Combating Cancer

Episode 36- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly welcomes Dave McKeag, a pancreatic cancer survivor and her former middle school principal. Dave shares his personal journey from his diagnosis in October 2021 through his treatment and recovery, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude, physical fitness, and a robust support network. The discussion highlights Dav...

Episode 35- Show Notes: In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, diagnosed at the age of 19. Gwen emphasizes the emotional weight of living with cancer, touching on the simultaneous existence of gratitude and grief. She provides a raw and unfiltered look at the complexities of surviving cancer, highlightin...

Episode 34- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with Astrocytoma brain cancer and introduces special guest Nolan Hsu. The conversation covers Nolan's diagnosis with grade two oligodendroglioma, their mutual experiences with treatment protocols, and the challenges faced during chemotherapy and radiation. They also discuss the origins and miss...

Episode 33- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her cancer journey from being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19 to starting and evolving her podcast. Gwen discusses the isolating experience of being a young cancer patient and the calling she felt to share her story. She reflects on how the podcast has facilitated personal healing and conn...

Episode 32- Show Notes: In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly invites Johnny Hamann, a former college baseball player and founder of the nonprofit Hamann's Helping Hands, to share his impactful journey. Johnny opens up about supporting his brother Joey through a rare form of bone cancer, becoming his bone marrow donor, and the inspiration behind starting a nonprofit to bri...

Episode 31- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, discussing the long-term side effects she experiences post-treatment and surgery. Gwen covers a range of issues, including physical limitations, social anxiety, memory problems, sensory overload, and the emotional struggles of adapting to a new normal....

Episode 30- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Anthony Cesarini, who shares his family's extensive history with cancer across generations. Anthony recounts the experiences of his father, mother, sister, and brother with various types of cancer, as well as his own proactive health measures. The episode delves into the emotional impact of caregiving, the val...

Episode 29- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal experience as a cancer survivor dealing with the challenges of flu season. She discusses the long-lasting effects of cancer treatment on the immune system, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a heightened vulnerability to illnesses. Gwen emphasizes the importance of understanding that post-treatm...

Episode 28- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly welcomes talented artist Jewels Yocum, who designed the podcast's logo and creates meaningful tattoos for cancer survivors and their supporters. They discuss the emotional and physical connection in the tattooing process, particularly for those impacted by cancer, including commemorative cancer ribbon tattoos and transfor...

Episode 27- Show Notes: In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly addresses the overlooked challenges faced by caregivers of cancer patients. Drawing from her personal battle with stage three Astrocytoma brain cancer, Gwen underscores the emotional, spiritual, and psychological toll that the disease takes on loved ones. She shares anecdotes and advice on how caregivers can sup...

Episode 26- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly discusses with Christina Repetti her experience battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Christina shares the story of her initial diagnosis after experiencing severe stomach pain, her treatment process, which included surgery and chemotherapy, and the fertility preservation steps she took before starting her cancer treatment. Ch...

Episode 25- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal story of being diagnosed with stage three Astrocytoma brain cancer at 19, while studying at Molloy University. She details the challenges she faced, including balancing treatment with her education, and how Molloy University provided extraordinary support. Gwen emphasizes the importance of the right mi...

Episode 24- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly—a survivor of stage three astrocytoma brain cancer—welcomes Jake Messier, a male breast cancer survivor, for an eye-opening conversation. Together, they shed light on the often-overlooked topic of male breast cancer awareness, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jake opens up about his personal journey, the l...

Episode 23- Show Notes: In this special episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares the incredible news about her latest MRI scan results and reflects on her journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer. Gwen opens up about the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced while waiting for the scan, the powerful role of faith in her life, and the immense support from her loved ones an...

Episode 22- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly invites Ella Lang to share her inspiring journey with cancer. Diagnosed with a rare childhood liver cancer at the age of 16, Ella recounts the shock of her diagnosis, the challenges of losing her hair, and the emotional aftermath of her treatment. Both Gwen and Ella discuss the support system provided by family, the diffi...

Episode 21- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming adversity. Gwen discusses the tendency to fall into a victim mentality and how to shift towards a more empowering perspective. She reflects on her own struggles, including recent disappointing scan re...

Episode 20- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly, a brain cancer survivor, speaks with hairstylist and hair loss specialist Nikki Yokom. The discussion centers around Gwen's personal journey with hair loss due to cancer treatment, and how Nikki's expertise in hairpieces and extensions helped her regain confidence. The episode highlights the emotional struggles of hair l...

Episode 19- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly opens up about the difficult and emotional journey of survivorship after cancer. She revisits her personal story of being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19 and talks about the emotional roller coaster she recently experienced when a routine scan showed a new, uncertain spot in her brain. Gwen discu...

Episode 18- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly welcomes Austin Kalmes to share his unique and inspirational journey. Austin opens up about being diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 15 during the pandemic, the physical and emotional battles he faced, and the mindset that helped him overcome these challenges. They discuss Austin's surgeries, his emotional recovery, how h...

Episode 17- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly opens up about her struggles with anxiety before her upcoming brain scan. She shares her personal journey, including her diagnosis with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at the age of 19, the emotional and physical challenges she faces, and the support systems that help her cope. Gwen also discusses the feelings of sur...

Episode 16- Show Notes: In this poignant episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Ingrid Blanco, who shares her profound personal experience of losing multiple family members to cancer. The conversation delves deep into the emotional challenges and the resilient spirits of her grandmother, aunt, and uncle as they each faced this terrible disease. Ingrid recounts the heartache of no...

Episode 15- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her journey with stage three astrocytoma and the unexpected fertility challenges that came with it. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of freezing her eggs and stresses the importance of discussing fertility preservation early in cancer treatment. Gwen urges young patients to advocate for their opti...

Episode 14- Show Notes: The episode features host Gwen Kelly, a brain cancer survivor, interviewing her long-time family friend Corry Anderson about her experience with breast cancer. Corry discusses her diagnosis, the challenge of keeping the illness a secret from her children, and her strategy for managing treatments while maintaining family routines. The conversation covers the emotional and ph...

Episode 13- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, diagnosed at the age of 19. Gwen discusses the subtle and often misattributed symptoms that preceded her diagnosis, including intense back spasms, rib pain, and a concussion-like incident. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and self-advocacy when...

Episode 12- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Scott Kaufman, a father who shares the experience of losing his daughter, Jennifer, to brain cancer. Gwen and Scott discuss the shock of the diagnosis, the challenges of navigating treatment, and the impact it had on their family. Scott reflects on the role his faith played, the support he received from the ca...