Life on Pause

The cancer journey can introduce many changes into a patient's life, creating new obstacles and challenges for them to endure. But taking on a new life philosophy may be able to support patients in managing these difficulties and gaining a healthy perspective on the life that they have.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, host Brady Lucas is joined by guest Cayla Conover. Cayla is a trauma surgical ICU nurse who is experiencing stage four colon cancer. As an individual who has experience with caregiving and receiving cancer treatments, Cayla shares her perspective on how to navigate these challenging positions and how to maintain a celebratory mindset throughout the cancer journey. 

Listen to Brady and Cayla discuss the cancer experience:

Past and Present (0:30)

Medicine has always been part of Cayla's life as a trauma surgical ICU who was raised by parents in the medical field. She shares what inspired her to become a nurse after studying for a bachelor's degree in public health. Cayla describes how her experience doing research with trauma patients and nurses in action influenced her decision to go into nursing. Additionally, she shares her medical history before receiving her stage four colon cancer diagnosis in July of 2021.

Symptoms to a Diagnosis (2:59)

Symptoms should always be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible. Cayla shares the symptoms she experienced leading up to her cancer diagnosis, including persistent abdominal pain in her late 20s. By sharing this information with listeners, she hopes to raise awareness about her condition and inspire others to advocate for themselves and their medical needs.

In the Family (8:17)

Cayla has her own medical knowledge and experience throughout her career and comes from a family with a medical background as well. She explains how her experience may have differed from other patients due to her background in medicine when understanding her initial diagnosis and comprehending the severity of her illness. Cayla also expresses her desire for improvement within the healthcare system and the struggles of trying to advocate for yourself when the healthcare system often fails to take symptoms seriously.

Using Humor (10:23)

"Moby Debt" is the name that Cayla gave to her tumor, and she often uses humor as a coping method through her cancer experience and to help her process her illness. Additionally, she explains how she used humor to cope as a nurse to handle uncomfortable situations within her experience as a healthcare professional. She and Bradley also bond on the idea of humor as a protective mechanism for cancer patients, enabling them to make jokes about themselves as a way to control the narrative and conversation surrounding their diagnosis.

"Not Dead Yet" (12:41)

Throughout the interview, Cayla often uses the phrase "not dead yet," which represents how she lives her life. She shares with listeners how the phrase originated as a reason to celebrate life and life's good days while you have them. Cayla says that she feels like she has embraced this idea of not being dead yet, and wishes to live as much life as possible and celebrate every good day she has.

Cayla's Life Philosophy (14:49)

Cayla believes that listeners, whether they're cancer patients or not, can benefit by adopting her life philosophy of "not dead yet." She shares her thoughts on the importance of getting out of your head, taking life's unexpected events into perspective, and trying to live and experience your life fully when you have it. She urges listeners to appreciate life, finds the little things that bring joy, be with the ones you love, and make memories.

Staying In Tune (16:27)

Before her diagnosis, Cayla was passionate about fitness. But now, her relationship with fitness and wellness has changed. She explains that the progression of her disease and recovery from surgery has made her feel less inclined to work out. Rather than let this disappoint her, it gave her a new perspective on trying to honor what her body wants and needs. She has also changed her relationship with food, now eating what feels good. She emphasizes the importance of staying in tune with your body, listening to its needs, and taking each day as it comes.

Stage Four (20:11)

Cayla is at a stage of her cancer diagnosis where it has progressed, requiring her to receive palliative chemo and move in the direction of indirectly planning the end of her life. She takes this opportunity within the podcast to share her thoughts on this stage in her life and things that she would like the world to know about her, her life, and her story.

Advice (21:49)

Cayla provides her advice for young adults diagnosed with metastatic disease, including seeking second opinions, handling loneliness throughout the cancer experience, maintaining the perspective that each type of cancer is different, and stage four is not a death sentence. She also urges young adults with cancer to bond and speak with other young adults who have shared and understand the cancer experience. 

Realistic and Hopeful (23:56)

Caregiving is a challenging job, and caregivers need just as much support as the cancer patients that they assist. Cayla shares her advice for caregivers and care providers working with patients diagnosed with severe illnesses as someone who has experienced both roles as a caregiver and patient. She speaks about the difficulty for caregivers to stay realistic about the patient's health while maintaining hope and positivity. She also suggests that caregivers find helpful resources, share their feelings and needs with others, and maintain a good support system.

Cancer Resources (28:03)

Cayla has utilized several resources throughout her colon cancer journey to gain support. She shares resources that have been most valuable to her through her cancer experience and how other organizations and people have helped her each step of the way. Additionally, Cayla provides suggestions for other patients and caregivers looking for cancer resources.

Advocacy (31:01)

Cayla wishes to continue to advocate with her time left. She shares her next steps within the advocacy space, like raising cancer awareness through social media. She also hopes to support the development of the adolescent and young adult program at Penn State and create outreach to serve this community and help other young adults living with cancer.

Experiencing an unforeseen circumstance like cancer can cause your life to deviate from the path you had initially set out upon. This episode of Life on Pause discusses cancer's impact as a "fork in the road" and how it can significantly alter the lives of those who experience it.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, Penn State Medical Center's young adults are joined by young adults from UT Southwestern Medical Center whose lives have been impacted by cancer. They have come together to discuss the deeply personal ways that cancer has changed their life paths and their processes of coping with these events.

Listen to young adults impacted by cancer discuss their "fork in the road" experiences:

Topic and Guest Introduction (0:30)

Our hosts introduce listeners to our guests, young adults from UT Southwestern Medical Center whose lives have been altered due to a cancer diagnosis. Each speaker shares their personal stories, thoughts, and experiences regarding their cancer journey.

Silver Linings (12:59)

While deviations from your intended life path can be challenging, they can sometimes provide benefits. Our hosts ask guest speakers about what positive differences they can identify when comparing their old routes to their new life courses after experiencing their cancer diagnosis. Some of the speaker's examples involve mended relationships, increased empathy, and new outlooks on life.

Coming to Terms (21:52)

When you experience an impactful event like cancer, it can take time to recognize and come to terms with the ways your life has changed. Guest speakers share their timelines of how long it took to reach the understanding that their life was significantly altered due to their cancer experience. This grieving process can be unique for everyone, and guest speakers share their own stories of how they reached this stage of their health journey.

Closing Thoughts (31:40)

Everyone's experience with cancer is personal, and it can be tough to share these experiences, as our guest speakers have done in this episode. However, hearing these stories can be impactful for others experiencing cancer. This final portion of the episode recognizes this episode's speakers for their vulnerability and bravery in exploring these topics on the Life on Pause podcast.

The role of healthcare professionals is to support the health and comfort of patients through each phase of their treatment. This episode of Life on Pause discusses the sensitive topic of palliative care, and listeners are encouraged to use their best judgment and discretion. 

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, host Brady Lucas is joined by Gina Klein, a social worker in palliative care at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Together, they speak about how caretakers in her profession support cancer patients' autonomy and quality of life through palliative care and advanced care planning.

Listen to Brady and Gina discuss palliative care:

Topic and Guest Introduction (0:30)

Our host Brady introduces listeners to this episode's topic: palliative care. He also introduces his guest Gina Klein, a social worker in palliative care at Penn State Hershey Med Center. Together Gina and Brady discuss the meaning of palliative care and the role of palliative care professionals.

The Role of a Palliative Care Worker (2:04)

Brady asks Gina to go into detail about what her job as a palliative care social worker entails. Gina talks about the duties of her role and informs listeners of what advanced care planning means within her profession. In this explanation, she introduces the legal procedures involved in palliative care work, including the "Five Wishes" document.

The Five Wishes (4:37)

The Five Wishes is an important document for cancer patients in palliative care. Gina and Brady discuss the document and how it addresses serious questions to help care providers ensure that patient's wishes are respected. Gina also shares her thoughts on the emotional and spiritual barriers that often occur while arranging end-of-life care.

Penn State Advanced Care Planning (10:04)

Gina shares with listeners how Penn State Health has progressed with their advanced care planning and how they are working to help individuals with advanced care plans in palliative care. She explains their advancement in supporting patients' autonomy and ensuring their wishes are respected and understood.

What Keeps You Going (14:35)

Working as a professional in the palliative care field can be difficult, however, Gina is dedicated to supporting her patients. She describes the emotions involved in her job and what keeps her going. Additionally, Gina provides her words of wisdom to younger individuals who need to create an advanced care plan and may feel hesitant or fearful about the process.

A Team Approach (20:27)

When patients are in palliative care, many individuals are often involved, including their personal loved ones and their medical support teams. Brady and Gina discuss the importance of each individual involved in a collaborative approach to supporting the patient's wishes.

Helpful Resources (24:14)

Penn State Health provides helpful resources to support individuals in palliative care, including advanced care plan techniques and information. In addition, Gina provides additional methods that people can take to access advanced care resources.

Advice on Palliative Care (25:50)

In conclusion to the episode, Gina shares her final advice on palliative care for the Live on Pause community.

Chemotherapy involves so much more than just treating cancer. Chemotherapy treatments involve various side effects that can challenge patients mentally, physically, and emotionally. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Kasara talks with guest speakers to discuss their experiences receiving chemotherapy treatments for their cancer diagnoses. Together they share their stories to provide insight to listeners and help other cancer patients know that they aren’t alone.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, listeners can hear real experiences cancer patients have had with chemotherapy treatments.

Listen to Kasara and guest speakers discuss their journeys with cancer treatments:

Topic and Guest Introduction (0:30)

Our host Kasara introduces listeners to this episode’s topic: chemotherapy. She also introduces herself and provides background about her life before allowing the other guests to introduce themselves. Today’s guests have all undergone a cancer diagnosis and include Brady Lucas, Ali Schneider, Kayla Brown, Elizabeth, Abby, Bailey, Cameron Benjamin, Jasmine, and Gene Banks.

Diagnosis and Beginning Treatment (2:47)

Kasara asks listeners how long after their diagnosis they began treatment for their cancer. Then, she and the guests share their stories of diagnosis and speak about the different experiences that they each had upon beginning their cancer treatment journeys.

The Reality of Cancer Treatments (11:46)

The way cancer is depicted in movies and television shows often does a poor job of accurately representing the real-life experience of having cancer and its challenges. Kasara brings this up and asks the guest speakers to talk about their physical experiences and difficulties brought on by their cancer treatments. Speakers share their stories regarding topics like appetite changes, nausea, memory issues, and hair loss.

Cancer, Chemotherapy, and COVID (25:28)

Kasara describes the mental wall she hit emotionally as she was experiencing her third and fourth cycles of cancer treatments and the difficulty of having to extend her time between treatments due to a COVID diagnosis. She has the special guests speak about their own mental and emotional battles throughout their experiences with cancer, and COVID’s effects on their cancer treatments.

Not Defined by a Diagnosis (37:43)

The speakers share their thoughts and feelings about how they are affected by having had cancer and how they choose not to let it define them. Additionally, they speak about overcoming the side effects of their diagnosis, like hair loss and weight loss, and moving past other people's perceptions of them.

Life with cancer looks different for everyone, and for young people especially, it can be challenging to manage a diagnosis while still moving forward with life's other experiences. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Brady Lucus chats with guest speaker Colton Cook, a college student who has been in treatment for his cancer diagnosis. Together they discuss what it's like to have cancer while trying to maintain normalcy in life as a young adult.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, listeners can gain insight into one person's real-life journey navigating life and treatments as a young adult with cancer.

Listen to Brady and special guest Colton discuss the cancer treatment experience:

Guest Introduction (0:30)

Our host Brady Lucus introduces listeners to guest speaker Colton Cook. Colton is a creative writing student at Susquehanna University. He is also currently a patient at Hershey Penn State Hospital, where he received treatment for his cancer diagnosis.

Coping with Creativity (0:57)

Colton speaks about his decision to pursue a college education in creative writing while being treated for cancer. He explains how his creative writing and mindset have contributed to his coping with having cancer. Additionally, he speaks about his experiences being treated during COVID-19 and coming to terms with not having control.

Adjusting to Life With Cancer (3:30)

After being diagnosed with cancer in 11th grade, with the help of medical technology, Colton finished high school and began college while still receiving treatment. He provides listeners a glimpse into what it was like moving forward during such turbulent times regarding his health and the state of the world during COVID-19.

Treatment and Coping Methods (8:17)

Colton tells listeners about his clinic experiences and his methods for coping throughout this time, like using his pets as a form of animal-assisted therapy. He also speaks about his family's experiences coping with his illness.

Life on Pause and Looking Ahead (11:57)

Colton plans to continue pursuing his education in creative writing in the future. He explains how his cancer diagnosis affected his life and caused setbacks. However, he has found his own ways to help establish normalcy in his life.

Fears and Effects (14:20)

Brady asks Colton about his fears regarding his cancer diagnosis and how his diagnosis has affected his future. Colton shares his thoughts and talks about cancer's effects on his creative writing and storytelling.

Listener Takeaways (18:33)

To conclude the episode, Colton provides his thoughts and suggestions for individuals going through college after being diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, he shares the one piece of information that he hopes listeners would take away from his story.

Even after recovery, cancer can still leave challenging effects on those who have experienced it. However, taking part in a new adventure can be beneficial and healing for cancer survivors. First Descents is a program for young adults impacted by cancer that provides them with outdoor adventures and helps them heal through psychosocial support and rewarding experiences. 

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, our hosts chat with guest speaker Mackenzie McGrath, Vice President of First Descents, about the program and its therapeutic effects on young adults influenced by cancer.

Listen to our hosts and special guest Mackenzie discuss the First Descents program:

Guest Introduction (0:30)

Our host Gus introduces the topic of this episode, and our special guest speaker, Mackenzie McGrath. Mackenzie is the Vice President of First Descents, a program that provides outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

First Descents (1:30)

Mackenzie tells listeners about the First Descents program and inspiration behind its development. She and host Gus share their experiences traveling, meeting other young adults, and having new experiences during their First Descents trips.

Healing Effects (8:50)

Experiencing the great outdoors can have therapeutic effects for individuals impacted by cancer, and Mackenzie speaks about the benefits of setting the program within nature. She also discusses how the program supports young adults, providing developmentally appropriate psychosocial support and peer-to-peer connection for cancer survivors within this demographic.

Designed for Positive Opportunity (12:15)

The hosts and Mackenzie speak more on the program and its trained staff members and how attention to aspects like safety, outdoor activity, and nutrition education makes it a safe and positive experience for attendees.

Confidence and Body Positivity (18:15)

The cancer journey can leave people feeling physically fragile and limited. First Descents is designed to produce psychosocial outcomes, with outdoor adventures that strengthen attendees' body image and physical confidence. Our speakers share their thoughts on the program's psychosocial aspects and how they can benefit former cancer patients.

Safe Havens (23:14)

Cancer can have lasting mental and emotional effects on those who have had it, even after treatment ends. Our hosts and Mackenzie share their havens and practices for reaching inner peace and the activities that they find therapeutic.

New Perspectives (26:46)

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in situations that can open our eyes to new perspectives. Mackenzie and our hosts share their moments that provided new perspectives on life and the cancer experience.

Challenges and Rewards (37:56)

Challenging oneself and stepping out of comfort zones can be difficult but rewarding. Our speakers discuss examples of being rewarded through challenges and how the First Descents outdoor adventures motivate people to take on new experiences.

The cancer journey can have a profound impact on the patient and those close by providing support. Finding oneself in the role of caregiver for a cancer patient can be an emotionally exhausting experience for a young adult, as they try to maintain support and composure in times of worry and hurt.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, our host Brady Lucus chats with guest speaker Krissy Hitz about the challenges and rewards of being a caregiver to a loved one with cancer.

Listen to Brady and Krissy as they discuss the caregiver experience:

Guest Introduction (0:30)

Our host Brady begins this episode by introducing this episode's guest, Krissy Pitts. Krissy provides a background of her history as a caregiver for her late husband, Todd, as he fought his battle against Hodgkin's disease. After learning of the diagnosis together when she was 18, she dedicated the next twenty years of her life by Todd's side, providing support and love through his cancer journey.

An Emotional Roller Coaster (6:11)

Looking back on her caregiver experience as a young adult, Krissy recalls its impacts on her life emotionally, financially, mentally, and physically. She credits her faith, her strong relationship with her husband, and her relationships with doctors, friends, and family as helpful for maintaining positivity.

Asking for Help (10:33)

Krissy goes into detail about her experience balancing her life as a young adult and her role as a caregiver. She discusses the impact of the cancer journey on caregivers and the difficulty of asking for help from others. Throughout the feelings of guilt and constant worry, Krissy describes the deep appreciation that she and her husband formed for each other during this time.

Taking Chances (15:07)

At the time of Todd's battle with Hodgkin's disease, medical science regarding bone marrow transplant operations was still in its earlier developmental stages. Krissy talks about her responsibility of supporting Todd and putting on a brave face as he underwent this unfamiliar process or receiving a bone marrow transplant.

Peace With No Control (24:20)

People often make preparations to seek stability and control during times of uncertainty. Patients and their caregivers must face the painful reality of having difficult conversations and preparing for worst-case scenarios through the cancer journey. After her husband's passing, Krissy experienced the difficulty of letting go and making peace with not being in control.

Thankfulness Throughout (31:07)

When Todd underwent his bone marrow transplant procedure, he helped pave the way for other cancer patients in need of transplants. Now twenty-five years later, Krissy expresses her gratitude for all of the ways she and Todd's experience helped to progress medical science and aid others in their fights against Hodgkin's disease.

Advice for Caregivers (33:01)

Krissy tells listeners the one piece of advice she would provide to young adult caregivers going through cancer treatments.

So many aspects of our lives rely on our brains’ health and proper functioning. For individuals who have been diagnosed with brain tumors at a young age, their cancer experiences have had lasting effects on them physically, as well as their views on life. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host and guest speakers speak on their experiences with this challenging diagnosis. Guests include young adults from the Penn State Hershey community, and this episode was recorded in collaboration with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, listeners can hear brain cancer survivors who have had brain tumors share their experiences and the challenges they have faced along the way.

Guest Introductions (0:30)

This episode’s host speaks briefly on the topic of brain tumors and young adults and asks her seven guest speakers to introduce themselves. Each guest speaker provides their name and age, as well as a summary of their personal history with cancer and brain tumor symptoms.

Cancer Challenges (6:11)

The host introduces an additional guest and shares words that they wrote for their high school graduation relating to her personal battles and life challenges. Speakers then each discuss their own struggles that they have faced due to their brain tumor symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Moving Forward (20:08)

Navigating challenges can be complex, especially as a young person with cancer. Guests speak about their methods for navigating challenges since their brain tumor diagnosis. Additionally, they talk about the adventures they have allowed themselves to stretch into or ones they dream of experiencing despite challenges that exist.

Practicing Positivity (31:34)

Maintaining optimism can be difficult in times of personal struggles. In this section, guests explain how they practice being grateful and having positivity when dealing with brain tumors or other negative aspects of their lives.

Words of Wisdom (35:55)

As a final question, guests are asked what they would tell their past selves if they could go back in time. Speakers discuss what advice they would give themselves, based on how their views on life have evolved as a result of their brain cancer experiences.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Penn State Children's Hospital

There are many complex emotions involved with the experience of having cancer. While people often want to view cancer as a victorious journey with positivity and hope, the reality of the fact is it can involve many emotionally taxing and negative feelings. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Casey speaks with guest Kayla about the cancer experience and all of the negative emotions it can invoke that people often choose not to discuss. 

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, listeners can hear cancer survivors speak on their first-hand experiences on the disease's emotional challenges, such as survivor's guilt, loneliness, and depression.

Listen to Casey and Kayla discuss the emotional challenges of having cancer:

Guest Introduction (1:00)

Host Casey introduces his guest Kayla, who provides a background of her experiences with having and surviving cancer from a young age. 

Things Left Unsaid (2:44)

The emotional health challenges involved are often overlooked when discussing the cancer journey, both during and after treatment. The focus placed on the patient's physical health can often overshadow their emotional health needs. Kayla speaks on the emotional challenges she faced throughout her cancer journey, like loneliness, survivor's guilt, worry, and the lingering effects of a traumatic experience.

Survivor's Guilt and Questioning (7:21)

Cancer survivors can often question their reason for survival and their worthiness of living through the experience when so many others haven't. However, comparing cancer experiences and levels of suffering can lead to more emotional difficulties. Casey and Kayla discuss their methods and experiences of coping with the complex feelings that result as a side effect of cancer and linger long after. 

Fixing the System (14:15)

Cancer patients often do not receive the emotional health support they need throughout their cancer journeys. Kayla provides her ideas for ways the system can be reformed to help patients with these negative sensations like depression, anxiety, and survivor's guilt. Additionally, Casey and Kayla speak on the positive impact of having open communication about these sensitive topics.

Family and Relationships (17:16)

For young people especially, having cancer can require loved ones and family members to make sacrifices. This can lead them to have negative emotions and feelings of burdening the people around them. Kayla describes her experiences with this during her treatment and her feelings of guilt, jealousy, and shame.

Advice About Emotions (23:01)

Emotional health can be especially challenging for people who are newly experiencing the negative feelings involved with cancer. Casey and Kayla discuss the advice they would give others for handling these negative emotions, as well as the communication surrounding cancer and its effect on those experiencing the disease.

As young adults, handling relationships can be challenging, as we are often in transformative periods within our lives. But on top of managing schoolwork, careers, and life, experiencing a cancer diagnosis can lead to a whole new set of love life complications. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Megan speaks with several guests who have experienced cancer diagnosis' about the challenges of navigating love and relationships throughout their cancer journey.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, listeners can hear from individuals who have experienced cancer about how they handled their relationships along with their diagnosis and treatment experiences. Megan speaks with these guests and their partners about how the diagnosis affected them, their relationship issues, and the lessons they learned along the way.

Listen to Megan and her guests discuss cancer, relationships, and love:

Guest Introductions (1:39)

Megan Dressler introduces herself and her husband and speaks about their relationship and how her leukemia diagnosis in 2017 affected it. She then has her guest speakers introduce themselves. She asks them about their relationship status, how long they have been with their significant other if they have one, and what one thing would be that they are looking for in a relationship or love about their partners.

The guest speakers included within this episode feature young adults who have experienced cancer and its effects on their relationships. Guests speak about cancer's influence on their love life and past and current relationship issues.

Cancer and Relationships (8:47)

In this podcast segment, guest speakers provide their answers to the question, "How did your diagnosis affect your relationship? In what ways was it hard, and in what ways was it easier?"

From additional strains on already long-distance relationships to difficult talks about fertility to spending hours together in the hospital, speakers share their stories about how their cancer journeys affected their romantic partnerships and the relationship issues that they experienced.

Love Lessons (14:47)

Learning to communicate, practice self-love, and accept support are critical factors in resolving relationship issues. For young adults experiencing cancer, the effects of their diagnosis can cause them to learn these vital love lessons in unique and challenging ways.

Megan and her guests discuss the most significant things they learned through their experiences as cancer patients regarding their love life and what they wanted in their relationships. Guests share the lessons they and their significant others learned about commitment, partnerships, and love.

Loved Ones Speak Out (21:17)

During the final segment of this episode, Megan addresses her guest's significant others. She asks them to explain how their partner's cancer diagnosis affected them and their initial thoughts upon learning of the diagnosis.

Guest's partners discussed the lengths they had to go for love throughout the cancer experience, such as making life-altering decisions to be there for their significant others. Speakers described the fear they experienced regarding the possible loss of their loved ones and the difficulty of holding back emotions to stay strong for their partners.