotions and Celebrations

The Cancering Show

Release Date: 12/20/2023

Chaplain Kim’s Holiday Tips for Cancering Patients and Families show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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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How to Read Your Results #1: CBC Labs show art How to Read Your Results #1: CBC Labs

The Cancering Show

Dr. JYP kicks off a three-part series focused on understanding the most common medical reports received by Cancering patients. In the first episode, she discusses the basics of the Complete Blood Count, or CBC, which shows levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, highlighting the implications for high or low counts, especially for cancer patients. She also addresses treatments and precautions for those with low blood counts, urging listeners to feel empowered to understand their lab reports and to ask questions of their healthcare providers.   3 Key Episode Takeaways ...

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Men's Health and Prostate Cancer Prevention with Dr. Christopher Keel show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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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More Episodes
 
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 cancer patients, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. This episode is brought to you by the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, dedicated to advancing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond. Happy holidays and enjoy this special episode.
 
Happy Holidays and have a Happy New Year!
 
 
Dr. JYP says:
 
"Remember that your gift is your presence. You do not need to expend your energy on a single present for any person. Your friends and family just want you to be there and to be present fully, to really be in the moment and to enjoy your family members. Get your rest, conserve your energy, and then show up for those family events because they really just want you to be there with them."
 
 
 
3 Key Episode Takeaways
 
- It's OK to have mixed emotions during the holidays. Seek joy in the little moments, and don't hesitate to ask for extra support from those who understand what you're going through.
 
- Prioritize your safety and well-being. Whether it's attending events, dealing with food restrictions or experiencing financial hardships, know that it's OK to ask for help and make adjustments to accommodate your needs.
 
- For caregivers, simplicity and being present are the most valuable gifts you can give. Children remember the moments, not the material things. Focus on spreading love and joy with lower stress this holiday season.



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USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute
The Cancering Show is brought to you by USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. 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.


Want to know more about the Mitchell Cancer Institute?
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Mitchell Cancer Institute is a member of USA Health.

To learn more about all of USA Health hospitals, clinics and services, visit usahealthsystem.com.