Cancer U Thrivers

Dr. Véronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror® and the 7 Essentials System®, and co-founder of My Breast Friend™. Her signature process has empowered thousands of women in over 56 countries around the world.

• 00:33: Dr. Veronique JR better known as Dr. V is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.
• 03:30: That’s when I created the step-by-step guide called the seven Essential System.
• 05:47: Fast forward a couple of years then I was clear; I was no longer actively cancerous or producing cancer.
• 07:42: We bring women together and we've created community because as you know, it can be a very lonely journey, right?
• 09:52: What about the actual testing as you mentioned, different blood tests. How does the average person get access to something like that?
• 12:15: You want to make sure that your thyroid levels are optimal especially for breast cancer.
• 14:00: We are all susceptible to cancer.
• 15:55: I grew up in a very toxic environment.
• 18:07: If there's a lot of conflict going on in your head, there's chaotic energy, your immune system is going to be compromised.
• 20:30: What do you think was your worst moment?
• 21:42: What was your best moment?
• 22:50: What is the one thing that you wish you had known at the very beginning of your first cancer journey?
• 23:39: It’s okay to give yourself permission to relax, to take a nap, to meditate [and] to be calm.
• 25:48: You know our thoughts speak to every single cell in our body and affect our DNA.
• 27:33: If you could do one thing to improve healthcare in the US, what would it be and why?
• 31:03: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 31:50: Aside from Cancer U what is the one resource you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• Heal Breast Cancer Naturally: 7 Essential Steps to Beating Breast Cancer (Dr. V’s book)
• Breast Cancer Conqueror
• My Breast Friend self-exam tool
• 5 Gears: How to be present and productive when there is never enough time

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 in 2009, Laura began helping others through advocacy and peer support organizations. In 2012, Laura moved into oncology nursing, specializing in breast cancer, survivorship, and wellness.

• 01:35: I've been a nurse for 11 years; it's a second career for me.
• 03:13: I actually got to use my degree and I designed neckties.
• 04:33: Take us back to before that diagnosis.
• 06:15: I started to notice a lymph node.
• 07:25: I remember my mammogram was on my brother's birthday and my husband was out of town.
• 09:00: I knew it. I knew it. I was right.
• 11:00: People just stepped up and it was the most amazing feeling.
• 13:40: I actually came down with mono.
• 15:16: You said some doctors asked if you were depressed, do you think they would have asked a man if he was depressed?
• 17:40: Here are your options and then let's talk about it.
• 20:11: You're not looking at life through the same lens.
• 24:06: What was your best moment?
• 28:07: What was your worst moment?
• 30:54: I just felt kind of dejected and just kind of like what the hell?
• 31:09: What's the one thing that you wish you had known at the very beginning of your cancer journey that perhaps you tell your patients now?
• 32:54: If you could only do one thing to improve healthcare in the US, what would it be and why?
• 36:45: There are so many interested parties who have a vested interest in keeping things with the status quo because they are making money.
• 39:00: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions 
• 40:22: Aside from Cancer U, what is the one resource you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• My Pathology Report
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer
• Imerman Angels
• Young Survival Coalition
• Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition

Carly is a stage I papillary cancer survivor. She is passionate about creating better health outcomes for cancer patients through the fields of health literacy, patient education, and cancer research.

• 01:23: So, I was diagnosed when I was 27.
• 02:43: My doctor felt a lump in my throat.
• 04:00: I was working at a hospital at the time
• 05:18: I do think it is important to have a second opinion.
• 07:00: My surgeon was calling to tell me that it had metastasized.
• 08:06: It's a pill that that is radioactive.
• 10:08: I had this large incision in my neck
• 11:32: People call it the good cancer.
• 13:36: I also wanted to be seen as a normal person.
• 15:28: I don't really like asking people for help.
• 19:07: My lying down pulse was 150 beats per minute.
• 21:55: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that's located in your neck.
• 24:32: I am considered in remission.
• 26:00: What was your worst moment?
• 27:36: What was your best moment?
• 29:25: How do you look at your life differently now than before you had cancer?
• 30:45: I want to advance research in the cancer community.
• 32:25: What is the one thing that you wish you had known at the beginning of your cancer journey?
• 35:32: If you can only do one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 39:40: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 41:00: What is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• Clinical Trials (US Government Website)
• National Cancer Institute
• Twitter: carlyflumer
• Instagram: carlyflumer
• Email: [email protected]

JoJo Rankin is a Marriage Coach at R Family Strong. She is a former practical nurse at an oncology infusion center where she learned we are all stronger than we think we are.

• 01:29: I've had uncles and aunts passed away from cancer.
• 03:51: The patients become your family.
• 05:02: We did not run it like a factory.
• 06:00: What if any preconceived notions did you have about oncology and cancer?
• 06:42: I think the experience was amazing though.
• 07:24: So, tell me about one of your favorite patients.
• 09:21: We are all stronger than we think we are.
• 11:40: Nurses play a huge role in this particular disease.
• 12:51: Oncology is its own world.
• 14:07: What was the worst time for you as a nurse?
• 16:05: What did that time as an oncology nurse teach you?
• 17:40: Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions.
• 19:10: We just can't be offended by everything.
• 21:09: If you can improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 25:12: I love telehealth for certain situations.
• 26:28: We've had 30 kids over the years. We've been foster parents for almost a decade.
• 29:40: What are you most grateful for in your life?
• 31:50: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 33:05: What’s one resource that you want to recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?

Resources

• I’m stronger than I think I am (journal on Amazon)
• Rfamilystrong (website)
• Strong business Stronger Marriage Facebook Group
• Operation Mom Elevation Facebook Group for Moms
• IM Jojo on Facebook

Brigitte is the founder of Gemini Media, host of Real Things Living Podcast, Author, a Health Advocate who focuses on delivering the best solutions to her clients. She’s an accomplished business professional in the communications, publishing, and print management industry.

• 01:28: I first got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
• 04:17: And I kept saying what the hell is causing this?
• 05:43: It’s called an acoustic neuroma.
• 06:32: We're just gonna radiate your brain. Excuse me?
• 07:42: I chose a method called cyberknife.
• 12:18: We would I call it the monster.
• 13:09: I just wanted to be there for my sons to graduate.
• 15:51: I had to be the fighter to find the solution.
• 18:27: What were your before and after moments?
• 21:26: My cancer, my health, and my family are a priority.
• 22:10: I had my double mastectomy on my 49th birthday.
• 23:38: What was your worst moment?
• 24:36: What about your best moment?
• 27:55: What is the one thing Bridget you wish you had known at the very beginning of that very first cancer journey?
• 31:48: Wow those are some really nice ones.
• 34:16: I think you should get two opinions and if those two opinions don't match, get a third right?
• 40:23: If you could do only one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 45:50: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 46:50: Tell us about the resources that you have for cancer patients and caregivers. 

Resources

• ShareCare.com
• Real Things Living: A Coloring Journal by Brigitte Cutshall
• Real Things: 6 Ways to Embrace Life by Brigitte Cutshall
• Expecting the Good: Inspiration from a Bad Ass with a Big Heart by Brigitte Cutshall
• Real Things Living Podcast

At age 25, Justin Birckbichler was diagnosed with Stage II testicular cancer. Now in remission, he is committed to getting the ball rolling on raising awareness of men’s health and testicular cancer through his website “A Ballsy Sense of Tumor.”

• 01:25: I'm about 3.5 years past diagnosis.
• 02:12: I was going to do my monthly testicular self-exam in the shower
• 03:39: I found a lump.
• 04:40: It sounded kind of like the ocean.
• 06:03: I had done enough research to realize a mass on your testicle in 95% of the cases is cancer.
• 08:28: Who's your son and has one testicle.
• 09:43: It also spread to my lymph nodes.
• 10:10: I had 21 treatments within three months.
• 11:52: What were your before and after moments?
• 13:45: March 2, 2017, is the day the doctor said, you're in remission.
• 16:08: What was your best moment?
• 18:24: I like the word frugal, but my parents and significant others might call it stingy.
• 21:34: You don't have to say yes all the time.
• 23:30: You're my age, how do you have cancer?
• 24:25: What is the one thing you wish you'd known at the very beginning of your cancer journey?
• 25:43: Any time somebody asked me how I was doing, I was, like, I'm fine.
• 26:20: I wish I would've known to be more proactive in my mental health.
• 29:01: If you could do only one thing to improve health care in America, what would it be and why?
• 32:06: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 33:13: What is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?

Resources

• A Ballsy Sense of Tumor
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• [email protected]

Twelve years, Kelly Rogers was diagnosed with skin cancer. As a wellness coach for eight years, she was shocked that her healthy diet, holistic practices, and supplements hadn’t prevented cancer. She lost half her nose and some of her ears.

• 01:50: I had no health insurance.
• 02:50: I might cut off half your nose.
• 04:48: Wow, I'm not ready for this.
• 06:25: I needed a lot more work on the spirit and I needed a lot more work on the body.
• 07:58: Today, my life is so very different.
• 10:38: I can do the surgery and I can do the reconstruction.
• 11:33: They took the first chunk out of my nose.
• 12:22: Part of my cheek was removed.
• 15:33: I looked like the elephant man when I left.
• 17:18: We're going to a happier place.
• 18:12: What was the worst time for you during that cancer journey?
• 19:18: I kind of stayed away from doctors.
• 21:04: I was suicidal every week. I know it's hard to believe because I'm such a fun person
• 24:35: I've continued to have things cut out, chunks cut, things burned off or frozen.
• 25:10: If you could only do one thing to improve health care in the US and what would it be and why?
• 27:59: I do transformational breathing. It's very helpful.
• 31:10: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 32:41: What is the one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers? 

Resources

• To order Sparkle Products, go to ClubSparkleMN.com
• To contact Kelly, email her at [email protected] or call her at 952-470-7336.
• Note: Kelly is a sales representative for Nectura. Cancer U does not endorse, approve, or sell Nectura products.

Nine months ago, Tony Bristol was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma cancer of the esophagus. He likes to say it’s easier to give than receive.

• 00:37: Tony was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma, cancer of the esophagus.
• 02:20: I started getting these night sweats.
• 04:05: It had metastasized in three locations in my liver.
• 05:41: I went to Austria for a week for experimental treatment.
• 06:56: I'm a religious man and I say God show me the right path.
• 07:39: Even the times that I struggle, I look at it as a blessing.
• 12:05: I thought I was at low risk and in great health.
• 13:06: We're all terminal, right? We just don't know when that date is right.
• 14:10: I cried a lot in the first six months.
• 19:06: I wake up every morning, I get on my little exercise bike and do 30 minutes.
• 21:21: I want to see them grow old. I want to see their children.
• 23:34: I'm just gonna love this cancer and let it be my friend too.
• 25:30: And it's weird how it just starts showing up when you start being public.
• 29:25: Magic Johnson was like, Tony, I got you, man. it's 100 [percent] attitude.
• 31:30: We're as a collective humanity; we're all in this together.
• 32:10: What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
• 35:52: I wanted to show young men that it is okay to be authentic.
• 38:25: What is one thing that you wish you had known at the very beginning of your cancer journey?
• 40:25: If you could do one thing to improve health care in the US and what would it be and why?
• 42:45: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions
• 45:46: What is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?

Resources

• Love, Marriage, and Update on Brain Cancer (Tony interviews his wife)
• Tony’s Caring Bridge Blog

Dr. Kumar Vasudevan is a neurosurgeon practicing in Atlanta, Georgia. He has a special interest in treating patients with brain tumors. He was inspired by his grandmother's neurosurgeon, who performed a lifesaving operation for glioblastoma for free, and aspires to bring the same devotion and care to his patients.

• 01:20: My grandmother, unfortunately, received this diagnosis of glioblastoma.
• 02:20: Nothing quite interested me, like the brain.
• 03:41: But it is a tumor that we have been fighting as neurosurgeons for as long as our field has been in existence.
• 05:25: The first appointment with me for patients who have this suspected diagnosis of glioblastoma is very much an information-gathering session.
• 06:40: And we're going to learn things together about this tumor.
• 07:20: We have had a quantum leap in our understanding of the factors underlying glioblastoma.
• 09:40: And you mentioned subtypes. So how many subtypes do you know of as of today?
• 11:28: I like to say about the brain that it's like real estate. You know, what matters is location, location, location.
• 13:36: It is simply random and that is true for the vast majority of patients.
• 14:40: What has been your worst moment as a physician doing this work?
• 16:13: You've been told your entire training to go, go, go help, help, help, and try to cure this thing.
• 16:55: So, did medical school prepare you to have those kinds of talks with patients and their families?
• 18:26: Can you tell me about a patient who really touched you?
• 20:17: She did not want to pursue any sort of intervention.
• 22:00: I think we get caught up many times with what we can do, as opposed to what our patients' desires for their care are.
• 23:08: What is the one thing tomorrow you wish you had known at the beginning of your journey as a physician in this field and this specialty?
• 25:55: If you could only do one thing to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?
• 27:48: What is your opinion about EHRs?
• 30:22: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions

Resources

• American Brain Tumor Association
• Dr. Vasudevan's website

For three months, Wanda Johnson was a full-time caregiver for her sister who had advanced gallbladder cancer. Then Wanda was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer. That diagnosis lit a flame of passion. She became a breast cancer advocate, where new opportunities have led to diverse experiences.  

• 01:27: I'm there for my routine mammogram.  
• 03:30: I was living in Houston, Texas, and before my diagnosis, my sister was living in Mobile, Alabama, which is our home.   
• 05:33: The technician didn't pay any attention to it because of where it was located.  
• 06:32: I'm not going to take you on as a patient.  
• 10:25: We also have noticed something that didn't quite appear right. But we didn't say anything about it.   
• 11:46: Do I make a very deliberate choice to live?   
• 14:35: Why is it so hard to make a change?  
• 16:30: My best moment, I would say, was during the holidays, and I had to go for a treatment to the main building,   
• 21:14: How was your experience as a caregiver different from your sister as she was a patient? 
• 25:53: I respected those boundaries.  
• 26:48: How do you look at your life differently now than before either your diagnosis or your sister's diagnosis?  
• 28:25: It told me that I've got a lot of resilience.  
• 31:13: What is the one thing that you wish you had known at the beginning of your cancer journey?  
• 33:35: My voice has power. And it's okay to use it.  
• 36:20: We have the right to speak up and demand that they see us as like human beings.  
• 37:04: If you could only do one thing, just one, to improve health care in the US, what would it be and why?  
• 38:15: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions   
• 40:00: what is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and our caregivers? 

 Resources

• BreastCancer.org
• Email Wanda at [email protected]