This is Cancer

When Byron was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he underwent surgery to have it removed. But when doctors noticed his PSA levels were still rising following the procedure, they offered him access to an open clinical trial. Byron shares his experiences from the 6-month trial along with his Washington University radiation oncologist Lannis Hall, MD. From upsides, to side effects, Byron and Dr. Hall use his story to illustrate the benefits of clinical trials, and how each trial's research furthers our understanding and potential cures for cancer. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/research/learn-about-clinical-trials/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/clinical-trials/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/clinical-trials/?path=gu-bladder-kidney-prostate-testicular-prostate https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/treatments/radiation-therapy-for-prostate-cancer/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/treatments/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/about/dei/

In January of his senior year, Thomas was stretching and noticed a painless bump on the back of his hamstring. The 3-sport athlete thought nothing of it. But by the spring, the lump had grown to the size of a baseball. Thomas was immediately directed to Siteman kids where Washington University pediatric oncologist, Dr. Amy Armstrong, confirmed the mass was a sarcoma. Listen as Thomas, his mom Amelia, and Dr. Armstrong describe the long, intense treatment plan that delayed his plans for college football, and the mental grit it took to return to the sport he loved. Thomas also shares the advice he has for other young athletes. After a diagnosis, every Siteman patient and their medical team develops a treatment plan, and every treatment plan becomes as unique as the patient it supports. Chuck learned how to tailor a treatment plan firsthand as he acted as a caregiver to his son, and again when he faced a cancer diagnosis himself. In this episode, Chuck shares his experience alongside Tate Rondot, Siteman’s Manager of Support Services. Both are involved in Siteman’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a group dedicated to helping every patient create the plan they need during their cancer care. They offer considerations and resources that personalize patients’ treatment from diagnosis to hospice and every stage in between. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/sarcoma/ https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/childhood-cancer-survivorship-program https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/oncology-services/proton-beam-therapy https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/childhood-cancers/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/kids/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/armstong-amy/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/sarcoma/

After a diagnosis, every Siteman patient and their medical team develops a treatment plan, and every treatment plan becomes as unique as the patient it supports. Chuck learned how to tailor a treatment plan firsthand as he acted as a caregiver to his son, and again when he faced a cancer diagnosis himself. In this episode, Chuck shares his experience alongside Tate Rondot, Siteman’s Manager of Support Services. Both are involved in Siteman’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a group dedicated to helping every patient create the plan they need during their cancer care. They offer considerations and resources that personalize patients’ treatment from diagnosis to hospice and every stage in between. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/about/committees/patient-and-family-advisory-committee-pfac/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/brain-tumor-center/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/

Cancer throws a lot of challenges - physical and mental - at patients. It can impact many areas of life, whether it’s deciding if or how to tell loved ones, how to navigate relationship changes or even dealing with depression or anxiety. Licensed clinical psychologist Jessica Vanderlan, PhD, returns to the show to discuss these effects and how to boost mental and emotional well-being. The head of psychological counseling at Siteman Cancer Center, she emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health and offers insight and hope for patients and family members alike. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping.html https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/

In Part 2 of our Season 2 premiere we hear from Chelsea, who was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer at age 37. She talks about why the one treatment she didn’t want – five months of chemotherapy before undergoing her mastectomy – became her only option. Chelsea also reflects on how daily life as a mom of three became much more difficult. She reached her lowest point but pulled through with support from family and friends. Washington University breast surgeon Katherine Glover-Collins, MD, PhD, and Washington University plastic surgeon Terence Myckatyn, MD, join to explain why Chelsea’s treatment plan required aggressive chemotherapy, and the strategy behind her reconstructive surgery. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/8-ways/8-ways-to-prevent-breast-cancer/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/patient-stories/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/virtual-support-services/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-approach/chemotherapy/scalp-cooling/

Siteman Cancer Center patient, Cheryl, shares the motivation that helped her endure three separate cancer diagnoses, a stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy. Her Washington University medical oncologist, Amanda Cashen, MD, joins to explain the scientific advancements that saved Cheryl’s life and allowed Cheryl to hold her first grandchild. Dr. Cashen also highlights new positive trends in treating all blood cancers. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/stem-cell-transplant-and-cellular-therapies-center/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/lymphoma/

“If I can save one man’s life, I’ll have done my job.” In this episode, Kevin, prostate cancer survivor, talks about his crusade to save lives through awareness, with Washington University surgeon and urologist Arnold Bullock, MD, and Washington University medical oncologist Russell Pachynski, MD. They talk openly about a topic that many men find taboo to dispel myths and lay out facts about the No. 2 cause of cancer deaths among men. “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO. For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/our-approach/ https://getscreenednow.com/prostate-cancer/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/for-your-health-understanding-prostate-cancer-screening-and-prevention/