By Bruce Watkins
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast is a place for those impacted by Cancer, their caregivers, their loved ones and also those wishing to prevent illness.
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The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.
About This Episode:
In the early fall of 2022, after many scans and multiple opinions from healthcare providers, Bruce's latest cancer diagnosis was confirmed, but with ambiguity that would not be resolved in the near future. When a definitive medical plan of action that included regularly scheduled rotating exams and scans was finally laid out by his doctors, Bruce announced his own definitive plan of action. He was leaving the country.
Just a few days after his final defining diagnosis and assessment, Bruce boarded a plane for Asia. He stepped away from the podcast for a period of time to reflect and assess where he wanted to be in what he wanted his life to look like.
Bruce followed his heart and the call of adventure to the country of Thailand where he spent over a month touring this magical country, and now is spending time in Thailand's Northern regions, considered the spiritual center of Thai culture.
There will be many more stories your intrepid show Host will share in the future, as well as new episodes of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast. In the meantime, Bruce would like to thank everybody for holding space for him, the loving and supportive comments he's received in the last many months, and the understanding and acceptance from his listeners, readers, and loved ones that know one thing above all when it comes to their friend. For Bruce, There is No Time Like the Present to respond to the Call to Adventure.
HEAR the Episodes about Bruce's Cancer Diagnosis and his Person Reflections
#022 – Learning About New Cancer Diagnosis – Recorded Live – Bruce Watkins
#021 - Cancer Returns - The Strength of Vulnerability - Bruce Watkins
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and upbeat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics, and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we want to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
CLICK HERE to HEAR the Season 2 Trailer!
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
Cancer Patient Advocate Joe Bullock returns for the second installment of his interview with the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins. This episode picks up from where Part-1 of our interview with Joe left off ( #009 – From Caregiver, to Surviving Cancer, to Patient Support Advocate Part 1 – Joe Bullock ).
In this episode, Joe and Bruce discuss the challenges of being a caregiver for an estranged parent, how Joe overcame those barriers to provide meaningful support to his father, and how Joe found forgiveness and strength in his heart. When cancer arrived in Joe's life, he use those lessons from being a caregiver to help ensure his relationship with his spouse and his children was as healthy as possible. Joe also shares the challenges he faced as a typical man in dealing with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.
Surprisingly, this episode is exceptionally positive, so much so that host Bruce Watkins and Joe laugh almost continuously through the show at the absurdity an irony of many of the situations cancer patients face. The end of the episode introduces Joe's motivation to get involved with helping others. In an upcoming episode, Joe will return to discuss how he became involved with the Man Up to Cancer patient advocacy support group, and his passion for helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Hear Episode #009 - PART-1 of the OCJ Podcast interview with Joe Bullock:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/06/08/009-from-caregiver-to-surviving-cancer-to-patient-support-advocate-part-1-joe-bullock/
References and Resources mentioned in this Episode:
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.brucewatkins.com
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
After being diagnosed with a Stage-3 Head and Neck cancer and surviving the initial surgeries, the radiation regimen, and the grueling months of recovery that followed, after months of testing and retesting, Bruce finally received a NED assessment from his medical team. Bruce remained cancer free for more than 5 years, until just days ago.
Late on a summer’s day as midnight was fast approaching, for some inexplicable reason Bruce felt compelled to check his health care portal. He had just days before received an extensive MRI of his middle pelvis area, the scan that was meant to investigate a nagging hip injury, but also would provide clear images of his prostate gland. Although prostate cancer had been present in Bruce's family history, Bruce had repeatedly tested negative and showed no typical signs of emerging prostate cancer.
Be sure to listen to Episode #021 too, where Bruce tells the very personal story of the unrelated series of events that led him to finally reach out to ask for a sign and a “Push” to help him to become a stronger and more vulnerable person. Hours after making this request, standing alone in a remote area near a forest, Bruce read the unexpected news that cancer had arrive in his life again. Bruce grabbed a handheld recorder and captured a live recording of his reactions and revelations to the news in a raw and unguarded way never heard on this program before. It's unbridled, unpolished, and totally uninhibited.
CLICK HERE to LISTEN to: #021 – Cancer Returns – The Strength of Vulnerability – Bruce Watkins
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
CLICK HERE to LISTEN to: #014 Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
Over a recent several-week period, Our Cancer Journey Podcast Host Bruce Watkins underwent a handful of routine exams and a few additional tests for some small nominal health issues. The surprising results from one of those tests reported that cancer had returned to Bruce’s life.
The episode that immediately follows this podcast ( Episode #022 ), contains a live recording of the moments immediately after Bruce learned of one of two potential new cancer diagnoses. In this recording, Bruce discusses his reactions and revelations to the news in a raw and unguarded way never heard on this program before.
This episode, #021, tells of the time leading up to this new cancer diagnosis. This story, however, is not about cancer. In this episode, Bruce shares how he, like many of us, lived a life that was guarded and not open in ways that affected many aspects of his life. He held back information about himself and his personal story, and he resisted asking for help and support from others. At the encouragement of many supporters, and at the urging of his own heart, Bruce finally found the courage to reach for the strength of vulnerability.
In this highly-personal episode, Bruce shares how he finally broke down and asked for help, and the story of the “Push” he received that helped him to risk the change. A thunderstorm rolls in during the recording as if to add emphasis to the story, and to reinforce that a Push can happen for us all.
LISTEN to the Follow-Up Episode of this Podcast:
#022 – Learning About New Cancer Diagnosis – Recorded Live – Bruce Watkins
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and upbeat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we want to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
CLICK HERE to HEAR the Season 2 Trailer!
HEAR the episode with Sirin Steele where she talks about when to and not to share your personal cancer story, and her Ovarian Cancer awareness advocacy: CLICK HERE!
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed in
to an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
Data Scientist and Researcher Prof. Levi Waldron returns for Part-2 of his conversation with Host Bruce Watkins.
Dr. Levi briefly touches on his experience being diagnosed with HPV+ oral oropharyngeal cancer and his current NED status, before covering the various contributors to the medical research process and describing the new way of viewing who is a “researcher.” Bruce explores with Prof. Levi how he, as a data scientist, approached his cancer diagnosis, and how he coped with the typical emotions all patients face when hearing the news. Prof. Waldron also provides examples of how he prioritized what information to rely upon when making his decisions on the proper treatment approach for him. Dr. Levi’s cat also makes a quick cameo in the episode.
Hear PART-1 of the OCJ Podcast interview with Prof. Levi Waldron:
CLICK HERE to Listen to #019 – Biostatistics & Informatics – Part 1
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/07/31/019-biostatistics-informatics-part-1-prof-levi-waldron/
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and upbeat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics, and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by clicking here:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/03/30/014-season-2-trailer-for-the-our-cancer-journey-podcast-with-bruce-watkins/
Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
Episode Guest:
Professor Waldron received a BSc in physics from the University of British Columbia, an MSc in physics from the University of Waterloo, and a Ph.D. in wood science from the University of Toronto. He developed his interest in biostatistics and public health during post-docs at the Ontario Cancer Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health, before joining the faculty at CUNY. Prof. Waldron works on a variety of projects including some funded by the NIV, and he serves on the steering committee of the Microbiome Virtual International Forum, a multi-day event that brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines and specialties from around the globe to share information and learn about the Human Biome. Dr. Levi has also been very active in cancer support community, and shared his personal story throughout his cancer journey as an example to others I would follow.
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
There are many contributors in the world of biological / medical research looking for more effective treatments and potential cures for disease. One important group of those contributors is virtually unknown in the public and often under-recognized in medicine and the media. In this first installment of a 2-Part interview, Host Bruce Watkins is joined by Data Scientist and Researcher Prof. Levi Waldron.
Their discussion about the field of “Biostatistics” provides eye-opening information. They explore how Data Scientists like Dr. Levi, with the aid of futuristic computing technologies, partner with hands-on researchers in laboratories around the world to find critical information often buried in a sea of varying, unclear and sometimes conflicting laboratory results. These hidden tidbits of data could change the course of future medical treatments, our own personal health outcomes, and possibly our very lives.
And, while the work of Data Research Scientists is fascinating, Dr. Levi’s personal story is just as compelling. After years of compiling and analyzing countless thousands of Head and Neck cancer patient records for analysis, one day Dr. Levi learned that he too was diagnosed with that very disease. Bruce and Dr. Levi candidly discuss what it was like for an expert like Dr. Levi, who build highly-accurate mathematical predictions for cancer patients’ survival, would one day realize that he could become one of the statistics of his own life and death projections.
Be sure to listen to the upcoming Part-2 of the interview with Prof. Waldron as he and Bruce dive deeper into how Dr. Levi turned his cancer diagnosis into a motivation for patient advocacy, how he set the example by personally sharing his own health data, and how he continues to help others share their own cancer stories.
STAY TUNED for PART-2 of the interview with Prof. Levi Waldron on the Our Cancer Journey Podcast: #020 - Biostatistics & Informatics Part 2 - Prof. Levi Waldron
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by clicking here:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/03/30/014-season-2-trailer-for-the-our-cancer-journey-podcast-with-bruce-watkins/
Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind, and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
Episode Guest:
Professor Waldron received a BSc in physics from the University of British Columbia, an MSc in physics from the University of Waterloo, and a PhD in wood science from the University of Toronto. He developed his interest in biostatistics and public health during post-docs at the Ontario Cancer Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health, before joining the faculty at CUNY. Prof. Waldron works on a variety of projects including some funded by the NIV, and he is a serves on the steering committee of the Microbiome Virtual International Forum, a multi-day event that brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines from around the globe to share information and learn about the Human Biome. Dr. Levi has also been very active in cancer support community, and shared his personal story throughout his cancer journey as an example to others that would follow.
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
Noted expert in the world of Lymphology, Dr. Paula Stewart, returns to the Our Cancer Journey Podcast to continue our conversation about the disease called Lymphedema. In this Part-2 installment of our in-depth interview with Dr. Stewart, Host Bruce Watkins and our guest open the episode by discussing how the network of Lymphatic veins works with the circulatory system to move fluids. The Lymphatic system does all of its work without the benefit of a beating heart muscle (so fascinating!). Dr. Paula then covers various ways we, together with the help of a trained lymphedema therapist, can not just stop the progression of Lymphedema, but how we can in many cases reverse the swelling and potential complications of this disease.
Exercise, expert lymphatic massage, and using specific compression wrapping (short stretch bandages and garments) along with the correct wrapping techniques, are all discussed on this information-rich episode. All this, and some laughter-filled banter as well! Host Bruce and Dr. Paula make a point to break down this complicated topic into very accessible and easy to understand concepts so everyone can benefit from this information.
SPECIAL Announcement:
As mentioned in this episode, outside of hosting the Our Cancer Journey Podcast, Host Bruce Watkins is a writer, a media producer and a speaker. In one of his recent projects, Bruce was tapped to produce a long-form Lymphedema Education Video for the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center (UCCC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The University of Cincinnati, UCCC and UC Health were kind enough to allow Bruce and the OCJ Podcast show to share this video with our listeners. Click Here to watch the UCCC Lymphedema Education Video:
https://youtu.be/A48Z1gz1LhI
Hear PART-1 of the interview with Dr. Stewart:
CLICK HERE to Listen to#017 – Lymphedema & Lymphatic System Intro – Part-1 – Dr. Paula Stewart
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/06/20/017-lymphedema-lymphatic-system-into-part-1-dr-paula-stewart/
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by clicking here:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/03/30/014-season-2-trailer-for-the-our-cancer-journey-podcast-with-bruce-watkins/
Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
References and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Lymphology Association of North America website: https://www.clt-lana.org/
Books by Dr. Paula Stewart:
100 Questions & Answers About Lymphedema
https://www.amazon.com/100-Questions-Answers-About-Lymphedema/dp/0763749893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1M0Z7XMBOWTTX&keywords=lymphedema+stewart&qid=1655756319&s=books&sprefix=lymphedema+stewart%2Cstripbooks%2C72&sr=1-1
Lymphedema Wellness Manual: The Interactive Lymphedema Management System for Patients and Therapists
https://www.amazon.com/Lymphedema-Wellness-Manual-Interactive-Management/dp/0985866403/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1M0Z7XMBOWTTX&keywords=lymphedema+stewart&qid=1655756319&s=books&sprefix=lymphedema+stewart%2Cstripbooks%2C72&sr=1-4
Episode Guest: Dr. Paula Stewart
Paula JB Stewart MD, MS CLT-LANA graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Human
Biology and a Masters in Neurobiology. After graduating from Medical School at the University
of Minnesota in 1987, she completed her residency in PM&R at the Mayo Clinic in 1991. Dr. Stewart went on to establish one of the largest lymphedema clinics on the Eastern seaboard in Charlotte, NC at the Charlotte Institute of Rehabilitation where she served as the Research Director for 10 years, and eventually contributed to the Institute winning designation as a Model System for TBI for CIR.
In 1999, along with Dr. Joseph Feldman, Dr. Stewart participated in the founding of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), where she served in multiple leadership roles including Vice-President and eventually President of the Association. She has written multiple articles, co-authored books, and has spoken nationally and internationally on the topic of lymphedema. Throughout this advocacy work, she has also held positions as a treating physician at clinics and medical centers in various locations.
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast:
If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
If you've been diagnosed with a disease or had a major injury, you may have heard your Doctor talk about their focus on your “lymph nodes.” But do you know much about the lymphatic system, and how important the flow of lymphatic fluid is in your body?
Lymphedema is the disease that could affect cancer patients or anybody that has sustained an injury that could disrupt our bodies lymphatic system. Because this amazing fluid collection system in our body operates so effectively, it's only in times when our bodies are compromised and lymphatic fluids begin building up in affected areas that many of us we learn of its existence.
Dr. Paula Stewart, President of the Lymphology Association of North America, joins the Our Cancer Journey Podcast in this Part-1 of a two-part interview for the program. In this first episode Host Bruce Watkins and Dr. Stuart discuss how the lymphatic system was discovered, what it is and how it works, and the way the lymphatic system keeps our body healthy.
Problems with the flow of lymphatic fluids can cause serious harm to our body, and people that have had surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and possibly immunotherapy to address illness are at higher-risk of developing the disease of Lymphedema. This episode and it's Part-2 companion are important for all patients and their caregivers to hear, because the topic is difficult for medical professionals to explain, and it's often times misunderstood by patients.
Patients knowing the signs of lymphedema and seeking early intervention is critical to preventing the more serious affects of this disease. Host Bruce and Dr. Paula make a point to breakdown this complicated topic into very accessible and easy to understand concepts so everyone can benefit from this information.
STAY TUNED for PART-2 of the interview with Dr. Stewart:
COMING SOON - #018 - Lymphedema & Effective Lymphatic Therapies - Part-2 - Dr. Paula Stewart
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by clicking here:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/03/30/014-season-2-trailer-for-the-our-cancer-journey-podcast-with-bruce-watkins/
Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
References and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Lymphology Association of North America website: https://www.clt-lana.org/
Books by Dr. Paula Stewart:
100 Questions & Answers About Lymphedema
Lymphedema Wellness Manual: The Interactive Lymphedema Management System for Patients and Therapists
Episode Guest: Paula JB Stewart MD
Paula JB Stewart MD, MS CLT-LANA graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Human
Biology and a Masters in Neurobiology. After graduating from Medical School at the University
of Minnesota in 1987, she completed her residency in PM&R at the Mayo Clinic in 1991. Dr. Stewart went on to established one of the largest lymphedema clinics on the Eastern seaboard in Charlotte, NC at the Charlotte Institute of Rehabilitation where she served as the Research Director for 10 years, and eventually contributed to the Institute winning designation as a Model System for TBI for CIR.
In 1999, along with Dr. Joseph Feldman, Dr. Stewart participated in the founding of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), where she served in multiple leadership roles including Vice-President and eventually President of the Association. She has written multiple articles, co-authored books and has spoken nationally and internationally on the topic of lymphedema. Throughout this advocacy work, she is also held positions as a treating physician at clinics and medical centers in various locations.
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
About This Episode:
Picking up where our Part-1 episode with Dr. Arash Asher left off, Host Bruce Watkins and Dr. Asher dive deeper into factors that cause and/or enhance the common experience of chemo brain, or cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).
In this episode, we learn how the experience of chronic loneliness can “up-regulate” our genes to produce more inflammatory agents called Cytokines. In the previous Part-1 episode, Dr. Asher described how these inflammatory cytokines can cross the blood brain barrier and wreak havoc on our concentration and memory.
CLICK HERE to Read the FULL SHOW NOTES
If you have not yet listened to the Part-1 episode installment of the interview with Dr. Asher, you can find it here: #015 – What is Chemo Brain, Cytokines & Accelerated Aging – Part 1 – Dr. Arash Asher
Direct Link to Episode #015: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/04/12/015-what-is-chemo-brain-cytokines-accelerated-aging-part-1-dr-arash-asher/
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
Check out this Season 2 Trailer episode, enjoy the sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your apps, by following the OCJ show’s Facebook page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
Episode Guest:
Dr. Arash Asher, MD - Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai.
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins:
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
Learn more about the Our Cancer Journey Podcast:
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
About This Episode:
What is “Chemo Brain?” The term started several decades ago when cancer patients tried to describe a number of symptoms they experienced during and after cancer treatments. These symptoms seemed to affect their mind’s clarity of thought and effective information recall. Also referred to as "Chemo–Fog” back in the day, the phrase was initially popularized by patients getting chemotherapy. It's spread quickly in groups like the breast cancer community, who often would gather together in infusion centers to receive their periodic chemotherapy treatments.
Some people thought they were crazy, because no one had communicated to them that the symptoms could occur. But his patients learned that others were experiencing similar things, they began asking more questions. In some cases, their doctors were dismissive. Other times their practitioners did try to get to the root of the symptoms. But, because little was known about the condition at the time, these efforts were not successful.
As patience became aware that the symptoms were far more common than first suspected, they became more vocal about requesting help, and advocating for its recognition.
Dr. Arash Asher of the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center at Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, joins they Our Cancer Journey Podcast to walk us through some of the more common symptoms of this condition. He then candidly discusses why medical professionals were so perplexed when initially hearing about this condition. Dr. Asher shares new science about the deeper understanding of the inflammatory cytokines* protein our bodies produce, and the theories of how these play a significant role in affecting our cognitive function.
* - You may have heard the term "cytokines" before as they are directly linked to some of the worst symptoms patient’s could experience with COVID-19
Dr. Asher also shares some statistics about people being affected with these symptoms, and the good news is a large majority of people recover from the initial severity of this “foggy” experience.
Finally, patients that have never had chemotherapy also experienced similar symptoms to those described as Chemo Brain. Because those patients were largely excluded from the conversation, a new and more accurate term has been developed to describe this condition: CRCI - Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
Check out this Season 2 Trailer episode, enjoy the sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your apps, by following the OCJ show’s Facebook page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
Episode Guest:
Dr. Arash Asher, MD - Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Asher has a special interest in the physical and rehabilitative needs of cancer survivors who continue to experience the effects of their cancer and its treatment. He has led in the development of several unique cancer survivorship programs, each with the goal of optimizing physical, psychological, and spiritual resilience for patients with cancer.
Dr. Asher has also focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients and his expertise in the non-pharmacologic management of pain, cancer-related fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, neuropathy, exercise prescription for cancer patients, and the management other musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Asher is active in leading or participating in several studies, including evaluating the role of Qi Gong* for chemo-induced neuropathy, the impact of humor & laughter from Improvisational Comedy on the well-being of breast cancer survivors, and several other innovative explorations.
* - Dr. Asher partnered on the Qi Gong study with future Our Cancer Journey Podcast Guest Dr. Mao Shing Ni, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and best selling author.
Dr. Asher completed a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at the UCLA/Greater Los Angeles VA, and a cancer rehabilitation fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/
https://www.brucewatkins.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.