Frankly Speaking About Cancer is the first Internet Talk Radio show on the Voice America™ Network’s Health & Wellness Channel to focus specifically on how to live a better life with cancer. Hosted by the Cancer Support Community President & CEO Kim Thiboldeaux, the show features physicians, researchers, celebrities, patients, survivors and caregivers and offers news on cancer developments and tools that anyone affected by the disease can use to live well. Click here to listen to the show every Tuesday at 1:00 pm PST/4:00 pm EDT on the VoiceAmerica™ network at www.voiceamerica.com.
The premier episode explores The Wellness Community’s founding principle of the Patient Active™ Concept, which is explained in the book, The Total Cancer Wellness Guide: Reclaiming Your Life After Diagnosis (BenBella Books, 2007), a book co-authored by Kim Thiboldeaux and Mitch Golant, PhD. Guests discuss the benefits of patients taking an active role in managing their cancer care during treatment and beyond. They include Matthew Loscalzo, MSW, Administrative Director for the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center; Lidia Schapira, MD, Oncologist at the Gillette Center for Breast Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School; and Douglas Wilkey, Jr., non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Arizona. Click HERE to listen
A May 2007 survey conducted by The Wellness Community (TWC) and KRC Research revealed that 80% of loved ones and friends who support those in cancer treatment reported experiencing regular stress and anxiety and 29% reported being treated for depression during their caregiving experience. What can be done to ease the burden and support the emotional needs of these key providers? Guests on this topic include Eileen Heisman, President & CEO of National Philanthropic Trust; and Andrea Roschke, caregiver and participant at The Wellness Community-Valley/Ventura.
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The definition of cancer survivorship, the fear of recurrence, developing a survivor care plan – these are just a few of the issues that many individuals face after treatment is over. Kim Thiboldeaux discusses the very real psychological and social challenges with guests including Julia Rowland, PhD, Director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute; Gwen Darien, non-Hogdkin’s Lymphoma survivor, Editor-in-Chief of CR magazine and Director of the AACR’s Survivor and Patient Advocacy Program; and Richard Mikesh, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Southwest Florida. Click HERE to listen
Over the past 25 years, diagnoses of Leukemia and Lymphoma have increased by 88% and 87% respectively. Learn more about the current options available to treat these types of cancers, and hear a first-hand account of a patient’s incredible story of survival following an experimental form of treatment. Guests will include Lee M. Nadler, MD, Senior Vice President of Experimental Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), and Director, DFCI Center for Clinical and Translational Research; Charles R. Scheper, non-Hogdkin’s Lymphoma survivor, COO, Great American Financial Resources, Inc., and Chair, The Wellness Community National Board; and Julie Geisen Scheper, retired counselor, caregiver, community volunteer, and coach/advocate for cancer patients and their families. Click HERE to listen
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, many children are being significantly impacted when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This episode will feature The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, one of the nation’s premiere organizations providing hospital-based, cancer-focused, psychosocial intervention training and programming to improve the emotional health of children whose parents have cancer. Guests will give specific advice about how to talk to kids, as well as common misconceptions children have about cancer. Guests will include Peter vander Noot, Executive Director of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in Denver, CO and Heather Hogoboom, caregiver and parent participant at The Children’s Treehouse Foundation. Click HERE to listen
Today, there are over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, which means more and more people are beating cancer than ever before. This episode will feature Sean Swarner, the only person in the world ever recorded to have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and Askin's sarcoma. However, the story is not about his illness, but how he overcame it to climb the seven tallest peaks in the world, founding the CancerClimber Association. Guests will discuss advice for those who feel physical limitations after cancer treatment and whether every cancer patient should attempt a physical goal as well as the kind of support cancer patients need to cope. They include Sean Swarner, Hodgkin's lymphoma and Askin's sarcoma survivor and Founder of the CancerClimber Association and Peter D. Eisenberg, MD of California Cancer Care. Click HERE to listen
There are many ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis. This episode will feature Bret Martin, a father and husband who battled cancer as his wife was pregnant with their son. Bret eventually turned to music to express what he was experiencing and help lift the spirits of other cancer patients. The show will discuss the social and emotional issues cancer patients face, and how song, music, and other creative outlets can improve quality of life. The episode will also highlight the importance of a positive patient-doctor relationship. Guests include Bret Martin, cancer survivor, singer and songwriter, Sebastopol, CA and Marek J. Bozdech, MD, Redwood Regional Oncology Center, Santa Rosa, CA. Click HERE to listen
The eighth and final episode of October will highlight the compelling stories of three breast cancer survivors from around the country. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, guests will discuss the important medical, social and emotional issues the estimated 2.5 million breast cancers survivors living in the United States face everyday. Guests include Mel Majoros, cancer survivor, TWC Online Support Group participant and Producer of the Vic McCarty Show, which is aired Petoskey, MI; Maria Padilla, cancer survivor and TWC-San Francisco/East Bay participant from Concord, CA; and Tonia Hines, cancer survivor and TWC-Greater Boston participant from Malden, MA. Click HERE to listen
This episode will feature two cancer survivors from East Tennessee, who will speak about their experience volunteering at The Wellness Community teaching yoga and nutrition classes and helping other men and women affected by cancer learn how to live well through proper diet and exercise. The importance of diet and exercise will be discussed, as well as finding the right balance of being active both during and after treatment. Guests include Beth Booker MS, MPH, RD, Cancer Survivor and Nutrition Instructor at TWC-East Tennessee and Pamela Bradshaw, Cancer Survivor and Yoga Instructor at TWC-East Tennessee. Click HERE to listen
If you’re battling cancer, you’re probably not feeling great. You’re spending time at doctor visits and going to treatments, and between them, you’re tired. Perhaps you’re a private person and never thought about sharing your experience with strangers before. Why is it important to address your emotional needs? Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the rewards of being a participant at The Wellness Community, a unique group that knows first-hand what a cancer survivor or caregiver is going through and why it can be so helpful to the survivors’ overall health and sense of well-being. They’ll also provide tips on what you can do to regain control of your life. Guests include Debra Ellis, cancer survivor, participant at TWC-Greater Washington, DC, and Sean Hebbel, LCSW, Program Director of TWC-Delaware. Click HERE to listen
Smokers or not, in every ethnic group in America, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Is the stigma surrounding lung cancer justified? Join host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests as they explore widely-held assumptions about lung cancer and discuss ways to take action against the disease. They’ll also offer resources for people who have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and their loved ones. Guests include Lynne Mayo, cancer survivor and participant at TWC-Greater Cincinnati/No. Kentucky and Kay Cofrancesco, Director of External Relations at the Lung Cancer Alliance. Click HERE to listen
If you’re battling cancer, you’re probably not feeling great. You’re spending time at doctor visits and going to treatments, and between them, you’re tired. Perhaps you’re a private person and never thought about sharing your experience with strangers before. Why is it important to address your emotional needs? Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the rewards of being a participant at The Wellness Community, a unique group that knows first-hand what a cancer survivor or caregiver is going through and why it can be so helpful to the survivors’ overall health and sense of well-being. They’ll also provide tips on what you can do to regain control of your life. Guests include Debra Ellis, cancer survivor, participant at TWC-Greater Washington, DC, and Sean Hebbel, LCSW, Program Director of TWC-Delaware. Click HERE to listen
Over the last 60 years, death rates from cervical cancer have declined steadily, due much to the increased use of the Pap test. While diagnoses of cervical cancer death remain small compared to breast cancer and ovarian cancer, cervical cancer remains an incredibly serious illness to those it affects. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, we’re going take a closer look at this disease and discuss the important medical, social and emotional issues associated with cervical cancer. Guests include Marilyn Uccardi, cervical cancer patient and participant at TWC-Central New Jersey; Patty Kingsley, cervical cancer patient and participant at TWC-Southwest Florida; and Sheryl Redlin-Frazier, RN, OCN, Clinical Learning Consultant, Nursing Education & Development, Vanderbilt Medical Center. Click HERE to listen
In 2008, 1.4 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and today, there are 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today. When you see these statistics, it becomes clear that everyone has somehow been affected by this disease. On this episode we’re going to talk about the important role of the cancer caregiver, but we’re going to focus issues specific to long-distance caregivers. There are approximately 7 million long-distance caregivers in the United States, and as cancer continues to become more of a chronic illness, the number of long-distance caregivers caring for and about someone with cancer will continue to increase. Guests include Virginia Green, PhD, caregiver and former participant at TWC-Redondo Beach; and Christine Winkler, PhD, MFT, facilitator of the Family Support group at TWC-Redondo Beach. Click HERE to listen
Have you ever wondered how prescription drugs make it from the manufacturer to the marketplace? On today’s show, we’re going to take detailed look at the drug review and approval process in the United States and compare our system with other countries’. We’ll also reveal what’s coming down the pipeline in terms of new innovations in cancer treatment. Guests include Kenneth Miller, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine in the Section of Medical Oncology, and Director of the Connecticut Challenge Survivorship Clinic and the Supportive Care Program at Yale Cancer Center; and Garo Armen, PhD, Chairman and CEO of Antigenics, Inc. Click HERE to listen
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today, quality cancer care is more important than ever before. But just how is cancer care in the United States assessed and what gaps still remain in providing both the medical and emotional support services necessary to treat the whole patient? On today’s show, we’ll examine these issues and get back to basics by providing helpful tips and advice on what you can do if you are coping with a cancer diagnosis. Guests include Mitch Golant, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research & Training at The Wellness Community; and Joanne Buzaglo, PhD, Senior Director of Research at The Wellness Community. Click HERE to lister
Having cancer is not easy and comes with a lot of baggage. While you battle the disease, your body begins to change and what was once familiar may become foreign. Often times, side effects from cancer treatments can lead to sexuality and intimacy issues with a partner or loved one. In this episode, we’ll explore what some of the most common problems are, why they occur and how they can be treated. We’ll also talk about fertility treatments and the cost of wanting a family after cancer. Guests include Leslie Schover, PhD, Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Pamela Lewis, MA, Clinical Sociology, Cancer Survivor, and Senior Behavioral Research Coordinator also at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Click HERE to listen
We’ve all heard of ways to support non-profits through charity marathon programs, run/walk races, and many other sports-related events. For several years now, Amgen, a biotech company, has been the title sponsor of the Amgen Tour of California, the largest cycling event in America. In this episode, we’ll talk about the Tour as well as the Tour’s complementary charity component, Breakaway from Cancer. Guests include Kathryn West, RN, MSN,OCN, Advocacy Director from Amgen; Nick Baker, Director of Global Partnerships at AEG; and Andy Leven, cancer survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-San Francisco/East Bay.
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For some people who are faced with a life threatening event or illness, they confront their situations with strength and determination. In this episode, we’ll discuss how you too can be courageous in the face of adversity, specifically if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. We’ll be joined by special guest, Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient and Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation. He is also a military analyst for NBC and MSNBC and recently came out with a new book, If Not Now, When? Duty and Sacrifice in America’s Time of Need. We’ll also be joined by Dr. Mitch Golant, a PhD psychologist and Senior Vice President of Research & Training at The Wellness Community.
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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode we’ll discuss what you can do as an empowered cancer patient or loved one to join the fight against colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Guests include Congresswoman Kay Granger from Texas; Carlea Bauman, President of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition; and Gordon Cole, colorectal cancer patient and advocate.
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Fatigue is the most common side effect cancer patients face during and after treatment. April is National Cancer Fatigue Awareness month, and in this episode we will explore what you or a loved one can do to combat this frequent symptom. We’ll also discuss how to manage other common side effects, such as loss or hair and nausea, and provide helpful tips on how you can cope. Guests include Astrid Nicastri, 2-time cancer survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Greater Miami; and Ruth Gholz, RN, MS, AOCN, who works for the Veterans Affairs and also sits on the Board of the Oncology Nursing Society. Click HERE to listen
In this special episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux, will speak with Brian and Gerri Monaghan, husband and wife and co-authors of the new book, The Power of Two: Surviving Serious Illness with an Attitude & and Advocate. It is the first book to speak to both patient and advocate, providing a road map for everyone facing a tough medical challenge, and for the people who love them. It details Brian’s battle to fight his cancer, while struggling with contradictory medical advice from some of the finest doctors in the country. Click HERE to listen
May is National Melanoma Awareness month and in this episode we will focus on a cancer that is actually growing amongst younger population. Host, host Kim Thiboldeaux, will speak with Catherine Poole, survivor, President & Founder of the Melanoma International Foundation; Time Turnham, Executive Director of the Melanoma Research Foundation; and Suzanne McGettigan, MSN CRNP AOCN, Oncology Nurse Practitioner at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Click HERE to listen
In this episode we’ll focus on the very important and very personal issue of infertility risks and options that people affected by cancer need to consider. Host Kim Thiboldeaux will speak with Pamela MacPhee, Author of Delivering Hope:The Extraordinary Journey of a Surrogate Mom, as well as Joanne Buzaglo, PhD, Senior Director of Research at The Wellness Community. Click HERE to listen
This episode is the first of a special 3-part series calling “Navigating the Health Care System When You or A Loved Has Cancer.” Host Kim Thiboldeaux will speak with guests who will provide practical tips on what you can do if you are coping with the cost of cancer care. Guests include Beverly Armstrong, patient and participant of TWC-Greater Cincinnati/No. Kentucky; Erin Moaratty, Chief Special Projects Officer at the Patient Advocate Foundation; and Ashley Varner, MSW, MBA, Senior Director of Caregiving at The Wellness Community. Click HERE to listen
This episode is the second of our special 3-part series called “Navigating the Health Care System When You or A Loved Has Cancer.” Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will focus on the important issue of Health Insurance and discuss ways you can make this very complex system work for you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. Guests include David Landay, Esq., Founding Executive Director of Survivorship A to Z; and Elise Ziv, former Benefits Administrator and Human Resources Manager, as well as cancer caregiver. Click HERE to listen
This episode is the third episode of our special 3-part series called “Navigating the Health Care System When You or A Loved Has Cancer.” Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will take an in-depth look at Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance and help listeners understand how to work through these complicated programs. Guests include Joanna L. Morales, Esq., Director at the Cancer Legal Resource Center; Michelle Shanks, Program Director at the Patient Advocate Foundation; and Nancy Boozer, patient and participant at The Wellness Community-Atlanta. Click HERE to listen
This episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the difficult, but important topic of dying and offer information on ways to cope with end-of-life issues, as well as how to enrich a person’s life up until the very end. Guests include Guy Papenhausen, former caregiver and participant at The Wellness Community of East Tennessee; and Sara Goldberger, LCSW-R, Senior Director of Programs at The Wellness Community. Click HERE to listen
With the recent passing of Senator Edward Kennedy, a new light has been shed on brain cancer, which will affect nearly 200,000 more Americans this year. Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will take a take a closer look at this disease, clarify misconceptions and offer tips on what you or a loved one can do if you’ve been affected. Guests include Harriet Patterson, MPH, Director of Patient Services, National Brain Tumor Society; and Mary Lovely, PhD, RN, Medical Information Specialist, Associate Director of Research for the National Brain Tumor Society. Click HERE to listen
In this episode host Kim Thiboldeaux will be joined by special guest Antonio Chavira, actor on Desperate Housewives, and celebrity spokesperson for the C.A.R.E. Campaign; and Ashley Varner, MSW, MBA, Senior Director of Caregiving at The Wellness Community. Guests will discuss the C.A.R.E. (Cancer Advocate Resources and Education) Campaign for breast cancer caregivers, which provides free resources, tips and support for those caring for a loved one with breast cancer. Click HERE to listen
Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss risk factors, detection and treatment options and also offer tips on how to cope if you or a loved one has been affected by pancreatic cancer. Guests include Jeff Ross, a 6+ year pancreatic cancer survivor and volunteer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; and Anitra Engebretson, Director of Patient and Liaison Services at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Click HERE to listen
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the important needs of the estimated 155,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer in the United States. Guests include Ellen Moskowitz, who is currently living with advanced breast cancer and is co-founder of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network; and Suzanne Hebert, who is also living with metastatic disease and is the Vice President at the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. Click HERE to listen
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and two very special guests will cover the topic of grieving and provide tips on how to cope if you’ve lost a loved one to cancer or another serious illness. Kim will be joined by actress Alysia Reiner, who lost her father to prostate cancer and recently produced and starred in a short film called, Speed Grieving; and Vicki Kennedy, LCSW, who is Vice President of Programs and Quality Assurance at The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club. Click HERE to listen
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss a cancer that will claim the lives of more people than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Guests include Mike Stevens, a stage 4 lung cancer survivor and Co-Chair of Lung Cancer Alliance in California; and Kay Cofrancesco, Director of External Relations at the Lung Cancer Alliance headquarters office in Washington, DC. Click HERE to listen
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will go over tips on how to talk to children about cancer in a kid-friendly, but meaningful way. Guests include Beverlye Hyman Fead, cancer patient and co-author of the children’s book, Nana, What’s Cancer?; and Anita Shaft, LMSW, Program Manager of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities. Click HERE to listen
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux will be joined by R&B Artist, Charlie Wilson, prostate cancer survivor and spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation; Dan Zenka, APR, Vice President of Communications at the Prostate Cancer Foundation; and Dr. Stanley Frencher, Jr., surgeon and urologist, all of whom will discuss the significant impact of prostate cancer on African-American males. Listeners will hear Charlie’s personal cancer story, and receive information about screening, treatment options and healthy lifestyle tips. Click HERE to listen
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss one of the most common side-effects from cancer treatment - chemo-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). But through methods of prevention and careful planning with a health care team, there are things you can do to cope with and avoid CINV. Guests include, Bruce Lantry, a cancer survivor with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and a participant in the Cancer Support Community and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Online Support Group; and Linda Miller, RN, MSN, OCN, Oncology Clinical Educator at Georgetown University Hospital.
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