Combating Cancer
Join Gwen Kelly, Host and Founder of Combating Cancer, a podcast focused on strength, resilience, and hope. Creating a space where people can share their personal cancer journeys—whether that involves navigating treatment, celebrating remission, or honoring the memory of a loved one.
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Navigating the Challenges of Radiation: A Personal Account
06/25/2025
Navigating the Challenges of Radiation: A Personal Account
Episode 7- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her deeply personal journey with radiation therapy after being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19. She discusses the emotional challenges and physical side effects she faced, including the loss of her independence and hair, and the impact on her mental health. Gwen speaks candidly about the vital role that support from loved ones played in her journey and offers heartfelt advice to others facing similar challenges. Amid the difficulties, she also reflects on the powerful connections and moments of hope that gave her strength along the way. Discussed in this episode: Discovering the Tumor and Initial Challenges The Starting Phases of Radiation The Mask Fitting Experience Coping with Side Effects The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss Ringing the Bell and Moving Forward More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: Follow and join the community: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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Stronger Together: Uniting Against Brain Cancer
06/18/2025
Stronger Together: Uniting Against Brain Cancer
Episode 6- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly welcomes guest Tiffanie Thomson, who shares the emotional impact of both her parents being diagnosed with glioblastoma. They discuss the challenges caregivers face, the need for greater awareness, improved treatments, and increased funding for research. Tiffany also offers coping strategies and resources, highlighting the vital role of community and support during difficult times. Discussed in this episode: Connecting Through Shared Experiences Tiffanie's Parents Battle Against GBM The Emotional Toll of Cancer Raising Awareness and the Need for Better Treatments Advice for Caregivers Final Thoughts and Encouragement More from Tiffanie: "Brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma, is a devastating disease with limited treatment options. There's a pressing need for increased awareness, funding for research, and advancements in treatment beyond the current standard of care. Together, we can make a small difference that will move the needle forward to the big change we are all hoping for. Remember to take care of yourself. It's ok to feel your feelings. Be present. The only way out is through and the other side is feeling at peace with it. It never goes away and never gets easier, but remember you are never alone". "4. Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! 5. Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. 6. Don't worry about any-thing; instead, pray about every-thing; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. 7. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4 4-7 Shout-Outs from Tiffanie: "To my new friends in the brain cancer community whom I met on LinkedIn". "To Anne Beebe, running the fundraising program over there at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke (PRTBTC) through Angels Among Us". "All my new friends on the Angels Among Us committee". Sources of Information: To ensure the most current and detailed statistics, it is always best to consult with official sources such as: The American Cancer Society: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Brain Tumor Society: Click the link to learn more about the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, a leading institution in brain tumor research and treatment. The center’s website highlights the latest advancements, clinical trials, and research breakthroughs, as well as information about the “Angels Among Us” fundraising group that supports critical research and patient care initiatives: Resources for Listeners Seeking Help or Information: UNC’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, which offers valuable support for patients and families, including nutrition and supplement education, exercise programs, and therapy groups to help navigate the cancer journey: Duke Cancer Center: Grief Loss: More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: Follow and join the community: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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Beyond the Mirror: Coping with Hair Loss
06/11/2025
Beyond the Mirror: Coping with Hair Loss
Episode 5- show notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her journey with hair loss during treatment for stage three astrocytoma brain cancer. After an update on her clean 90-day scans, she opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of losing her hair, the impact on her identity, and the healing power of support. Gwen offers practical advice and a powerful reminder that hair loss is temporary, and true beauty lies in strength and self-compassion. Discussed in this episode: Life Update: Clean Scans Coping with Hair Loss: The Initial Reaction Post Surgery The Devastation of Hair Loss During Treatment Support and Encouragement from Family and Friends Finding Beauty in Regrowth Final Thoughts and Encouragement More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: Follow and join the community: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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Living Again: Ashley's Empowering Journey with Breast Cancer
06/04/2025
Living Again: Ashley's Empowering Journey with Breast Cancer
Episode 4- show notes: In this powerful episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly sits down with Ashley Saaranen, a brave and resilient breast cancer survivor. Together, they explore Ashley's life before her diagnosis, the shock and challenges that followed, and the emotional journey through treatment and recovery. With grace and honesty, Ashley also shares what life looks like after cancer, including her family's bold decision to start a hobby farm. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to hope, resilience, and the possibility of finding joy and meaning in the aftermath of adversity. Please tune in for an inspiring reminder that while cancer changes everything, it doesn't define you! Discussed in this episode: Ashley's Breast Cancer Journey Begins: Diagnosis and Initial Reactions Surgery and Treatment Decisions The Impact of Friends and Family Living with the Lingering Trauma from Cancer Life After Cancer: New Beginnings and Perspectives Final Reflection and Encouragement More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: More from Ashley: Get in touch with Ashley here: & Follow and join the community: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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The Emotional Rollercoaster of Scanxiety
05/28/2025
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Scanxiety
Episode 3- show notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly discusses the emotional toll of scan anxiety, the importance of support from loved ones, and how she manages her fears by focusing on what she can control. She encourages listeners to open up about their struggles, seek comfort from their support systems, and live in the present despite the uncertainties. This episode aims to offer comfort to others who are experiencing similar challenges. Discussed in this episode: Host introduction and background Topic of Scanxiety Everyday struggle with scanxiety Different coping mechanisms to combat scanxiety How to change one's perspective Closing statements and encouragement More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: Follow and join the community: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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In Memory of JD: A Tribute to Life, Music, & Resilience
05/21/2025
In Memory of JD: A Tribute to Life, Music, & Resilience
Episode 2- show notes: In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Sue Dettinger about her son JD, who passed away from brain cancer at the age of 22. Sue shares intimate details of JD's life as a talented musician, his diagnosis of stage four glioblastoma during his sophomore year in college, and the various treatments he underwent. Sue reflects on the emotional journey, from diagnosis to JD's peaceful passing at home. The episode highlights the significance of support, the value of sharing stories, and the collective need to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. Discussed in this episode: JD's Life Before Cancer: A Passion For Music The Onset of JD's Symptoms The Diagnosis and Initial Reactions: What Do You Do Now? JD's Treatment Journey JD's Resilience and Adventure: An Emphasis On Human Compassion Final Days and Hospice Care More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: More from AssetHR: Get in touch with AssetHR here: & Follow and join the community: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: My Fight Against Brain Cancer
05/13/2025
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: My Fight Against Brain Cancer
Episode 1- show notes: Welcome to the very first episode of Combating Cancer. I'm your host, Gwen Kelly, and on this episode, you will hear the unfiltered story of how my life changed forever at 19 years old. One moment I was a college tennis player living my dreams in New York, and in the blink of an eye I was waking up from a seizure with a stage four brain cancer diagnosis. In this vulnerable episode, I walk you through the events that led to my diagnosis, the emotional and physical battles I faced, and how I chose to fight back; not just for myself, but for others who feel lost, isolated, or silenced by cancer. Discussed in this episode: The unexpected seizure that started it all Getting diagnosed, how does one proceed? The emotional toll of treatment, from radiation to chemotherapy Losing my hair and my confidence Why I resisted sharing my story, and what finally changed my mind The birth of this podcast, and the bigger mission behind Combating Cancer More from Gwen: Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: Follow and join the community: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram:
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