Cancer Covered

Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Matthew Ryan and pediatric hematology/oncology social worker Emma Lehman, MSW, CAPSW, discuss the unique challenges that young adults face when transitioning from pediatric to adult cancer care. They share how the shift from a family-centered pediatric environment to a more independent adult setting can be emotionally and logistically daunting, highlighting...

In this episode, Dr. Michael Guiou, a radiation oncologist, and Emma Lehman, a pediatric hematology/oncology social worker, dive into the unique challenges of facing cancer as a young adult. They discuss how treatment approaches are adapted, the long-term impacts young adults face, and the crucial support systems they need to navigate their diagnosis.  “They’re a population that doesn&...

In this episode, Dr. Michael Guiou, Dr. Matthew Ryan, and Dr. Kamal Abbi explore the key factors that impact the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. They emphasize the importance of patient advocacy, understanding treatment options, and the role of a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive and safe care.  “I always encourage patients to ask questions and advocate fo...

Cancer diagnosis and treatment involve a complex array of tools and considerations, and understanding them can be crucial. In this episode, we discuss tumor markers and their vital role, as well as their limitations, in the field of oncology. We explore how these proteins, produced in excess by certain cancers, serve as valuable indicators for diagnosis and monitoring but also highlight the potent...

The financial realities of a cancer diagnosis often come as a second shock, right after the words “you have cancer.” Insurance can be a maze at the best of times, and when treatments, tests, and ongoing care start to add up, understanding exactly how your coverage works becomes critical. In this episode, I sit down with Renee Lemens, President of Informed Choice Insurance Agency, and Jordan Karwed...

Cancer treatment can be overwhelming—not just emotionally and physically, but financially as well. While insurance may cover much of the cost, significant expenses often fall to patients. In this episode, we talk with the team behind Navigating Hope, a financial counseling initiative at Green Bay Oncology that has helped save patients and care facilities millions. Jordan Karwedsky and Gretchen Van...

How do you know if your cancer is cured? In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us to explore this crucial question. We dive into the definitions of “cure” and “remission” and how they differ. Our discussion highlights how factors like age, cancer type, and treatment goals influence long-term outcomes and the personalized nature of...

In this episode of Cancer Covered, we delve into the inspiring story of Spierings Cancer Foundation, a local powerhouse in the fight against cancer in the Fox Cities. Born from Jim Spierings’ battle with throat cancer and the overwhelming support he received, the foundation has distributed nearly $2.5 million since its inception in 2009. Our guests, Jim Spierings, founder and president; Kati...

Understanding and preventing cancer recurrence is a crucial aspect of survivorship. In this episode, we’re joined by medical oncologists, Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Brad Heraly, to explore the factors contributing to cancer recurrence and strategies patients can use to reduce their risk. We’ll also delve into managing the emotional challenges that accompany cancer survivorship. Dr. David...

Nutrition is critical in cancer care, influencing treatment outcomes and recovery processes. In this episode, we sit with oncology clinical dietitians Jasmine Ditter and Maddi Mleziva from HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers. Both are passionate about supporting cancer patients through their dietary journeys, addressing the unique nutritional challenges of treatment. They bring a wealth of kn...

Understanding whether cancer treatment is working can be a complex and nuanced journey. In this episode of Cancer Covered, I’m joined by Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated medical oncologist, and Dr. Michael Guiou, an insightful radiation oncologist, as we navigate the critical topic of evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Together, we’ll explore how different treatments are...

In this episode of Cancer Covered, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Evan Wenig, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who joined Green Bay Oncology in the fall of 2024. Dr. Wenig shares his journey from a small town in Wisconsin to becoming a dedicated medical professional. In our conversation, he discusses his philosophy on patient care, his inspiration for specializing i...

In this episode, Dr. Judy Tjoe joins us to share her journey into the world of breast surgery and oncology. She discusses her motivations for choosing this specialty, the importance of patient-centered care, and her innovative work in integrating exercise into cancer recovery. Dr. Tjoe also details her role in developing a new breast cancer program at Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth C...

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding this disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise, patient care, and compassionate support for patients and their families. In this introduction, Steve Slocum, Chief Strategy Officer, and I, Megan Bies, Green Bay Oncology’s brand specialist, are excited to prese...

On today’s episode, we dive into the topic of chemotherapy ports. We discuss what they are, how they work, and why and when they’re used and not used in cancer treatment. Exploring the benefits and potential risks associated with ports and the issues surrounding when they should be removed after treatment, it’s an informative and insightful conversation that sheds light on this often i...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou about the importance of having transparent and honest discussions with cancer patients about their prognosis and treatment options. We discussed how many doctors struggle to answer the question of how long a patient with Stage IV cancer will live and the negative impact this can have on patients. Dr. Burn...

In this episode, we’re joined by the pioneering founders of Green Bay Oncology – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer – along with Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated oncologist and hematologist at GBO. Our conversation delves into our practice’s roots, exploring the establishment of a service and ethics-driven team approach. We reflect on how...

Cancer research and treatment has come a long way over the last few decades. From having only a handful of treatment options and medications at our disposal in the late 1970s and early 80s to now having a wide range of treatment options, the ability to diagnose and treat cancer earlier, and even cure many different types of cancer – the evolution of cancer treatment and care has significantly evol...

Mitch and I delve into hair loss during cancer treatment in today’s episode. We explore why certain therapies cause hair loss and discuss the emotional impact it can have on patients. We also touch on the treatments more likely to cause hair loss, such as anthracyclines and taxane drugs. Mitch shares insights on the temporary nature of hair loss and how patients can cope with the distress it...

In this week’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou to discuss the importance of cancer staging. We delve into cancer staging and how it helps guide treatment decisions. We also explore the evolving nature of cancer staging, shifting towards considering molecular characteristics and functional status in addition to traditional staging systems.   Dr. Brian Bur...

In this episode, Dr. Mitch Winkler and Kyla King discuss the discomfort that often arises when talking to someone with cancer. They explore the reasons behind this anxiety and offer insights into how to navigate conversations with cancer patients. Dr. Winkler emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and avoiding common missteps and provides valuable tips for supporting friends and l...

Tony joins us today to discuss why providing cancer care close to home is essential. We discuss the travel expenses often associated with receiving cancer treatments and why they often cause patients to delay their treatment. We discuss how often many cancer patients need to visit the oncologist for cancer treatments and how they typically feel after a round of treatment. We also discuss the psych...

In today’s episode, we discuss advanced directives and how they support patients at the end stages of life. We describe the historical context of advanced directives and explain how doctors solely made end-of-life decisions until the recognition of patients’ rights in the 70’s. We outline the consequences of not having an advance directive. We also emphasize the need to proactively plan for advanc...

Tom joins us today to discuss denial and why it is a fundamental part of the human experience. He describes how denial, while unhealthy in some situations, can be a healthy coping strategy when facing difficulties. He also explores different strategies to overcome unhealthy denial, underscores the power of having a trusted supporter when facing fear, and highlights how overcoming denial gives indi...

Bradley joins us today to discuss the historical use of immunotherapy treatment to treat cancer.  We discuss how immunotherapy works and the positive and negative impact it can have on a patient’s immune system. We discuss why immunotherapy treatment works well for some types of cancers but not for others and how it has made significant improvements in the survival rates of patients. We discuss so...