Cancer From A to Z with Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

Join Dr. Rosalyn Morrell on her new podcast "Cancer From A to Z" where she'll be discussing topics that matter the most to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Dr. Morrell is a board-certified radiation oncologist and has been successfully treating cancer patients for over 15 years. Cancer is a complex topic to navigate through and Dr. Morrell is here to help guide you through your cancer journey. She'll be interviewing medical specialists and other health professionals, patients (to get their perspectives), as well as sharing her own experiences and professional expertise. Her goal is to share informative and educational conversations to help guide you and your loved ones through the maze of cancer information and treatment options. Be sure to join Dr. Morrell for each and every episode of the podcast as she and her guests discuss Cancer From A to Z. You can find out more about Dr. Rosalyn Morrell and the cancers she treats at https://www.centerpointoncology.com/

Cancer Clinical Trials 101 04/25/2023

My Free Prostate Cancer Screening Experience 03/17/2023

Surviving Cancer, COVID and Heart Failure with Jen Singer 02/21/2023

Surviving Cancer, COVID and Heart Failure with Jen Singer After several misdiagnoses, Jen Singer was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During her treatment, she was blogging about parenthood for Good Housekeeping and began writing about her cancer experience. That inspired her to become a full-time medical writer. Listen in to learn more about Jen's journey with cancer, COVID, and heart failure. You'll also hear in detail how she's used empathy to become an award-winning medical writer. What You'll Learn: Jen Singer is introduced. (2:35) There were several misdiagnoses before Jen got diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (4:05) After being rushed to the hospital, Jen got a second opinion. (9:45) When she finally got the correct diagnosis, Jen's first thoughts were her daughters. (11:00) Having an honest doctor was everything for Jen. (13:48) After recovering from COVID, Jen went into heart failure. (16:45) Jen laughs about learning the difference between the oncology floor and cardiology floor. (18:50) The term heart failure is terrifying for many people. (22:10) Anger is a common feeling when patients have multiple big diagnoses in their life. (23:00) Asking smart, specific questions about your treatment is important. (26:45) Seeing terrified patients, Jen was inspired to create "" (27:40) "How is it for you today?" is a great question to ask patients. (30:26) Healthcare providers need to be careful about what they say. (33:25) Ideas worth sharing: "I wrote a script to call different pulmonologist offices." - Jen Singer "When you see something concerning, doctors should say, "That's odd we should investigate." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "The whole thing was how can I get the right treatment as fast as possible, and how can I protect my family from people saying things that aren't always helpful." - Jen Singer "Googling your symptoms is never a good idea when you don't know what you're looking for." - Jen Singer "The more dangerous the diagnosis, the more opinions you should seek." - Jen Singer "We're taught how to be healthy, not how to be sick." - Jen Singer Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Jen Singer: /episode/index/show/cancerfromatoz/id/25991874

[REPLAY] Ep #28: Everything You Wanted To Know About Breast Surgery with Dr. Elizabeth Arena 02/02/2023

Ep. #27: Bone Metastases - What is it and How to Get out of Pain 01/13/2023

Ep. #27: Bone Metastases - What is it and How to Get out of Pain Bone metastases can happen to many people who have cancer. They are most common in people who have breast cancer or prostate cancer. Bone metastases are often painful which is why it's so important to get an early diagnosis to reduce a patient's pain. Listen in to learn what to expect after being diagnosed with bone metastases. You'll also learn about the different types of bone metastases, the diagnosis process and treatment options. What You'll Learn: Bone metastases are different from bone cancer. (2:00) Our bodies are always breaking down and building bone. (4:00) There are three types of bone metastases: osteolytic, osteoblastic and mixed. (4:45) The most common symptom is pain. But fractures and elevated calcium levels can also occur. (7:18) Pain from bone metastases is constant and really hard to relieve without treatment. (9:05) To get a diagnosis doctors will typically order x-rays and other scans. (10:10) The most important thing is to get the pain under control as quickly as possible. (14:30) Medications that inhibit the processes of bone resorption are sometimes prescribed. (17:00) Radiation therapy and radionuclide therapy are two other ways to treat bone metastases. (18:00) Radionuclide is when a patient is injected with radioisotopes for pain relief. (22:24) Ideas worth sharing: "Though bone metastases are common in certain types of cancer they're possible in all types of cancer." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "If you're experiencing pain, we want to get the pain under control as quickly as possible." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "Usually you can get very rapid pain relief from radiation therapy." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "Which form of therapy you receive is dependent upon your clinical scenario." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "If you have cancer and are feeling pain that feels like it's arising from a bone, inform your healthcare provider. You want to be diagnosed sooner rather than later." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: /episode/index/show/cancerfromatoz/id/25594287

[REPLAY] Ep #26: Radiology with Dr. Corinne Deurdulian 12/20/2022

Ep. #25: Brain Tumors with Dr. Daniel F. Kelly 11/29/2022

Ep. #25: Brain Tumors with Dr. Daniel F. Kelly Brain tumors don't get the same amount of attention as the other types of cancers. But they are still very important to talk about. My guest today is Dr. Daniel F. Kelly, a neurosurgeon and founder of Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Listen in to learn about Daniel's non-linear path to becoming a neurosurgeon. You'll also hear how the Pacific Neuroscience Institute uses keyhole surgery to reduce the amount of time patients need to stay in the hospital. What You'll Learn: We learn about Dr. Daniel F. Kelly and his background. (2:00) Daniel explains his non-linear path to becoming a neurosurgeon. (3:40) I recount some of my experiences with neurosurgeons. (5:30) Seeing a gap in specialized neuro-oncology at St. John's Cancer Institute, Daniel helped found the Pacific Neuroscience Institute. (6:00) Daniel describes the types of tumors he sees most and how that's changed over time. (8:15) We hear how Daniel got interested in pituitary tumors. (10:20) Pacific Neuroscience Institute uses a lot of collaboration to give the patient the best care (13:05) We hear how patients' pathways may differ when treated by Daniel. (14:26) Not every brain tumor patient requires surgery. (17:20) The essence of keyhole surgery is to sneak in and sneak out. (18:36) Daniel explains how surgery has evolved throughout his career. (21:30) Not every neurosurgeon specializes in keyhole surgery. (22:00) The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the amount of time neuro-patients stayed in hospitals post surgery. (24:30) Neuro-patients are incredibly brave and resilient. (27:16) Daniel explains how he collaborates with different specialists. (30:00) There are some exciting advances happening in neurosurgery. (32:00) Pacific Neuroscience Institute is looking for a cure for Glioblastoma. (35:05) Psychedelic assisted therapy is currently having a renaissance. (36:30) Daniel describes various studies on psychedelic assisted therapy. (39:14) We discuss the Netflix show 'How to Change Your Mind'. (44:00) Ideas worth sharing: "Not everyone who has a brain tumor needs surgery." - Dr. Daniel F. Kelly "The essence of Keyhole Surgery is to sneak in and sneak out with minimum collateral damage." - Dr. Daniel F. Kelly "Managing patient expectations is important for all areas of oncology." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "All of my patients teach me so much. We think we're teaching them and educating them -- but a lot of times it's the other way around." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell Resources: Dr. June Wiley: Pacific Neuroscience Institute: Dr. Daniel F. Kelly: /episode/index/show/cancerfromatoz/id/25152264

Ep #24: What Your Oncologist Wants You To Know 11/08/2022

Ep #23: Caregiving 101, Part 1 10/18/2022

Ep #23: Caregiving 101, Part 1 Caregiving can be one of the most important roles a person can take on. These amazing individuals really step up and take on the responsibility of taking care of those who have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses or acute illnesses. In this episode, I wanted to bring these often unsung heroes into the spotlight and share some of the incredible work they do behind the scenes. Listen in to learn about the role caregivers have, some of the challenges and issues surrounding caregiving, and what caregivers can do to set themselves up for success. You will hear some of the key responsibilities that caregivers take on and come out with a better understanding of everything that’s involved with caregiving. What You’ll Learn: Why I believe caregivers are some of the most important people in the lives of those with cancer. (1:51) What is involved with caregiving? (3:10) Addressing the daily stress of being a caregiver. (7:27) The importance of sharing the responsibilities of caregiving. (9:16) Social workers or professional caregivers play a critical role. (10:30) The different types of caregivers. (11:42) List-making can help caregivers prioritize the most important tasks. (13:30) Learning about the disease can help caregivers have a better understanding of what the patient is going through. (15:59) Physical care might not be as intuitive as you might think. (17:45) What will be covered in the next episode, Caregiving 101, Part 2. (19:45) Ideas Worth Sharing: “There can be quite a bit that’s involved with caregiving, including (1) helping to make appointments…(2) administering medications…(3) [helping] with meals or cleaning…(4) [helping] to manage side effects…(5) helping with insurance and paying bills…(6) daily activities…and (7) running errands.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell “One of the most important things about being a caregiver is you have to remember to take care of yourself.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell “Communication is really important [when it comes to caregiving]. If there’s a breakdown in communication, all types of [unexpected] things can happen.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website Caregiver Website Episode 6: Everything You Wanted To Know About Breast Surgery with Dr. Elizabeth Arena Episode 17: From Cancer to Cameras; My Cancer Journey with Beth Young Episode 12: Curing Breast Cancer with Radiation Therapy Episode 20: Oncology Social Workers Are Just As Important As Chemo Therapy and Radiation with Dr. June Wiley /episode/index/show/cancerfromatoz/id/24716331

Ep #22: Prostate Cancer From A Survivor’s Perspective With JW Cheatham 09/27/2022

Ep #22: Prostate Cancer From A Survivor’s Perspective With JW Cheatham Getting a cancer diagnosis is never easy especially if it comes without warning. My guest today is JW Cheatham, a prostate cancer survivor, and a family friend. JW is Project Compliance and Management Consultant who has spent the last 25 years in the Space Satellite Technology field. Hearing about someone’s cancer journey can really help convey a different aspect or a unique viewpoint from that of someone such as myself. Listen in as JW reveals what his experience was like going through his own cancer journey and his advice for others on a similar path. You will hear how JW came to his “pause point” when he found out he had cancer, how he weighed his options for treatment, and what life was like after his prostatectomy. He also shares why he believes it’s crucial to get a full health check-up early on rather than waiting till later in life. What You’ll Learn: Why I think it’s important to have interviews with people who’ve gone through their own cancer journey. (2:12) What to look out for when approaching retirement age, medically speaking. (4:13) Reasons why it’s critical to have the prostate gland checked periodically. (8:02) JW reveals how his health care provider explained JW’s Gleason Score. (9:25) The value of talking to others around us about what we’re going through. (13:05) JW wasn’t overwhelmed with all of the options and where he was with his decision on how to move forward. (18:11) The possibility of recurrence after JW’s surgery. (20:02) Life after surgery. (23:23) Although JW was informed about what he would expect after surgery, he feels the details weren’t there. (27:24) The pre-op discussion about the differences between incontinence and erectile dysfunction. (30:21) The importance of honesty in healthcare. (32:45) How JW is feeling today and what advice he’s given to others. (35:17) Incontinence was easier for JW at night. (38:50) The difficulties of dealing with erectile dysfunction. (42:30) Talking about “it” helps you get over “it.” (45:01) The benefits of connecting with others who’ve gone through similar experiences. (47:44) JW shares his final thoughts. (51:12) Ideas Worth Sharing: “We’re always looking for pain as an indicator that you have a problem of some sort, and that was not really the case.” - JW Cheatham “There’s a pause point that you get to when someone says, ‘You have cancer.’ It makes you stop.” - JW Cheatham “I think it’s better to talk to people every chance you get [about what you’re going through].” - JW Cheatham “Your body has its own time to heal… [but] you have to get past your own thoughts.” - JW Cheatham “I think it’s really important as healthcare providers that we be very honest about what are the potential side effects [and] what are the potential toxicities associated with our treatment.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Episode 10: My Cancer Journey with Kimberly Sizemore Episode 17: From Cancer to Cameras; My Cancer Journey with Beth Young /episode/index/show/cancerfromatoz/id/24441885