CancerSurvivorMD®

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). 

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/

Join us as Brad and I dive into the unspoken challenges related to cancer therapies. We share our personal experiences with honesty and vulnerability. 

We had so much content that we split it into two parts. This is the first part, in which we tackle the often-overlooked subjects of fertility, intimacy, bone health, accelerated aging, and the emotionally taxing effects of stigmas associated with cancer. In future episodes, we hope to tackle these topics in more detail.

Brad and I share our stories in the hope of resonating with and supporting fellow survivors who are walking a similar path.

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/

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/

How do you navigate the turbulent waters of cancer recurrence and its treatment? 

In this emotionally charged episode, we share deeply personal stories of battling persistent abnormal cells, undergoing numerous medical procedures (surgery, radiation, and stem cell transplant), and the heart-wrenching decision to opt for treatments that come at large risk of loss of fertility, loss of life, and loss of quality of life. We will discuss the unique nature of each of our cancer journeys (Brad's lymphoma and Josie's solid tumor), all through the lens of lived experiences. Prevention strategies are also discussed. 

Helpful links:

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html

https://bethematch.org/transplant-basics/how-blood-stem-cell-transplants-work/how-donors-and-patients-are-matched/

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/stem-cell-transplant/types-of-transplants.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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/