Podcast Series: Living Beyond Cancer
Episodes
12/12/2024
Embracing the Journey: Supporting Young Adults and Children Diagnosed with Cancer
In this episode, we welcome Connecting Champions leader, Sidney Kushner. Connecting Champions is an organization dedicated to supporting young adults and kids who have been diagnosed with cancer. Learn how they pair these individuals with mentors who share their passions, providing companionship and understanding through every stage of their journey. Hear powerful stories of connection, resilience, and the impact of being present in the moment. Join us as we explore how Connecting Champions makes a difference by offering support and friendship when it’s needed most.
03/28/2024
Bottoms up: The Low Down On All Things Colorectal Cancer
Today, we’re honored to introduce Prashanti Atluri, MD, a distinguished oncologist and advocate for colorectal cancer awareness and screening. With a wealth of experience in oncology, Dr. Atluri has devoted her career to improving outcomes for those affected by colorectal cancer. Join us as we explore the significance of early detection, screening protocols, and the latest advancements in treatment options, while gaining important insights from Dr. Atluri’s expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing colorectal cancer care.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
02/01/2024
Freeze Frame: Fertility Preservation Insights (Part 1)
In this episode, we will delve into the important topic of fertility preservation. Joining us in this podcast are two esteemed guests: Dr. Ryan Heitmann, an expert in reproductive medicine and Director for the WVU Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Brittany Jarrett, an Advanced Practice Professional also from the WVU Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine. Together, they will unravel the complexities of fertility preservation, shedding light on the latest advancements, options, and the profound impact it can have on individuals and families. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of infertility or seeking insights into fertility preservation during oncologic therapy, this conversation promises to be both informative and empowering. Tune in as we explore the frontiers of fertility preservation with our insightful guests.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
02/01/2024
Freeze Frame: Fertility Preservation Insights (Part 2)
In this episode, we will delve into the important topic of fertility preservation. Joining us in this podcast are two esteemed guests: Dr. Ryan Heitmann, an expert in reproductive medicine and Director for the WVU Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Brittany Jarrett, an Advanced Practice Professional also from the WVU Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine. Together, they will unravel the complexities of fertility preservation, shedding light on the latest advancements, options, and the profound impact it can have on individuals and families. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of infertility or seeking insights into fertility preservation during oncologic therapy, this conversation promises to be both informative and empowering. Tune in as we explore the frontiers of fertility preservation with our insightful guests.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
11/17/2023
Clinical Trials of Hope, featuring Dr Bhavana “Tina” Bhatnagar
In this episode, Bhavana “Tina” Bhatnagar, DO will serve as your guide to the world of clinical trials for cancer. In this podcast, we unravel the pathway for patients to access these pivotal trials, understanding why they are crucial for medical advancements. Dr. Bhatnagar expertly navigates the significance of clinical trials, dispelling the misconception that they equate to substandard care. Tune in as we explore how these trials empower patients, providing them with cutting-edge options, and why participating in them plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer treatment for all patients.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
11/17/2023
Breathe Easy: Lung Cancer- From Screening to Survivorship
In this episode, we will explore the intricate world of lung cancer, screening, diagnosis, and treatment options. We have the privilege of having Dr. Kyle Chapman, a highly respected pulmonary and critical care medicine physician at Ruby Memorial Hospital, who is deeply involved in the Lung Cancer Screening Program, as our guest. Together, we’ll journey through the critical aspects of lung health, from early detection to advanced treatment strategies, providing you with essential information and expert perspectives to empower your understanding of lung cancer and its care.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
01/06/2023
Navigating Care: Effective Treatments and Support for Patients and Families
In this episode, Samantha Hall, APRN, and Jordan Hill, PharmD, discuss triple-negative breast cancer; the discussion focuses on the latest research and how it has resulted in more effective treatments, in addition to the psychosocial issues that may affect patients, and caregivers/loved ones. As the dialogue unfolds, listeners will learn about resources, how to find the right physician, and what questions you need to ask your provider. This an especially great topic for younger patients that may be interested in fertility preservation and conception.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
10/01/2022
Medical Therapies for Sexual Health: Aging and Cancer Concerns
In this episode, Dr. Thomas Jaffe, MD, and Brittany Sabo, APRN, join us for a candid conversation on medical management therapies. The discussion covers challenges with sexual functioning that can become more common in men as they age and develop certain medical conditions. Additionally, some kinds of cancer, particularly those that affect organs in the pelvis (such as the prostate and bladder), place men at high- risk for developing problems related to sexual health and intimacy. However, there are many options available to treat and manage these concerns following a cancer diagnosis.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
09/01/2022
A Lifelong Journey: Life After Childhood Cancer
In this podcast episode, Julie Schuder shares her personal journey with childhood cancer and gives advice on how to advocate for yourself at all ages. Showcasing her unrelenting drive to be happy despite her difficult journey, listen to Julie share what impacted her during and in the decades following her cancer care. She invites other survivors to share in her determined spirit.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
08/01/2022
Navigating Pain and Neuropathy: A Cancer Survivor’s Guide
In this episode, the Associate Medical Director for the Center for Integrative Pain Management, Dr. Corinne Stuart discusses the various reasons survivors experience pain and neuropathy while on the continuum of a cancer diagnosis. The conversation explores ways to manage and treat the nerves that cause pain utilizing traditional, alternative, and complementary medicine. Dr. Stuart provides many resources for cancer survivors and their families.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is created at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, Cancer Prevention and Control, and the Bridge to Survivorship Program. Reach out to CPC@hsc.wvu.edu for questions or comments regarding this series, and join our Facebook support group.
07/01/2022
From Disruption to Discovery: Embracing Purpose During Illness Part 2
In this episode, the WVU Cancer Institute chaplain, Devan Voight, was interviewed to discuss how illness can often disrupt the sense of purpose and meaning that we have in our life. The conversation explores what it looks like to experience challenges to one’s sense of purpose and meaning, practices to recognize this, and ways to begin cultivating a new sense of purpose and meaning in one’s life, despite being diagnosed with a serious illness.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is produced by Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, and the WV Bureau for Public Health. Reach out to us at cpc@hsc.wvu.edu with questions or comments or join our Facebook support group.
06/01/2022
From Disruption to Discovery: Embracing Purpose During Illness Part 1
In this episode, the WVU Cancer Institute chaplain, Devan Voight, was interviewed to discuss how illness can often disrupt the sense of purpose and meaning that we have in our life. The conversation explores what it looks like to experience challenges to one’s sense of purpose and meaning, practices to recognize this, and ways to begin cultivating a new sense of purpose and meaning in one’s life, despite being diagnosed with a serious illness.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is produced by Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, and the WV Bureau for Public Health. Reach out to us at cpc@hsc.wvu.edu with questions or comments or join our Facebook support group.
03/16/2022
Crossing that Mountain: The Children's Point of View of Breast Cancer
Continuing our conversation with Andi Hasley, breast cancer survivor, and state Coalition Manager, this podcast episode features Andi’s children. During this episode, Audrey and Grant discuss what helped them the most during their mother’s cancer treatment, how they dealt with the news, advice for others their age dealing with the diagnosis of a loved one, and tips on keeping positive during treatment and survivorship.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is produced by Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, and the WV Bureau for Public Health. Reach out to us at cpc@hsc.wvu.edu with questions or comments or join our Facebook support group.
12/13/2021
Crossing that Mountain: A Husband’s Story of Breast Cancer
Continuing our conversation with Andi Hasley, breast cancer survivor and state coalition coordinator, the next two podcast episodes feature Andi’s family. During this episode Jamie Hasley, Andi’s husband, discusses what helped him the most during his wife’s cancer treatment, how they shared the news with their children, advice for other caregivers, and tips on keeping track of treatment details.
This podcast is for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. The Living Beyond Cancer podcast series is produced by Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute in collaboration with Mountains of Hope, the state’s cancer coalition, and the WV Bureau for Public Health. Reach out to us at cpc@hsc.wvu.edu with questions or comments or join our Facebook support group.
10/26/2021
Crossing that Mountain: A Personal Story of Breast Cancer with a Surprise Ending
In this podcast episode Andi Hasley, MA – breast cancer survivor and Mountains of Hope State Coalition Coordinator – shares her personal journey with cancer. Andi offers helpful tips on what to plan for, how to support those you love, questions to ask your doctor, and how social media helped her help others. Join Andi as she shares what made a difference for her in cancer care and invites other survivors to gracefully move from before to after cancer.
05/20/2021
The Role of Physical Therapy in the Lives of Lung Cancer Patients with Dr. Megan Burkart
WVU’s Megan Burkart, DPT, CLT shares how physical therapy can help individuals cope with lung cancer’s most common side effects in this episode. Dr. Burkart is an expert in helping cancer patients incorporate small lifestyle changes with significant results. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with lung cancer, or caring for someone with lung cancer, she has good news! Exercise can help improve your quality of life and there are resources available to help.
03/24/2021
Understanding Genetics Counseling And Testing With Dr. Nadia Falah
In this episode, WVU’s Dr. Nadia Falah discusses the innovative world of cancer genetics including genetic counseling, testing, and familial risk factors. She describes what types of cancer are inherited; when patients and family members should seek genetic consultation; and what genetic markers mean for you and your family. Also, Dr. Falah answers commonly asked questions around cost, insurance coverage, and the availability of online genetics testing.
03/10/2021
Navigating Financial Resources After A Cancer Diagnosis, Part Two With Erin Bradshaw And Patricia Policicchio
In this second episode of our two-part series on financial concerns, cancer experts from the Patient Advocate Foundation and the WVU Cancer Institute discuss how to be your own best advocate and where to ask for help. They offer suggestions for managing health insurance, what questions to ask your care team, and Patient Advocate Foundation resources around case management and financial aid.
03/10/2021
Navigating Financial Resources After A Cancer Diagnosis, Part One With Erin Bradshaw And Patricia Policicchio
In this episode, experts from the Patient Advocate Foundation (www.patientadvocate.org) and the WVU Cancer Institute discuss how financial challenges associated with cancer care impact patients’ lives during and after treatment. Their conversation goes beyond the basics and includes how to look for policies you didn’t know you had, tips to consider when exploring supplemental insurance, and key things to have prepared when seeking SSI and SSDI.
11/04/2020
Cancer Survivors With Disabilities By Dr. Lesley Cottrell, Jennifer Tenney, And Jessi Wright
WVU Center of Excellence in Disabilities’ Dr. Lesley Cottrell, Jennifer Tenney, and Jessi Wright discuss the needs and overall quality of life for cancer survivors experiencing a disability during or after treatment. Topics include when and how to ask for financial assistance and return to work; resources including new assistive technologies; tips for regaining your independence; as well as support and encouragement for getting your life back on track.
10/28/2020
LGBTQ Community And The Cancer Continuum With Dr. Mandi Pratt Chapman And Kk Naimool
National LGBTQ advocates, Dr. Mandi Pratt Chapman and Kk Naimool, discuss the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in this episode. They describe how a patient can fear stigma, the challenges of including family in health care decision making, and the resources available for patients and health care professionals to enhance cancer care.
07/15/2020
Nutrition And Cancer With Colleen Doyle, MS, RD
Colleen Doyle, a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience in cancer control, discusses tips and resources for good nutrition during and after cancer treatment. In this episode, Colleen dispels some common nutrition myths, offers suggestions for how to address changing tastes and food preferences, how to save money while eating healthy, and how nutrition can help you feel great each day. Which foods will decrease your cancer risk? Colleen has these answers and more.
06/19/2020
Exercise And Cancer: There Is Something For Everyone With Dr. Nicole Stout
WVU Cancer Institute’s Nicole Stout, DPT, CLT-LANA, FAPTA discusses how exercise can enhance the lives of cancer patients and survivors in this episode. She shares creative ideas for incorporating activity into your daily life as well as how to “start low and go slow” to help you exercise safely. No matter where you are on your cancer journey, this episode has helpful tips and resources for you.
06/10/2020
Coping With Pain And Fatigue With Garth Graebe, MOT, OTR/L
Garth Graebe, Director of the WVU Occupational Therapy Outpatient Clinic, discusses techniques for coping with pain and fatigue during and after cancer treatment. In this episode, Garth describes different types of pain, how to deal with stress and anxiety, and ways to re-engineer your life to decrease pain. How often do you rest? Garth has some surprising tips on how to simplify tasks while accomplishing more (and having more fun) in your day-to-day life.
05/15/2020
The Importance Of Advanced Directives With Valarie Blake
Valarie Blake, Associate Professor at the WVU School of Law, discusses advanced directives and tips for talking with your family. Want to know the difference between a living will and a medical power of attorney? She explains those terms and shares how/when to talk with your health care provider (and more) in this episode.
04/20/2020
Intimacy And Sexuality After A Cancer Diagnosis With Dr. Roberta Renzelli-Cain, Dr. Kristin Phillips, And Dr. Megan Burkart
In this episode, WVU Cancer Institute’s Dr. Roberta Renzelli-Cain, Dr. Kristin Phillips, and Dr. Megan Burkart discuss sexuality and intimacy issues for women following cancer treatment. Topics include when and how to ask your health care provider questions, tips on talking with your partner, resources for support and education, encouragement to redefine sex after cancer treatment, and answers to commonly asked questions such as, “Should it feel this way?”
03/10/2020
Lung Cancer's Short And Long Term Effects With Adrienne Duckworth, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Adrienne Duckworth, WVU Cancer Institute Nurse Practitioner specializing in lung cancer, discusses the short and long term effects of lung cancer including symptoms to watch out for after treatment, how to encourage linkages between specialty and primary care, and how advances in lung cancer care offer hope.
03/05/2020
Cervical Cancer’s Short And Long Term Effects
In this episode, Dr. Valerie Galvan Turner discusses the short and long term effects of cervical cancer. Topics include the role of early detection, the benefit of support groups, why some patients do not have surgery after radiation, the importance of well check visits for cancer survivors and the prevalence of cervical cancer in Appalachia. Throughout the podcast, she shares resources and links to helpful organizations such as the WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.
03/02/2020
Colorectal Cancer’s Short And Long Term Effects With Dr. Emily Groves And Dr. Carl Schmidt
In this episode, West Virginia University Cancer Institute’s Dr. Emily Groves, Colorectal Surgeon, and Dr. Carl Schmidt, Director and Chief of Surgical Oncology discuss the high cure rate for early-stage colon cancer, when it is important to see a specialist for your care, how patient summaries can help primary care providers, and answers to some of their patients’ most commonly asked questions.
02/11/2020
Breast Cancer's Short And Long Term Effects With Dr. Hannah Hazard-Jenkins
Dr. Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, WVU Cancer Institute Interim Director and Breast Surgeon, discusses the short and long term effects of breast cancer including the fear of recurrence, how to encourage linkages between specialty and primary care, and the importance of asking for help when needed.