
CancerSurvivorMD®
Brad Buchanan and G [Josie] van Londen
Hello! Welcome to CancerSurvivorMD’s podcast by Brad and Josie!
We will share our experiences with living in sickness, health, and anything in between to allow healing and growth. The topics will focus on cancer survivors and caregivers but will likely resonate with anyone who has been diagnosed with any health condition.
Brad is a retired English professor and cancer survivor, now a facilitator of the Writing as Healing workshop.
Josie is a retired medical oncologist and cancer survivor.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please send them our way, and we will try to incorporate your request.
Please take a look at the disclaimers (https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers). Words can hurt—if you feel you might get or have been triggered, please stop listening and seek support.
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Top 10 CancerSurvivorMD® Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best CancerSurvivorMD® episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to CancerSurvivorMD® for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite CancerSurvivorMD® episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Author Chat with Kate Washington
CancerSurvivorMD®
07/28/24 • 45 min
I sit down with Kate Washington to discuss her compelling book, "Already Toast," which delves into the profound and multifaceted caregiving journey. Kate shares her deeply personal experience of caring for her husband as he underwent a stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. We explore the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and the emotional and physical toll that caregiving can take. Through her narrative, Kate provides invaluable insights and reflections that resonate with anyone who has navigated the intricate path of supporting a loved one through a serious illness. Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation that sheds light on caregiving's often unspoken realities and complexities.
https://www.kawashington.com/already-toast.html
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Author Chat with Jill Squire
CancerSurvivorMD®
09/21/24 • 41 min
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, BSN, RN, OCN, 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:
- Jill's first book.
- Jill's LinkedIn profile.
- Jill's podcast.
- Jill's facebook profile.
- Jill's Patreon profile.
- Jill's YouTube profile.
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Author Chat with Liz O'Riordan
CancerSurvivorMD®
03/24/24 • 48 min
When the surgeon's scalpel is aimed at oneself, the world turns on its head. Dr. Liz O'Riordan, MD, FRCS, PhD, 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/
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

A Podcast for and by Cancer Survivors
CancerSurvivorMD®
09/12/23 • 3 min
Navigating life's tightrope while carrying the weight of health challenges requires a strength that many of us discover only when tested by fire. I'm Josie, your guide through this intimate exploration of how to strike a balance between self-care and the relentless tug of responsibilities. As we unfold the pages of our lives in this episode, we confront the delicate dance of managing family, career, and financial pressures alongside the imperative need for healing and wellness. The stories shared here reach out, offering a comforting embrace to those who've battled cancer, those living with chronic conditions, and anyone feeling the burden of keeping it all afloat.
Together, we'll navigate the often unspoken journey towards finding a midpoint in the chaos—a place where harmony isn't just a distant dream but an attainable reality. I invite you into this safe space where we chart the course from struggle to serenity, no matter what health battles you may be facing. Through candid conversations and insights, this episode serves as a beacon for shared growth and understanding. No matter where you are on your path, wrap yourself in the warmth of community and let's embark on this journey to balance, together.
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Provider Talk with Colleen Dwyer Diehl
CancerSurvivorMD®
02/14/25 • 31 min
In this episode, Dr. Josie welcomes Colleen Dwyer Diehl, LCSW, a clinical social worker at Cancer Bridges, to introduce an exciting new mini-series on cancer survivorship.
Colleen shares her journey, the mission of Cancer Bridges, and the impactful programs they offer to support cancer patients and survivors. Together, they explore the Living Life Post-Cancer Treatment program, a structured initiative designed to help individuals navigate life after active treatment.
They also introduce the five essential elements of survivorship care, which will be explored in depth in upcoming episodes. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights and resources for thriving beyond cancer.
Relevant links for this episode:
- Cancer Bridges at https://cancerbridges.org/
- Cancer Bridges Membership Forms at https://cancerbridges.org/become-a-member/
- Living Life Post Cancer Treatment at https://cancerbridges.org/specialized-programs/
- Once you become a free member and gain access to the calendar, you can view and register for the monthly Monday evening Post-Treatment group.
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Survivor Chat with Brad and Josie: Initial Cancer Treatment Part 2
CancerSurvivorMD®
05/17/24 • 34 min
In this second part of the podcast episode, hosts Brad and his co-host delve into Brad's harrowing experience with aggressive cancer treatment. Initially diagnosed with an indolent form of cancer, Brad's condition rapidly worsened, leading to an emergency hospitalization due to a burst tumor in his lung. The episode details the intense therapeutic measures taken, including aggressive chemotherapy, the physiological and psychological toll, and the extensive hospital stay.
Brad shares his firsthand experiences of treatment, recovery challenges, and complications, ultimately highlighting the resilience required to endure such a grueling medical journey. The episode also touches on the importance of personalized care, the potential impact of prehabilitation, and the evolving nature of oncology treatment methodologies.
Helpful Links:
https://www.elsevier.com/products/clinicalpath
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-women-with-cancer/preserving-fertility-in-women.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-men-with-cancer/preserving-fertility-in-men.html
https://www.dana-farber.org/health-library/how-prehabilitation-can-benefit-cancer-patients
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Survivor Chat with Brad and Josie: Initial Cancer Treatment Part 1
CancerSurvivorMD®
05/01/24 • 32 min
Discovering cancer during a prenatal checkup was a curveball I never saw coming. Listen closely as I open up about my battle with HPV-related cancer, diving into the emotional rollercoaster from the initial diagnosis of low-grade dysplasia to the eventual necessity of treatment for high-grade dysplasia. Brad joins me, offering a unique lens through his own fight with lymphoma, casting it as an unwelcome guest, much like a pregnancy.
The conversation then shifts gears to a critical comparison of healthcare systems as we juxtapose the Dutch model against the American one. We dissect the subtler points of socialized medicine, discuss the implications of holistic versus aggressive treatments, and the delicate balance required in managing cancer care. This episode peels back the layers of ethical considerations in personalized medicine, the insightful impact of rapid body autopsy programs, and the myths surrounding treatment aggressiveness.
Join Brad and me as we navigate these intricate waters, aiming to shed light on the complexities of cancer care and the pursuit of patient-centric treatment strategies.
Helpful links for this episode:
https://www.mdedge.com/hematology-oncology/article/164392/practice-management/rapid-autopsy-programs-seek-clues-cancer/page/0/5
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

04/12/24 • 43 min
In this episode, we will be speaking about our personal experiences with the diagnostic part of our journey for our initial diagnosis, such as delay in workup, needing more tissue for diagnostic purposes (multiple times being biopsied, etc.), being a rare case, getting a second opinion, talking with our children, and a bit about feeling gaslighted.
Here are a few helpful links relevant to this episode:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/caregivers/helping-children-when-a-family-member-has-cancer/dealing-with-treatment/talking-to-kids.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/seeking-a-second-opinion.html
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Survivor Chat with Brad and Josie: What Brings Us Here
CancerSurvivorMD®
04/02/24 • 17 min
Brad and Josie describe a summary of their significant and chronic health issues, which we will discuss in more detail in future episodes.
General Links:
- Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
- Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
- G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
- CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Author Chat with Brad Buchanan
CancerSurvivorMD®
02/21/24 • 61 min
Have you ever witnessed the metamorphosis of the human spirit through the darkest of times? Brad Buchanan, PhD, MA, a resilient cancer survivor and former English professor, joins us to share his captivating journey of battling cancer, undergoing a stem cell transplant, and living with the complex aftermath of Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD). In a narrative that weaves vulnerability with triumph, Brad opens up about the transformative role of writing in his path to healing and how he embraced a new philosophy of acceptance in the face of relentless health challenges.
As we navigate Brad's story, we uncover the paradoxical nature of GVHD – the condition that both fights cancer and poses its own life-threatening complications. His words chronicle his personal battle and serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar adversities, illuminating the profound psychological shifts accompanying such journeys.
Our discussions transcend the individual stories, touching on the collective experience of illness, the quest for meaning amidst uncertainty, and the heartfelt solidarity we share with all our listeners. Join us for this episode that reminds us of the indomitable human spirit's capacity to confront, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
You can read more about Brad at https://www.bradthechimera.com and about CancerBridges at http://www.cancerbridges.org.
General Links:
- 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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FAQ
How many episodes does CancerSurvivorMD® have?
CancerSurvivorMD® currently has 18 episodes available.
What topics does CancerSurvivorMD® cover?
The podcast is about Survivor, Health & Fitness, Cancer, Podcasts, Education and Oncology.
What is the most popular episode on CancerSurvivorMD®?
The episode title 'Survivor Chat with Brad and Josie: Initial Cancer Treatment Part 2' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on CancerSurvivorMD®?
The average episode length on CancerSurvivorMD® is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of CancerSurvivorMD® released?
Episodes of CancerSurvivorMD® are typically released every 19 days.
When was the first episode of CancerSurvivorMD®?
The first episode of CancerSurvivorMD® was released on Sep 12, 2023.
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