WE Have Cancer

In this episode, Colorectal Cancer survivor, Abby Bott, shared her interesting story with me. Here are the links to the articles she mentioned during our conversation: The Discover Magazine article about her experimental fertility preservation procedure. A video of Abby discussing her fertility preservation procedure. I Have Lynch Syndrome Lee:     Hi Abby, welcome to the […] The post Never Too Yo...

In this episode, I interviewed Gladys (Renee) Scott. Renee and I discussed her role as caregiver for her husband, Scott and how she managed her grief after he passed away. Lee: Hi Renee! Welcome to the Colon Cancer Podcast. How are you? Renee: I’m doing well, how are you? Lee: I’m great, thank you so […] The post Managing Grief, With Renee Scott appeared first on The Colon Cancer Podcast .

Dr. Franjo Vladic is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist with the Center For Digestive Health and Endoscopy Center outside of Cleveland, Ohio. He and I discussed Colorecal Cancer screening options as well as issues faced by Colorectal Cancer Patients. Lee: Dr. Vladic, thank you so much for joining me today, and making the time from your […] The post Colorectal Screening Options, With Dr. Franjo V...

Lee: Hi, Dot, welcome to the show, thank you so much for joining me. How are you? Dot O’Shea: I am well, Lee, thank you for having me. Lee: I feel like I’m talking to a TV star. Dot O’Shea: Oh, shucks. I’m blushing. Lee: So, for those, I think a lot of people who […] The post “Cologuard Saved My Life,” With Dot O’Shea appeared first on The Colon Cancer Podcast .

It’s been 20 years since Kris Thompson was diagnosed with Colon Cancer at the age of 18. From his blog, Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, here’s how Kris told his story: “I’m going to lose my hair?!?!” Those were the first words that came out of my mouth when I learned I had cancer. […] The post Celebrating 20 Years Since He Was Diagnosed With Colon Cancer, With Kris Thompson appeared first on The Colon...

Jana’s Story: I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer on October 30th, 2014 after having complained of rectal bleeding and thin stools to my primary physician for close to a year. Due to my age, 39 at the time, my symptoms were originally discarded as likely hemorrhoids and I was not referred for a […] The post Living With Stage IV Colon Cancer, With Jana Downing appeared first on The Colon Canc...

I first learned of Greig’s story via a tweet posted by the good folks at Bowel Cancer UK. As I dug deeper to learn more about Greig and his story, I was astounded to learn of the similarities of our cancer journeys. Like me, Greig is a two-time cancer survivor. As a child, Greig had […] The post 101 Things to Do When You Survive, With Greig Trout appeared first on The Colon Cancer Podcast .

Dawn Eicher was the first young survivor interview for The Colon Cancer Podcast, back in March of 2015. Now 2 years N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease), she returns for a second stint on the show to talk about life post-treatment. In this interview, Dawn and I discuss the unique challenges that survivors face after treatment […] The post Dealing With Cancer After Treatment Ends, With Dawn Eicher appea...

Melissa Marshall, the founder of The No You Cant’cer Foundation, was inspired to write Cancer’s First Fight song and start The No You Cant’cer Foundation after her own battle with colorectal cancer. Melissa was first diagnosed in September of 2013 while prepping for a hip replacement surgery. A life-long dancer and singer, Melissa assumed the […] The post No You Can’tcer, With Melissa Marshall app...

July 2015 while my wife and kids were visiting family in Florida I stayed home to finish off work projects.  Within days of their departure I began to experience a dull throb in the center of my abdomen directly below my sternum.  At work, I was quickly becoming scatter brained and forgetful, and when I […] The post Nate Allen Says He Beats Colon Cancer by Walking appeared first on The Colon Cance...

Courtney Forget had digestive issues for about a year, but was busy planning a wedding to the love of her life, trying to buy their first home, and teaching art to elementary school students (K-5), so she just assumed her symptoms were due to stress. She went to her GP in September of 2014, and […] The post Never Too Young for Colorectal Cancer, With Courtney Forget appeared first on The Colon Can...

From Michelle Kennedy, Examiner.com: Coach Darin Hosier was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in November 2012 and only days later he found himself in surgery as the doctors worked to remove the tumor pressing against his back. Darin had known that something was wrong for quite some time and when the pain became unbearable, […] The post Celebrating Survivor Week, With Darin Hosier appeared first...

In this episode I spoke to Dr. Laura Porter, Patient Advocate and Medical adviser to the Colon Cancer Alliance. “Medicinal marijuana use is currently legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As more states approve marijuana use for medical indications, physicians will be asked by their patients for more information regarding the risks […] The post Talking Medical Marijuana, With Dr. Laura...

In this episode of The Colon Cancer Podcast, I interviewed Elan. Elan was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the age of 42. Now, N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease), he devotes his spare time to advocacy work and talks about the need for early screening: “Primary care physicians still only ask if you had incidences of […] The post Interview With Colorectal Cancer Survivor, Elan appeared first on The Colo...

Kevin Hays was diagnosed with Stage IIc colon cancer at age 28.  He went through surgery and chemo.  After finishing chemo he ran in the Buffalo Undy Run to boost awareness and afterwards volunteered to help with organizing for the the next year (this year!).  Working through the Buffalo Undy Run | Walk planning he helped resurrect the Blue Bash […] The post Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer at 28,...

Allyson Phelan-Eagan was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in February of 2012. After 8 months of chemotherapy, 2 months of radiation, 2 major surgeries, several outpatient procedures and a whole lot of pain she finally crushed cancer and began to immediately give back by producing interviews with doctors, survivors, caretakers, health professionals and more. She also began […] The post Kic...

I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Tom Zuba for this episode of The Colon Cancer Podcast. His book Permission to Mourn; A New Way to Do Grief (affiliate link) is, in my opinion, a book about love. In it, Tom illustrates that when someone you love dies, it is possible to love again; […] The post Permission to Mourn; A New Way to Do Grief, With Tom Zuba appeared first on The Colon Cancer...

My name is Sandi Stupica and I live in Ypsilanti, MI. This is my sixth year as a high school English teacher at Ypsilanti New Tech. Well, kind of my sixth year. I have been out on long-term disability since September to recover from my two surgeries: the surgery to remove the tumor and, therefore, […] The post Never Too Young For Colorectal Cancer, With Sandi Stupica appeared first on The Colon Ca...

Jasmin Mejia has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about Colon Cancer in the Latino Community. An active member of the Arizona chapter of the Colon Cancer Alliance, she was recognized by the Colon Cancer Alliance for her efforts. Here is an excerpt from her interview from their website, ccalliance.org: Why did you get involved as […] The post Raising Awareness About Colon Cancer in the Latino C...

In this episode of The Colon Cancer Podcast, Sue Kidera, a stage 4 colon cancer survivor, returns to the show. She discusses her 10 year journey with colon cancer and her experience with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Lonsurf. Sue also talks about how, and why, she takes such an active role in her […] The post Sue Kidera Returns With an Update on SBRT and Lonsurf appeared first on...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Anita Mitchell Isler, a stage 4 colon cancer survivor and the woman who founded “Dress in Blue Day.” Anita is also the founder of  Colon STARS,  a non-profit organization who’s mission is to save lives by educating people on the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Join […] The post Founder of “Dress in Blue Day,” Anita Mitchell Isler appe...

Stafon Harris-Jackson radiates happiness and positivity. So much so, that you may not know she survived colon cancer twice—years after losing her daughter to childhood cancer. While many may have felt defeated, Stafon uses these experiences to help others through her newly formed cancer foundation and speaking engagements. You may have even spotted the 46-year-old Texas […] The post Inspired By He...

Kim Hall Jackson is a seven year survivor of rectal cancer. She was first diagnosed in December 2008, as Stage I. She had a bowel resection and temporary ileostomy. Two weeks after surgery she went to get her staples removed and was informed her cancer had been re-staged to Stage III rectal cancer. She began […] The post Promoting Colon Cancer Screening in the African American Community, With Kim...

Marty Andrews was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer at the age of 33. As he tells his story: I was living what I thought to be the normal life of a 33 year-old man. I was married for almost three years and my career had reached a new high. The future looked bright and […] The post Never Too Young for Colorectal Cancer, With Marty Andrews appeared first on The Colon Cancer Podcast .

How does someone go from the best day of their life to the worst in under 12 hours? Dr. Tom Marsilje knows. In June, 2012 he was recognized for his work, co-discovering a drug for lung cancer. Hours later a colonoscopy revealed he had colon cancer. During our conversation, Tom discusses his journey. He talks […] The post Fighting Colorectal Cancer as a Patient and Researcher, With Dr. Tom Marsilje...