Collaborative Cancer Care Podcast

Cancer & Depression: The Battle No One Sees A cancer diagnosis changes more than the body—it can profoundly affect the mind and spirit. Yet depression remains one of the most overlooked and undertreated challenges faced by people living with cancer. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between cancer and depression, including why it often goes unrecognized, how it can affect tr...

How Do You Know If You Are Experiencing Little (t) Trauma or Big (T) Trauma? When most people hear the word trauma , they often think of major life-altering events such as serious accidents, violence, natural disasters, or life-threatening illnesses. But trauma is more nuanced than many realize. In this Chat & Chew conversation, we explore the difference between Big (T) Trauma and Little (t) T...

Cancer changes more than your body—it can change how you see yourself. In this Chat & Chew conversation, we explore one of the most common yet least discussed experiences during and after cancer: the loss, shift, and rediscovery of identity. Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this discussion will help you reflect on who you are beyond a diagnosis and ho...

We’re back—and this conversation still matters. In this relaunch episode of the Collaborative Cancer Care Podcast , we return to the heart of why this space exists: because cancer is not only a medical experience, it’s a mental, emotional, and relational one. In this short opening episode, we reflect on what continues even during a pause—the unspoken fear, the emotional weight patients and caregiv...

A cancer diagnosis can change everything—including your social connections. Many patients, survivors, and caregivers find themselves feeling isolated during and after treatment. In this episode of Collaborative Cancer Conversations , Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo shares 4 practical and powerful ways to combat loneliness and rebuild meaningful connection. Whether you’re navigating treatment or supporting s...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo explores the often-unspoken emotional reality of grief during the cancer journey. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or survivor, grief can show up in unexpected ways—not just in response to loss of life, but in loss of identity, control, or certainty. Dr. Wendy breaks down five types of grief commonly experienced during and after a cancer dia...

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, life can change in an instant. For Saju Varghese , the diagnosis of his mother with lymphoma meant navigating the overwhelming world of caregiving—all while balancing the demands of a corporate career as a young professional. In this powerful episode, Saju shares his emotional and practical journey of stepping into the role of caregiver while managing his...

Caring for a loved one with cancer is never easy, but what happens when distance separates you from the person who needs you most? In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Michelle Munsami , who shares her deeply personal experience of being a long-distance caregiver for her mother after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer . Michelle opens up about the emotional and mental challenges she face...

Caregivers play a vital role in a cancer patient’s journey, yet their own mental, emotional, and physical well-being is often overlooked. In this episode of the Collaborative Cancer Care Podcast , Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo sits down with Dr. Tracy Wilson , a dedicated multiple myeloma caregiver for her husband, to discuss their co-authored article: " Identifying and Addressing the Needs of Caregi...

In this inaugural episode of the Collaborative Cancer Care Podcast , Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo , an oncology nurse practitioner with nearly two decades of experience, shares her journey in the oncology space and the critical gap in mental health support for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. Dr. Mayo introduces Collaborative Cancer Care , a mental health practice designed specifically to prov...

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, leaving patients and their loved ones uncertain about what to ask or how to navigate the journey ahead. In this episode of the Collaborative Cancer Care Podcast , Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo , an oncology nurse practitioner, shares 13 essential questions   that can help you take control of your care, understand your treatment options, and advocate for your well-be...

Welcome to Collaborative Cancer Care —where we bridge the gap between cancer and mental health. Cancer isn’t just a medical journey—it’s an emotional one. Whether you're a patient, survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this podcast provides the education, expert insights, and real-life stories you need to navigate the mental and emotional challenges of cancer. Join Dr. Wendy Garvin...