Triad Cancer Connection Podcast
Cancer Services, Inc is a local non-profit in Winston-Salem, NC offering comprehensive cancer support services. Our mission is to enhance health, life, and survivorship and that’s exactly what this podcast is designed to do! Whether you’re someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, is a loved one of someone who has faced a cancer diagnosis, a healthcare provider or someone who wants to decrease risk and be knowledgeable about resources, then you’ve come to the right place! This podcast will connect you to our local experts and resources.
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March Survivorship Expert Interview: Integrative Oncology
03/28/2024
March Survivorship Expert Interview: Integrative Oncology
Our expert speaker this month is Dr Rachel Baldwin, integrative medicine physician for Novant Health Cancer Institute in Winston-Salem, NC. Dr Baldwin answers Julie’s questions including: What’s the role of integrative medicine for oncology care? What kinds of issues are people typically seeing you for? people have to be referred to see you? Do you think a change in diet or lifestyle will shrink the cancer and keep it from growing back without chemotherapy? What advice do you have for managing cancer related side effects?
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Body Image and Nutrition for your Nervous System
01/23/2024
Body Image and Nutrition for your Nervous System
January 2024 Survivorship Special Topic: Body Image and Nutrition for your Nervous System Today’s episode is the first survivorship special topic for 2024! Our expert speaker today is Debra Benfield, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Certified Yoga Teacher. Debra is the founder of Body in Mind Nutrition, a body positive nutrition therapy practice here in Winston Salem. You can find Debra on IG and her website has more podcast interviews and resources. . We decided to do this topic because first of all, it’s January! We’re all thinking of a New Year and what we might want to reset in life. Obviously, some of the things we’d really like to reset, we have no control over. However, how we cope with cancer and the impact it has on our lives is something we can influence, and the nervous system is something that is very connected to our mental health and well-being.
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GYN Cancer Survivorship with Endometrial Cancer Survivor Kris Ryan
12/19/2023
GYN Cancer Survivorship with Endometrial Cancer Survivor Kris Ryan
Today’s episode is the last in our 3 part series sponsored by Athena’s Run for GYN Cancer. The mission of Athena's Run is to celebrate, honor and lift up the women affected by gynecologic cancers. They increase public awareness about gynecologic cancers and raise funds to support education, advocacy, care and research. Their vision is to end gynecologic cancers through prevention, early detection and effective treatment. In this episode, we talk with GYN cancer survivor, Kris Ryan, about life during and after cancer. Episode 1 focuses on prevent, and early detection. Episode 2 focuses on treatment and managing side effects. Episode 3 highlights GYN cancer survivorship. We hope you find this episode informative. Please share with the women in your life! Suggested Resource: Foundation for Women’s Cancer -
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Gynecologic Cancer Treatment and Side Effect Management
12/09/2023
Gynecologic Cancer Treatment and Side Effect Management
Today’s episode is the 2nd in a 3 part series sponsored by Athena’s Run for GYN Cancer. Our expert guest is Robin Atkinson, oncology certified nurse and Gynecologic Cancer Nurse Navigator for the Novant Cancer Institute. The mission of Athena's Run is to celebrate, honor and lift up the women affected by gynecologic cancers. They increase public awareness about gynecologic cancers and raise funds to support education, advocacy, care and research. Their vision is to end gynecologic cancers through prevention, early detection and effective treatment. This 3 part series will cover just that! Episode 1 focuses on prevent, and early detection. Episode 2 focuses on treatment and managing side effects. Episode 3 highlights GYN cancer survivorship. We hope you find this episode informative. Please share with the women in your life! Suggested Resource: Foundation for Women’s Cancer -
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Survivorship Topic: The Effects of High Blood Pressure on Cancer Survivorship
12/06/2023
Survivorship Topic: The Effects of High Blood Pressure on Cancer Survivorship
Check out our last survivorship expert interview for 2023 with expert Dr. Ken E. Bodek, a cardio-oncologist with Novant Health Cardiology. We decided to do this topic because high blood pressure affects 50% of the US adult population, and cancer survivors are affected at a higher rate and the effects can be more harmful. This will be helpful information for everyone!
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Reducing Risk for GYN Cancer
11/22/2023
Reducing Risk for GYN Cancer
Today’s episode is the first in a 3 part series sponsored by Athena’s Run for GYN Cancer. The mission of Athena's Run is to celebrate, honor and lift up the women affected by gynecologic cancers. They increase public awareness about gynecologic cancers and raise funds to support education, advocacy, care and research. Their vision is to end gynecologic cancers through prevention, early detection and effective treatment. This 3 part series will cover just that! Episode 1 focuses on prevent, and early detection. Episode 2 focuses on treatment and managing side effects. Episode 3 highlights GYN cancer survivorship. We hope you find this episode informative. Please share with the women in your life!
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Survivorship Topic: What to Know when You’re Facing Cancer
10/18/2023
Survivorship Topic: What to Know when You’re Facing Cancer
Getting a cancer diagnosis for the first time can be scary and overwhelming, and you may feel like you don't know where to start. And for those who are close to the end of active treatment, or done with active treatment, that’s a scary time too when you’re not seeing your cancer care team every week! This month's interview aims to help listeners know where to go, who to talk to, what to ask, and what resources to keep in your toolbox. Cancer Services has dozens of resources for patients to provide support and assistance throughout this journey, and there's even more organizations and programs out within the community that we'll discuss. We are lucky to have three experts on this topic this month, Melissa Lyle-Nipper, Felicia Dobson and Lindy Milligan. Melissa is our Patient Advocate Director here at Cancer Services and has a master's in social work, Felicia is one of our fantastic Patient Advocators, and Lindy is our survivorship coordinator and a breast cancer survivor. Resources discussed: Cancer Services Patient Advocates - 336-760-9983; Survivor Programs: Fund Finder Cancer Care Caring Bridge: Livestrong at the YMCA:
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Celebrating Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day!
10/12/2023
Celebrating Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day!
Today’s interview is with Melanie Sisk, a local metastatic breast cancer thriver who is also a volunteer with Cancer Services and is the group leader for our local Metastatic Breast Cancer group in the Triad area of North Carolina. To contact Melanie about the group, email
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Survivorship Topic: Navigating Health Insurance Options
09/18/2023
Survivorship Topic: Navigating Health Insurance Options
We are lucky to have an expert on this topic this month. Sarah Jolly is a Certified Marketplace Navigator with NC Navigator Consortium and works for Legal Aid in Forsyth County. We have a lot of great information to share on this topic and hope you find it helpful! Resources: For Medicare Advice: NC SHIIP – 855-408-1212 For Marketplace Assistance: NC Navigator 800 number: 855-733-3711 à get help tab
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Survivorship Topic: Heart Health After Treatment
05/25/2023
Survivorship Topic: Heart Health After Treatment
Our expert speaker this month is cardio-oncologist Dr. Kenneth Bodek with Novant Health. For a reflection guide or to register for the discussion group, go to .
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Survivorship Topic: Neuropathy
05/09/2023
Survivorship Topic: Neuropathy
Our expert speakers this month are Stephanie Rehm, a physical therapist and Claire Salmond, an occupational therapist, both with Novant Health. For a reflection guide or to register for the discussion group, go to .
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Survivorship Topic: Nutrition During and After Cancer Treatment
03/28/2023
Survivorship Topic: Nutrition During and After Cancer Treatment
Our expert speakers this month are Lora White, RD, CSO, LDN and Amber Thomas, RD, CSO. We have a lot of great information to share on this topic and hope you find it helpful! For a reflection guide or to register for the discussion group, go to . Lora White: Amber Thomas: Julie Lanford:
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Survivorship Topic – Cancer Brain – Tips & Tricks for Coping
03/04/2023
Survivorship Topic – Cancer Brain – Tips & Tricks for Coping
Our expert speakers this month are Claudia U. Koliscak, MS CCC-SLP and Sara Bridges, LCSW. We have a lot of great information to share on this topic and hope you find it helpful! For a reflection guide or to register for the discussion group, go to . Sara Bridges: | Claudia Koliscak: | 336-397-6029
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Priorities and Well-Being: Maintaining Focus on What’s Really Important - Part 2
12/30/2022
Priorities and Well-Being: Maintaining Focus on What’s Really Important - Part 2
Each month Cancer Services will post a special topic video with experts in a variety of areas relating to cancer survivorship and caregiving.These videos will be posted on Cancer Services’ website and youtube channel and the audio will be here on our podcast. Find the video recordings at Today’s special topic is: Priorities and Well-Being: Maintaining Focus on What’s Really Important Part 2 Our expert speaker today is Kris Ryan, cancer survivor and certified coach who spent her career in Human Resources and Leadership Development before being diagnosed with endometrial cancer in December of 2017. After beating cancer she refocused her life to wellness and cancer survivor coaching. Please download the January special topic reflection guide at All survivors and caregivers are invited to join us for our survivorship special topic discussion group on the 4th Tuesday of January (January 24)! You can choose in person (1-2pm at Cancer Services office on Maplewood Ave) or virtual (7-8pm via zoom). We do ask that you register so that we know to expect you. Just go to and sign up for the special topic discussion.
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Priorities and Well-Being: Maintaining Focus on What’s Really Important - Part 1
12/29/2022
Priorities and Well-Being: Maintaining Focus on What’s Really Important - Part 1
Each month Cancer Services will post a special topic video with experts in a variety of areas relating to cancer survivorship and caregiving.These videos will be posted on Cancer Services’ website and youtube channel and the audio will be here on our podcast. Find the video recordings at . Today’s special topic is: Priorities and Well-Being: Maintaining Focus on What’s Really Important. Our expert speakers today are Lisa Rainwater, an oncology counselor for Atrium Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, and DeCarlos West, a social worker for Novant Cancer Institute. Please download the January special topic reflection guide at All survivors and caregivers are invited to join us for our survivorship special topic discussion group on the 4th Tuesday of January (January 24)! You can choose in person (1-2pm at Cancer Services office on Maplewood Ave) or virtual (7-8pm via zoom). We do ask that you register so that we know to expect you. Just go to and sign up for the special topic discussion.
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Attitude of Gratitude - Week 5: Gratitude During the Holidays
11/29/2022
Attitude of Gratitude - Week 5: Gratitude During the Holidays
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude! This is the final episode in our 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment. We hope you’ve enjoyed the series! In this episode Dr. Torelli shares advice on how people can focus on gratitude during tough times. We also discuss how people can maintain a practice of gratitude going forward. The following resources were shared: Dr. Torelli Guided Meditation for Chemo. A gratitude exercise that to be used for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. BOOKS: Thanks! By Robert Emmons - The Mindful Path to Self Compassion by Germer - WEBSITES: Kristin Neff Information – Mindful Eating Webinar Recording from January - Check out one or more of Dr. Torreli's videos. Find them here: Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Stay up to date with Cancer Services programs and events on our news page!
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Attitude of Gratitude - Week 4: Gratitude, Mindfulness and Well-Being
08/03/2022
Attitude of Gratitude - Week 4: Gratitude, Mindfulness and Well-Being
This is week 4 in our 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment. This program is open to patients/survivors as well as caregivers. This program is designed for you to do “on your own.” Let us know if you have any questions! To register go to: During week 4 Dr. Torelli shares about the following: Refresher on self acceptance/self compassion. What is well-being and mindfulness? Why is it important? What are some ways to practice mindfulness? Here’s our Gratitude Action step(s) for this week 1. Find moments for mindfulness at least once a day 2. Continue your gratitude journal! Prompts for this week. Use one, or more, each day! 1 Spend a few minutes focusing on your 5 senses and write down how you can you be more mindful of each. 2. What about your career or job are you grateful for? 3. What things made you laugh out loud? 4. What physical characteristics are you most grateful for? 5. Name 3 talents or qualities you have that you are grateful for.
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Attitude of Gratitude - Week 3: Gratitude and Self Acceptance
11/14/2021
Attitude of Gratitude - Week 3: Gratitude and Self Acceptance
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude!
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Attitude of Gratitude - Week 2: Gratitude Practices
11/07/2021
Attitude of Gratitude - Week 2: Gratitude Practices
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude!
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Attitude of Gratitude - Week 1: Introduction
10/31/2021
Attitude of Gratitude - Week 1: Introduction
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude!
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Greatfully Well - Week 5: Program Wrap Up
03/28/2021
Greatfully Well - Week 5: Program Wrap Up
This is the final episode in our 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment! During our final episode Dr. Torelli recaps much of what we discussed in the series including: Who is responsible for our physical treatment vs. emotional and behavioral contributions to well-being. How we might recognize our emotional triggers and responses. Suggested ways to continue changing our habits to improve health and well-being. Here’s our Gratitude Action steps for this week: 1. Continue your gratitude journal! 2. Check out one or more of Dr. Torreli's videos. Find them here: Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 3. Check out Kristen Neff's information and books - 4. Stay updated on upcoming programs to enhance well-being!
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Greatfully Well - Week 4: Gratitude, Mindfulness and Well-Being
03/21/2021
Greatfully Well - Week 4: Gratitude, Mindfulness and Well-Being
It's Great When You're Grateful! This is week 4 in our 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment. This program is open to patients/survivors as well as caregivers. All participants receive an email once a week (on Mondays, starting March 1st) with a link to the podcast interview regarding the week’s topic. We will also have a “Gratitude Action Step” each week, and participants will keep a gratitude journal. This program is designed for you to do “on your own”, or with a virtual group meeting once a week, on Thursday evenings at 7pm. Let us know if you have any questions! To register go to: During week 4 Dr. Torelli shares about the following: Refresher on self acceptance/self compassion. What is well-being and mindfulness? Why is it important? Can spirituality, faith and spiritual practices be mindfulness? What are some ways to practice mindfulness? Here’s our Gratitude Action step for this week: Continue your gratitude journal! Prompts for this week. Use one, or more, each day! 1 Spend a few minutes focusing on your 5 senses and write down how you can you be more mindful of each. 2. What about your career or job are you grateful for? 3. What things made you laugh out loud? 4. What physical characteristics are you most grateful for? 5. Name 3 talents or qualities you have that you are grateful for.
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Greatfully Well - Week 3: Gratitude and Self Acceptance
03/14/2021
Greatfully Well - Week 3: Gratitude and Self Acceptance
Life's Great When You're Grateful! This is week 3 in our 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment. This program is open to patients/survivors as well as caregivers. All participants receive an email once a week (on Mondays, starting March 1st) with a link to the podcast interview regarding the week’s topic. We will also have a “Gratitude Action Step” each week, and participants will keep a gratitude journal. This program is designed for you to do “on your own”, or with a virtual group meeting once a week, on Thursday evenings at 7pm. Let us know if you have any questions! To register go to: During week 3 Dr. Torelli shares about the following: What is self acceptance? Why is it important? How do I move towards self acceptance? Are there people who get in the way of self acceptance? Here’s our Gratitude Action step for this week Use one, or more, of these prompts each day! 1. What do you really appreciate about your life? 2. What has been the highlight of your day today? 3. What things do you own that make life easier? 4. List 5 things you love about your home. 5. What about nature are you grateful for?
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Greatfully Well - Week 2: Gratitude Practices
03/07/2021
Greatfully Well - Week 2: Gratitude Practices
It's Great When You're Grateful! This is week 2 in our 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment. This program is open to patients/survivors as well as caregivers. All participants receive an email once a week (on Mondays, starting March 1st) with a link to the podcast interview regarding the week’s topic. We will also have a “Gratitude Action Step” each week, and participants will keep a gratitude journal. This program is designed for you to do “on your own”, or with a virtual group meeting once a week, on Thursday evenings at 7pm. Let us know if you have any questions! To register go to: During week 2 Dr. Torelli shares about the following: Besides a gratitude journal, what are other ways that people can practice gratitude? Here’s our Gratitude Action step for this week. Answer one or more of these each day: 1. What in your life are you happy to have stopped doing or let go of? Or what phase are you glad to not be in? 2. What are irritations in your life that could use a change in perspective? Can you take less seriously, find humor in? How can that change have a positive effect on your life? 3. List something good that has recently caught your attention to make you realize how fortunate you are. 4. Name 3 things that always put a smile on your face. 5. What is the most beautiful place you have been to? Relive being in this place now.
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Greatfully Well - Week 1: Introduction
02/28/2021
Greatfully Well - Week 1: Introduction
It's Great When You're Grateful! We are launching a special 5 week program designed to guide you into a habit of gratitude in order to enhance your well-being during and after cancer treatment. This program is open to patients/survivors as well as caregivers. The program begins on March 1st! All participants will receive an email once a week (on Mondays, starting March 1st) with a link to the podcast interview regarding the week’s topic. We will also have a “Gratitude Action Step” each week, and participants will keep a gratitude journal. This program is designed for you to do “on your own”, or with a virtual group meeting once a week, on Thursday evenings at 7pm. Let us know if you have any questions! To register go to: During week 1 Dr. Torelli shares about the following: What is gratitude? How can gratitude help during or after cancer treatment? What are the most important things to do when it comes to a lifestyle of gratitude? Example of how someone can reframe their perspective using gratitude. WEEK 1 ACTION STEP: Start your gratitude journal! Prompts for this week. Use one, or more, each day! 1. Write down one good thing that happened to you today. 2. What are five personality traits that you are most thankful for? 3. What about your upbringing are you most grateful for? 4. Name 5 things you are doing well currently. 5. What family members are you most grateful for? Write about what makes them special.
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15 - COVID Vaccine Info with Dr. Stacy Wentworth
02/15/2021
15 - COVID Vaccine Info with Dr. Stacy Wentworth
We are here today with Dr. Stacy Wentworth, medical director of cancer survivorship at Wake Forest Baptist Health to talk about the COVID-19 Vaccine. We cover the following questions: - What do cancer patients and survivors need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine? - What's the best way to get scheduled for one? - Are there any individuals who should NOT get one asap? - It's confusing that we still have to wear masks and distance after a vaccine. Why? - Should cancer patients and survivors feel good about traveling after being vaccinated? - No one likes to wear a mask, but Dr. Wentworth shares her favorite! Helpful links for finding vaccine appointments: - Be sure you are signed up for your healthcare providers electronic medical record - Follow your local health department website and social media pages - -
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14 - Interview with Dr. Nishat Bhuiyan: Sleep and Cancer Survivorship Study
01/27/2021
14 - Interview with Dr. Nishat Bhuiyan: Sleep and Cancer Survivorship Study
In this interview, Julie talks with Dr. Bhuiyan about the latest study for cancer survivors out of the Mindful Health Lab at Arizona State University. Dr. Bhuiyan also shares information on other wellness studies available to cancer survivors, as well as general tips about sleeping well. Find information about the study, if you're eligible and register for notification of other studies at Information on Dr. Bhuiyan and the Mindful Health Lab: Information on the lead investigator: For information on Cancer Services' latest programs visit Calendar: Registration links:
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13 - January 2021 Program Plans
01/12/2021
13 - January 2021 Program Plans
Julie and Lindy talk about our upcoming cancer survivorship programs and events that you don't want to miss! * NOTE that in this episode, Julie says her cooking class is on Wednesday, Jan 20th, however we have rescheduled that class for 11am on 1/27. . Important links:
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12 - Cancer Survivorship and Integrative Medicine
08/23/2020
12 - Cancer Survivorship and Integrative Medicine
This is the recording from the the second day of Survivors Week 2020. Felicia Dobson, a Patient Advocate at Cancer Services hosts the session on behalf of Cancer Services, Novant Health Derrick L Davis Cancer Center, and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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11 - What Cancer Patients & Survivors Should Know About COVID-19
04/29/2020
11 - What Cancer Patients & Survivors Should Know About COVID-19
Dr. Wentworth discusses the most important things that people in cancer treatment need to know, and what cancer survivors should consider when social distancing measures are lifted.
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