Combating Cancer

Episode 11- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal story of battling stage three astrocytoma brain cancer. Diagnosed at 19, Gwen discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, establishing a routine, practicing gratitude and prayer, and the benefits of physical exercise even during treatment. She highlights how journaling, staying social,...

Episode 10- Show Notes: In this deeply moving episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly sits down with Gary Gross, who shares an inspiring and intimate account of his journey as a caregiver to his wife during her battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. Gary reflects on the whirlwind of emotions following her diagnosis, the decisive steps they took toward treatment, and the remarkable story of...

Episode 9- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal experience of fearing a cancer recurrence after discovering a lump in her breast. Despite being physically fine, Gwen opens up about the emotional turmoil and PTSD triggered by this scare, reflecting on her past battle with brain cancer. She emphasizes the importance of taking health concerns seriously,...

Episode 8- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Anthony Pecorella, a survivor of Burkitt lymphoma. Anthony shares his diagnosis journey at 22, his treatment experiences, and the unexpected friendship with a young girl named Eli, also battling cancer. The conversation highlights the mental and emotional toll of cancer, the importance of a supportive community...

Episode 7- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her deeply personal journey with radiation therapy after being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19. She discusses the emotional challenges and physical side effects she faced, including the loss of her independence and hair, and the impact on her mental health. Gwen speaks candidly about the vi...

Episode 6- Show Notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly welcomes guest Tiffanie Thomson, who shares the emotional impact of both her parents being diagnosed with glioblastoma. They discuss the challenges caregivers face, the need for greater awareness, improved treatments, and increased funding for research. Tiffany also offers coping strategies and resources, highlighting the...

Episode 5- show notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her journey with hair loss during treatment for stage three astrocytoma brain cancer. After an update on her clean 90-day scans, she opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of losing her hair, the impact on her identity, and the healing power of support. Gwen offers practical advice and a powerful remin...

Episode 4- show notes: In this powerful episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly sits down with Ashley Saaranen, a brave and resilient breast cancer survivor. Together, they explore Ashley's life before her diagnosis, the shock and challenges that followed, and the emotional journey through treatment and recovery. With grace and honesty, Ashley also shares what life looks like after cancer, in...

Episode 3- show notes: In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly discusses the emotional toll of scan anxiety, the importance of support from loved ones, and how she manages her fears by focusing on what she can control. She encourages listeners to open up about their struggles, seek comfort from their support systems, and live in the present despite the uncertainties. This episode aims...

Episode 2- show notes: In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly speaks with Sue Dettinger about her son JD, who passed away from brain cancer at the age of 22. Sue shares intimate details of JD's life as a talented musician, his diagnosis of stage four glioblastoma during his sophomore year in college, and the various treatments he underwent. Sue reflects on the emotional jou...

Episode 1- show notes: Welcome to the very first episode of Combating Cancer . I'm your host, Gwen Kelly, and on this episode, you will hear the unfiltered story of how my life changed forever at 19 years old. One moment I was a college tennis player living my dreams in New York, and in the blink of an eye I was waking up from a seizure with a stage four brain cancer diagnosis. In this vulnerable...