Cancer Interviews

It is our sincere hope that however cancer may be impacting you or your loved ones, that you will find the Cancer Interviews podcast and our interviews with amazing cancer survivors, caregivers, oncology professionals and others, helpful, informative and encouraging! Our guests share their stories with things like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants, the emotional ups and downs of being a cancer patient, being a caregiver for a loved one fighting cancer, as well as cancer nutrition and allow them an opportunity to tell us about their life before, during and after their cancer journey. We do not provide medical advice on this podcast. Please remember, you are not alone and we invite you to be a part of our team, where together, everyone achieves more! We are sharing the journey together and we wish you the very best possible outcome, with your cancer journey!

180: Alan Morton, Prostate Cancer Endurant - Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom 06/29/2026

180: Alan Morton, Prostate Cancer Endurant - Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom Alan Morton experienced symptoms associated with prostate cancer, but it was some time before he sought medical attention. Dating back to his teens, he had had a subpar urine flow, but in his sixties, he began to see blood in his urine. He thought it might be a urinary tract infection, but when nothing had changed six months later, he contacted his doctor. After various scans, a digital rectal exam and a biopsy, Alan was told he had Stage 3B prostate cancer. It was later determined the cancer had metastasized to his pelvic and was re-diagnosed as Stage 4 Incurable. He was placed on a hormone regimen including the injection of a drug called decapeptyl. Alan said the side effects were awful, including fatigue, loss of muscle mass, weight gain and a severe loss of testosterone. He suspects he will be on the hormone regimen for the rest of his life, but Alan Morton calls himself a prostate cancer endurant. He still engages in hiking, and despite the handicaps, seeks to live life to the fullest. It was in 2023 when Alan began to pass blood in his urine. He didn’t think this development was worth sharing with his wife or his doctor. However, his wife saw what she thought was dark urine when Alan went to the bathroom and forgot to flush. He told her he was passing blood and she immediately made a doctor’s appointment for him. Alan submitted to a digital rectal exam and provided a urine sample. Although he thought the sample was “crystal clear,” the doctor said the sample included “microscopic blood.” He was called in for another appointment, provided another blood sample. From that and a biopsy, he received a diagnosis of Stage 3B prostate cancer. Because of neck trauma stemming from a long ago auto accident, Alan could have his prostate removed. His care team concluded the only available treatment option would be a hormone regimen, starting with androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT. He said the effect it had on his body was awful. They included fatigue, severe loss of testosterone, hair loss, plus weight gain in various places, among them, his breasts. He was subsequently prescribed the injection of a drug, decapeptyl, and a pill called bucalutamide, designed to stop the growth of the tumor. The ADT regimen stopped in October 2024, but the following month he began to pass blood again. To make matters worse, his PSA, once at 0.037, rose sharply to 6.39 in April 2026. Alan underwent a bone scan that indicated his cancer had spread to his pelvis. He is back on ADT and expects he will be for the rest of his life. Alan says his urinary function is outstanding but would rate his sexual function at something like 20 to 30 percent of what it was pre-diagnosis. Alan Morton does not call himself a survivor of cancer, but rather an endurant. He knows given his diagnosis and his hormone regimen, he is at reduced capacity, but aspires to live a full, rich life. Additional Resources: Support Group: Fans for the Cure: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41855895

179: Shannon Miller survived germ cell ovarian cancer | BEP chemotherapy | laparotomy | neuropathy 06/27/2026

179: Shannon Miller survived germ cell ovarian cancer | BEP chemotherapy | laparotomy | neuropathy Shannon Miller won seven Olympic medals as a gymnast in 1992 and 1996. She did so against topflight competition, but years later, she faced a more formidable foe: a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Her tumor was successfully removed through a procedure called a Unilatera Salpingo-Oophorectomy, but two weeks after that, she learned it more malignant than originally thought. Aided by the mental toughness she exhibited as an elite athlete, Shannon went on a grueling, nine-week regimen of BEP chemotherapy and reached survivorship. In 2011, Shannon experienced bloating, stomach aches and weight loss. She dismissed them as symptoms attached to her just having had a son. When it came time for a checkup, she told her doctor she felt fine, but after a scan, Shannon was told she wasn’t fine because the scan revealed a baseball-sized cyst in her left ovary, and that surgery was needed. At that time it was not known if the cyst was benign or malignant. At first she had to sit through an agonizing four to five weeks of ‘wait and observe.’ Shannon underwent a laparotomy and a unilatera salpingo-oophorectomy, in which the left ovary was removed and with it, the tumor. Shannon was a bit woozy from her various medications when she regained consciousness. It was then that she was told the mass was cancerous. Shannon and her husband felt like celebrating because the cancer had been removed. However, bad news was around the corner. About two weeks later, she received a call from her oncologist. He said that the tumor had a higher degree of malignancy than originally anticipated. This meant Shannon would have to undergo nine weeks of extremely aggressive chemotherapy, BEP chemotherapy. She said it was the hardest thing she had ever had to do. In addition to the predictable hair loss, there was the nausea in addition to hydration issues, all this while was trying to raise a toddler. In an early stage of the nine-week regimen, Shannon questioned whether she could complete it; but she called on the mental toughness that enabled her to excel as an elite athlete, finished the chemo on May 2, 2011, and was declared cancer free. She was nauseous for another year and says to this day she sometimes has cognitive issues, but experienced continued progress and began to feel a little better and a bit more like herself with each passing day. Shannon Miller says hers is a journey with no finish line. She tries to survive each day and is grateful for the life she enjoys with husband and two children. Additional Resources: Shannon’s websites: Salto Health Shannon's book: It's Not About Perfect: Competing for my Country and Fighting for my Life /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41835845

178: Dale Atkinson survived Stage IV esophageal cancer | palliative care | endoscopy | CAPOX | cold neuropathy 06/13/2026

178: Dale Atkinson survived Stage IV esophageal cancer | palliative care | endoscopy | CAPOX | cold neuropathy Dale Atkinson Description In 2024, Dale Atkinson was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer. His diagnosis preceded by the death of his mother and was preceded by his partner being diagnosed with lung cancer. All this in the space of a few weeks. Dale was active in sports and consumed a healthy diet, but in 2019 began to suffer chronic acid reflux. His symptoms were repeatedly treated as acid reflux, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he underwent an endoscopy, which immediately revealed a tumor and a diagnosis of Stage IV esophageal cancer. Dale was told he didn’t have long to live and was immediately placed in palliative care. However, he did extensive research and essentially designed his own care plan, combining conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy with non-mainstream remedies. In 2025, the tumor shrank and he was declared to have No Evidence of Disease. In 2019, Dale Atkinson was still in his twenties, was on a vegetarian diet and was active in four sports, including rugby. Then he began to experience chronic acid reflux and heartburn. Sleep was interrupted by rising into his throat. He had difficulty swallowing. Dale sought medical attention, but his symptoms were repeatedly treated as reflux. In 2024, Dale was scheduled for an endoscopy. Because his partner had just been diagnosed with lung cancer, she could not drive, and because of that, Dale was not anesthetized for the procedure. As a result, along with his care team, he viewed the endoscopy, which showed a 9.2cm tumor and with it a diagnosis of Stage IV esophageal cancer. Doctors told Dale he did not have long to live and that his only treatment option was palliative care. He was diagnosed on October 12, 2024. Nine days earlier, his partner was diagnosed with lung cancer and on October 27, his mother passed away. Overwhelmed with devastating news, once it all sunk in, Dale decided he would let determination spearhead his journey, determination and not fear. His palliative care regimen was supposed to consist of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but Dale said he approximately 5,000 research paper, concluded which non-traditional therapies could be of help and asked that his regimen include a combination of the non-mainstream medications along with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He learned in January 2025 his tumor decreased in size, he was able to swallow normally and could go hours at a time without any pain. He was declared No Evidence of Disease, and thought things were getting back to normal. He got off his protocol, but in March, cancer symptoms returned. Dale got back on his protocol, and months later, again was declared NED. He still suffers from chemo-related brain fog but enjoys life with his partner and two young sons. Additional Resources: Dale’s charity: “Beyond the Standard.” Dale’s blog: Dale’s fitness center: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41629640

177: Dr. Jessa Landmann provides care for cancer survivors in the post-treatment phase | naturopathy | complimentary therapies 06/03/2026

177: Dr. Jessa Landmann provides care for cancer survivors in the post-treatment phase | naturopathy | complimentary therapies Early in Dr, Jessa Landmann’s medical training, she discovered a need for attention given to those after they had received treatment for cancer. The post-treatment phase can be difficult physically, mentally and emotionally. Nutrition, what survivors eat, how much they eat and when they eat is where she starts in dealing with those going through the multi-layered challenges of post-treatment. Dr. Landmann urges those in the post-treatment phase to be proactive and seek direction from healthcare professionals. Dr. Landmann is by trade a naturopathic doctor. At the forefront of her care for those who have been treated for cancer is what is known as complimentary therapies. She says this is an “umbrella term” for everything from exercise to nutrition to acupuncture to mindfulness and meditation and herbal supplements. When she encounters one in the post-treatment phase, the thing she sees most is fatigue. Patients tell her the bulk of the treatment may be in the past, but they still feel exhausted. She seeks to utilize the therapies in her toolbox to make post-treatment patients feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. When there is improvement in all three areas, then she says survivors are more apt to as best as possible, return to the life they led before they were diagnosed. Before her caring for survivors become more multi-faceted, Jessa starts by trying to improve their diet. She says a lot of people experience eating problems during treatment, whether it is from nausea or a change in appetite or changes in taste or certain medications like steroids for example increase people’s appetite, so maybe they are eating more than they usually do, maybe they gain some weight, or a lot of people want that comfort food, maybe they are not eating in the healthiest way. That’s when she takes a deep dive into the person’s eating habits, making sure there is enough protein, enough fruits and vegetables, not a lot of processed food. She also watches the time of day in which the person is eating. For example, if someone eats late at night he or she can have more frequent night-time awakenings. That might lead to poor sleep and fatigue during the day. Dr. Jessa Landmann says the best thing a survivor can do is to look into ways in which they can improve the post-treatment phase of their cancer journey. There is much more to optimized healing during this difficult time, but she says a great place to start is being proactive about diet and exercise and to try to do as many things as the survivor did before they were diagnosed. Additional Resources: Jessa’s website: Jessa’s Book: “Beyond Cancer Fatigue: A Path to Reclaiming Energy”, available on Amazon, but Cancer Interviews listeners and viewers can take advantage of a 20 percent discount if they purchase the book on the Wiley Publishing website by entering the code BCF20 at checkout. /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41518270

176: Mike Fitzpatrick survived pancreatic cancer | whipple procedure | nanoknife | lanreotide | cancer cachexia 05/30/2026

176: Mike Fitzpatrick survived pancreatic cancer | whipple procedure | nanoknife | lanreotide | cancer cachexia Mike Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1999. That he is still with us in and of itself is amazing; what is even more incredible is that he later learned he had been walking around with symptoms of the disease since 1986! When he initially reported the symptoms to doctors, they performed some tests and claimed at worst he had a twisted bowel. Mike went to a different doctor who ran an MRI and a CT scan and told Mike he had pancreatic cancer. After discussing the diagnosis with his wife, they decided to be proactive and opted for a Whipple Procedure, a complex, 13-hour procedure that got rid of hundreds of tiny tumors on his pancreas. However, in 2018, more tumors were back. They were removed with a nanoknife procedure, but Mike was told for the rest of his life he would have to take lanreotide, a monthly injection to keep the tumors at bay. His health seemed to be just fine until 1986, when Mike experienced pain shooting through his abdomen and back. He found himself with severe diarrhea and sustained vomiting for twenty minutes at a time. Mike sought medical attention. Despite doctors running various tests, they said there was nothing wrong with him that indicated cancer, and that the worst possible scenario was twisted bowel. In 1999, Mike went to another doctor who performed a CT scan and an MRI. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife were called to the doctor’s office where they were told Mike had pancreatic cancer. The doctor urged Mike to undergo a Whipple Procedure to get rid of hundreds of small tumors on his pancreas. When he asked the doctor of the consequences should Mike pass on the Whipple Procedure, Mike was told the consequences could be sudden death because the tumors could “explode.” Mike and his wife chose to go ahead with the Whipple Procedure. It was a 13-hour surgery. Mike had his gall bladder, bile duct and part of his pancreas removed. Then the bile duct was re-attached to his small intestine so that he could eat and digest food. Mike said his recovery from the procedure took close to one year, but the tumors were gone. All seemed well for Mike until 2018 when two tumors were detected. This time he underwent a nanoknife procedure. He was told the tumors were gone, but in 2024, they reappeared. His doctor told him that for the rest of his life, Mike would have to get a monthly injection of lanreotide, aimed at keeping the tumors from spreading. Mike Fitzpatrick is glad to be alive, but suffers from neuropathy, which results in chronic fatigue and a loss of balance. Additional Resources: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: The Cancer Support Studio: The One Cancer Place Institute: Mike's Blog: 50 for Fitz, available on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41470955

175: Michelle Reed survived bladder cancer | cystoscopy | gemcitabine | bcg immunotherapy | mitomychin 05/15/2026

175: Michelle Reed survived bladder cancer | cystoscopy | gemcitabine | bcg immunotherapy | mitomychin Michelle Reed is still with us after being diagnosed with NMI bladder cancer in 2018; but she will stop short of saying she has survived the disease. Since surgery to remove a 7mm mass, she has had ten recurrences. Post-treatment included a chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine, which she says she will be taking for the rest of her life. Managing her cancer consists of making she comes in for her scheduled scans and listening to her body. Michelle does much to help others as they battle cancer through her book and her website. In 2018, Michelle Reed had a lot on her plate. Her son had just been in an auto accident and while she was caring for him and working at a full time job, she noticed blood in her urine. With all she had going on, she was slow to seek medical attention, but when the condition wouldn’t go away, she went to an urgent care. She made five such visits, each time being told she probably just had a urinary tract infection or mini kidney stones. Michelle had friends who had suffered kidney stones, knew they were quite painful, and that tipped her off, that the diagnoses she had received at the urgent care were inaccurate. She eventually saw a urologist who conducted a FISH test, which stands Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization urinalysis, which combined with a CT scan, revealed a 7mm mass on her bladder. Her doctor said it was urgent that Michelle undergo surgery to remove the mass. He added that a best-case scenario was complete removal of the mass after which she could go home, while a worst-case scenario would her being hooked up to a bag for the rest of her life. Thankfully, the entire mass was removed. However, Michelle Reed will never say she has ‘survived’ bladder cancer. After the surgery, she was put on a chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine. She says she will always be on that regimen. Michelle also says since her diagnosis, she has had no less than ten recurrences of bladder cancer, requiring several surgeries. She also knows there is the possibility that another surgical procedure could be in her future. Michelle says the quality of her urinary function varies from day to day, and that also will be with her for the rest of her life, as well as fatigue that is a byproduct of her treatment. By way of advice to others who find themselves ‘managing’ their cancer, she says to be sure to be present for all your scheduled appointments and listen to your body. Michelle Reed makes a steadfast effort to help others battling cancer with a book anda website. Additional Resources: Michelle’s Book: Cancer Care Book Michelle’s Website: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41298450

174: John Walker Pattison survived hodgkin lymphoma and bladder cancer | vincristine | prednisolone | mitomycin | cystoscopy 05/12/2026

174: John Walker Pattison survived hodgkin lymphoma and bladder cancer | vincristine | prednisolone | mitomycin | cystoscopy John Walker Pattison is still with us despite two protracted battles with cancer. He was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in 1975 and relapsed three times. Then in 2018, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, a diagnosis after which he relapsed once. After his lymphoma diagnosis, treatment included an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, which included nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone. John said effects from the chemo hampered his fight with bladder cancer and still affect him today, although his urinary function is just fine. John was in his late teens when he began to experience fatigue, night sweats, recurring cough and weight loss, among other symptoms. He was doing heavy lifting in the shipbuilding business, had difficulty at work and one day on the job he collapsed. Realizing he needed medical attention, he underwent scans and biopsies, and they led to a diagnosis of Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma. He was told his chances of recovery were slim. In May 1975, his care team prescribed a chemotherapy cocktail of nitrogen mustard, prednisolone, procarbazine and vincristine, which only added to a high degree of fear he had for his future. Things went from bad to worse when he was informed that the chemo regimen didn’t work and he relapsed. In April 1976, he was put on a different regimen with cyclophosphamide taking the place of nitrogen mustard. That, too, was ineffective, resulting in another relapse. In December of that year, his care team tried radiotherapy, again with no success. In April 1977, John went on a regimen of palliative chemotherapy, with single agent vinblastine. On a subsequent visit, his oncologist raised his arms in triumph and shocked John by telling him he was cancer free. John Walker Pattison thought cancer was in his rear-view mirror, but in 2018, while traveling by air, he discovered blood in his urine. He was a health care professional and immediately knew something was wrong. Again seeking medical attention, he was diagnosed with Grade II Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma. He underwent surgery, followed by bladder installation of mitomycin chemotherapy. That was followed by transurethral laser ablation in 2020. Not long after that procedure, again, John was told he was cancer free. John Walker Pattison enjoys normal urinary function, but says he will be dealing with the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy he underwent in the seventies. That said, John wants to help others diagnosed with cancer. He has written a book, “Shadow of a Survivor,” which he hopes will be a source of hope and inspiration. Additional Resources: John’s Book, “Shadow of a Survivor,” available on Amazon John's Website, https://www.johnpattison.co.uk /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/41259890

173: Dr. Ben Evans is a colon cancer expert | colonoscopy | stool-based tests | rectal bleeding | polyps 04/29/2026

172: Cindy Koerner survived breast cancer | epirubicin | zoladex | cyclophosphamide | estradiol 04/23/2026

172: Cindy Koerner survived breast cancer | epirubicin | zoladex | cyclophosphamide | estradiol In 2018, for Cindy Koerner, pain in her right breast led to a diagnosis of Stage 3A breast cancer. She was put on a three-pronged, high-dosage chemotherapy regimen of epirubicin, nab-paclitataxel and cyclophosphamide. The cyclophosphamide compromised her immune system, resulting in fatigue and fever. The chemo regimen shut down her ovaries, but when they became active about a year later, Cindy was told if they remained active, the possibility of a relapse would increase, so she opted to have them removed. These days, Cindy believes her health is at approximately 80 percent of what it was before her diagnosis, but she admits she gets tired easily, which prevents her from doing activities that she thinks would leave her exhausted. Cindy’s cancer journey began in 2018 when she felt pain behind the nipple in her right breast. The pain would leave, only to return when her menstrual cycle returned. She saw her gynecologist, who called for an ultrasound, which the doctor said did not reveal anything abnormal. When the pain continued to come and go, she went back to the gynecologist. Another ultrasound, the gynecologist said revealed nothing unusual. However, in 2020, she noticed a change in the shape of her breast and that it included a dimple. Another trip to the doctor and another scan indicated a tumor and a diagnosis of Stage 3A breast cancer. Cindy later learned that such a diagnosis should have provided her with multiple treatment options, but at the time her care team told her she would be going on an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy. Because of the advent of COVID, treatment was made more difficult for Cindy from an emotional perspective because she had to remain in isolation. The regimen included epirubicin, nab-paclitaxel and cyclophosphamide. She had to come in for a dosage every two weeks. Like many on chemotherapy, Cindy suffered hair loss, but she said the cyclophosphamide was the roughest. It played havoc with her immune system, leading to fatigue, fever and depression. However, this was not the only hurdle in her journey. Cindy’s tumor was hormone receptor positive, which reacted to the estradiol in her body. This had implications for her ovaries. The chemo had rendered them inactive, but about a year later, they became active again. She was told when the ovaries are active, that increases the possibility of the cancer returning. As a result, with injections of zoladex, a GnRH analogon, she opted to have her ovaries removed. Cindy Koerner has returned to work as a cancer biologist with the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. She says her health is about 80 percent of what it was before her diagnosis and there are some activities she avoids because she fears they would leave her exhausted. Cindy is also a cancer patient advocate. Among her messages to patients is to have a heightened awareness of their treatment options, which she admits she didn’t have at the time of her diagnosis. /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40981150

171: Hope Nightingale survived osteosarcoma | neoadjuvant chemotherapy | cisplatin | doxorubicin 03/31/2026

171: Hope Nightingale survived osteosarcoma | neoadjuvant chemotherapy | cisplatin | doxorubicin At age four, Hope Nightingale complained of severe pain in her legs. At first, her parents thought she was just being a hypochondriac. That changed when she fell off her scooter and broke the distal femur in her left leg. The following year, 2011, this led to a diagnosis of Stage II osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. After a regimen of neoadjuvant chemotherapy featuring cisplatin and doxorubicin, Hope underwent a surgical procedure, a vascularized fibula transplant. Her left femur was removed, and her right fibula was inserted in its place. Confined to a wheelchair and then crutches at such a young age, Hope underwent extensive physiotherapy rehabilitation so that she could relearn how to walk despite her left leg being 2cm shorter than her right leg. Hope has survived and is training to compete in a half marathon! Hope says as a four-year-old she was often accused of overreacting to just about everything. So, when she complained of pain in her legs, her parents did not take the complaints seriously. That changed when she fell off her scooter, couldn’t get up and her parents discovered she had broken her left leg. She had her distal femur x-rayed. That led to a biopsy, and, at age five, a diagnosis of Stage II osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Treatment was to begin with neoadjuvant chemotherapy aimed at shrinking the tumor. Hope said unlike many people, outside of hair loss, she suffered few nasty side effects. Next was a vascularized fibula transplant. The cancerous left distal femur was removed and was replaced by her right fibula. A result of this surgery was the loss of both her quadricep muscles. Hope returned to school, but in a wheelchair with casts on both legs. This did not go unnoticed by her classmates, most of whom wanted to know what happened. Hope says her diagnosis was not a blessing, but she felt blessed that her diagnosis took place at such a young age, when she was unable to process it in full. She said physically, it was tough being in a wheelchair, but emotionally it was tougher because at recess, she wanted to join her friends, running around and playing. Hope said it was amazing that sometimes her chums would halt their activities and gather around her to include her in their fun. Hope eventually got out of the wheelchair and was on crutches, but that, too, was frustrating because she wanted to be ambulatory, like her friends. At this time, Hope Nightingale had to relearn how to walk, which involved extensive physiotherapy rehabilitation. As if that were not tough enough, the surgery left her left leg 2cm shorter than her right leg. She went to a specialist who gave her a wedge to put in her left shoe, removing the discrepancy in the length of her legs. These days, Hope leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys going to the beach near her hometown of Cape Town and to the mountains and vineyards outside of town. Not only is she walking, but Hope is training to run a half marathon. Additional Resources: Support Group: Cancer Association of South Africa /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40678755

170: Jess survived myxopapillary ependymoma | pregabalin | duloxetine | spinal cord stimulator | lower lumbar 03/24/2026

170: Jess survived myxopapillary ependymoma | pregabalin | duloxetine | spinal cord stimulator | lower lumbar When Jess began to feel pain in her right leg in 2020, she thought it was sciatica. When extreme pain radiated to her lower back, a physical therapist thought she had a bulging disc. However, her condition worsened, she went in for an MRI, and it revealed a tumor originally thought to be on her spinal cord. Further tests indicated the tumor was inside her spinal cord and a diagnosis of myxopapillary ependymoma, a rare cancer. The tumor was surgically removed, but her post-treatment life was very difficult. There were prolonged instances in which she could not move her legs, which brought her to tears not only from the pain, but the chilling thought of the rest of her being spent in bed or on the couch. Jess went through all sorts of medications from morphine to medical marijuana, but medical savior was a spinal cord stimulator. It has enabled her to maximize her movements with little or no pain. In 2020, Jess led an active lifestyle. It included soccer and other activities with two young sons. But she started experiencing pain in her right leg. She thought it was sciatica but believed it would go away. When it didn’t, and pain radiated to her lower back, she saw a physical therapist, who thought Jess had a bulging disc. One night at home, Jess fell and said one of her sons looked her in the eye and told her she needed to see a doctor. Jess underwent an MRI. It indicated she had a tumor on or near her spinal cord. Doctors were initially baffled because they could not pinpoint the tumor’s location, but additional tests showed the tumor was inside her spinal cord. A surgical procedure to remove the tumor was completed successfully. It was after the procedure when Jess was regaining consciousness in her hospital that she was informed she had Stage II myxopapillary ependymoma, a rare cancer. Ten days after surgery, Jess underwent a spinal tap at the location of the tumor to determine whether any tumor cells had been left behind. Thankfully, the results were clear and have remained clear ever since. However, many challenges awaited Jess. There were instances in which she was immobilized, having to remain in bed. She felt pain from head to toe. Certain fabrics rubbing against caused pain. As did extreme temperatures or the wind. She was prescribed opioids, which she said did nothing to alleviate the pain. She was given morphine. Eventually doctors prescribed pregabalin and duloxetine, medications which were able to reduce the pain. Jess also tried medical marijuana, which reduced the pain. The biggest development in her recovery was her working with a specialist in New Hampshire who performs spinal cord stimulator procedures. Jess completed a trial with a stimulator and when using it, much of her pain was gone and she regained much of her mobility. Jess says her spinal cord will never be the same and neither will she, but she is grateful for the mobility she has. She adds that since October 2025, she has been sober from alcohol and cannabis. Additional Resources: Support Groups: The CERN Foundation: walk.talk.connect: Book: ReConnected: Stories from Spinal Cord Tumor & Dawn Standera, available on Amazon /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40600615

169: Adam Deans survived osteosarcoma | bone cancer | distal femur | prosthetic leg 03/14/2026

169: Adam Deans survived osteosarcoma | bone cancer | distal femur | prosthetic leg Adam Deans was an athletic teenager and had aspirations of becoming a professional athlete. However, all that changed when he fell down a flight of stairs at school. At first, doctors thought Adam had dislocated his left knee, but upon getting further medical attention, tests showed he had cancer, known as osteosarcoma in his distal femur. Doctors recommended chemotherapy, but when that was ineffective, the leg was amputated in 2005. In 2008, a friend introduced Adam to wheelchair basketball. Still with his athletic prowess, he learned the sport quickly and became good at it, eventually the Australian national team. It won the world championship in 2014 and in 2016, Adam played for the national team at the Paralympics at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Adam retired from wheelchair basketball in 2017, but now married with two children, he is happy with his life. Adam wanted to become a professional football player in his native Australia. He seemed positioned for such a pursuit until one day in his final year of high school when his leg broke as he was going down a flight of stairs. Rushing him to the hospital, paramedics initially thought Adam had dislocated his left knee and tried popping it back into place; but at the hospital, tests showed he was going downstairs with a broken distal femur, broken because of the presence of a cancerous tumor. He soon learned he had osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Not only that, but at age 17, he would have to have his left leg amputated, followed by two rounds of chemotherapy. He was gratified to experience very few of the nasty side effects that come with chemo, the worst being hair loss. Like most teenagers, Adam wanted to fit in with his peers. He wondered how that could happen and wondered if girls would find him attractive. That was in 2005. In 2008, a friend overcame a great deal of resistance and persuaded Adam to attend a wheelchair basketball practice. At first, Adam was intimidated at the prospect of simultaneously handling a basketball and a wheelchair, but his athletic prowess kicked in. He made the local team in Perth, then found a spot on the powerful Australian national team. In 2014, the Aussies won the wheelchair basketball world championship and was favored to win gold in the paralympics at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, the squad came home without a medal after it was eliminated in the quarterfinals. The following year, Adam retired from competitive wheelchair basketball, but his story should be a source of inspiration for anyone whose cancer diagnosis will result in disability. He has gone on to get married and has two children. By way of advice, Adam Deans says anyone diagnosed with cancer should not try to proceed by themselves. He says anyone diagnosed should not be afraid to lean on others because “that’s what loved ones are for.” Additional Resources: Support Group: Sock It To Sarcoma /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40434600

168: Kevin Donaghy twice survived skin cancer | immunotherapy | pembroluzimab | metastatic melanoma 03/08/2026

168: Kevin Donaghy twice survived skin cancer | immunotherapy | pembroluzimab | metastatic melanoma What began as a harmless looking spot on Kevin Donaghy’s forearm turned into a pair of diagnoses of skin cancer. The first was Stage II in 2018, but 18 months later, it returned and was diagnosed Stage IV metastatic melanoma BRAF+. The urologist said Kevin, an IT specialist from Melrose, Scotland, may have six months to live unless he underwent a newly-approved immunotherapy known as pembroluzimab. That was in 2020, and Kevin is still with us. The immunotherapy triggered a bout of ulcerative colitis, which left him bedridden for six months, but Kevin says his health is no different than it was before his diagnosis. In late 2017, Kevin didn’t give much thought to a spot he saw on his forearm. He thought he might have cut himself and didn’t know it. When the spot didn’t go away, he sought medical attention. His doctor said the spot did not look cancerous, prescribed some cream for Kevin to rub on it, and said if the spot changes in size, shape or color, to come back. The spot made none of those changes, but it also didn’t go away. Kevin was referred to a dermatologist, who called for a biopsy. He was away on a business trip when he received an urgent phone call stating that Kevin needed to come in that afternoon. He came in two days later and the dermatologist said the biopsy indicated Kevin had a cancerous tumor in his forearm. Another biopsy was conducted to see if the cancer had spread to any lymph nodes and thankfully it hadn’t. Not long after the tumor was removed, Kevin received a phone call from the oncologist while walking in downtown Edinburgh. The doctor told Kevin he was cancer free. On the sidewalk, he dropped to his knee and wept, overcome with relief. He thought the worst was over. However, his health took a turn for the worse some 18 months later when he experienced severe back pain and sought medical attention. Another biopsy revealed that the melanoma had spread, bypassing his lymph nodes, but resulting in tumors on his right lung and one next to his spine, which was the source of back pain. Kevin was told he had six months to live unless a procedure involving an immunotherapy called pembroluzimab was successful. The operation seemed to go well, but at its conclusion, Kevin had to periodically come in for CT scans. A couple years later, Kevin was contacted by his urologist who said the immunotherapy had shrunk the tumors and again, he was told he was cancer free. There was one more problem for Kevin. The immunotherapy triggered ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease. He was bedridden for six months, but eventually survived that as well. These days Kevin Donaghy says his health is just as sharp as it was prior to his diagnosis, and that going forward he “wants to do more.” He has gone on to write a book, “Stories of Hope and Cancer.” Thousands of copies have been donated to cancer charities around the United Kingdom. It chronicles the stories of 39 cancer survivors. Additional Resources: Kevin’s book: “Stories of Hope and Cancer,” available on Amazon, with proceeds going to cancer charities throughout the United Kingdom. /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40354530

167: Bob Schreiber survived bladder cancer | Cystoscopy | BCG | Ileal Conduit | Replacement Bladder | Neobladder Blood detected in Bob Schreiber’s urine led to a diagnosis of Stage IV bladder cancer. This came after a cystoscopy, in which a tube is inserted into his urethra, taking a picture of the bladder. Twice without success, Bob hoped BCG treatment would address the cancer by instilling a set of chemicals inside the bladder to strengthen the immune system. As a result, he had to get his bladder removed. It was replaced with a neobladder, which was made from his small intestine. His recovery took close to a year, he has to deal with incontinence at night, but would his overall health is about 80 percent of what it was pre-diagnosis. In 2015, Bob’s cancer journey began when a lab tech detected microscopic drops of blood in his urine. This got the attention of a urologist, who immediately suspected cancer and called for a cystoscopy of Bob’s bladder. The doctor wanted to make sure there was cancer and that if there was cancer, to make sure it had not spread beyond the muscle of Bob’s bladder. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread, but the photos from the cystoscopy confirmed Bob Schreiber had Stage IV bladder cancer. Bob was told in terms of treatment, the gold standard is the removal of his bladder, but he learned of a potential remedy called BCG instillation. Under this procedure, chemicals would be instilled into the bladder to strengthen its immune and defeat the cancer. Bob and his wife preferred to go this route, but the operation was unsuccessful. They switched hospitals and made a case for a second attempt at BCG instillation, claiming kidney damage that occurred on the first attempt may have compromised the first attempt’s effective. A new care team went ahead with the second BCG instillation, but it, too, was unsuccessful. This left Bob with no other option than to have his cancerous bladder removed. Although he could have chosen treatment that would have left him with a bag to collect his urine, he instead went with a neobladder. That’s a replacement bladder made from his small intestine. The difficult and dangerous took eight hours. A day after its conclusion, Bob got up and walked around the hospital floor. And he walked and he walked and he walked. By the time he was done, Bob said he had walked about a mile and a half! Hospital staff had done a better job of bouncing back from this particular surgery than any patient they had ever had. Whereas many patients remained hospitalized after this procedure for weeks, Bob went back home just four days after the surgery was done. Bob Schreiber said recovery was slow, but he made progress. He said then, and now, he is able to remain continent during the day but does have incontinence issues at night and has to make trips to the bathroom every three or four hours. Bob says his health is approximately 80 percent of what it was prior to his diagnosis, but he is extremely grateful to be able to chase after his small grandchildren. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Bladder cancer Advocacy Network: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40242655

166: Beth Lehman survived liver cancer | cirrhosis | heptacellular carcinoma | y-90 | hepatic encephalopathy | ascites Beth Lehman went through a tumultuous year in 2020. Thanks to heavy drinking, she was diagnosed with cirrhosis, then basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. She underwent radioactive embolization in order to get a liver transplant. Beth said the two-hour operation wasn’t so tough, but the after-effects were difficult, including nausea and vomiting. Then she experienced a procedure to get rid of the skin cancer on her right temple. She says between her physical and emotional recovery, she advocates for cancer patients and is happier than ever. Beth’s alcohol consumption had soared to four or five bottles of wine a day. In 2020, she began to have a buildup of fluid in her stomach, known as ascites. For a long time, she avoided consulting a doctor, suspecting a doctor would tell her to quit drinking; but when ascites asserted itself, she sought medical attention. She was diagnosed with cirrhosis. Upon further examination, five tumors were discovered in her liver, which led to a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. This diagnosis came after another diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, but the skin cancer had to take back seat to the liver cancer. Beth said her care team first had to determine whether the cancer had spread beyond her liver. Thankfully, it hadn’t. In order to complete a liver transplant, doctors wanted to execute radioactive embolization, in which radiation beads would be injected into her arteries through her wrist or groin and targeted at the tumors. However, for that to happen, the tumors had to be 2cm, but her largest tumor was 1.87cm. Incredibly, Beth’s care team told her to go home and let the tumors grow so they would be large enough for it to go through with the radioactive embolization. Once the tumors grew, Beth went through the procedure, also known as Y-90. She had to go through the procedure a second time. Usually, a second procedure comes eight to twelve weeks after the first procedure. Beth’s second procedure came just four weeks later. She said she was awake during each procedure, each lasted about two hours, but the toughest part was post-treatment, as she had a great amount of radiation in her body, so much that upon returning home, she had to be sequestered from her husband and her pet cats. Once she recovered from her liver transplant, she had her skin cancer treated. She said her doctors had to go seven layers deep to get all the cancer, but they did such an outstanding job that her incision is not visible. Beth Lehman once had a lucrative IT position, but these days she works as an advocate for cancer patients, especially liver cancer patients and says she is happier than ever. Additional Resources: Support Groups: The American Liver Foundation Beth's Nonprofit, The Liver Circle Beth’s Personal Page with Her Story: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40172150

165: Athena Porter survived cervical cancer | radical hysterectomy | endocervical adenocarcinoma | HPV+ 02/07/2026

165: Athena Porter survived cervical cancer | radical hysterectomy | endocervical adenocarcinoma | HPV+ After close to a decade of abnormal pap smears, a Cone Biopsy indicated Athena Porter had cervical cancer. To make sure her diagnosis of endocervical adenocarcinoma didn’t spread, she opted for a radical hysterectomy. With the procedure, her cervix was not the only vital organ removed. A wife and mother to two daughters, Athena feels blessed that she can return to work on her Iowa farm. In 2012, she went in for an annual wellness exam. A pap smear indicated she was HPV+. Her doctor told Athena a worst-case scenario was cancer, but the virus would likely go away on its own. She was asked to return in a year. When she came back, she was still HPV+, so she underwent a colposcopy, an attempt to get a better look at cells on her cervix. This led to a LEEP procedure in which cells on her cervix were removed. The virus was still there, but the procedure showed clean margins. After more years of being HPV+, in late 2022, Athena underwent a Cone Biopsy, in which a device resembling an ice cream scoop removed cells on her cervix, cells that were sent to the Mayo Clinic. In early 2023, results came back. Athena received a phone call at work telling her she had cervical cancer. Her doctor said by way of treatment, Athena could have only her cervix removed, but she opted for a radical hysterectomy, which would come close to guaranteeing the cancer wouldn’t spread. The hysterectomy removed her cervix, her uterus, the top part of her vagina and her fallopian tubes. This move came after she and her husband decided their family, including two young daughters, was complete, and that they were okay with having no more children. Athena was in the hospital for four or five days, then after she was discharged, even with medication, she experienced severe pain when she would stretch or twist. Athena reached survivorship, and though she would admit her health is not what it was prior to her diagnosis, she feels blessed to be able to return to her office job and work on her Iowa farm. She also feels blessed that her cancer journey was not as severe as that of others who have also been diagnosed with cervical cancer. By way of advice, she strongly advises women to get screened for cervical cancer and to get the HPV vaccine. Additional Resources: Support Group: Cervivor /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/40026050

164: Joshua Silva survived clear cell renal cell carcinoma | partial nephrectomy | appendectomy | kidney cancer 01/23/2026

164: Joshua Silva survived clear cell renal cell carcinoma | partial nephrectomy | appendectomy | kidney cancer Joshua Silva did not take lower back pains and gastrointestinal issues seriously until they worsened, forcing him to visit an emergency room. A CT scan revealed inflammation of his appendix, necessitating an appendectomy. A urologist said the scan also showed a problem in his left kidney, later diagnosed as clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. Joshua underwent a partial nephrectomy knowing before the procedure he may lose the kidney. When he regained consciousness after the procedure, a nurse told him the kidney was spared. Post-treatment medication and weekly visits to a therapist enabled him to get very close to his pre-diagnosis health. Among other positive developments, Joshua Silva has resumed one of his major passions, that of playing golf. Lots of people experience gastrointestinal problems and lower back pain, so when this happened to Joshua Silva of Houston, Texas, a man in his early thirties, he thought with time the problems would go away. But that didn’t happen. One night the pain became so bad that he couldn’t sleep, and he decided to go to the emergency room. He underwent a CT scan which indicated an inflamed appendix but also showed problems with his left kidney. What Joshua knew was that he would have to undergo an appendectomy. What he didn’t know with certainty was just what was wrong with his kidney. Some doctors said the problem might by a cyst or might be cancer. Joshua prepared himself for the worst and began to think what life would be like if he was diagnosed with cancer and had to go forth with one kidney. His appendix was removed, but he had to wait an excruciating four weeks to see a urologist, who said he didn’t need a biopsy to determine Joshua had clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer. Because the diagnosis came shortly before the holidays, the urologist accelerated the timetable for a partial nephrectomy, seeking to form a care team before its members left for vacation. The urologist said the margins around the tumor would determine whether he could spare the left kidney or have to remove it. Even though he was under anesthesia for the procedure, as soon as he regained consciousness, he wanted to know the status of his kidney. A nurse told him the urologist was able to remove the cancer without removing the kidney. Just when it seemed like Joshua was on his way toward survivorship, he received some bad news. The incision point for the partial nephrectomy was very close to the incision point for the appendectomy. The appendectomy incision had not fully healed, resulting in an infection. His abdomen area began to swell and turn red. Antibiotics prescribed after the partial nephrectomy did nothing to address the pain. It was a very difficult three weeks, as Joshua dealt with the pain and sudden uncertainty as to whether he could keep his left kidney. He was put on a different medication regimen and after three more weeks, the pain and swelling went away. A subsequent scan showed that he was cancer free. Joshua Silva says his health is now about 98 percent of what it was prior to his back pains and GI issues, and back out on the links with a single-digit handicap. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Kidney Cancer Association /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39845415

163: Tessa Parry-Wingfield survived Ocular Melanoma | Eye Enucleation | Uveal Melanoma | Monocular Vision 01/10/2026

163: Tessa Parry-Wingfield survived Ocular Melanoma | Eye Enucleation | Uveal Melanoma | Monocular Vision While jogging in 2023, Tessa Parry-Wingfield felt an unusual sensation in her left eye. It wasn’t painful but merited medical attention. She was seen by three doctors before learning she had ocular melanoma, a form of eye cancer. Because of the particulars of her diagnosis, she had to undergo an enucleation, the removal of her cancerous eye. With an acrylic implant taking the place of the cancerous eye, Tessa had an enormous amount of learning ahead of her, most notably what is known as monocular vision. Amazingly, Tessa has adjusted to her limited vision. She has resumed running and hiking and driving a car. Her future includes writing a book and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tessa was jogging along the River Thames in London when she felt something was wrong with her left eye. She went to see an optician thinking she needed to change her prescription regarding her contact lenses. However, upon checking out Tessa’s eyes, the optician could see something was wrong, perhaps an astigmatism. Lacking the necessary equipment for more in-depth scrutiny, the optician sent Tessa to an eye hospital, where they performed various x-rays and scans. When one of the x-rays of her left eye was held up for observation, half of it was black. Her care team thought Tessa had a form of eye cancer known as ocular melanoma, or, uveal melanoma, a tumor in the eye. She was next sent to see an ocular oncologist, who swiftly confirmed the diagnosis. Many patients diagnosed with ocular melanoma have more than one treatment option, but in Tessa Parry-Wingfield’s case, the oncologist performed more scans and tests and immediately told her she would need to undergo an enucleation, the removal of her left eye. Tessa was under anesthesia for the 90-minute procedure. It resulted in her getting a temporary prosthetic eye, eventually replaced by an acrylic implant, which she has to this day. She had to do a great deal of learning to go through daily life with one functioning eye, but that is exactly what Tessa has done. She has resumed running, hiking and skiing. She thought it would be a year or so of adjustments before she could drive a car, but her vision tests went so well that, three months after the procedure, her oncologist urged her to get behind the wheel. Without a left eye, she says she has to look a little farther to the left than she was used to before her diagnosis, but she is now quite comfortable driving a car. Through her cancer experience, Tessa Parry-Wingfield says she has surprised herself by learning how tough and resilient she can be. Additional Resources: Tessa on Instagram: @seeing_life_clearly Tessa’s website: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39680390

162: Bhavika Taunk cared for her son, diagnosed with leukemia | pediatric cancer 12/31/2025

162: Bhavika Taunk cared for her son, diagnosed with leukemia | pediatric cancer For Bhavika Taunk, life took a radical turn in 2017 when her four-year-old son, Kabir, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After a bone marrow transplant, he went on an aggressive chemotherapy regimen for two years. Kabir relapsed twice, but has been in remission since 2020. Bhavika tells the story of how she cared for her son and how she reaches out to other parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Bhavika, her husband and two young sons returned from a Disney cruise in April 2017, and both sons felt sick. While her two-year-old son soon got well, things went from bad to worse for four-year-old Kabir. He complained of bone pain, first in his wrists, then his ankles, to the extent that he could not walk. Then he suffered from intermittent fevers and appetite loss. Kabir was taken to a hospital, where after blood tests, Bhavika was told that a bad virus had settled into her son’s bone marrow and that he had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She called her husband with the awful, collapsed on the floor and cried. Bhavika said this was the most life-changing event of her life. She went on to say the degree of helplessness accompanying such a diagnosis is overwhelming. Up until Kabir’s diagnosis, she thought she could fix anything in his life that presented a challenge. Bhavika says the biggest lesson with a child’s cancer diagnosis is the total lack of control and it is the worst imaginable feeling. Bhavika says when caring for a child with cancer that words are very important. She stresses that she doesn’t believe in “hollow encouragement because it is very invalidating to the patient.” She says a parent cannot tell their cancer-stricken child that everything is going to be okay. Kabir has been in remission since 2020, but still requires a great deal of attention and medical care. Bhavika Taunk wants very much to come to the aid of parents of a child diagnosed with cancer. She advocates for parents of Facebook and Instagram, while strenuously calling for increased funding for pediatric cancer patients. Additional Resources: Bhavika on Facebook: Bhavika on Instagram: Bhavika’s small business supporting pediatric cancer: Birdsong Tea – Tea With A Purpose /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39572370

161: Brian Vesall survived Stage 2A testicular cancer | orchiectomy | bleomycin | etopside | cisplatin | teratoma In 2021, Brian Vesall noticed some pain in one of his testicles when getting in his car. He sought medical attention, which led to his getting an ultrasound. After briefly looking at the scan, a urologist confirmed to Brian that he had Stage 2A testicular cancer. He underwent an orchiectomy to remove the cancerous testicle, followed by an aggressive chemotherapy regimen of bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin. But he wasn’t done. Brian also underwent an additional surgical procedure to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes. As daunting as his treatment was, Brian chose to address it with a sense of humor, which he still has after achieving survivorship and advocating for other men diagnosed with testicular cancer. Brian’s cancer journey began when he felt pain in a testicle as he was getting in his car. Upon further inspection, he noticed a “hard spot on one side.” He immediately went to see his primary physician, who sent him to a urologist. The urologist called for an ultrasound and only minutes after seeing its results told Brian he had Stage 2A testicular cancer. The diagnosis was confirmed with Alpha-Fetaprotein and BHCG, or, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin tests, whose results were far above the normal range. Addressing his cancerous testicle meant just one remedy, an orchiectomy, surgery that would remove the testicle. Diagnosed on September 27, 2021, Brian had the procedure done just three days later. He was told to avoid any lifting and really, just about any type of strenuous physical activity. In November 2021, the surgery was followed by three rounds of BEP chemotherapy, which stood for bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin. Brian said he suffered the usual side effects, including cognitive issues, fatigue and hair loss. In addition, Brian Vesall had to undergo an additional surgical procedure known as RPLND, or Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in June 2022, to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes Brian’s health is pretty much back to normal, but a byproduct of his treatment regimen is that he suffers from retrograde ejaculation, meaning that semen travels backward into the bladder during orgasm instead of exiting the penis. By way of advice, Brian Vesall says if you experience the symptoms of testicular cancer, you should act right away, and at all times, be your own advocate Additional Resources: Support Groups: Man Up To Cancer: The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: Brian’s Speech at TCAF’s San Diego Conference: Brian’s Appearance on the TCAF “It Takes Balls” podcast: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39540235

160: Marcel D’Allende survived Stage 4 Lung Cancer | carboplatin | pemetrexed | durvalumab | immunotherapy 12/11/2025

160: Marcel D’Allende survived Stage 4 Lung Cancer | carboplatin | pemetrexed | durvalumab | immunotherapy Marcel D'Allende was in outstanding health, an avid hiker in the mountains overlooking her hometown of Cape Town, South Africa. However, in October 2021, she began to experience shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. That led to a diagnosis of Stage IV non-small cell adenocarcinoma, or lung cancer. Determined not to let cancer define her, she underwent a treatment regimen of radiotherapy, then chemotherapy with carboplatin and pemetrexed, and immunotherapy with durvalumab. In September 2022, a PET scan revealed Marcel was cancer-free. It took a little while for her to get back up to speed, but has returned to an active lifestyle, and every weekend, you can find her hiking the mountains. Marcel thought she was in terrific health, but in the fall of 2021, suddenly she found herself out of breath on a recurring basis. Her difficulty with breathing became so acute that shortly after beginning a weekend hike with friends, she had no choice but to turn around and return to the base of the mountain. Things worsened when she had frequent coughing spells. She was seen by her general practitioner, who recommended she see a pulmonologist. The pulmonologist called for a CT scan, which revealed a tumor on a lung, and a diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer in January 2022. Marcel, who during her adult life smoked cigarettes off and on, immediately thought of her father, who passed away from lung cancer in 2000. She was afraid she would suffer the same fate. However, her doctor said that her father’s fate didn’t have to be hers because of major advances in medicines and technologies in the past twenty years. She was determined to not let her life be defined by cancer, saying at all times, one on a cancer journey must have hope. At the same time, she says one can be hopeful without being delusional. Her diagnosis was difficult enough, but she soon felt the sting of the stigma that often accompanies a lung cancer diagnosis. When informing friends about her diagnosis, many of them told her should not have smoked. Marcel’s treatment begins with six weeks of radiotherapy treatment, which she thought wasn’t so difficult. Next was six cycles of chemotherapy, specifically carboplatin and pemetrexed. The worst side effects she experienced were nausea and fatigue. Then, Marcel’s oncologist introduced her to a newly-approved form of immunotherapy called durvalumab. It is usually prescribed for a duration of twelve months, but she was taken off the immunotherapy at the nine-month mark because spots were detected on her lung. The spots cleared in March. In September, Marcel D’Allende underwent a PET scan that showed she was cancer-free, which she has been to this day. She had to start slowly, but Marcel’s health is back to normal, and she has returned to her weekend home, hiking trails outside Cape Town. Additional Resources: Support Group: Cancer Association of South Africa Marcel’s Written Account of her Cancer Journey: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39364070

159: Margo Wickersham survived bladder cancer | cystoscopy | radical cystectomy | plasmacytoid 12/04/2025

159: Margo Wickersham survived bladder cancer | cystoscopy | radical cystectomy | plasmacytoid In November 2019, Margo Wickersham noticed blood in her urine. Three months later, she was diagnosed with two types of bladder cancer. After an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, she underwent a radical cystectomy and a hysterectomy in June 2020, resulting in the removal of her bladder, uterus and ovaries, all this during the quarantine phase of the COVID pandemic. Ever since, Margo has been cancer-free, but she had to get fitted with a stoma bag and had to learn how to manage it. The bag is an annoyance, but she considers it a small price to pay in order to stay alive. When Margo first noticed blood in her urine, she sought medical attention, thinking she had a urinary tract infection. It turned out she didn’t have a UTI, but she still thought something was wrong. She underwent a cystoscopy, which captured a photo of a cauliflower-shaped tumor in her bladder. Next up was a biopsy, which indicated she had Stage One bladder cancer. Her urologist prescribed BCG immunotherapy. Margo sought a second opinion and her doctor ruled out BCG, because further probing turned up a second type of bladder cancer, plasmacytoid, and said it could not be addressed with BCG. He called for an aggressive chemotherapy regimen. He also said in addition to a radical cystectomy, which would remove Margo’s bladder, he said a hysterectomy would be necessary, a procedure that would remove her uterus and ovaries. Both were performed in June 2020. Because that was during the quarantine phase of the COVID pandemic, neither Margo’s husband nor members of her family could visit her. After the procedures, Margo was cancer-free. However, her life would never be the same after she had to wear a stoma bag into which her urine would go. Sometimes the bag leaks when filled beyond its capacity. She accepts this as her new normal and says she can deal with it, but has to think ahead in terms of access to a bathroom. By way of advice, Margo says one’s primary emotion should be that of hope and not stress. Additional Resources: Support Group: Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Margo’s Book, available on Amazon and Kindle: Gratitude in the Storm – When Not Dying Is Enough to Keep Fighting Margo’s merchandise line: , with a portion of the revenue going to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, to fund bladder cancer research /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39264230

158: Casey Kang survived acute lymphoblastic leukemia | experimental immunotherapy | doxorubicin | methotrexate 11/25/2025

158: Casey Kang survived acute lymphoblastic leukemia | experimental immunotherapy | doxorubicin | methotrexate When she began experiencing severe bruising and fatigue and turning pale in late 2013, Casey Kang sought medical attention. This led to a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was placed on an aggressive, 18-month chemotherapy regimen, which included doxorubicin and methotrexate. Casey relapsed three times during which she was placed on an experimental immunotherapy. All told, she spent 168 days in a hospital, but Casey achieved survivorship. She is now a coach who helps women diagnosed with cancer through the physical, mental and emotional challenges that occur after treatment. When Casey Kang experienced various aches and pains at the end of 2013, she thought they were tied to holiday- or work-related stress. She sought medical attention, was prescribed ten days of antibiotics, and was told to return in two weeks. During the ten days, things got worse. She was stricken with extreme fatigue, bruising, vision issues and her turning pale. While this went on, she continued to go to work. She underwent blood tests, and they revealed she had leukemia. Even before the test results came back, her care team called for a bone marrow transplant, so sure were they that she had cancer. Casey said her cancer was subsequently diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Because of its aggressive nature, she was put on an aggressive, 18-month chemotherapy regimen. It included doxorubicin and methotrexate. She experienced two relapses and was prescribed an experimental immunotherapy. Multiple hospital stays totaled 168 days. During that time, Casey learned how mentally tough she was and is. As much as she disliked the time in the hospital, she was sure to create a routine that would get her through the day. Casey used the hospital floor’s exercise bike and walked laps around the floors, with 17 laps equaling a mile. Despite a grueling journey, Casey Kang achieved survivorship. She is active on social media, as she works tirelessly to aid woman diagnosed with cancer to make them physically, mentally and emotionally strong when dealing with life after treatment. As for herself, she says her overall is better than it was before her diagnosis. Additional Resources: Casey’s Website: Casey’s Free Guide: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/39160545

157: genetic testing helped stacy martin survive gastric cancer | prophylactic total gastrectomy 11/09/2025

157: genetic testing helped stacy martin survive gastric cancer | prophylactic total gastrectomy Stacy Martin says genetic testing saved her life. The testing indicated she had the CDH1 mutation. The mutation gave her an 80 percent chance of getting gastric cancer and a 60 percent chance of breast cancer. She opted for a prophylactic total gastrectomy to remove her stomach and addressed the possibility of breast cancer with a bilateral mastectomy. Without a stomach, Stacy has had to change the way she eats, requiring food every two hours, and having to completely chew everything she eats. Despite this live-changing surgery, Stacy is leading a healthy and happy life. Unlike most people with cancer, Stacy’s diagnosis was not preceded by symptoms. Her mother had already been diagnosed with Stage IV uterin cancer. That prompted Stacy and her siblings to undergo a genetic panel test. It revealed Stacy had the CDH1 mutation, which meant she an 80 percent chance of getting gastric cancer and a 60 percent chance of breast cancer. She had three options but chose to be proactive with a prophylactic total gastrectomy in 2019, a procedure that removed her stomach. It was after the surgery that pathology revealed Stacy had gastric cancer in her removed stomach. After successfully addressing the possibility of stomach cancer, she did the same with breast cancer with a bilateral mastectomy in 2020. Stacy Martin said the toughest part of her cancer experience wasn’t the treatment, but what she dealt with upon its completion. She said she had to learn how to eat, and that without a stomach, she had to eat every two hours. While she took snacks with her wherever she went, she had to alternate between snacks and something more substantial, making sure she got enough protein and carbohydrates. Anything she ate had to be completely chewed because she no longer had the gastric juices in her stomach that break down food. The only thing she can’t eat are raw oysters because she says they are impossible to chew. Stacy says genetic testing saved her life but admits it is not for everybody because the decision to go forth with such testing is a deeply personal decision because some people don’t want to know what the tests could reveal. Despite her cancer journey, Stacy lives a happy life. She resumed her passion of hiking near her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and consumption of nuts resulted in her establishing Seahorse Snacks, which she operates out of her home. Additional Resources: Seahorse Snacks: No Stomach For Cancer: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/38964685

156: Jonathan Gegerson survived head and neck cancer | salivary duct carcinoma | taxol | herceptin 11/04/2025

156: Jonathan Gegerson survived head and neck cancer | salivary duct carcinoma | taxol | herceptin In 2019, Jonathan Gegerson sought medical attention went he felt a lump on the right side of his neck. After a couple of scans and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with salivary duct carcinoma, a rare form of head and neck cancer. Jonathan survived, but not before enduring 67 sessions of radiation, 12 cycles of chemotherapy (carboplatin, taxol, herceptin) and seven surgeries. He still undergoes a targeted therapy on a monthly basis, and the surgery has affected his speech and his diet, but Jonathan has resumed an active lifestyle that includes skiing and hiking. Jonathan Gegerson thought his health was outstanding. He was an active skier and liked to hike up Colorado’s 14ers (mountains whose peaks exceed 14,000 feet), but was perplexed when he discovered a lump on the right side of his neck. He did not waste any time seeking medical attention and went to his primary care physician. She conducted a physical examination and asked if Jonathan had recently undergone a root canal or some dental procedure that could result in an infection. When he said no, the doctor sent Jonathan to an oncologist, who called for a CT scan, a PET scan and a biopsy. That’s when he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, even though at the time doctors could not specify what type of head and neck cancer. His doctor in Colorado said Jonathan would need to undergo surgery, followed by radiation treatment and chemotherapy. When Jonathan learned his care team had no experience with dealing with his type of cancer, he sought a second opinion from MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. The doctors at MD Anderson suggested the same regimen, but Jonathan switched to them because they had experience dealing with salivary duct carcinoma. His care team told him his treatment would result in a tightening of his face and would affect his speech, in addition to his ability to chew and swallow. The chemotherapy regimen included carboplatin, taxol and herceptin. He said the chemo left him weak and tired, especially two days after each round of treatment. This, he said, was very frustrating because he was accustomed to being active. During this time, the best he could do was go on short walks. When Jonathan experienced a recurrence, he was placed on a targeted therapy of kadcyla and herceptin. He eventually achieved survivorship but must continue to be on a monthly targeted therapy of unhertu and herceptin. Jonathan Gegerson says his health is approximately 75 percent of what it was before his diagnosis, but he feels he blessed that he is living, is back to hiking and skiing, and hopes to continue skiing until he is 90 years old. Additional Resources: Jonathan’s Book: “Perspective C,” available on Amazon and Kindle /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/38897515

155: Luke Mutter survived cholangiocarcinoma | systemic chemotherapy | oxaliplatin | folfirinox | trastuzumab 10/08/2025

155: Luke Mutter survived cholangiocarcinoma | systemic chemotherapy | oxaliplatin | folfirinox | trastuzumab It took two chemotherapy regimens, but Luke Mutter survived a rare form of bile duct cancer. A CT scan found a 14cm tumor in his liver. At that time, his care team told him he had cancer, but it could not identify the type of cancer. He was put on a systemic chemotherapy cocktail of folfirinox and oxaplatin, which attempt to kill the tumor. When that didn’t work, Luke learned he was a candidate for a hepatic artery infusion, which included chemo far stronger than his first regimen. Luke has achieved survivorship and is very thankful to be to lead a healthy lifestyle. Considering he was eventually diagnosed with bile duct cancer, his journey in an unlikely place. His feet. He saw a doctor thinking that as an active runner, he had plantar fascilitis. Walking was very painful, as was laying down on his stomach. That is what led to a CT scan, revealing a 14cm tumor in his liver. Luke saw an oncologist and was told he had cancer, but the doctor could not identify what type of cancer. Nonetheless, the doctor said Luke needed to go on a regimen of systemic chemotherapy, which would affect his entire body, a regimen that sought to kill the tumor. The cocktail consisted of oxaliplatin and folfirinox. He received a dosage every two weeks for 18 months. The tumor withstood the chemo, and Luke went to another hospital, where he qualified for a surgical procedure to install a hepatic artery infusion pump. It directed chemotherapy just to the liver at a dose 300 times stronger than the systemic chemotherapy. Luke Mutter achieved survivorship and is thrilled to be back at work as a sales consultant. He also considers a major blessing that after chemotherapy he can taste food, resume exercising and the ability to make his family and friends laugh. By way of advice, he said during his journey, as much as he could, he decided to take charge, by controlling his mindset, exercise, diet and sleep, or as he like to call the group his MEDS. Luke also serves as a mentor to those diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/38505310

154: Linda Trummer survived mantle cell lymphoma | blastoid variant | doxorubicin | vincristine | cytarabine 09/20/2025

154: Linda Trummer survived mantle cell lymphoma | blastoid variant | doxorubicin | vincristine | cytarabine It was a stressful journey, but Linda Trummer survived Stage IV mantle cell lymphoma. In 2015, she went to her primary care physician after discovering a lump on her jaw line. That led to a diagnosis of a slow-moving blood cancer, MALtoma. However, further tests revealed a lump under her left arm and the diagnosis was upgraded to Stage IV mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer. She underwent R-Hyper-CVAD, a multi-faceted chemotherapy regimen and just two months later was declared to have No Evidence of Disease. Linda still suffers from the many side effects of her regimen, but is happy to be alive, especially when her prognosis indicated she would only live for another 18 to 24 months. Linda was close to 60 years of age when she first noticed a lump on her jaw line. She initially attributed it to her getting old, but when one day she saw the lump was growing, she sought medical attention. A PET scan showed that she had MALT lymphoma, also known as MALtoma, a cancer associated with the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Linda switched oncologists and the second oncologist called for additional tests. They revealed a lump under her left arm, and she was diagnosed with Stage IV mantle cell lymphoma. Linda was placed on a chemotherapy regimen which included rituximab, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, dexamethasone and cytarabine. That was followed by six lumbar punctures of methotextrate. Through it all, Linda Tremmer was an active patient. She sought to help other cancer patients on her floor by setting up an arts class. She also wrote poetry and with the aid of a cousin in Oregon, the poetry was set to music, which was played for the patients, who enjoyed getting care from a fellow cancer patient. Linda’s regimen led to her being declared NED after two months, but she needed to stay on it and suffered from numerous side effects. She was placed on medication for depression and PTSD, although she says the latter rarely presents a problem. When she was diagnosed, Linda was told she would live another 18 to 24 months, and prepared to die. She sought palliative care and was placed in home hospice. She completed her will, set up cremation and wrote farewell letters to dear friends. But when she got to the 24-month mark, she realized she was still very much alive and started concentrating on living and not dying, which she said was much tougher than it sounds. These days, Linda is happy to be alive, enjoys living with her three dogs and two cats, and advocates for cancer patients through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and has a support group on Facebook. By way of advice, she says anyone diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma should make sure they find an oncologist who knows how to treat mantle cell, which is much easier today than it was in 2015. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/38288155

153: Ty Cedars survived stage two testicular cancer | BEP | cisplatin | beleomycin | etopicide | neuropathy In 2021, one day away from his fortieth birthday, Ty Cedars felt pain in one of his testicles and noticed it was enlarged. He contacted his physician, asking to be seen. The following day, en route to a birthday celebration, Ty received a call from his doctor, requesting that Ty come right away. The Alexandria, Louisiana-based schoolteacher soon underwent an ultrasound, then was directed to a urologist, who told Ty that he had testicular cancer. He took the news calmly and was told by the doctor that this was a very treatable cancer, but that he would have to go on a chemotherapy regimen called BEP. That is a cocktail consisting of cisplatin, beleomycin and etopicide. Ty said the worst part of the regimen was severe nausea. He vomited acid into his throat, which took away his voice. Ty also said he was extremely weak, and that resting wasn’t easy. He could only watch television for ten to twenty minutes at a time. Even though he had a stack of books ready to read, reading was out of the question because it was too hard to focus on the small print for much more than a paragraph. As a singer in the local chorale, Ty found tranquility in choral music, which he accessed on YouTube. The chemotherapy did its job and Ty was told there was no evidence of disease. He was able to return to the classroom, can go to the gym, and his health is very close to what it was prior to his diagnosis. However, he occasionally suffers from neuropathy, and because of the damage to his throat from the chemo regimen, his singing voice has dropped from a baritone to a bass. Other than that, Ty Cedars is thrilled with the life he is leading. By way of advice, he says if you notice something with your health that seems abnormal, don’t take chances and see your doctor. Because he was proactive, his cancer was detected at an early stage. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Testicular Cancer Society: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/38190245

152: erin bloodworth exercise oncologist | fitness assessment | individualized exercise program | lymphedema | neuropathy 08/30/2025

151: Stewart Greenfield survived stage IV bladder cancer | cisplatin | gemcidibine | novolumab | immunotherapy 08/16/2025

151: Stewart Greenfield survived stage IV bladder cancer | cisplatin | gemcidibine | novolumab | immunotherapy For Stewart Greenfield, the third time was the charm. After checking pictures of his bladder in 2016, two doctors told him he didn’t have long to live; a third doctor told him he had Stage IV metastatic bladder cancer, but insisted he needed to be treated. The cancer had burned a hole in his bladder and attacked lymph nodes from his groin to his neck. Treatment included a chemotherapy cocktail of cisplatin and gemcidibine, plus qualifying for an immunotherapy, novolumab. It was a smashing success. Stewart says his urinary function is normal and he is able to resume his active lifestyle, which includes cycling and scuba diving. A semi-retired kitchen designer, Stewart Greenfield of Scottsdale, Arizona, thought he was in good health when he went for his annual physical in 2016. He was an active cyclist and scuba diver. However, his doctor said his blood work was “inconclusive.” After a second test was labeled inconclusive, the doctor prescribed antibiotics and called for a third blood test a week later. The doctor got a similar result and sent Stewart to a urological surgeon. The surgeon called for Stewart to undergo some scans and upon viewing them, gave Stewart some very bad news. The surgeon did not mention the word ‘cancer,’ but said Stewart should get his affairs in order. Stewart went to a second urologist who viewed pictures of Stewart’s bladder, again did not mention the word cancer, but said the condition of the bladder was so advanced, it was too late to treat it. He had a hole in his bladder and the cancer had attacked lymph nodes from his groin to his neck. Stewart had an appointment with a third surgeon. She said he had Stage IV metastatic bladder cancer. As he attempted to leave, the doctor blocked his path and insisted on treating his diagnosis. At first he resisted, thinking he had received a death sentence, but he agreed to be treated. Stewart was put on a chemotherapy regimen with cisplatin. The regimen was stepped up with the addition of gemcidibine. As the regimen had been successful, he qualified for a new immunotherapy, novolumab. The treatment was a success. Stewart has normal urinary function and again takes part in cycling and scuba diving. By way of advice, he urges those diagnosed with bladder cancer to stay positive, never lose hope and “fight the fight.” Additional Resource: Support Group: The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/37844320

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