CancerSurvivorMD®

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When the surgeon's scalpel is aimed at oneself, the world turns on its head. Dr. Liz O'Rearden, a former British surgeon now on a mission to educate after multiple breast cancer diagnoses, joins us to share her compelling story. In a transparent and touching narrative, Liz recounts the duality of her life as both caretaker and patient, threading through her personal experiences the pearls of wisdom that have emerged from her role reversal. Her book "Under the Knife" is more than a memoir; it's a call to action for deeper empathy and understanding in the face of illness.
The depth and breadth of cancer's impact on life's balance beam are laid bare as Liz guides us through her strategies for coping and thriving post-diagnosis. Initiatives like CancerBridges.org become lifelines in this journey, providing community support and essential tools for those navigating the treacherous waters of long-term survivorship. Liz also peels back the layers on the wheel of life concept, reminding us that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for those in high-stress professions like surgery. The conversation delves into the delicate interplay between fate and choice regarding cancer causation, urging listeners to embrace self-compassion over guilt.
In our final reflections, Liz lights the path to self-improvement and seizing joy in everyday life, urging us all to take even the smallest step toward healthier living. The message is clear: thriving, not just surviving, is the goal. Her candor and the relatable anecdotes shared throughout the episode underscore the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing life's moments. We're left with a strong sense of gratitude, both for Dr. O'Rioaden's vulnerability in sharing her story and for the community of listeners who join us in this ongoing conversation about life, health, and personal growth.
https://liz.oriordan.co.uk/

• Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
• Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
• G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
• CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

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When Dr. Elaine Schattner stepped into our studio, she brought with her a treasure trove of insights from her journey as a physician and breast cancer survivor. Her book lays the groundwork for our conversation, chronicling the transformation of cancer from a taboo subject to one openly discussed across various platforms, particularly social media. Our discussion traverses the landscape of public health, from early 20th-century education efforts to the role of online communities today. We navigate the complexities of sharing personal health stories in the digital age and the responsibilities of medical professionals to disseminate information accurately and compassionately.
With Elaine’s expertise lighting the way, we venture into the rapidly evolving field of precision oncology, where artificial intelligence revolutionizes patient care. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all treatments; we're now entering an era where therapies are tailored to the genetic makeup of individual tumors. This episode peels back the layers of this medical evolution, from discovering pivotal genes to developing targeted drugs that promise a future of personalized medicine. Elaine's valuable perspective underlines the importance of bridging the gap between hard sciences and human connection within the healthcare system.
The journey concludes on a reflective note, exploring the delicate balance of hope and uncertainty in cancer care. Through Elaine's eyes, we understand the weight of trust in the doctor-patient relationship and the varying ways individuals face the unknown. This episode doesn't just recount Elaine's narrative; it knits together the voices of our live audience, whose questions and experiences enrich the tapestry of our discussion. Join us for this intimate and enlightening exploration of how far we've come in understanding and battling cancer, and the paths still uncharted in this ongoing fight.
https://www.elaineschattner.com/

• Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
• Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
• G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
• CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

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When the pages of a book flutter closed, the story lingers, etching itself into the fabric of our beings. Such is the essence of our latest chat with Ethan, a revered storyteller and University of Delaware educator, whose novels "A Little Hope" and "The Quiet Life" tenderly sketch the intricate dance of life's trials and the resilience of the human spirit. Our conversation with Ethan stretches beyond the written word, touching on the raw inspiration drawn from personal heartache—how the loss of a loved one can bleed into the pages of fiction, offering solace and understanding to those who find their own stories reflected in his characters.
Objects hold the weight of memories, and as Ethan reads from "A Quiet Life," we're enveloped in the poignant symbol of a towel, a relic of love and loss. This moment opens a window into the psychology of attachment, guiding us through the fabric of our sentimental ties to the material world. Ethan's dual mastery of English and psychology shines a light on these connections, unearthing the deeper truths hidden in the everyday and leaving us to ponder the relics of our lives that we cling to for comfort and remembrance.
Much like any passion, writing demands a delicate balance with life's ceaseless rhythm. Ethan's insights on finding time for creativity amid the bustle stir a chord within us, nudging aspiring writers to embrace discipline and cherish the act of storytelling as a bridge to legacy.
Join us for a heartening journey through literature's power to connect and heal, as we unwrap the stories of one author's devotion to the craft amidst the tender complexities of life.
https://www.ethanjoellawriter.com/

• Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
• Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
• G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
• CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

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Discover the essential tools and wisdom to empower yourself or a loved one through a cancer journey in our latest episode. Featuring author Jill Squire and her groundbreaking book "Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagnosis and Treatment and Beyond," we explore practical strategies to support cancer patients from diagnosis through long-term survivorship.
This conversation promises invaluable insights into self-advocacy, effective communication, and the significance of tracking symptoms and treatments in a user-friendly format.
Engage in a heartening discussion on the power of self-care activities like birding and mindfulness, which are essential tools for managing symptoms and maintaining mental wellness. Learn how to build a robust cancer care team, navigate tough conversations with loved ones, and utilize guided journals to keep track of your journey. By sharing personal stories, practical advice, and compassionate guidance, our panel aims to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to take charge of your healthcare experience.
We also delve into the critical aspect of building trust with healthcare providers and the role of daily symptom tracking in shared decision-making. Jill Squire provides expert tips on creating useful diaries to document experiences, which can significantly enhance communication with healthcare professionals. Concluding on a light-hearted note with a pun to bring some humor, we express gratitude to Jill and reflect on the book's unique value for anyone facing a challenging diagnosis. Join us for this heartfelt and informative episode designed to uplift and empower.
Relevant links for Jill Squire, BSN, RN, OCN:

• Jill's first book.
• Jill's LinkedIn profile.
• Jill's podcast.
• Jill's facebook profile.
• Jill's Patreon profile.
• Jill's YouTube profile.
• Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
• Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
• G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
• CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

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Could you endure the excruciating pain of cancer therapy complications and still find gratitude in the experience? Join us as Brad shares his gripping story of survival following a stem cell transplant in early 2016. Brad takes us through the agonizing process of total body irradiation, chemotherapy, and the harrowing reality of developing severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). His gut-wrenching account of intense pain, temporary blindness, and gastrointestinal distress, coupled with the initial misdiagnosis by his medical team, gives us a raw glimpse into the grueling battle he faced.
Through Brad's narrative, we delve into the intricacies of managing a hostile immune system and the long-term effects of cancer treatment, such as bone health deterioration, sexual dysfunction, and difficulty swallowing. Brad's insights emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and informed decision-making within the medical landscape. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Brad's story is one of resilience and gratitude, highlighting his appreciation for the life-saving procedure and the crucial role of extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) in his recovery.
We also explore the emotional and relational toll of chronic illness as Brad candidly discusses the strain on his mental health and family dynamics. From managing severe health conditions while shouldering family responsibilities to the bittersweet reality of early retirement due to disability, Brad's journey sheds light on the profound impact of chronic illness on personal and professional life.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Brad and Josie, filled with mutual gratitude and reflections on resilience. It leaves listeners with a sense of hope and admiration for Brad’s extraordinary strength.

• Relevant links: Brad's book about GvHD and Podcast episode with Brad's wife and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's info about Graft vs Host Disease (GvHD).
• Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
• Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
• G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
• CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/