Life, Cancer, Etc.

Most Sundays, I take a drive along a canal near our house and count the alligators. This week, I recorded the podcast in the car on that drive. I've had a breast biopsy and surgical urothelial check in the past 10 days, so I've been a little wiped out. But these experiences were -- again! -- a great illustration that I need to take my own advice and give my body time to rest & heal....

Dr. Kavita Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer right after moving her family to a new state and starting her career as an emergency room physician. Her poise, perspective, and positive outlook really inspired me. To keep learn more about her story, check out @drkavitajackson on Instagram. Special thanks to Ash Sivanantham (@ashies07) for introducing us. Photo ©2019 Heidi Bragg You can also fi...

Ash Sivanantham was 30 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her warm personality and zest for life are are both very obvious as she shares her story. Plus, she was gracious enough to re-record our interview after I somehow screwed up the one we did a few weeks ago. Thanks to her Auntie Rajee for suggesting we "meet"! PC: Ash You can also find some episodes on our YouTube...

Tiffany Goulding and Lauren Bales are best friends, co-mortgagees, and delightful to interview.  A couple of months ago, Tiffany was diagnosed with breast cancer. In today's episode, the two of them talk with me about how things have progressed so far and share what they're learning. Tiff & Lauren did a follow-up episode, which you can find here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1468990/ep...

Dr. "Arash the Smash" Naghavi is my radiation oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. He specializes in sarcoma and does a lot of research to help advance the field. Most of all, he's a great human being and an excellent teacher. For more info on Dr. Naghavi or Moffitt, use this link: https://moffitt.org/find-a-doctor-search?program=&cancerType=&clinicalSpecialty=&...

Once you've had cancer, you usually have to live with a lot of uncertainty. That bugs the heck out of me, because I like to plan and hate feeling blindsided by unpleasant news. I've got a PET scan on Monday and there was an "area of concern" on my last PET scan a few months ago. Other recent scans don't show it, but the PET on Monday might indicate a problem and/or the nee...

Marie Pearlingi is my friend, almost birthday twin, and massage therapist. Her wife, Cindy Coutts, is an occupational therapist and has had breast cancer twice. In this week's episode, the three of us talk about the process they've been through, how it's affected their lives, and their plans for the future. Take a listen ... PC: Marie & Cindy You can also find some episodes on o...

Lori Thompson (RN, BSN) is MY nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center's radiation oncology department. Earlier in her nursing career, she worked both pediatric and adult hospice. She's a rockstar and has great tips and insights for your cancer journey. Photo ©2020 Heidi Bragg You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeCancerEtc Patreon: https://patreon.c...

Short podcast today: a bit of specific gratitude, in honor of Thanksgiving, and some of your questions, answers, and tips.  Thanks to all those who offered help and input. Photo ©2020 Heidi Bragg You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeCancerEtc Patreon: https://patreon.com/lifecanceretc?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=crea...

Tay Gibson is my sister (in every way but the biological). In this episode, we talk about what happened after her nightmare came true: her son, Quinn, was diagnosed with cancer. Tay epitomizes what it means to be resilient and full of faith, no matter what comes your way. I love her to pieces. PC: Dmetria Gibson You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Life...

Sarah is one of my favorite people on earth. She's a stellar human being, a fabulous chemo companion, and a friend par excellence. Sarah has great insights and gives great tips  about how to support a friend or family member who's dealing with cancer. Plus, she's just a joy to be around.  PC: Sarah You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Lif...

This is the very first episode of "Life, Cancer, Etc.," where you'll learn a bit about me and my story. I'm a 3-time cancer survivor facing another open-heart surgery to find out if the latest mass in my heart is malignant. BTW, even when things are really hard, I know for a fact that there is always hope and good in the world. *Note*: I misspoke in the podcast -- it was actual...