Combating Cancer

Episode 55- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly introduces Combating Cancer and shares her stage three astrocytoma diagnosis at 19, explaining the podcast's goal of creating a safe, honest space for anyone affected by cancer. Building on a prior episode about anticipatory grief, she describes grieving not only the fear of death but the fear of losing her identity and being seen only as "the girl with brain cancer." Gwen discusses how hair loss and changes to appearance affected her self-image, how she used hair techniques and makeup as emotional armor and a way to regain control, and how exhausting it was to manage others' discomfort, staring, pity, and gossip about her medical information. She reflects on survivorship and ongoing trauma despite clean scans, urges listeners to grieve their old selves without shame, and asks supporters to treat patients as whole people and keep diagnoses private.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Anticipatory Grief and Identity
• Hair Loss and Hyperawareness
• Mirrors, Photos, and Healing Myths
• Control Through Hair and Makeup
• Cancer as Gossip and Exposure
• Normalcy Survivorship and Community
• Advice for Patients and Supporters
• Privacy Healing and Closing

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 54- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly, a stage III astrocytoma brain cancer survivor, welcomes 22-year-old Megan McCoy, whom she met on TikTok, to discuss how cancer affected her family. Megan shares that her mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer when Megan was 16 during COVID after a missed mammogram, later developing spine and liver metastases, and died in January 2023; Megan describes anticipatory grief during her freshman year of college, fears about milestones her mom would miss, and the anger that led her to try cancer research before pursuing nursing. She explains how working in a cancer hospital deepened her empathy for patients, highlights the importance of treating patients as people, and emphasizes the vital role of community support from family, friends, school, and her soccer team, including celebrating her brother's birthday the day after their mom died. Megan recommends resources like Pittsburgh's The Caring Place and advises preventive scans, self-advocacy, living fully, and telling loved ones you love them!

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Meet Megan via TikTok
• Megan's Story and Career Path
• Empathy in Oncology Care
• Hearing the Diagnosis at 16
• Anticipatory Grief Explained
• Anger and Channeling Grief
• Grief Resources and Support Groups
• The Village That Carried Her
• Family Dynamics and Guilt
• Advice for Teens Facing Cancer
• Final Thanks and Goodbye

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 53- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly welcomes listeners to Combating Cancer, sharing her background of being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19 and her goal of creating a safe, honest community for anyone impacted by cancer. She announces her scans came back great again, but describes how scan-day anxiety returned after a long hospital wait and multiple failed IV attempts, leaving her emotionally drained despite good results. The experience leads into the episode's main theme: how cancer and other major hardships change relationships, especially when people you expected to show up don't, which can feel like a deep betrayal. Gwen reflects on learning that some people aren't emotionally equipped to handle illness, while others unexpectedly step in with consistent support, including a rekindled high school friendship. She encourages listeners to grieve absences without overlooking those who do show up and invites anyone feeling alone to lean on this community.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Clean Scan Update
• Scan Day Spiral
• IV Struggles and Breakdown
• When People Disappear
• Why Some Can't Show Up
• Focus on Who Stayed
• Unexpected Support
• Let People Love You
• Final Thanks and Goodbye

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 52- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly, a stage three astrocytoma survivor diagnosed at 19, welcomes Dr. Tiffany Troso Sandoval, a medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecologic cancers. Dr. Troso worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering for over 25 years and recently retired to focus on patient education. They discuss how overwhelming a new cancer diagnosis can be, why patients often can't absorb medical information during initial visits, and practical strategies such as bringing a caregiver, taking notes, using FaceTime or Zoom, and speaking up about barriers like transportation or medication pickup. Dr. Troso emphasizes delegating tasks to a support "army," matching helpers to roles, and using social work resources when support is limited. She previews her book, "Calming the Cancer Chaos," which is designed to help women understand, organize, and take control of their cancer care.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Meet Dr. Tiffany Troso Sandoval
• The Diagnosis Overwhelm
• Bring a Second Set of Ears
• Build Your Care Team
• Asking for Help Without Guilt
• When Support Is Limited
• Speak Up to Your Doctors
• A Cautionary Patient Story
• Her New Book Explained
• Where to Find Tiffany
• Final Thanks and Goodbye

More from Tiffany:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drtiffanytroso?sub_confirmation=1

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drtiffanytroso

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtiffanytroso/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552914207941

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@winningthecancerjourney

Substack: https://substack.com/@drtiffanytroso

Shopify Store: https://store.empoweredcancerpatient.com/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/drtiffanytroso

Book Cover Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OjL5_gvCz6o1wmORRATsrd--c7__dZkD/view?usp=sharing

Book Early Interest List: https://drtiffanytroso.com/b2b-waitlist

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 51- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly welcomes listeners to Combating Cancer, sharing that she was diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma at 19 and created the platform as a safe, honest space for anyone impacted by cancer. She recaps the Blooming Minds gala for brain cancer research at Brackett's Crossing Country Club, noting that nearly $300,000 was raised after expenses in partnership with the Brain Cancer Research Alliance, with funds going directly to research. Gwen reflects on the emotional weight of the event, including a slideshow of brain cancer statistics and photos that highlight grief, love, loss, and hope, and she honors families who showed up despite profound loss. She urges listeners to be present and intentional with loved ones, shares how cancer has deepened her faith, thanks guests and supporters for trusting her with their stories, and encourages grieving people to keep saying their loved one's name and sharing their story so no one fights alone.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Blooming Minds Recap
• The Slideshow Moment
• Hold Your People Close
• Faith and Hard Questions
• Honoring Shared Stories
• Love Without Waiting
• Final Thanks and Goodbye

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 50- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly, diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma at 19, welcomes her newly announced fiancé, Jake Cregan, to Combating Cancer to share their relationship story and how cancer shaped it. They recount meeting at a mutual friend's birthday party on March 8, when neither planned to attend, and how Gwen disclosed her cancer early and Jake responded by not treating her differently. Soon after, Jake faced his own health scare, and Gwen supported him through appointments, giving him insight into the waiting and uncertainty of scans. They discuss Gwen's later breast cancer scare, difficult brain scan results, feeling like a burden, and Jake's advice: show up, be honest, don't aim for perfect words, and stay. Jake describes proposing privately on Gwen's balcony, and they share plans to focus on the Blooming Minds brain cancer research gala before wedding planning, likely aiming for 2027, while emphasizing faith and support.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• How We Met
• Sharing the Diagnosis
• Jake's Health Scare
• Dating With Uncertainty
• Breast Cancer Scare
• Bad Brain Scan News
• Feeling Like a Burden
• Advice for Couples
• The Proposal Story
• Wedding Timeline Plans
• Support and Faith
• Closing and Contact Info

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 49- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly welcomes listeners to Combating Cancer, shares her background of being diagnosed with astrocytoma brain cancer at 19, and reflects on how cancer reshaped her mind, relationships, identity, and outlook on the future. Now, over four years post-diagnosis and still living scan-to-scan every 90 days, she describes feeling grateful for God, loved ones, and the community, while also acknowledging ongoing fear and uncertainty. Gwen announces she is engaged to her boyfriend, Jake, explaining that the engagement represents hope, trust, and choosing joy over living by others' timelines, especially after facing mortality. She discusses the vulnerability of dating with a cancer history and credits Jake's steady support. She shares advice from Sue Dentinger—"make the plans…say yes to life"—and teases a future episode with Jake about dating with stage three through cancer and choosing love amid uncertainty.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Four Years Since Diagnosis
• Living Scan to Scan
• Engagement Announcement
• Why Jake Means So Much
• Love on a Different Timeline
• Life Keeps Moving Forward
• Make the Plans
• Thank You and What's Next
• Closing and Contact Info

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 48- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly, who was diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma at age 19, welcomes Glenn Sturm, who has undergone 18 years of chemotherapy (6,300 days oral, 610 days IV). Glenn explains his main purpose to "celebrate life" and aim to make someone smile every day, highlighting how humor helps him and others cope—sharing a surgery story and Gwen's joke with her surgeon after brain surgery. They explore how cancer impacts caregivers and emphasize listening and respect, illustrated by Glenn's story of giving a WWII history book to a nurse connected to her father. Glenn also previews his upcoming book on multidisciplinary cancer care, citing studies that link team coordination to lower mortality, and mentions key roles like navigators, psychiatrists, pharmacists, physical and music therapists. Additionally, he talks about his photography and donating all art proceeds to health causes for Gwen's April 18 gala and online auction.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Meet Glenn Sturm
• Eighteen Years on Chemo
• Celebrate Life Daily
• Surgery Room Humor
• Laughing Through Recovery
• Caregivers Feel It Too
• The Awkward How Are You
• Listening as Medicine
• Photography and Giving Back
• Why Cancer Needs a Team
• Research That Changes Outcomes
• Advocacy and New Book
• Final Advice and Farewell

More from Glenn:

https://glennsturm.com

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 47- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly welcomes listeners to Combating Cancer, shares that she was diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19, and explains the podcast's purpose: creating an honest space for anyone affected by cancer. She focuses on the often-unspoken loneliness many survivors feel after treatment ends, when the structured routine, frequent medical contact, and constant check-ins fade while anxiety about scans, bloodwork, and recurrence continues, and life must be rebuilt. Gwen recounts a survivor comparing this transition to being pushed out of the nest and shares how a message from family friend Pattie on her four-year tumor discovery anniversary deeply encouraged her. She offers practical ways to support survivors post-treatment: keep checking in, remember key dates, acknowledge emotions, and invite them back into normal life, emphasizing that support shouldn't stop when treatment does.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Loneliness After Treatment
• When Support Fades
• Survivors Still Need You
• Simple Ways to Show Up
• Remembering the Hard Dates
• Inviting Life Back In
• You Are Not Behind
• Closing and Contact Info

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 46- Show Notes:

Host Gwen Kelly, a stage three astrocytoma brain cancer survivor, welcomes guest Britney Marr, diagnosed in October 2024 with stage two papillary thyroid carcinoma. Britney describes finding a baseball-sized neck mass, undergoing a complete thyroidectomy with lymph node removal in December, and receiving radioactive iodine treatment in January 2025 that required two weeks of strict isolation at home. Follow-up scans in August 2025 showed persistent disease, leading to a second surgery removing 17 more lymph nodes and learning her subtype does not respond to radioactive iodine, leaving her in ongoing surveillance. She shares the anxiety, uncertainty, and long-term effects of losing a thyroid, including hormone management and difficulty regulating body temperature, while emphasizing that there is no "easy" cancer. Her advice: build a trusted support network—including providers—and keep living and making plans when possible.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Meet Britney Marr
• Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
• No Such Thing as Easy
• Finding the Neck Lump
• Thyroidectomy and Anxiety
• Processing the News
• Radioactive Iodine Isolation
• Treatment Did Not Work
• Living Under Surveillance
• Monitoring and Next Steps
• Uncertainty and Planning Life
• Long-Term Complications
• Advice and Closing
• Final Wrap Up

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected]

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn