I Had Cancer

Dr. David Bartlett, the new chair of AHN Cancer Institute, is an acclaimed cancer surgeon and researcher. Involved in the latest advances in care, he predicts steady growth in the search for a cure. Dr. Bartlett approaches each patient with empathy, developing friendships that are great motivators for him to push on with his work. Hear why he calls cancer a unique puzzle, and why everyday good health habits might hold the key to preventing it.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Heather was 40, with a newborn son and a 3-year old daughter, when she learned that a mole on her skin was melanoma. Then, she didn’t know what it meant, but now she’s passionate about skin cancer awareness and prevention. She is thankful for AHN surgeons and dermatologists who gave top quality care and eased her mind. Hear why she tells skin cancer: “Not at my job. Not in my neighborhood!”

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Ashley was 33 when ovarian cancer fractured her world. But her faith and an amazing care team at West Penn Hospital kept her going. With a leader in ovarian cancer research as her surgeon, she moved through a hysterectomy and chemotherapy to ring the final bell. Now she’s active in two cancer support groups. Hear how a schedule change, a “beat cancer” parade, and a t-shirt with a special message gave her hope.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Ray, 65, was always active, hunting elk, shoeing horses at the track, and celebrating his daughter’s wedding. Esophageal cancer interrupted his plans, but never his positivity. Surrounded by top-shelf cancer professionals at West Penn Hospital, he moved rapidly to a diagnosis, and then through chemo, radiation, and surgery. Hear why he credits divine intervention, his surgeon, and great people for his survival.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Randy Stewart, 69, never expected a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. But his medical team at West Penn Hospital gave him the confidence to stay positive through six months of chemo, radiation, and surgery. He also was among the first patients to get a new immunotherapy drug in a clinical trial with Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hear how a very special daily message inspired him during treatment and his new diet as a survivor.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Jessica’s happiness at being pregnant was dashed when she developed a placenta tumor. She had gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), a rare cancer that arises during pregnancy. After a miscarriage, she became the youngest person – just 33 – in her chemo group. With amazing nurses and doctors, and support from generous family and friends, she became a survivor. Hear why she will never be the same again, but might be something more.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Bob was 73 when an unexpected blood disorder, myelodysplastic syndrome, led to acute myeloid leukemia, a form of blood cancer. AHN doctors and Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers brought about four separate miracles to return him to health. Now he’s back on the ladder, making repairs around the house. Hear how he’s helping his doctors give hope to other patients.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

Cheryl learned she had invasive ductal carcinoma on her 50th birthday, just four months after her mother got the same breast cancer diagnosis. With chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and great support from AHN doctors and nurses — whom she calls her guardian angels — she was on her way to being a cancer survivor. Hear how family and friends — along with a very special t-shirt – were there when she rang the bell.

When the doctor called with her test results on a Saturday, Kathy, 62, knew it wasn’t good news. Her diagnosis was locally advanced pancreatic cancer. After chemo and radiation with a great team at AHN, she was referred to the AHN’s partners — world-renowned surgeons at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Today, as a 6-year survivor, Kathy wants people to know there is always hope.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.

When a lump in his neck turned out to be salivary gland cancer, Mike was confident his AHN doctors would pull him through. He didn’t worry. At age 54, he just wanted to keep working and playing hockey — even after surgery and during his radiation treatments. Hear how he survived his cancer and rang in the new year in a special way.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number.