Beyond The Clinic: Living Well With Melanoma

What does it mean to truly live well after a melanoma diagnosis? In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Clinic: Living Well with Melanoma , Dr. Samantha Siegel sits down with melanoma advocate Mary Margaret Braddock to discuss her journey from a Stage IB melanoma diagnosis at age 40 through three recurrences—and ultimately to no evidence of disease. Mary Margaret shares the emotional realities of...

Sexual health is an important part of quality of life, yet it remains one of the least discussed topics in cancer care. In this episode of Beyond the Clinic: Living Well with Melanoma , Dr. Samantha Siegel is joined by cancer survivor, advocate, and executive director of After Cancer, Erin Sullivan Wagner, to explore the lasting impact cancer treatment can have on intimacy, relationships, body con...

In this episode of Beyond the Clinic: Living Well with Melanoma , host Dr. Samantha Siegel sits down with Dr. Victoria Wytiaz, a medical oncologist at the University of Michigan, to explore the often-overlooked realities of life during and after a melanoma diagnosis for adolescents and young adults (AYA). Together, they discuss the unique challenges this age group faces—from navigating identity, i...

Joining us today is Dr. Seamara Rocha Cadman , Chief of the Division of Psychiatry at City of Hope—one of the largest cancer research and treatment centers in the United States. In this deeply moving and illuminating conversation, Dr. Rocha Cadman shares her personal and professional journey into psycho-oncology, shaped by her experiences as an immigrant physician, a psychiatrist, a caregiver, and...

Guest: Lisa Simms Booth, Executive Director, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts In this episode of the Beyond the Clinic, Living Well with Melanoma Dr. Sam Siegel welcomes Lisa Simms Booth , Executive Director of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts—an organization dedicated to whole-person support for people with cancer, their families, and caregivers. Lisa shares the deeply personal stor...

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Tompkins , wife and caregiver to Mike, who has been battling Stage 4 metastasized ocular melanoma. Over the past five years, Vanessa has supported Mike through weekly immunotherapy, four major surgeries—including the removal of his left eye, liver surgery, triple hernia repair, and open-heart surgery—and countless challenges along the way. A registered nur...

In this episode of Beyond the Clinic: Living Well with Melanoma , Dr. Samantha Siegel is joined by Katie Ostrovsky and Cheryl Marker from the MelaHomies community. Cheryl, diagnosed with Stage I melanoma in 2023, shares how she turned to online groups for education and support when her medical team left her with more questions than answers. Katie, a Stage IV survivor now, 11 years cancer-free, ref...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy G. Lichtenthal, a leading expert in grief and bereavement care. Dr. Lichtenthal is the Founding Director of the Center for the Advancement of Bereavement Care at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, she bring...

In this episode, we sit down with Abby Singh, a melanoma survivor diagnosed as an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA). Abby is now the Director of Patient Content and Nutrition Education Services at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), where she creates critical resources for patients and caregivers, including the Survivorship Workbooks. She shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and...

Facing melanoma or any cancer isn’t just a physical journey — it impacts your mind, emotions, relationships, and sense of self . In this episode, Dr. Rena Szabo, PsyD , a clinical psychologist specializing in psycho-oncology, shares insights on how a holistic, person-centered approach can support patients and caregivers throughout their cancer experience. Dr. Szabo discusses practical strategies f...

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Cohn Stuntz, LCSW, a cancer survivor and expert in emotional well-being, to explore the power of collective wisdom and practical strategies for those touched by cancer. Elizabeth, a psychotherapist trained in contemporary psychoanalysis and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), shares her invaluable insights on how to manage the intense emotio...

In this deeply personal episode, Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel share their journey of navigating cancer, medical school, and family life together. From their time as medical students at Jefferson Medical College to the challenges they faced with Samuel's testicular cancer diagnosis and Samantha’s battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, their story highlights the complexities of being both physic...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of art therapy in cancer care. Art therapy goes beyond traditional treatment by offering patients a creative outlet to express their emotions, manage stress, and find relaxation during their journey. Emphasizing the process over perfection, art therapy creates a safe, supportive space for individuals to explore their creativity and enhance the...

In this episode, we speak with Ann Roseman, a melanoma survivor since 2020, who shares her personal journey with cancer and how it shaped her mission to advocate for sun safety. Ann’s background in Human Development and Family Studies, combined with her experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist, allowed her to make a meaningful impact in healthcare settings, creating programs and supporting...

In this episode, we sit down with Noa Curtis, LCSW, APHSW-C, an outpatient oncology social worker at the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon. Noa specializes in palliative care and provides holistic support to cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through survivorship or end of life. They discuss their approach to palliative care, focusing on self-advocacy, meaning-making,...

In this episode, we speak with Brian Jin, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) at Yale New Haven Health’s Smilow Cancer Hospital. Brian shares his journey and experience supporting cancer patients through MCP, an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals find meaning and hope amidst illness. He discusses how this therapeutic approach can empower pa...

In this special episode of Beyond the Clinic: Living with Melanoma, Dr. Raymond Liu and Dr. Sam Siegel sit down for an insightful and heartfelt conversation as Dr. Siegel steps into her new role as host. With a shared passion for cancer survivorship, the two discuss Dr. Siegel’s personal journey as a cancer survivor and caregiver, her vision for the future of the podcast, and the vital importance...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. William Breitbart, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and a pioneer in psycho-oncology. Dr. Breitbart sheds light on the critical yet often overlooked issue of meaning and purpose in cancer care. He delves into how patients may encounter a profound loss of meaning, which can lead to anxiety a...

In this compelling episode of “Surviving the Spotlight,” we sit down with Jessica Gilstrap, a melanoma survivor and independent filmmaker, whose inspiring journey from cancer diagnosis to creative success is both moving and motivating. At just 19 years old, Jessica's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma—a discovery that came not from a routine check, but f...

Join us for an insightful episode of "Restful Recovery," where we explore the crucial interplay between sleep and cancer with Dr. Daniel Barone, a leading expert in sleep medicine. Dr. Barone, the Associate Medical Director at the Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine, shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, offering valuable guidance on how sleep impacts cancer tre...

In this episode, we are joined by Tobi Sample, a melanoma survivor, to share an extraordinary and inspiring story. Today, prepare to be moved and inspired as we delve into Tobi's miraculous journey of survival against melanoma. Tobi, ten years ago, faced a diagnosis that would have halted many in their tracks. But not Tobi. To celebrate her 10th anniversary of No Evidence of Disease, she did s...

In this deeply insightful episode of our podcast, we explore the often-hidden challenges melanoma patients and survivors face—stress and anxiety. Living with melanoma or surviving it is a testament to strength, but it comes with its own set of emotional hurdles. To shed light on this critical issue and offer some groundbreaking strategies for coping, we are honored to have Dr. Judson Brewer, MD, P...

In this episode, we unlock one of the most challenging aspects of the cancer journey — having difficult conversations. Whether you're a caregiver, a patient in the throes of treatment, or a survivor navigating life after cancer, this episode is for you. Our guest, Bridget Sumser, LCSW, a Clinical Social Worker, offers insights, guidance, and support on how to approach, engage in, and emerge st...

Surviving cancer or finishing treatment often leaves survivors feeling elated, as if they've conquered the world. However, there's also a profound, more vulnerable emotion that many experience: the fear of recurrence, or the dread of cancer returning. Although it's a common fear among survivors, dealing with this fear can be challenging. It poses a significant obstacle, particularly wh...

In today’s episode, we're talking about a profoundly touching topic—caring for someone with melanoma. Today, we're discussing the roles, challenges, and triumphs of those who stand by their loved ones in the fight against melanoma—caregivers. They are the unsung heroes who provide the support and strength needed to face each day anew. Our guests: Sue Capozzi : Sue has devotedly served as a...