Join Karen and Melanie as Melanie discusses her recent health updates and the need for a treatment change.

They discuss the importance of advocacy in cancer treatment and legislative efforts is highlighted.

Karen shares cancer statistics and the need for communitysupport and awareness.

Biomarker testing is becoming more accessible and is crucialfor personalized treatment.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of legislativeadvocacy for cancer-related issues.

Melanie discusses the financial burden of medical debt andits impact on treatment access.

The need for increased awareness and prevention measures for tobacco use is discussed.

Community programs like Live Strong are vital for cancersurvivors' rehabilitation.

The conversation ends with a focus on future plans andcontinued advocacy efforts.

Here are the resources we discussed on the podcast:

From our discussion with Cobie Whitten - Season 2 episode 44 published December 17, 2025

Support group virtual meetings

1st and 3rd Wednesdays

2-3:30pm

2nd Tuesdays of each month

6:30-8:00pm

www.provcancer.org for more details

Workshops and retreats

www.harmonyhill.org/cancer

For financial support, classes, support groups

cancerlifeline.orgTo join the Rutgers study:

join.rugcc.org

American Cancer Society

Cancer Statistics 2026

cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org

In this episode of the Only 4 Words podcast, Karenand Melanie welcome guests Anika Khan and Audrey Miller Garcia from the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network. They discuss the current legislative landscape affecting cancer patients, the challenges posed by budgetconstraints, and the impact of Medicaid changes. The importance of storytelling in advocacy is emphasized, particularly in relation to the upcoming Cancer Action Day, where volunteers can share their experiences with lawmakers. The conversation also covers upcoming legislative priorities, including biomarker testing and medical debt issues, and encourages community involvement in advocacy efforts.

Guests:

Anika Khan, Grassroots Manager

Audrey Miller Garcia, Government Relations Director

Resources discussed on the podcast:

The Washington State Standard

waplanhealthfinder.org

fightcancer.org

Cancer Action Day

January 21, 2026

Olympia, Washington

Happy New Year!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us, listened, shared and attended our in person gatherings. We appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to a healthy, happy 2026 for all of us!

From both of us and from the bottom of our hearts, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, good health and a an amazing 2026 ahead. Thank you for listening, for supporting us and walking along side us for this journey. We will be back in January with all new episodes.

In this episode of the Only 4 Words Podcast, hosts KarenWaddington and Melanie engage in a heartfelt conversation with Cobie Whitten, an Psyco-Oncology Consultant. Cobie shares her extensive background in psycho-oncology anddiscusses the profound impact of cancer on individuals and their families. The conversation explores various themes, including the importance of emotional support, coping strategies, the role of positivity, and the challenges ofnavigating intimacy after a cancer diagnosis. Cobie emphasizes the need for open communication, the significance of support systems, and the importance offinding meaning and purpose in life despite the challenges posed by cancer. Theepisode concludes with insights on managing uncertainty and fear, as well as resources for those affected by cancer.

Our next in person gathering with be:

Saturday, Jan 3rd, 2026

Sweet Magnolia Coffeee Co

125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater, WA

2:00pm-4:00pm

No RSVP needed, just show up

Here are the resources that were mentioned on the podcast:

https://www.harmonyhill.org/cancer/

https://cancerlifeline.org/

In this episode of the Only Four Words podcast, Karen andMelanie reflect on their weekends and share personal stories about their experiences with cancer. They discuss their favorite things that can provide comfort and support to those undergoing treatment, including knitted knockersand local businesses that give back to the community. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness, emotional support, and practical help for loved ones in treatment, as well as creative gift ideas for the holiday season.

Here are a few of our favorite things:

knittedknockers.org

facebook.com/pink lift

bustedtank.com

fleshworkstattoostudio.com

Icechips.com

Happy Mail - linktr.ee/its.nerisa

fightingpretty.org

Serenity For A Cause (https://thewindchime.co)Join us for our next in person gathering:

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co

125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater

2:00pm-4:00pm

In this conversation, Karen Waddington shares her experienceof receiving unexpected medical news regarding a mass on her uterus. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication from her doctor, who took the time to discuss the results with her personally, demonstrating empathyand understanding during a stressful time. This highlights the critical role of patient care and the doctor-patient relationship in navigating health challenges.

Next In Person Gathering

Saturday, December 13, 2025

2:00-4:00pm

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co.

125 Tumwater Blvd., #119, Tumwater, Wa

No RSVP needed

We just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for coming along on this journey with us. We are so grateful for you, our listeners, for those that have come on the podcast, and for those that show up at our in person gatherings and share their stories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Karen and Melanie

Our next in person gathering will be:

Saturday (Note the change from Sunday)

December 13th, 2025

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co.

125 Tumwater Blvd #119, Tumwater, WA

2:00pm - 4:00pm

There is no recording during this time

In this episode, Karen and Melanie reflect on theirweekends, sharing personal stories about family gatherings and reconnecting with old friends. They delve into Thanksgiving traditions, discussing how these have evolved over the years, especially in light of personal losses andchanges. The conversation highlights the importance of creating new traditions while honoring the past, navigating grief, and finding joy in the holidays. They emphasize the significance of family support during tough times and the power of gratitude and joy in shaping holiday experiences.

www.olytoyrun.com

Facebook.com/olympiatoyrun

December 6th, 10:00am

Laughter is the best medicine. In this episode, Karen and Melanie explore the themes oflaughter, gratitude, and the importance of community support. They share personal stories about comedy shows, the healing power of laughter, and the significance of expressing gratitude in various forms. The conversation highlights the impact of presence and support during challenging times, as well as the joy of volunteering and giving back to the community. Through their discussions, they emphasize the importance of meaningful connections and the power of shared experiences.