Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast

All cancer experiences are complex: they are nuanced, ever-evolving and even sometimes contradictory. In the final season 3 episode of Cancer Out Loud, we asked current and future guests to describe their cancer experience in one word, and we’re excited to share what they had to say. Cancer Out Loud will be back with new episodes in fall 2021!

The last year has changed all of our lives: in big ways, small ways, and ways we never could have expected. In the first of two special bonus episodes, current and future Cancer Out Loud guests share how the pandemic has impacted their cancer experiences.

When Allie was in middle school, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Following an extended period of remission, her mother’s cancer returned when Allie was in graduate school. Allie joins the podcast to explore how she navigated caregiving and grief in different contexts and stages of her life, all while following her mom’s insistence that she not miss out on the opportunities of young adulthood...

On this week’s episode, Kimberly details her experience with metastatic breast cancer. She poses essential questions about the cancer experience: What does this mean? How will my life change? How can I deal with that while understanding my need for self-care? As the CEO of Infinite Being, Kimberly leads outreach programs, works as a health coach and makes videos to help others "find their best lif...

Gracias a nuestros trabajadores sociales y miembros del personal bilingües, Cancer Care se enorgullece de ofrecer muchos servicios tanto en inglés como en español. El episodio de esta semana presenta una conversación entre Cecilia Acosta, LMSW, una de las trabajadoras sociales bilingües de Cancer Care, y Gloria, una persona que vive con cáncer de ovario y carcinoma peritoneal. Gloria describe su e...

Kandis joins the podcast to talk about her experience as a caregiver for her mother, who had stage IV ovarian cancer. She explores caregiving as being simultaneously stressful and rewarding, enabling emotional memories and moments that would not have been otherwise possible. Kandis talks about caregiving in black and brown communities and explains how she became a national advocate for ovarian can...

In recognition of World AML Awareness Day, Cancer Care social worker Paige discusses her own path toward specializing in working with people with AML and other blood cancers. The episode then explores the lived experience of Valerie, a minister, endurance paddler, mother of six, AML survivor and so much more. Valerie's personal narrative is one of growth, strength, perseverance and self-exploratio...

In recognition of Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, Cancer Care ’s Director of Clinical Programs, Sarah Paul, LCSW, is joined by Cancer Care ’s Young Adult Program Manager, Marlee Kiel, LMSW, and two young adults, Carly and Matt. Both our guests work to help others with cancer through advocacy, public speaking, volunteerism and fundraising. Marlee opens the conversation by addressing common chall...

John was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors in March of 2010. An independent illustrator, writer and graphic novelist, they put creative expression in conversation with cancer, drawing and writing about cancer’s impact on all aspects of life. John talks about artistically rendering tumors as monstrous embodiments of self, negotiating and battling with them through various chemotherapy protocols,...

In the opening episode of season three, Louisa talks with her former Cancer Care social worker, A.J., about her relationship with her husband, Johnny. She details their life and love together, the experience of his unexpected third brain cancer diagnosis soon after their engagement, and his death eighteen days after their wedding. Louisa opens up about how Johnny always found joy, how she found su...

On this week’s episode, we welcome Jessica, a young adult living with metastatic cancer, and our Young Adult Program Coordinator, Marlee. Jessica shares what it’s like to navigate metastatic cancer and all the unique challenges that come along with it, lending tremendous insight into the importance of living despite a terminal prognosis. Join us in a conversation about grief, having hard conversat...

Deatrice didn't ask for cancer, and she never knew how strong she was until she had no other choice but to be strong. She joins the podcast to detail her experience with breast cancer and discuss the barriers she faced when pursuing quality care. The obstacles and systemic disparities she encountered forced her to find her voice and become her own strongest advocate. Her message to other women of...

Lorie, a two-time melanoma survivor and Cancer Care online support group member, joins the podcast to talk about her diagnosis and treatment experience. She explains that cancer pushed her to re-prioritize and re-evaluate her life, drawing parallels between life with cancer and her love for sailing. The open sea is unpredictable and necessitates constant adaptation and perseverance, but it can als...

On this week's episode, Rahsaan describes his mother's experience with pancreatic cancer and how he’s woven her death, his grief and his love for her into his daily consciousness. As he works to understand his own life in the context of his mother’s, Rahsaan explores his drive to stand up for himself, advocate for others and challenge imbalanced power structures. He implores listeners to advocate...

Today’s episode features a conversation with Jennifer Garam, a stage IIIC ovarian cancer survivor, and her former social worker, Cancer Care ’s Rachel Barnhart. As Jen shares her approach to post-treatment life, her story shines a light on the challenges of transitioning out of treatment. Leaving behind the structure and safety of your medical team after treatment can be daunting; Jen shares tips...

This week we welcome Kurt Fitzpatrick--an actor, writer and performer--who is in remission from B-cell follicular lymphoma. As he walks us through his cancer treatment starting from the day of diagnosis, Kurt reflects on how he tries to make the most out of every day, despite having cancer. You can also check out Kurt’s podcast, A Lifetime of Hallmark, dedicated to taking deep and hilarious dives...

Seyna never expected she would be diagnosed with breast cancer, especially as a young adult. In this episode, she shares the importance of a strong support network—made up not just of family and friends, but of health care teams, support group peers and work colleagues too. We also navigate her experience of multiple treatment protocols, the possibilities for her future and why she says you should...

For our season 2 premiere, we welcome Kevin, a young adult navigating the loss of his mother, who shares his experience of transitioning from being a primary caregiver to someone who is newly bereaved. Kevin also touches on what it means to be a caregiver, the need for common ground when discussing grief and the importance of group support.

Jessica came to Cancer Care after experiencing the loss of her father to stage IV liver cancer. Grief looks different for every individual; experiencing the death of a parent as a young adult can be especially isolating. Listen in as Jessica shares her grief experience while honoring her father’s memory and his desire to live to the fullest despite his cancer diagnosis. This is the final episode o...

This week, we welcome Sheryl, a mother, grandmother, friend, advocate, retired teacher and mentor. Sheryl shares her experience with stage IV melanoma from diagnosis through various types of treatment while emphasizing the importance of advocating for oneself throughout the treatment process. Listen in as Sheryl reflects on her experience with tremendous insight; she reminds us all to accept the t...

On today’s episode, we welcome Michelle, a young adult cancer survivor currently in remission for Stage II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Listen in as Michelle opens up about her cancer experience, her relapse and her successful autologous stem cell transplant. She also covers navigating difficult decisions, returning to work, communicating with her medical team and seeking  a second opinion. 

Caring for a loved one poses many unique challenges even without stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines. Oncology social workers Charlotte and Mary discuss how the coronavirus has impacted caregiving and why taking time for yourself is key in the final episode of our coronavirus and cancer miniseries. View all of Cancer Care 's resources on the coronavirus at www.cancercare.org/coronavirus...

Being apart from friends and family for an extended period is no easy task. In the fourth episode of our coronavirus and cancer miniseries, oncology social workers Mary and Marlee offer advice for staying connected and share three breathing exercises to help calm your mind. View all of Cancer Care 's resources on the coronavirus at cancercare.org/coronavirus .

It can be intimidating to talk with children about the ways COVID-19 has changed the world. To help guide you, oncology social workers Sarah P. and Lauren C. provide suggestions for addressing children’s fears, helping them adapt to the new normal and more. This is the third episode of a five-part miniseries on the coronavirus and cancer. View all of Cancer Care 's resources on the coronavirus at...

The second episode of our five-part miniseries on the coronavirus and cancer examines stress and anxiety. Oncology social workers Alyson and Rachel review what stress is, how to recognize stress responses and ways that mindfulness can help, including a full guided meditation. View all of Cancer Care 's resources on the coronavirus at cancercare.org/coronavirus .