Patient from Hell

Alyssa Wachley shares her journey as a stage three breast cancer survivor and the founder of Warriors That Pray, a jewelry line that supports cancer warriors. She discusses the emotional and spiritual challenges faced during her diagnosis, the importance of community and prayer, and how her faith evolved through adversity. Alyssa emphasizes the significance of connection and support for those battling cancer, and shares inspiring stories of how her organization has made a difference in people's lives.

Warriors That Pray website: https://www.warriorsthatpray.com/

Warriors That Pray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriorsthatpray/

About Our Guest:Alyssa Wakeley | Founder of Warriors That PrayAlyssa Wakeley, with a heart for serving others, founded Warriors That Pray on the belief that every person is uniquely created with a purpose to fulfill. As a wife, mother, and devoted dog-lover, she strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around her, offering encouragement and hope to those facing difficult times.

In 2020, at just 27 years old, Alyssa was diagnosed with breast cancer—a life-altering moment that could have defined her. Instead, she chose to walk through the journey with unwavering faith and a positive spirit. Refusing to let cancer steal her joy, she became a source of strength and inspiration to those around her, from family and friends to her medical team. Her resilience and deep-rooted faith carried her through the toughest moments, reminding her that she was never alone.

Now cancer-free, Alyssa is living life to the fullest and using her experience to uplift others. Out of her journey, Warriors That Pray was born—a movement designed to encourage and support those navigating their own battles. Through prayer bracelets, she offers a tangible reminder that even in the valley, God is with you… and PRAYER CHANGES THINGS.

Alyssa’s mission is clear: to spread hope, faith, and love, reminding others that no matter the challenge, they are seen, valued, and never alone. Through WTP, she continues to make a lasting impact, trusting in God's plan and using her story to bring light to those in need.

Takeaways:

You're allowed to feel that way when diagnosed with cancer.

Community support was crucial during Alyssa's treatment.

Warriors That Pray was founded to give back to cancer warriors.

Jewelry serves as a tangible reminder of support and encouragement.

Prayer played a significant role in Alyssa's healing journey.

Everyone's faith journey is unique and valid.

It's important to advocate for yourself in medical settings.

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Connection is vital for those going through tough times.

Alyssa's organization aims to bless others and foster community.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Faith and Cancer Diagnosis

03:04 The Birth of Warriors That Pray

05:55 The Role of Prayer in Healing

08:59 Personal Growth Through Adversity

11:59 Creating Community and Connection

15:03 Rapid Fire Insights and Advice

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Tags:

faith, cancer, prayer, community, support, healing, Warriors That Pray, personal growth, adversity, connection

Valerie David, also known as The Pink Hulk, is a three-time cancer survivor (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, stage 2 breast cancer, and stage 4 metastatic breast cancer) who turned her journey of resilience into an award-winning one-woman show. Through humor, raw honesty, and advocacy, she inspires audiences worldwide—proving that even cancer won’t stop her from taking center stage.

Check out Valerie’s show, The Pink Hulk here: https://pinkhulkplay.com

Key Highlights:

- Valerie trusted her inner voice when symptoms appeared, even when doctors initially dismissed them. If you are able to get second opinions, advocate for yourself, and listen to your gut, you’ll find this to be useful in other parts of your own life.

- Balancing intuition with fear over symptoms can be tricky, but Valerie advises: don’t panic over nothing, don’t choose to live in fear. Instead, stay proactive by communicating with your care team about any arising symptoms.

About our guest:

Valerie David is an actor, playwright, writer and editor. Her greatest accomplishment in life is being a three-time cancer survivor. She was diagnosed and treated for Stage III Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999, Stage II Breast Cancer in 2014 and 2015, and Stage IV Breast Cancer in 2018.

As of April 2019, she has beaten cancer again! Valerie reactivated her superhero within, and exactly 5 months after receiving hormone treatment only in pill form–no surgery, no radiation, no chemotherapy, Valerie no longer has active disease. She has since kept up a full schedule of performances–nothing has stopped her. Valerie’s inspirational solo show, The Pink Hulk, has been accepted into almost 50 different play festivals worldwide since its 2016 debut, won multiple awards and has been touring since its very first performance, impacting audiences with the show’s universal message of hope and empowerment. She has performed in over 25 different cities and globally, including in England, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland.

A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her credits include the Off-Broadway production of A Stoop on Orchard Street, Cookie in Rumors and Claudia Shear’s Blown Sideways Through Life. Films: How I Became that Jewish Guy, which premiered at a November 2015 NYC Film Festival, and Bridges and Tunnels. Valerie volunteers as a motivational speaker at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training events and Make-A-Wish Foundation. As a marathon cyclist, she co-founded Cycle of Hope, which raises money for national and international cancer organizations through bike marathons. Her most recent biking event raised almost $5,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Key Moments:

At 7 minutes 28 seconds “What is my choice? Is my choice going to live in fear every single day? Is it going to be well, we'll deal with it when it happens. So I think what I've learned from cancer is don't worry until there's something to worry about.”

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Samira, a breast cancer survivor and CEO of Manta Cares, discusses the latest advancements in cancer treatment with Dr. Doug Blayney at the ASCO conference. They explore the significant impact of exercise on cancer treatment tolerance and survival, the de-escalation of chemotherapy, the introduction of new therapies like SERDs and antibody drug conjugates, and the role of circulating tumor DNA in monitoring cancer recurrence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patient convenience and self-advocacy in cancer care.

About Our Guest:

Douglas W. Blayney, MD is a Professor of Medicine (Oncology), Emeritus, former Medical Director of Stanford Cancer Center, and specializes in the treatment of breast cancer. He has a special interest in the quality and value of cancer care. Dr. Blayney is a past president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), a founder of the ASCO Quality Symposium, a co-author of the ASCO value framework descriptions, and instigated the ASCO clinical "big data" effort, which is now CancerLinQ. He received the inaugural Ellen Stovall Award for Leadership in Patient Centered Care from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship in 2016. He was previously a Professor of Internal Medicine and Medical Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan, and prior to that practiced and led Wilshire Oncology Medical Group, Inc. a physician owned multidisciplinary oncology practice in southern California. He has expertise on clinical trial development, use of oncology drugs in clinical practice, reimbursement and marketing strategies and information technology use.

Chapter Codes

00:00 The Impact of Exercise on Cancer Treatment

02:00 Interview at ASCO Starts

06:00 Advancements in Cancer Treatment: De-escalation and AI

11:52 Emerging Therapies: SERDs and Antibody Drug Conjugates

18:11 Circulating Tumor DNA: A New Frontier in Monitoring

24:01 Convenience in Cancer Care: A Patient-Centric Approach

Takeaways

- Regular exercise can increase tolerance to cancer treatments.

- Data shows exercise has tangible benefits on survival rates.

- De-escalation of chemotherapy is a key focus in cancer treatment.

- AI is being integrated into cancer treatment guidelines.

- Patients can take proactive steps to improve their health.

- Oral SIRDs are emerging as a more convenient treatment option.- Antibody drug conjugates target cancer cells with fewer side effects.

- Circulating tumor DNA can help detect cancer recurrence earlier.

- Convenience in treatment is becoming a priority for patients.

- Competition among treatments may help reduce costs for patients.

Tags & Keywords:

cancer treatment, ASCO, exercise, AI, SIRDs, antibody drug conjugates, circulating tumor DNA, patient care, chemotherapy, cancer survival, health technology

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Listen Elsewhere:

Website: https://mantacares.com/pages/podcast?srsltid=AfmBOopEP5GJ-Wd2nL-HYAInrwerIVhyJw67salKT-r9Qb_gadBvbHie YouTube: https://youtu.be/UjsAtpbedA8 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HwhjXHZU0ZWWVkXrCSV7V?si=d5e986f0885a4bbb Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cervical-cancer-and-hpv-what-you-need-to-know/id1622669098?i=1000710235401

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. Barbara Moscicki discusses the critical role of HPV in women's health, particularly its association with various cancers, including cervical cancer. She explains the dual nature of HPV as both a commensal organism and a pathogen, emphasizing the importance of understanding its oncogenic potential. The conversation also covers the significance of screening methods, such as Pap smears, in detecting precancerous changes and the complexities surrounding the treatment of different cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) stages. This conversation delves into the complexities of cancer screening methods, particularly focusing on cervical and anal cancer. Dr. Barbara Moscicki discusses the importance of understanding various screening guidelines, the role of HPV vaccination in preventing cancers, and the need for clear communication between clinicians and patients regarding these topics. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of cancer screening practices and the importance of patient education in navigating these changes.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Moscicki is a Pediatrician, Board Certified in Adolescent Medicine. She is the current Division Chief of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine with clinical expertise in reproductive health care for menstrual irregularities, sexual health, and sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Moscicki has expertise in HPV -related disease including diagnosis of cervical dysplasia and treatment. She also offers medical care for women with eating disorders.

Resources & Links:

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33632649/ ‘Effect of 2 Interventions on Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline Adherence’Chapter Codes

00:00 Introduction to HPV and Women's Health

03:00 Understanding HPV's Role in Cancer

06:01 The Dual Nature of HPV: Commensal vs Pathogenic

08:57 Oncogenes and Their Impact on Cellular Regulation

12:09 The Intersection of HPV and Screening Methods

14:58 Cervical Cancer Screening and Pap Smears

20:30 Understanding Cancer Screening Methods

23:17 Guidelines for Cervical and Anal Cancer Screening

31:02 The Importance of HPV Vaccination

39:35 Key Messages for Clinicians and Patients

Takeaways

- Dr. Moscicki specializes in adolescent and young adult medicine.

- HPV is linked to multiple cancers beyond cervical cancer.

- The understanding of HPV's role in cancer has evolved significantly.

- E6 and E7 proteins from HPV disrupt normal cell regulation.

- CIN3 is considered a true pre-cancer that requires treatment.

- Liquid cytology has improved the accuracy of Pap smears.

- CIN1 is often self-resolving and does not require treatment.

- CIN2 presents a diagnostic dilemma due to variability in interpretation.

- Women have options regarding the management of CIN2 lesions.

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Listen Elsewhere:

Website: https://mantacares.com/pages/podcast?srsltid=AfmBOopEP5GJ-Wd2nL-HYAInrw YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mantacares Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TR1lFLtf6em5YyKtlWy2L?si=6ma-9g_w Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-cervical-cancer-screening-surger

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani speaks with oncology pharmacist Megan Hartranft about the critical role of oncology pharmacists in cancer care. They discuss the unique responsibilities of oncology pharmacists, the importance of patient education, and the growing field of oral chemotherapy. Megan shares insights on medication adherence, the use of mobile health technologies, and the significance of symptom management in improving patient outcomes. The conversation highlights the need for better integration within healthcare systems and offers practical tips for patients navigating their treatment journey.About Our Guest:Dr. Megan Hartranft is a Clinical Lead with the Clinical and Digital Solutions team, advising on precision oncology products.Prior to joining Labcorp, Dr. Hartranft was a Field Medical Scientific Associate Director at Sanofi, in charge of training for the hematology-oncology medical science liaison team. Earlier as a practicing clinician, she established an oral chemotherapy education program and participated in interprofessional clinics at Rush University Cancer Center. She has also spent time in academia as the oncology faculty member at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Health Sciences, where she maintains an adjunct appointment. Dr. Hartranft is active in several professional organizations, including her roles on the Hematology Oncology Pharmacy Association's Public Policy & Advocacy Committee as well as the American Society of Health System Pharmacy Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology Clinical Decision Support and Analytics Advisory Group.

• BS in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and BA in Classical Studies - Michigan State University
• Doctor of Pharmacy - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency - University of Michigan
• PGY2 Oncology Specialty Residency - University of Georgia/Augusta University Health System

Resources & Links:This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30964... ‘Integrating Advance Care Planning Videos into Surgical Oncologic Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial’00:00 Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy02:49 The Role of Oncology Pharmacists in Patient Care06:03 Patient Interaction and Education09:09 Exploring Oral Chemotherapy11:45 Adherence to Oral Anti-Cancer Medications15:01 Mobile Health Technologies in Oncology17:58 Symptom Management and Patient Support21:11 The Future of Oncology Pharmacy24:09 Final Thoughts and Tips for PatientsConnect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.Listen Elsewhere: Website: https://mantacares.com/pages/podcast?... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mantacares Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TR1... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of the Patient from Hell podcast club, host Mike Lin engages with Stephanie Walker, a metastatic breast cancer thriver and advocate. They discuss the importance of patient advocacy, the need for empathetic healthcare providers, the challenges of navigating caregiver roles, and the advancements in cancer treatment, particularly regarding representation in clinical trials. Stephanie shares her personal journey through cancer and advocacy, emphasizing the significance of community support and understanding in the patient experience.This Podcast Club accompanies Patient from Hell podcast Ep 76: Why Caregiver Sleep Matters in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Eneida Nemecek.'00:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy and Personal Stories06:12 The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare12:07 Navigating Caregiver Roles and Mental Health17:59 Advancements in Cancer Treatment and Representation23:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of the Patient from Hell Podcast Club, host Mike Lynn speaks with Melanie Sisk, a metastatic breast cancer patient advocate. They discuss the importance of patient advocacy, personal experiences with breast cancer, the implications of breast density, and the critical role of early detection. The conversation highlights the need for self-advocacy in healthcare and the emotional connections formed within the cancer community. Melanie shares her journey from patient to advocate, emphasizing the importance of education and support for those affected by breast cancer.This Podcast Club accompanies Patient from Hell podcast Episode 58 "Patient from Hell Ep 58: The Complexity of Breast Density & Breast Cancer Imaging."00:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy and Breast Cancer02:02 Personal Stories and Experiences with Breast Cancer05:50 Understanding Breast Density and Its Implications09:59 The Importance of Early Detection and Advocacy14:03 The Role of Community and Shared Experiences18:03 Final Thoughts on Advocacy and Patient Empowerment

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode?

Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of the Manta Cares's Patient from Hell Podcast Club, host Mike Lynn engages with Sheila Goodrow, a metastatic breast cancer advocate, to discuss the importance of mental health resources for cancer patients. They explore Sheila's personal journey with cancer, the challenges of accessing mental health care, and the role of advocacy in healing. The conversation emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems for patients and caregivers alike, highlighting the significance of mental wellness in the cancer journey.This Podcast Club accompanies Patient from Hell podcast Episode 84: Managing Insomnia and Mental Health in Cancer Care with Dr. Cara Bohon.00:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy and Podcast Goals02:00 Sheila's Journey with Metastatic Breast Cancer03:52 Mental Health Challenges in Cancer Care09:46 Exploring Therapy and Mental Health Resources14:03 Accessibility of Mental Health Services for Patients17:58 The Role of Advocacy in Personal Healing19:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on WellnessConnect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of the Manta Cares Patient from Hell Podcast Club, host Mike Lynn engages with Brenda Elveen, a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate. They discuss the challenges faced by cancer patients, including navigating the healthcare system, the impact of insurance on treatment options, and the importance of community support. Brenda shares her personal journey through cancer treatment and emphasizes the need for patient empowerment and effective communication with loved ones. The conversation highlights the transformative power of advocacy and the positive outcomes that can arise from difficult experiences.

This Podcast Club accompanies Patient from Hell podcast Episode 91 "Personalized Oncology: General Surgeon Discusses Modern Breast Cancer Treatment" with Dr. Anitha Srinivasian.

00:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy and Personal Stories

02:52 Navigating the Cancer Diagnosis Journey

05:51 The Impact of Insurance on Treatment Decisions

09:14 Understanding Treatment Options and Patient Empowerment

11:57 The Role of Community and Support in Cancer Care

15:02 The Importance of Communication with Loved Ones

18:01 Finding Purpose in Advocacy and Personal Growth

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In our Patient from Hell Podcast Club episode, Ashley Dedman, vice president of mission delivery at Living Beyond Breast Cancer. They discuss the importance of patient advocacy, particularly in the context of breast cancer and DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Ashley shares her personal journey with cancer as a caregiver and advocate, emphasizing the need for timely information and emotional support for patients and their families. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, the significance of understanding individual experiences, and the critical role of mental health in navigating cancer journeys.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy and Podcast Goals03:03 Understanding DCIS: A Deep Dive into Breast Cancer06:03 Personal Stories: The Impact of Cancer on Families12:06 The Role of Advocacy in Cancer Care17:51 Navigating Treatment Decisions and Patient Empowerment24:06 Mental Health and Support in Cancer Journeys

Connect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.Listen Elsewhere: Website: https://mantacares.com/pages/podcast?srsltid=AfmBOopEP5GJ-Wd2nL-HYAInrwerIVhyJw67salKT-r9Qb_gadBvbHie YouTube: https://youtu.be/2SxvTqJht34?si=2U_98RfJJeWkTaT3 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TR1lFLtf6em5YyKtlWy2L?si=6ma-9g_wTIWTCLmHiHF_Aw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-cervical-cancer-screening-surgery-and/id1622669098?i=1000706666920 Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.