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!

193: Cortney Stevens survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma | adriamycin | bleomycin | vinblastine | dacarbazine | lupron In 2018, an avid runner, Cortney Stevens suddenly started feeling unusually tired and unusually itchy. Seeking medical attention, the first doctor she went to said she had a six-inch mediastinal mass that went from her left lung to her clavicle, but that it wasn’t cancer. However, Cortney sought a second opinion, and after further testing, she was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was put on a chemotherapy regimen of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine, plus external beam radiation. Cortney cycles because she can no longer run competitively, and she can no longer have children, but she has achieved survivorship. Cortney was accustomed to running long distances and competing in half marathons, but in August 2018, she began to feel extremely tired all the time. She would feel so fatigued that she would fall asleep at work. In addition, she would feel so itchy that she would scratch the itch until she bled. Because she was training for a half marathon, she attributed her fatigue to her training. But then she suffered a burning sensation anytime she as much took a sip of alcohol. She decided it time to seek medical attention when there was pain in her left arm. It became discolored, was hot to the touch and swelled to approximately twice the size of her right arm. A six-inch mediastinal mass was discovered. It extended from her left lung to her clavicle. A biopsy was taken of a lymph node in her neck and her oncologist said cancer was not indicated, that instead the problem was likely a soft tissue disorder. However, Cortney’s family was skeptical. She switched hospitals, and when more extensive tests were conducted, she was told she had Stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Cortney was placed on a six-month chemotherapy regimen. Known commonly as ABVD chemo, it consisted of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine. She also had an on-body injector of Neulasta after each round of chemo. With every other chemotherapy round, she was given a shot of Lupron in an attempt to preserve her fertility. Once the chemo was completed, residual activity was detected in the mass in her chest. As a result, she needed 20 rounds of external beam radiation. The radiation was effective, and in 2019, Cortney Stevens was told there was no evidence of disease. A byproduct of chemotherapy, Cortney felt neuropathy in her hands and feet. The neuropathy in her hands went away, but it remained in her feet, leaving them numb at times. That is why she can no longer run competitively. However, she does cycle vigorously on her stationary bike. Cortney and her husband learned the Lupron was not effective, and as a result, she will not be able to bear children. That said, she still thinks of herself as a mom to her nieces, nephews, her two dogs and a cat. Additional Resources: Additional Resources: Cortney’s website: Cortney’s book: “Surviving Chaos,” a cautionary tale about what happens when your world implodes It’s available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, plus her publisher, /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/43340544

192: Susie Sanchez survived anal cancer | Mitomycin-C | Xarelto | fissure | anal pap smear | anascope For anyone battling cancer, having to deal with radiation therapy or chemotherapy is tough enough. However, upon learning in 2021 that she had anal cancer, Susie Sanchez was simultaneously prescribed both over a grueling six-week period. Amazingly, she completed the regimen of Mitomycin-C and Xarelto and was told there was no evidence of disease. Because of the radiation’s burning in the pelvic region, she had to relearn how to walk, and reduced control of her bladder and intestine forces her to closely monitor what she eats and drinks and when, combined with always needing to know the location of the closest bathroom. Susie Sanchez had been in great physical shape throughout her adult life, which included her being an NFL cheerleader at age 38. However, all that changed in August 2020. She started experiencing extreme, annoying itching in her anus. Seeking medical attention, she thought her problem could be sufficiently addressed with a topical crème. Her doctor prescribed such a remedy, but it was not effective. She eventually went to a proctologist who identified a fissure in her anus as the probable source of her problem. After subjecting Susie to an anascope exam, he wanted to perform a biopsy on her anus. Only days later, she received a phone call from the doctor’s office at 9:30pm. At the time, she was home alone as her husband was out of town on a golfing trip. She looped into the conversation, and that’s how she got the news: She had Stage II anal cancer. Susie did not want to undergo a regimen of radiation treatment or chemotherapy. Some research she had done on Google indicated that following major surgery she would have to wear a bag for the rest of her life. She was content with that option. However, when she returned to her oncologist, she was told her chances of survival if she opted for surgery and the bag was about 74 percent; but if she simultaneously underwent radiation treatment and chemotherapy, those survival chances rose to 90 percent. So, in April 2021, Susie decided to go with the radiation and chemo. It would be a grueling, painful six-week regimen. She later learned many people undergoing the same regimen didn’t last the six weeks, but amazingly, Susie stuck with it and finished the six weeks. The radiation resulted in burning in the pelvic region, which among other things made what used to be a routine trip to the bathroom extremely painful. She got through such visits to the toilet by closing her eyes and screaming the alphabet from A to Z in an attempt to block out the pain. Once the two-pronged treatment concluded, Susie was thrilled to learn there was no evidence of disease. However, that began a new chapter for her, one tied to post-treatment. Susie Sanchez had to get on a treadmill to re-learn how to walk. Thanks to the radiation, she had reduced control of her bowels and intestines. This required her to closely monitor her consumption of coffee and fiber and always be aware of where the nearest bathroom was. She travels extensively for her job, so when she flies, she always gets an aisle seat. Susie can no longer perform the dance of a cheerleader, but she is happy with her life as she now knows it. Additional Resources: Susie’s website: Susie’s book: The Dream Lived, an inspirational memoir of being an NFL cheerleader at age 38. /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/43170413

191: Jameel Haiat survived throat cancer | gastric tube | cisplatin | tracheotomy | radiation therapy 09/30/2026

191: Jameel Haiat survived throat cancer | gastric tube | cisplatin | tracheotomy | radiation therapy In 2023, Jameel Haiat began to experience pain in his throat so severe he couldn’t swallow. This led to a diagnosis of throat cancer. The tumor was extremely close to his vocal cords. Jameel was given the option of a tracheotomy or a combined regimen of cisplatin chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation therapy. The former raised the possibility that Jameel could lose his ability to speak, which is why he went with the chemo and radiation. The treatment was needed as Jameel said he felt as he had “razor blades” in his mouth and throat. He now consumes food and beverages through a gastric tube that lands food and beverage in his stomach. Although he gains necessary nutrition, he has had to adjust just what he can and cannot eat. He cannot do heavy lifting but has a gym in his home so that he can get a manageable level of exercise and maintain muscle mass. An artist and a poet, Jameel moved from Los Angeles to Thailand in April 2023. About a month later, he thought he had come down with a severe sore throat. His doctor thought what was ailing Jameel was nothing serious and prescribed some antibiotics. The pain went away, but returned six months later. Not only that, but suddenly he couldn’t swallow. He returned to his doctor, tests were performed and he was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. Jameel was 58 at the time. He was pumping iron, hiking, had a healthy diet, rarely drank and felt he was in the best shape of his life. So, when he learned of his diagnosis, he laughed because he thought his doctor is joking, but it was no joke. Regarding treatment, he was given two choices. One could be a combination of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation treatment. The other was a tracheotomy, but the doctor told Jameel such a procedure would be high-risk because of the tumor’s location, close to the vocal cords. Jameel already couldn’t swallow. He didn’t want to risk being able to no longer speak, so he chose the chemo and radiation. While he was able to deal with the cisplatin, the radiation was another story. Jameel said he had burning and blistering on his neck, and when he tried to swallow, it felt like he had razor blades in his mouth and throat. In addition to the acute physical pain, there was the emotional pain of knowing he would never swallow again. In his hospital room, he was often in tears. Jameel felt he was moving closer to survivorship when he was discharged from the hospital. He was hooked up to a gastric tube, through which he consumed food and beverage. Jameel has modified his diet, so that it is compatible with the tube. These days, Jameel Haiat cannot do the heavy lifting he could do prior to his diagnosis. He can no longer travel by air. Although he can travel by car, he must take with him the right foods and fluids. What remains the same is his ability to engage in art and poetry. Additional Resources: Jameel’s website, with his bio, poetry books, art and other writings Jameel on Instagram, which chronicles his daily life through video and poetry /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/43078773

190: John Morrissey survived Stage One colon cancer | colorectal cancer | cancerous polyp 09/17/2026

190: John Morrissey survived Stage One colon cancer | colorectal cancer | cancerous polyp Not long after going in for a colonoscopy in 2015, John Morrissey was told he had Stage One colon cancer. A Denver-based radio traffic reporter, John learned of his diagnosis with a telephone call from his oncologist two minutes before he was scheduled to deliver a live report! He composed himself, delivered a flawless update, then immediately decided he had to take action. In three weeks, he underwent a surgical procedure that successfully removed a cancerous polyp. After three weeks of rest, John returned to work. He goes in for colonoscopies every five years, and cancer-free, has resumed a normal life in Mazatlan, Mexico. John waited until he was 60 years old before getting his first colonoscopy. It revealed some polyps, but on a Wednesday, the doctor wouldn’t know if any were cancerous until running some tests. The following Friday, John was just about to conclude his traffic reporting shift. He had one more update to do at 5:58pm. His cellphone rang at 5:56. It was his oncologist. He didn’t want to answer this call because he was about to go on the air, but he also didn't want to wait until Monday to learn the test results. He took the call, and that’s when he learned he had colon cancer, that he had one cancerous polyp. John Morrissey didn’t hesitate and scheduled surgery in three weeks. The procedure was a success, but it caused tremendous pain to his stomach muscles. He rested another three weeks, but during that time, lying down, sitting down, standing up, anything involving his stomach muscles was very painful. However, the pain subsided and he was soon back at work, updating listeners on traffic conditions in and around Denver. John still needs to go in for colonoscopies every five years. Just about the only change in his routine is that he tries to keep his consumption of red meat and processed meats to a minimum. He has moved to Mazatlan, Mexico and enjoys a normal life hanging out at the beach. Additional Resources: Support Group: Colon Cancer Prevention Project: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42933332

189: Steve Harrision survived lung cancer | carboplatin | pleural fusion | pemetrexed | bronchoscopy 09/11/2026

189: Steve Harrision survived lung cancer | carboplatin | pleural fusion | pemetrexed | bronchoscopy When Steve Harrison experienced fatigue, back soreness and shoulder pain in 2024, he attributed it to his “getting old.” He was in his early fifties. But when he began to have difficulty breathing, he sought medical attention. Because Steve also had asthma, his doctor had COPD, she prescribed an inhaler. That did little to no good. He saw another doctor who ran a variety of tests, which found pleural fusion. After a bronchoscopy and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. In addition to chemotherapy, the oncologist prescribed a TKI inhibitor, known as tagrisso. After nine treatments, he was taken off chemo, but remains on tagrisso, which is not a cure, but a treatment, and has allowed Steve to get on with his life. He would say his health is roughly 70-80 percent of what it was, pre-diagnosis. Steve’s San Diego job as a construction inspector was physically stressful. That’s why when was getting tired more often than usual, when he had back and shoulder pain, he did not immediately seek medical attention because he thought it was part of getting old. But things went from bad to worse. In addition to having shortness of breath, he began to get night sweats. He thought he could address these issues with Tylenol and Theraflu. He finally went to his primary care doctor who listened to his chest, thought he had COPD and gave him an inhaler. That worked for one day, then didn’t work at all. On a visit to the Grand Canyon, the 6,000-foot elevation really made it tough for him to breath. In addition, he was constantly tired and sore all over. Upon returning to San Diego, he went to the emergency room. Steve underwent a variety of tests. Doctors found pleural fusion, which is fluid inside the lung. They said the fluid needed to be removed. A thoracentesis was performed, which removed about 400cc of a yellowish fluid. Once it was out, Steve could breathe again. Then he underwent another test, a biopsy. It indicated Steve had metastatic Stage IV lung cancer, which had metastasized from the base of his skull to his spine. The cause of the cancer was a mutation, EGFR exon 19 deletion. The oncologist prescribed a two-pronged chemotherapy regimen of carboplatin and pemetrexed for the lung and for the mutation, a TKI inhibitor known as tagrisso. Steve suffered the side effects generally associated with chemotherapy. During his nine treatments, he experienced fatigue, cognitive issues and food tasted terrible. His oncologist eventually took him off the chemo, kept him on the tagrisso. The bone lesions eventually disappeared, and Steve’s health has returned to about 70-80 percent of what it was before his diagnosis. Steve says the tagrisso is not a cure, but does keep his lung cancer at bay. By way of advice, he says science has come a long way, so much so that a diagnosis of metastatic Stage IV lung cancer should not be considered a death sentence. He also urges anyone diagnosed with the disease to “dive deep” and stay mentally strong even when it seems that is very hard to do. Additional Resources: Support Group: The A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation Steve’s YouTube channel EFGRandme /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42865245

188: Stuart Hopgood survived prostate cancer | needle-point biopsy |Trelstar | Erieada | TURP Surgery 09/04/2026

188: Stuart Hopgood survived prostate cancer | needle-point biopsy |Trelstar | Erieada | TURP Surgery Prior to his 2025 prostate cancer diagnosis, Stuart Hopgood experienced no symptoms. But a visit to his general practitioner included blood work, which revealed a PSA of 74.2! Stuart was referred to a urologist, who called for a needle-point biopsy. The biopsy not only showed Stuart that he had Stage IV prostate cancer, but that it had metastasized to his pelvic area, a rib and his clavicle. He put on Trelstar, a form of hormonal therapy, six weeks of radiation therapy and Erieada, a form of oral chemotherapy. While Stuart will never be cured, this regimen successfully addressed not only the cancer in his prostate, but the cells that had metastasized. Stuart thought he was in good health. He was an avid golfer and at that point, the worst one could say about his health was that he experienced frequent urination at night. But when I went in for his annual physical, the blood work showed his astronomic PSA. At first, his doctor thought that high number might be due to some sort of infection and prescribed antibiotics. They brought down the PSA somewhat, but Stuart’s GP sent him to a urologist, who ordered a scan and a physical examination. That was enough to warrant a needle point biopsy, which indicated Stuart had Stage IV prostate cancer. The urologist called for a PET scan to confirm the staging of the cancer. He also introduced a hormone-based therapy with the drug Trelstar. The PET scan showed the cancer had spread into the pelvic area, his clavicle and one of his ribs. At that point, his care was turned over to a radiation oncologist. The urologist then recommended a combination of radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy. The pill was a new drug, Erieada. Meanwhile, the Trelstar was injected into a muscle three times a month. The radiation took place in 26 sessions over a six-week period. The urologist said there was no cure for Stuart’s cancer because it was Stage IV and because with a Gleason score of eight, it was quite aggressive. The urologist said this regimen could extend Stuart’s life. The oral chemotherapy was not as invasive as chemotherapy administered through a port, but Stuar said the worst part was the fatigue, which he said could not be aided by sleep. He completed his radiation treatment in August 2025, but from it he still suffers aching muscles and hot flashes. As the treatment went on, progress was made. In March 2026, his PSA had plummeted to just about zero and all the cancer cells that had metastasized were brought under control. Meanwhile, scar tissue associated with the radiation had impeded normal urinary function. To combat that, Stuart underwent a successful surgical procedure called TURP surgery. He still urinates frequently at night and there is some pain tied to the nerve endings in his urinary canal. Overall, Stuart Hopgood is thankful for overcoming so much and being afforded time to spend with his wife, children and grandchildren. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Cancer Association of South Africa /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42760655

187: Andrew Allers survived kidney cancer | yervoy | opdivo | IVIG | prednisone | nephrectomy | vena cava In 2015, Andrew Allers was hit and fell while competing in a soccer match. He immediately sought medical attention. and a CT scan revealed a baseball-sized tumor on one of his kidneys, which led to a diagnosis of Stage III renal cell carcinoma, or, kidney cancer. A radical open-assisted nephrectomy removed the entire cancerous kidney. Andrew thought he was in the clear, but in 2019, he was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. Not only that, but the cancer had spread to his bones and his brain. However, all of the above was successfully treated with an immunotherapy regimen, including ipilimumab and nivolumab. Physically, Andrew considers his health at about 65 percent of what it was pre-diagnosis, but his cognitive skills are just as sharp as ever. Andrew Allers led an active lifestyle in 2015. From suburban Connecticut, he commuted to his job on Wall Street, but still found the time and energy to compete in an over-40 soccer league. It was during a match that he took a hit, fell on his side. Not only did he think he had broken a rib, but there was blood in his urine. He went to the emergency department. A CT scan was ordered, and it revealed a baseball-sized mass on his kidney. Andrew was referred to a urologist, who checked out the scan and told Andrew he had Stage III kidney cancer. A radical open-assisted nephrectomy was performed to successfully remove the cancerous kidney. However, just two years later while playing tennis, he felt a pain in his back. A biopsy was performed and Stage IV kidney cancer was indicated. In addition, Andrew underwent a bone scan which revealed a tumor in his left hip socket. It was radiated immediately, but to be safe, he was put on an immunotherapy regimen with two agents, ipilimumab and nivolumab. Side effects included a full body rash and muscle aches making it difficult to make up and down stairs. The immunotherapy was supplemented with a rheumatological drug, IVIG, or intravenous immunoglobin. A few months later, his tumors had shrunk measurably. There was yet another issue for Andrew. He experienced problems with his left field of vision, and underwent a CT scan, which he had a pair of brain tumors. For that he underwent a successful surgical procedure in May 2020. These days from a physical perspective, Andrew Allers says his health is about 65 percent of what it was before his soccer accident. His biggest setback is that he can no longer run. He says his cognitive skills have not suffered and that his mental health is better than ever. Additional Resources: Support Group: The Kidney Cancer Association Patients Stories Andrew has written for The Kidney Cancer Association: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42581525

186: Dominique Bieger survived breast cancer | letrozole | aromatase inhibitor | sentinel node | necrosis 08/17/2026

186: Dominique Bieger survived breast cancer | letrozole | aromatase inhibitor | sentinel node | necrosis In 2024, Dominique Bieger knew something was wrong when she felt a tickling, biting sensation in her left breast. After a series of mammograms, an echogram, an ultrasound and a vacuum assisted biopsy, she learned she had invasive ductal carcinoma, or breast cancer. She would have to get a quadrant of the cancerous breast surgically removed. Dominique was happy to learn she could avoid chemotherapy, instead for hormonal treatment, featuring letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor. The letrozole left her hands, her feet and joints in severe pain. She went off the letrozole and is investigating another post-surgery regimen. Much of the pain is gone, leaving Dominique free to pursue a career as a chef. When Dominique noticed this irritating sensation in her left breast, she did not immediately seek medical attention. Because various cousins had been diagnosed with the BRCA mutation, in 2019, Dominique underwent a mammogram which showed she did not have the mutation. She underwent another mammogram in 2023, which again showed her breasts to be cancer-free. However, she had another mammogram done in 2025, along with a vacuum assisted biopsy. Days later, the hospital called her and asked her to come in. When she did, she was told she had invasive ductal carcinoma in a quadrant of her left breast, and the cancer had to be removed. After a successful surgical procedure, Dominique was told she would not have to be put on chemotherapy. Instead, a hormonal regimen would suffice. Its primary ingredient was letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor. She also underwent fifteen rounds of radiation treatment. Dominique said the letrozole was very difficult as it resulted in pain in her hands, feet and joints. At times, it also made her depressed. To make matters worse, her work was done on the computer, and she was in too much pain to work. Dominique Bieger is off the letrozole. She and her care team and trying to craft a regimen that will be effective without resulting in so much pain. By way of advice, Dominique says if your doctor suggests a certain schedule for you to get a mammogram, to follow that schedule. It can make the difference between staying in front of breast cancer and getting a diagnosis. Additional Resources: Dominique’s YouTube channel: Dominique’s LinkedIn profile: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42457120

185: David Peters survived prostate cancer | rezum procedure | sacrum | colonics | cachexia | metformin For David Peters, what began as medical attention to address an enlarged prostate in 2022 became a diagnosis of Stage 4B prostate cancer. Prior to his undergoing a Rezum procedure, a pre-op workup a PSA level of 19. However, nobody at the hospital bothered to check the PSA level before performing the procedure, which placed David at great risk. Not long after that came his diagnosis. David’s care team recommended lifelong androgen deprivation therapy. He checked out the side effects and didn’t want to go that route. David instead opted for a three-week to Hope4Cancer in Cancun, Mexico, where he underwent an intense holistic regimen. In 2026, when the cancer spread to his bones, he went to the First Nations Clinic in Tennessee, where he is undergoing a nanotherapeutics protocol. It is keeping the cancer at bay, and he enjoys a healthy lifestyle. David said his cancer journey did not begin with cancer symptoms. The combination of frequent urination and a weak stream led him to believe he had an enlarged prostate and went to a doctor. He had many options, but chose a Rezum procedure, in which steam into the prostate through the rectal wall and it shrinks the prostate. However, the care team wanted to first make sure David didn’t have prostate cancer, so he was given a PSA test. This was in May of 2022. In August, the surgery was performed; but it wasn’t until September that a nurse informed him that his PSA level was dangerously high at 19, meaning the surgery was performed when his risk for cancer was high, but the care team didn’t know it! Not long after that, David Peters was diagnosed with Stage 4B prostate cancer, which had spread to his sacrum, iliac chain and a node near his rib cage. His oncologist discussed with Dave various treatment options, but urged him to immediately begin a regimen of androgen deprivation therapy, which would basically shut off his testosterone. It did not David and his wife, Kathi, to agree this was not the way to go, and they opted to see remedies that were more holistic in nature. After some research by David and Kathi, they decided to Hope4Cancer in Mexico, where he would undergo intensive testing and holistic work. He really appreciated that Hope4Cancer treats body, soul and spirit with an eye toward wholeness. He experimented with a raw vegan diet and with fasting. David ended up being more diligent about the meats and vegetables he ate. David continued his cancer journey in February 2026 at the First Nations Clinic in Tennessee, where he began a protocol of nanotherapeutics. They disrupt the cancer cells, and for the first time in three years his PSA went down. He goes to the clinic once a month. David Peters is happy to report he weighs 150 pounds, like he did in high school. He walks every day, exercises three times and does pushups every day. Additional Resources: David’s Website: /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42352090

184: Tina Calderone-Roth survived ovarian cancer | bilateral oophorectomy | avastin | ascites | lynparza 08/03/2026

184: Tina Calderone-Roth survived ovarian cancer | bilateral oophorectomy | avastin | ascites | lynparza In May 2022, Tina Calderone-Roth felt terrible. She was experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea. She also gained close to 15 pounds in three days. Nurses she knew suggested she go to the emergency department. Two paracentesis procedures resulted in the removal of 6.5 liters of fluid. Doctors initially noticed a large abdominal mass, but further tests indicated ovarian masses of 7cm and 10cm. Tests also showed Tina had the BRCA-2 gene mutation. She opted to, all at once, undergo a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. A week after the procedure, it was learned there had been Stage 1B cancer in both ovaries. Tina was next put on six rounds of chemotherapy with carbo-taxol, avastin and the PARP inhibitor, lynparaza. Because of the BRCA-2 gene mutation and with it, the possibility of breast, she decided to get a bilateral mastectomy. Tina reached survivorship and these days, while she can no longer run, she can jog and power walk. Tina had been working for more than two decades in the care management sector of health care in 2022, when her health took a sudden turn for the worse. She was feeling unusually tired, had shortness of breath and her weight shot up by 15 pounds in three days. She had no idea what was going on, but consulted friends who were nurses, and they suggested she go to the emergency department, which she did in the middle of a workday. Tina underwent a CT scan, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, blood work and genetic testing. A subsequent pair of paracentesis procedure removed a combined 6.5 liters of fluid, which explained her sudden, sharp weight gain. Those tests also showed she had a large abdominal mass. Further tests were conducted and they revealed two large ovarian masses, measuring roughly 7cm and 10cm. Meanwhile, the genetic testing revealed Tina had the BRCA-2 gene mutation. She did not want to have multiple surgeries, so she elected to have a hysterectomy along with the removal of both ovaries. About a week later, it was determined the ovaries were cancerous. She and her care team settled on a six-round chemotherapy regimen of carbo-taxol, avastin and the PARP inhibitor, lynparaza. Like many dealing with chemotherapy, Tina was fatigued, had nausea and suffered hair loss, but got through it. She was still concerned about the possibility of being diagnosed with breast cancer because of the gene mutation, so she decided to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. If Tina Calderone-Roth’s health before her diagnosis could be considered 100 percent, these days she considers her health to be at 90 percent. While she can no longer run, Tina says she can jog and power walk. Additional Resources: Tina’s Book: “Where Fears Meets Faith,” available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, in paperback and Kindle /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42293215

183: Bethany Smith has survived lymphoma and thyroid cancer | bleomycin | vinblastine | levothyroxine 07/31/2026

183: Bethany Smith has survived lymphoma and thyroid cancer | bleomycin | vinblastine | levothyroxine Bethany Smith is a fighter. Almost immediately after surviving Hodgkin lymphoma, she was diagnosed with metastatic follicular thyroid cancer. In addition to having her thyroid removed, she also underwent total hip replacement. All this while raising three small children. Treatment of her lymphoma included a chemotherapy regimen of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbzin. Her treatment for thyroid cancer featured radioactive iodine. Bethany credits oxygen therapy for helping her to become free of thyroid cancer and these maintains her health with levothyroxine. Bethany cannot tell you exactly when she first detected in the vicinity of her thyroid. It had been there for years when her mother visited, saw the lump and insisted she seek medical attention. This led to a series of scans and the discovery of a second lump near her clavicle. A biopsy of the lump on her collarbone resulted in a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in the Autumn of 2022, while the biopsy of the lump on her thyroid came back as “indeterminant.” Bethany’s care team said it would turn its attention to the thyroid lump after addressing her lymphoma diagnosis. She was placed on a six-month regimen of ABVD chemotherapy, which included adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine. Bethany suffered many of the usual side effects tied to chemo, including fatigue, nausea and hair loss. The latter forced her to cut her hair short and then the purchase of a half dozen wigs of different colors. Bethany attained survivorship from Hodgkin lymphoma, but halfway through her chemo, she underwent a PET scan, which showed two lesions, one on her C5 vertebrae and one on hip. She underwent a biopsy on the lump on her thyroid in the Spring of 2023, which not only indicated follicular thyroid cancer, but that it had metastasized to the bones in her vertebrae and right hip. Bethany had to undergo a thyroidectomy and because was eating away at her right hip, it, too, had to be removed. In September 2023, she began a three-dose regimen of radioactive iodine, which forced her to be kept in isolation. She was given another CT scan that revealed that cancer was in twelve places in her bones. Bethany said the pain of her hip replacement exceeded that of three times giving birth without painkillers. She says she is able to walk just fine these days, walking that includes her love for hiking, and her lack of a thyroid is successfully addressed with levothyroxine, which replaces the hormones lost when her thyroid was removed. Bethany Smith has experienced the physical toll of her two cancer journeys, but then and now, she deals with everything that has come her way with her natural and boundless sense of optimism. Additional Resources: Bethany’s app: Bethany’s YouTube channel: Bethany Smith Cancer /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42272405

182: Thomas Goode survived multiple myeloma | doxil | plasmacytoma | engraftment | vorinostat | velcade It wasn’t easy, but Thomas Goode managed to survive Stage III multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer that originates in bone marrow. When he first experienced pain in his left shoulder, it was misdiagnosed as bursitis. Then he underwent a stem cell transplant no less than three times, with his oldest brother donating the bone marrow for the final two procedures. Thomas has achieved Minimal Residual Disease status and says his physical health is roughly 70 percent of what it was, pre-diagnosis. In 2005, Thomas Goode was leading an active lifestyle. It included bicycle riding and working out. But when he was on vacation with his family, he went to the gym and suddenly experienced acute pain in his left shoulder. He went to his family doctor who said Thomas had bursitis and prescribed pain pills. Thomas was skeptical of this diagnosis because it came because no scans were performed. He sought a second opinion and went to his orthopedic surgeon. The doctor called for an MRI and it revealed a tumor near his shoulder and said it was the source of Thomas’ pain. He had the tumor biopsied and it showed a plasmacytoma, cancer that progress to become multiple myeloma. Thomas underwent six weeks of radiation treatment. The pain went away, but it returned. Thomas’ multiple myeloma specialist suggested a stem cell transplant, an option Thomas accepted. It began with induction therapy, backed by doxil, vincristine and dexamethasone, aimed at bringing his white blood cell down to a number that would allow for a stem cell transplant. However, the procedure didn’t work. The specialist recommended a second stem cell transplant. Thomas learned his oldest brother was a perfect for a bone marrow transplant. The second stem cell transplant included compath, fludarabine and melphalan. It also didn’t work, so a third one was performed with velcade, doxil and vorinostat. Thomas followed this with eight days of radiation. His care team proclaimed Thomas is Minimal Residual Disease-negative. Thomas Goode says his health is about 70 percent of what it was before his diagnosis. He can still work out but acknowledges he will always have some level of back pain. By way of advice, he would tell anyone diagnosed with multiple myeloma that the disease is not a death sentence. He says that’s because there are more treatment options and better treatment options than when he was diagnosed. Additional Resources: Thomas' Support Group: Triangle Area Myeloma Support Group /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42157955

181: Keri Darling survived follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma | bendamustine | rituximab | immunotherapy 07/17/2026

181: Keri Darling survived follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma | bendamustine | rituximab | immunotherapy In March 2025, Keri Darling fell out of bed and hit her head. A trip to the doctor revealed a large mass on her pancreas. After a series of scans, Keri received a phone call at work from a nurse who told her she had cancer; not cancer of the pancreas, but a type of blood cancer, Stage IV follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was put on a regimen of chemotherapy, bendamustine, followed by immunotherapy, rituximab. Keri has achieved survivorship, but each day deals with severe fatigue, which she believes is tied to her chemo regimen. She still goes in for bimonthly injections of rituximab and says he expects to always be dealing with some level of fatigue. Nonetheless, she finds the time and energy to help others as a cancer coach. Two years prior to March 2025, Keri was constantly feeling fatigued. This was annoying, but she had no idea what was behind her feeling so tired so often. Then in the middle of the night on a Friday, she got out of bed, fell and hit her head. She and her husband went to the emergency room. After some scans, doctors detected a large mass on Keri’s pancreas. She and her husband were terrified that she had pancreatic cancer. A nurse referred her to an oncologist and a gastroenterologist. Keri said this wasn’t a good time for her to deal with a potential cancer diagnosis. She was just about to start a new job and the insurance from her previous job was going to lapse in a week. A nurse urged Keri to get insurance through COBRA, which she did. Nonetheless, she still had to juggle her health and a new job. She went to a GI doctor who performed a biopsy. Keri was at work when she received a call from a nurse telling her she had been diagnosed not with pancreatic cancer, but with Stage IV follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In terms of treatment, she was given three options and chose a mix of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The chemotherapy was bendamustine and the immunotherapy was rituximab. Keri said she had been prescribed medication to combat the ensuing nausea, but that the toughest part of her chemo regimen was the constant fatigue. She was also plagued with cognitive issues that resulted in post-its all over her home and a lot of attention paid to the calendar on her phone. Keri Darling says if she thinks to the time before she started feeling constant fatigue in 2023, and thought of her health as 100 percent, now her health is at around 40 percent. She says every day she feels fatigued. It is merely a question of how fatigued she will feel, but she approaches each day as a chance for her health to improve over the previous day. Additional Resources: Keri’s coaching website: (NOT .com) /episode/index/show/cancerinterviews/id/42123695

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

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