The Voice of Pancreatic Cancer Podcast

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Mandana Kamgar, MD, MPH, a specialist with the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin health network, as we delve into the intricacies of neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer. This podcast offers a thorough exploration of treatment stages, the impact of early diagnosis, and cutting-edge advances in cancer care. Discover the nuances of genomic and genetic testing and how they shape personalized treatment plans. Learn about the challenges and triumphs in the journey towards effective pancreatic cancer treatment, providing hope and guidance to patients and caregivers alike.

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This podcast episode is part of the Voice of Pancreatic Cancer Podcast, hosted by Miranda Wainberg from the Seena Magowitz Foundation and Dr. Susan Tsai from the Medical College of Wisconsin. The podcast is dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and cure of pancreatic cancer, this episode is particularly focusing on neuroendocrine tumors. The guest in this episode is Alexandria T. Phan, MD, FACP, Professor. Dr. Phan received her medical doctorate from the University of California at Irvine, trained in Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and completed her Hematology-Oncology fellowship training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Clinical practice, clinical research, and education are three pillars important to Dr. Phan’s approach to cancer care. Her areas of focus for clinical research and patient care are neuroendocrine tumors and malignancies of the gastrointestinal system. She has held several leadership positions including cancer center director, founding program director for Hematology-Oncology fellowship, medical director of clinical research, and national director for GI cancer program. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and medical textbooks on the topics relating to her specialization. Dr. Phan has a wealth of experience in healthcare systems, after having worked at various academic institutions and large healthcare systems, including Houston Methodist Hospital System, City of Hope-Cancer Treatment Centers of America, NCI-designated University of New Mexico Center, and NCI-designated University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Phan explains the differences between neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, emphasizing that neuroendocrine tumors are slower-growing and have a more favorable prognosis. She also highlights the importance of differentiating these two types of pancreatic cancer and educating patients about their condition. The discussion further delves into the diagnostic process for a new patient with a neuroendocrine tumor. Dr. Phan emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment, including clinical evaluation, hormonal marker tests, and advanced imaging like CT, MRI, and PET-DOTA scans, to accurately stage the disease and determine the best-personalized treatment plan. Throughout the episode, Dr. Phan emphasizes the importance of seeking care from specialists with expertise in neuroendocrine tumors, given the increasing incidence and prevalence of this type of cancer, as well as the need for long-term management and consideration of novel treatment options.

In this inspiring episode, join Miranda Wainberg, host of the Voice of Pancreatic Cancer podcast, as she welcomes Marisa Harris, a 25-year survivor of pancreatic cancer and a dedicated coach for those facing the disease. Marisa, an author, and Columbia University psychology graduate, shares a preview of her upcoming book, which explores the six challenges commonly encountered by pancreatic cancer patients. From resetting priorities and managing treatments to building connections and facing the fear of recurrence, Marisa offers real strategies and stories of resilience to inspire hope and promote recovery. Discover the power of positivity, effective coping mechanisms, and the importance of preparing for all aspects of life in this insightful discussion. Join us on this journey of courage, strength, and triumph over pancreatic cancer.

Learn more about our foundation: https://seenamagowitzfoundation.org  Welcome to the Voice of Pancreatic Cancer podcast. I'm your host, Miranda Weinberg with the Seena Magowitz Foundation, and if you don't know about the foundation, we are a nonprofit that's committed to the awareness, prevention and cure of pancreatic cancer. With me today is Dr. Susan Tsai and Michele Derdzinski, RD, CD, Dietitian, from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Today we're going to be speaking on the topic of nutrition.  Boosting Pancreatic Cancer Patients' Health with Proper Nutrition https://www.mcw.edu/find-a-doctor/derdzinski-michele Jump To Topics: 0:00 Introduction 0:46  Michele Derdzinski, RD, CD, Dietitian 1:20  Why is nutrition so important for pancreatic cancer patients? 2:59 Patients Nutritional Status 4:00  Emotional relationship with food 4:32 Functions of the pancreas 6:31 Digestive enzymes 7:12  Nutrition during treatment 8:57 Should patients check their weight? 10:08 Tips for nausea 14:00 Caffeine and Pancreatic Cancer Patients 14:30 Change in Taste 16:38 Closing Thoughts

https://pancreaticcancersupportgroup.org  

Join Kay Kays (https://seenamagowitzfoundation.org/survivor-kay-kays) and Michael Francis (https://seenamagowitzfoundation.org/michael-francis-story-of-a-pancreatic-warrior) as we discuss the motivation behind the new launch.   

Our "Inaugural' Monthly Zoom Meeting Will Be Held Thursday, January 12, 2023 12:00 - 1:30 PM HST • 3:00-4:30 PM MST • 5:00-6:30 PM CST • 6:00-7:30PM EST  

Shock. Anxiety. Anger. Fear. Complete disbelief. No one can imagine the distress of being told he or she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Most people do not know the functions of the pancreas yet alone that it claims the worst survival rate of all cancers and is the most difficult to treat.  Becoming a member of our pancreatic cancer support group is a way pancreatic cancer patients can interact with other patients who have walked the same paths and already have first-hand experiences coping with pancreatic cancer. Talking with other patients about their experiences while sharing your own will reduce stress.  Our pancreatic cancer support group moderators are pancreatic patients and will often be assisted by highly acclaimed medical experts specializing in pancreatic cancer. Medical professionals will frequently lead specific topics of special interest that will enhance the overall wellness of each patient.  The support meetings are held virtually online. Any special topic discussions led by our medical partners will always be announced ahead of time. Open forum discussions will occur at every monthly session and will include what to expect during and after treatments, how to manage side effects, and how to improve communication with healthcare providers.  Support group members will have extended memberships in our Facebook Group Forum where all members can participate in open discussions and with questions and answers. Our Facebook Group Forum is available every day, 24/7. Monthly virtual sessions combined with our Facebook Group promote a sense of control leading to a positive outlook on how to cope with pancreatic cancer.

A Conversation On Pancreatic Cancer and The Ketogenic Diet Clinical Trial with Terri Taylor, RD and Gayle Jameson Nurse Practitioner & Associate Clinical Investigator at HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute

Will a ketogenic diet improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer? Nurse Practitioner & Associate Clinical Investigator Gayle Jameson answers this question and more in this episode.

Randomized Phase II Trial of Two Different Nutritional Approaches for Patients Receiving Treatment for Their Advanced Pancreatic Cancer  (NCT04631445)

The study is open at multiple sites across the country and sponsored by TD2. For more information, contact Joyce Schaffer at 833-354-6667 or Katie Gazarik at 602-358-8336.

A Conversation On Pancreatic Cancer and Nutrition with Terri Taylor, RD, and Gayle Jameson Nurse Practitioner & Associate Clinical Investigator at HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute

Terri Taylor, registered dietitian with HonorHealth's Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network says, "Consider food as part of the overall cancer treatment and survivorship plan."

In this podcast episode, Terri and Gayle give advice on diet and nutrition during cancer treatments.

Voice of Pancreatic Cancer Podcast - Targeting the KRAS mutation for more effective cancer treatment with The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin's Susan Tsai, MD, MHS, FACS and Mandana Kamgar, MD, MPH.  KRAS mutations are present in approximately 25% of tumors, making them one of the most common gene mutations linked to cancer. KRAS drives 32% of lung cancers, 40% of colorectal cancers, and 85% to 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. In this episode, we dive deeper into recent breakthroughs in developing targeted therapies with promising results.  https://www.froedtert.com/doctors/susan-tsai-1477673184 https://www.froedtert.com/doctors/mandana-kamgar-1376982264

Ron Revs Up Support for Research Through “High Voltage” Motorcycle Event Series  Date of Diagnosis: 2016 Current Status: No signs of active cancer  A lifetime motorcycle enthusiast, Wisconsin’s Ron Brefka had become accustomed to living life in the fast lane when a 2016 pancreatic cancer diagnosis put the brakes on his future plans. Now, he’s back on the bike – and he’s also become a big-time player in the battle against pancreatic cancer by raising funds, increasing awareness, and even donating his own blood and tissue to help researchers learn more about his rare form of the disease. Read his entire story here: https://seenamagowitzfoundation.org/ron-brefka-pancreatic-cancer-story/ For more about the High Voltage series of fundraisers and events, visit HighVoltage414.com.

ALYSSA BONAGURA  A fixture on Nashville's Indie singer-songwriter scene - Rolling Stone Stunning, Original, A Future star in the making. - Robin Gibb  One listen and it becomes crystal clear that Alyssa Bonagura was born to make music. With a voice that touches somewhere deep inside, Alyssa’s soulful sound and powerful lyrics will send you jet-setting into a broad range of human emotions. Growing up on the open roads of America, with her RCA country recording artists parents, Baillie & The Boys, made it impossible for Alyssa not to witness the power and magic of music. At just 3 weeks old, her cradle was the gentle rocking of a tour bus. Her play ground encompassed sound checks at fairs and festivals and back stage dressing rooms at a slew of different venues including the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Award shows, and her “extended family” consisted of managers, promoters, roadies, musicians and other fellow mainstream country artists.   At the age of 3, Alyssa performed on the Ralph Emory television show, Nashville Now. Where her version of the Leslie Gore classic; It’s My Party brought the house down in front of millions of national viewers. At age 10, one of those major acts, Kenny Rogers, decided Alyssa was the perfect child singer to record a duet with him on his Christmas CD, Christmas From The Heart. By age 13, Alyssa had her first batch of songs written and received an endorsement from Gretsch Guitars. She had figured out her own unique style of guitar playing with open tunings inspired by Joni Mitchell. By age 16 she landed her first 50 date tour opening up for Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. It soon became obvious that she was the real deal, not only as a musician and singer but as a prolific songwriter as well.