Combating Cancer

Episode 5- show notes:

In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her journey with hair loss during treatment for stage three astrocytoma brain cancer. After an update on her clean 90-day scans, she opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of losing her hair, the impact on her identity, and the healing power of support. Gwen offers practical advice and a powerful reminder that hair loss is temporary, and true beauty lies in strength and self-compassion.

Discussed in this episode:

• Life Update: Clean Scans

• Coping with Hair Loss: The Initial Reaction Post Surgery

• The Devastation of Hair Loss During Treatment

• Support and Encouragement from Family and Friends

• Finding Beauty in Regrowth

• Final Thoughts and Encouragement

More from Gwen:

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

Follow and join the community:

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 4- show notes:

In this powerful episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly sits down with Ashley Saaranen, a brave and resilient breast cancer survivor. Together, they explore Ashley's life before her diagnosis, the shock and challenges that followed, and the emotional journey through treatment and recovery. With grace and honesty, Ashley also shares what life looks like after cancer, including her family's bold decision to start a hobby farm. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to hope, resilience, and the possibility of finding joy and meaning in the aftermath of adversity. Please tune in for an inspiring reminder that while cancer changes everything, it doesn't define you!

Discussed in this episode:

• Ashley's Breast Cancer Journey Begins: Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

• Surgery and Treatment Decisions

• The Impact of Friends and Family

• Living with the Lingering Trauma from Cancer

• Life After Cancer: New Beginnings and Perspectives

• Final Reflection and Encouragement

More from Gwen:

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

More from Ashley:

Get in touch with Ashley here: https://www.instagram.com/ashsaar?igsh=ODh2NXJ6OTFpYjN6 & https://www.instagram.com/emeraldacres.farm?igsh=Yjdua3ZwdnJrb2Rl

Follow and join the community:

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 3- show notes:

In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly discusses the emotional toll of scan anxiety, the importance of support from loved ones, and how she manages her fears by focusing on what she can control. She encourages listeners to open up about their struggles, seek comfort from their support systems, and live in the present despite the uncertainties. This episode aims to offer comfort to others who are experiencing similar challenges.

Discussed in this episode:

• Host introduction and background

• Topic of Scanxiety

• Everyday struggle with scanxiety

• Different coping mechanisms to combat scanxiety

• How to change one's perspective

• Closing statements and encouragement

More from Gwen:

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

Follow and join the community:

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 2- show notes:

In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Sue Dettinger about her son JD, who passed away from brain cancer at the age of 22. Sue shares intimate details of JD's life as a talented musician, his diagnosis of stage four glioblastoma during his sophomore year in college, and the various treatments he underwent. Sue reflects on the emotional journey, from diagnosis to JD's peaceful passing at home. The episode highlights the significance of support, the value of sharing stories, and the collective need to raise awareness and funding for cancer research.

Discussed in this episode:

• JD's Life Before Cancer: A Passion For Music

• The Onset of JD's Symptoms

• The Diagnosis and Initial Reactions: What Do You Do Now?

• JD's Treatment Journey

• JD's Resilience and Adventure: An Emphasis On Human Compassion

• Final Days and Hospice Care

More from Gwen:

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

More from AssetHR:

Get in touch with AssetHR here: [email protected] & https://assethr.com

Follow and join the community:

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 1- show notes:

Welcome to the very first episode of Combating Cancer. I'm your host, Gwen Kelly, and on this episode, you will hear the unfiltered story of how my life changed forever at 19 years old. One moment I was a college tennis player living my dreams in New York, and in the blink of an eye I was waking up from a seizure with a stage four brain cancer diagnosis.

In this vulnerable episode, I walk you through the events that led to my diagnosis, the emotional and physical battles I faced, and how I chose to fight back; not just for myself, but for others who feel lost, isolated, or silenced by cancer.

Discussed in this episode:

• The unexpected seizure that started it all

• Getting diagnosed, how does one proceed?

• The emotional toll of treatment, from radiation to chemotherapy

• Losing my hair and my confidence

• Why I resisted sharing my story, and what finally changed my mind

• The birth of this podcast, and the bigger mission behind Combating Cancer

More from Gwen:

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

Follow and join the community:

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