In this episode, we speak with Brian Jin, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) at Yale New Haven Health’s Smilow Cancer Hospital. Brian shares his journey and experience supporting cancer patients through MCP, an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals find meaning and hope amidst illness. He discusses how this therapeutic approach can empower patients, help them navigate the emotional challenges of cancer, and maintain vitality throughout their treatment.

Brian’s expertise also extends to his work with support groups for lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and brain tumor patients. Tune in as we explore the power of meaning and purpose in sustaining hope and resilience during cancer treatment.

Samantha Siegel, MD
Dr. Samantha Siegel is an internist at Kaiser Permanente and the current Director of Cancer Survivorship at Kaiser San Francisco. She has survived relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, including an autologous bone marrow transplant in June 2022. This has made her passionate about cancer survivorship, integrative medicine and personal narrative impacting the illness experience. She is a public speaker advocating strongly for cancer care.

Dr. Siegel is pioneering a longitudinal cancer survivorship care model, beginning at diagnosis, that can be replicated in other healthcare systems. She is focused on elevating cancer survivorship to a distinct, multidisciplinary board certification status.

Dr. Siegel lives in Davis with her husband, three kids and energetic dog. She enjoys outdoor activities, plant-based living and any occasion to dance.

If you have questions, feedback, or topic ideas for upcoming episodes, please e-mail us at: [email protected].

In this special episode of Beyond the Clinic: Living with Melanoma, Dr. Raymond Liu and Dr. Sam Siegel sit down for an insightful and heartfelt conversation as Dr. Siegel steps into her new role as host. With a shared passion for cancer survivorship, the two discuss Dr. Siegel’s personal journey as a cancer survivor and caregiver, her vision for the future of the podcast, and the vital importance of addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of life after cancer.

Dr. Liu reflects on the evolution of Beyond the Clinic, from its early days as a webinar series to becoming a key resource for the cancer community. He shares the challenges and triumphs of his own journey in cancer care and mentorship, offering valuable insights into the growing focus on survivorship.

As Dr. Siegel prepares to lead the podcast into its next chapter, the interview provides a powerful glimpse into her commitment to supporting cancer patients and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of ongoing care beyond the clinic. Tune in to hear their discussion on what it means to live with cancer, how survivorship care has evolved, and what listeners can expect in the years to come under Dr. Siegel’s leadership.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. William Breitbart, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and a pioneer in psycho-oncology. Dr. Breitbart sheds light on the critical yet often overlooked issue of meaning and purpose in cancer care. He delves into how patients may encounter a profound loss of meaning, which can lead to anxiety and depression, even if they are not clinically diagnosed with depression.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Breitbart shares insights from his pioneering work in the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric dimensions of cancer and palliative care. He discusses strategies to assist patients in rediscovering meaning and enhancing their quality of life during challenging times.

Join us for a conversation that underscores the vital intersection of mental health and cancer treatment, featuring Dr. Breitbart's significant contributions to the field, including his groundbreaking work on Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy.

William Breitbart, M.D.

Chairman, Jimmie C Holland Chair in Psychiatric Oncology; Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Dr. Breitbart is a pioneer and leader in the field of psycho-oncology. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, he led the way for innovative, award-winning initiatives that provided high-quality research focusing on psychiatric and neuropsychiatric aspects of cancer and palliative care. He is the Chairman, Jimmie C Holland Chair in Psychiatric Oncology, Chairman, Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York. Dr. Breitbart is also a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Dr. Breitbart is known for numerous influential leadership roles, and has been recognized in the field of psycho-oncology for his contributions, receiving top research awards and lifetime achievements since 2003. He has edited/written twelve textbooks, including Psychiatric Aspects of Symptom Management in the Cancer Patient, published by the American Psychiatric Press, Psycho-oncology - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Editions, and Handbook of Psychiatry in Palliative Medicine- 1st and 2nd Editions. Dr. Breitbart recently authored treatment manuals on Meaning-Centered Group and Individual Psychotherapy in Advanced Cancer Patients by Oxford University Press. He is currently editor-in-chief of the Cambridge University Press’ international palliative care journal, Palliative & Supportive Care. Dr. Breitbart also helped found IPOS Press and authored the IPOS Press/Oxford University Press Text Psychosocial Palliative Care.

In this compelling episode of “Surviving the Spotlight,” we sit down with Jessica Gilstrap, a melanoma survivor and independent filmmaker, whose inspiring journey from cancer diagnosis to creative success is both moving and motivating. At just 19 years old, Jessica's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma—a discovery that came not from a routine check, but from a serendipitous visit to her doctor for a different issue.

Jessica’s story unfolds with the urgency of immediate surgery and the emotional rollercoaster of battling a life-threatening illness. After numerous biopsies and surgeries, she emerged with a renewed outlook on life, embracing sun safety while maintaining her passion for travel and adventure.

Today, Jessica channels her experiences and newfound perspective into her work as an independent film producer. Her dedication to bringing compelling stories to the screen is matched by her commitment to advocating for sun safety and helping others navigate their own challenges.

In this episode, Jessica shares her personal journey, the impact of her melanoma diagnosis on her life choices, and how she has integrated sun safety into her daily routine without sacrificing her love for travel and exploration. She also offers practical advice on skincare and sun protection, aiming to empower others to live fully and safely.

Join us to hear Jessica's incredible story of resilience, creativity, and advocacy, and learn how she turns her challenges into opportunities for helping others and making a meaningful impact.

Join us for an insightful episode of "Restful Recovery," where we explore the crucial interplay between sleep and cancer with Dr. Daniel Barone, a leading expert in sleep medicine. Dr. Barone, the Associate Medical Director at the Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine, shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, offering valuable guidance on how sleep impacts cancer treatment and recovery.

Dr. Barone's illustrious career began with his summa cum laude graduation from Fordham University, followed by his medical degree from New York Medical College. His path included an internship in Internal Medicine at Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Center, and subsequent Neurology training, where he was named Chief Resident. He completed his Neurology residency at Beth Israel Medical Center and a fellowship in Sleep Disorders at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

As an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College and an Attending Neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Barone specializes in managing various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. His certifications and affiliations, including those with the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, underscore his expertise.

In this episode, Dr. Barone discusses how sleep affects cancer patients, strategies for improving sleep during treatment, and the latest research findings. His insights are drawn from his peer-reviewed publications, media appearances, and his books, "Let’s Talk About Sleep" and "The Story of Sleep: From A to Zzz."

Tune in to learn how better sleep can be a powerful ally in cancer care and recovery, and gain practical tips for improving your sleep health during challenging times.

In this episode, we are joined by Tobi Sample, a melanoma survivor, to share an extraordinary and inspiring story. Today, prepare to be moved and inspired as we delve into Tobi's miraculous journey of survival against melanoma.

Tobi, ten years ago, faced a diagnosis that would have halted many in their tracks. But not Tobi. To celebrate her 10th anniversary of No Evidence of Disease, she did something most of us only dream of - she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tobi Sample, Melanoma Survivor

Tobi Sample was first diagnosed with stage IIb melanoma in 2008. When the cancer returned in 2013, spreading to her spine, humerus, clavicle, sacrum, rib, and lung, she faced a daunting battle. That summer, she found herself too weak to even get out of bed. In a stroke of fortune, her husband discovered a promising clinical trial at UC Chapel, and Tobi was accepted. Over the next year, she bravely traveled from southern Indiana to North Carolina every three weeks. Remarkably, she has been in remission for nearly a decade, showing no evidence of the disease.

A lifelong athlete, Sample was resolute in her desire to reclaim her active lifestyle. Gradually, she regained her strength, participating in half-marathons and even training for a 2022 hike up Mount Kilimanjaro.

In 2019, Tobi reached out to AIM at Melanoma, driven to initiate a walk in the Louisville area to spread awareness and raise funds for research. She believes firmly, “Until there’s a cure, there’s more that needs to be done.”

Tobi feels immensely grateful for the chance to watch her children mature into adults, now 26 and 23, cherishing the life she fought so hard to protect.

In this deeply insightful episode of our podcast, we explore the often-hidden challenges melanoma patients and survivors face—stress and anxiety. Living with melanoma or surviving it is a testament to strength, but it comes with its own set of emotional hurdles. To shed light on this critical issue and offer some groundbreaking strategies for coping, we are honored to have Dr. Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, a leading expert in mindfulness and stress reduction, and the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University.

OUR GUEST

Judson Brewer, MD, PhD

Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center, Brown University, School of Public Health

Jud Brewer, MD PhD, is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the School of Public Health and Psychiatry at the Medical School at Brown University. He also is a research affiliate at MIT. A psychiatrist and internationally known expert in mindfulness training for addictions, Brewer has developed and tested novel mindfulness programs for behavior change, including both in-person and app-based treatments for smoking, emotional eating, and anxiety.

He has also studied the underlying neural mechanisms of mindfulness using standard and real-time fMRI, and source-estimated EEG, and is currently translating these findings into clinical use (see www.drjud.com for more information). He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, presented to the US President’s Office of National Drug Control Policy, foreign Parliaments, trained US Olympic athletes and coaches, and foreign government ministers and has been featured on 60 minutes, at TED (4th most viewed talk of 2016 with over 17 Million views), in the New York Times, Time magazine (top 100 new health discoveries of 2013), Forbes, Businessweek, NPR, National Geographic, and the BBC among others. He is the author of The Craving Mind: from cigarettes to smartphones to love, why we get hooked and how we can break bad habits (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2017) and the New York Times best-seller, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind (Avery/Penguin Random House, 2021). Follow him on twitter @judbrewer.

In this episode, we unlock one of the most challenging aspects of the cancer journey — having difficult conversations. Whether you're a caregiver, a patient in the throes of treatment, or a survivor navigating life after cancer, this episode is for you.

Our guest, Bridget Sumser, LCSW, a Clinical Social Worker, offers insights, guidance, and support on how to approach, engage in, and emerge stronger from the conversations that matter most. Our unique angle isn't just about what to say, but how to say it, starting from a place of empathy, compassion, and understanding.

We understand the power of language and its impact on healing, connection, and resilience. We'll guide you in creating a space where difficult dialogues can lead to deeper connections, providing comfort and support when it's needed most.

Whether it's discussing prognosis, treatment options, or simply how the day feels, this episode brings you strategies, perspectives, and the reassurance that you're not alone. Join us as we tackle the tough talk with tenderness, making room for what truly matters in the heart of the cancer experience.

Bridget Sumser

Bridget Sumser is a health educator, her research and academic work centers on palliative care education. This includes implementing courses and strategies that bring together members of various professions as well as studying how different specialists can best integrate palliative care principles and techniques into their practices. She also investigates how palliative care practices — both primary and specialty — are learned by social workers.

Sumser earned her master's degree at the New York University Silver School of Social Work, where she also completed a Zelda Foster fellowship in palliative and end-of-life care. She also completed a palliative care social work fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in New York.

Sumser is a member of the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network, which honored her at its annual assembly in 2015 as an Emerging Leader in Palliative Social Work.

Surviving cancer or finishing treatment often leaves survivors feeling elated, as if they've conquered the world. However, there's also a profound, more vulnerable emotion that many experience: the fear of recurrence, or the dread of cancer returning.

Although it's a common fear among survivors, dealing with this fear can be challenging. It poses a significant obstacle, particularly when all you desire is to progress and live your life.

To learn more about fear of recurrence and how to manage it, we tapped an expert at Banner Health, Dr. Rena Szabo, PsyD as our guest for this episode.

Dr. Szabo works at the intersection of psychology and medicine. Dr. Szabo specializes in exploring the biological, psychological, cultural, societal, spiritual, and environmental factors of life and how each of these affects physical health and quality of life. Her use of evidence-based practices within an integrative oncology setting allows her to provide holistic, person-centered care.

In today’s episode, we're talking about a profoundly touching topic—caring for someone with melanoma. Today, we're discussing the roles, challenges, and triumphs of those who stand by their loved ones in the fight against melanoma—caregivers. They are the unsung heroes who provide the support and strength needed to face each day anew.

Our guests:

Sue Capozzi: Sue has devotedly served as a caregiver for her husband, John, who, despite his current stability, was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in 2019, which progressed to Stage IV the following year. Throughout his challenging treatment journey, John has faced numerous hurdles but is currently doing well.

Now retired, Sue and John reside in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, a stone's throw away from the beach. They cherish their time sailing, kayaking, and enjoying moments with their dog, always mindful to apply copious amounts of sunscreen. The couple enjoys the company of their married son, a granddaughter, and eagerly await the arrival of another grandchild in the spring of 2024.

Driven by the importance of melanoma education, Sue became a Peer Connect mentor in 2022. In this short span, she has provided guidance to several caregivers, finding deep fulfillment in offering support. Sue hopes to extend the same level of support and understanding she has received, contributing positively to the lives of others on their melanoma journeys.

Nancy Earle: Nancy devoted herself as a caregiver to her son, Will, following his Stage III melanoma diagnosis in 2016, which escalated to Stage IV within the same year. She took a two-year hiatus from her career to support him daily through his illness and treatment. Together, they navigated the complex landscape of medical opinions, trials, and treatment centers. On March 4, 2018, Nancy and her family bid a heartfelt farewell to Will.

Before retiring, Nancy had a dynamic career as a lawyer and event producer. Now, she relishes her retirement in Bellport Village, New York, alongside her husband. They take joy in their three surviving sons, their partners, and their grandchildren. Driven by a desire to honor Will's altruistic spirit, Nancy engages with several organizations. She serves on the advisory board of INTERSOS, a Rome-based international NGO, working to raise awareness of its humanitarian programs. Locally, she contributes to the environmental committee and has begun writing a book chronicling Will's courageous battle over his final two years.

In 2021, Nancy became a Peer Connect mentor, driven by the critical need for melanoma awareness. She supports caregivers, some fortunate to have loved ones in remission and others mourning their loss. Offering a beacon of information and comfort is crucial for caregivers, who often grapple with fear and emotional turmoil. Nancy provides a compassionate ear and guidance to help them take the next step forward.

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