This is Cancer

Courtney didn’t just navigate breast cancer treatment — she documented her journey to help other patients know what to expect. From undergoing treatment to finding support and asking questions, she offers an honest look at life during breast cancer care. Joined by her WashU Medicine medical oncologist, John Visconti, DO, she discusses the importance of patient education, a strong care team and sharing personal experiences to help others facing a breast cancer diagnosis feel more informed and less alone — and how she is paying it forward.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

When blood work on their infant daughter, Wyatt, showed she needed emergency care, Morgan and John traveled 120 miles to save her life. The two parents recount the early days navigating the unknown and the complex needs that WashU Medicine pediatric oncologist Margaret A. Ferris, MD, PhD, of Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital, met and exceeded. With a rare KMT2A gene rearrangement, a diagnosis that only 100 kids in the world get each year, the family found Siteman Kids was the single best place for her specialty care. Dr. Ferris, along with John and Morgan, discuss their hope for remission after a transplant and dreams for the future.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

Travis, a patient with metastatic bladder cancer, has discovered new meaning in life since learning his cancer was incurable. The 50-year-old shares a perspective that left hosts Laura and Patrick speechless — and nearly everyone in tears. Travis credits his WashU Medicine oncologist, Melissa Reimers, MD, for focusing on his treatment so he can focus on “living his best life” — including by dressing up as Santa to bring joy to kids diagnosed with cancer. Travis and Dr. Reimers’  uplifting relationship and Travis’s unique approach to the season remind us of the unexpected gifts found even during life’s most challenging times.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.   For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to: www.UncleTravisSantaClaus.com

Join us as we sit down with three leading experts from Siteman Cancer Center: a breast surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a breast imaging radiologist. Together, they reveal the cutting-edge advancements in breast cancer detection and treatment—straight from the front lines of research and patient care.   From groundbreaking imaging technologies and recommendations on assessing a woman’s risk to surgical techniques and therapies, learn what’s changing in breast cancer care and what is on the horizon.    “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, 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/visiting/patient-and-family-services/empoweringmbc/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/metastatic-breast-cancer-support-group/  https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/mammography/locations/mammography-van/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/mammography/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/clinical-trials/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/ydr/

It’s hard not to compare Jenna’s life story to a novel. At age 15, she and her world were upended by lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. As words like biopsy, chemo and radiation therapy became daily realities, her high school sweetheart, Colton, remained steadfast at her side, and her mother, Theresa, meticulously advocated for her care. Even after a relapse, Jenna was inspired by her  oncology team at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to stay the course.   Motivated by her care providers, Jenna later pursued a career of her own in nursing, married Colton and, after giving birth to a daughter and a son, became a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – again inspired by the care providers in her life. This episode features Jenna alongside her mother, Theresa, her WashU Medicine pediatric oncologist, David Wilson, MD, and nurse practitioner Debra Spoljaric, RN, MSNP, who leads Siteman Cancer Center’s Lifelong Outcomes Clinic for survivors of childhood cancer. Jenna shares examples of courage, resilience and love — and the promise of a storybook ending.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, 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/patients/ https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/oncology-services/why-choose-us https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/ https://fertility.wustl.edu/treatments-services/integrated-care-fertility-preservation-progra m/ https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/oncology-services/proton-beam-therapy https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/oncology-services/cancer-support

When you're diagnosed with cancer, everything changes — except your kids still need dinner, stories, clean clothes and someone to kiss them goodnight. In this episode, Faith shares how she and her husband navigated her stage 4 cancer diagnosis while raising two young daughters. With support from her care team and community, they worked to keep routines steady, emotions honest, and hope alive. Joined by WashU Medicine gynecologic oncologist Andrea Hagemann, MD, and WashU Medicine clinical psychologist Amaris Tippey, PhD, we explore the emotional toll of parenting through illness, the power of honest conversations with kids, and how love, support and boundaries can carry a family through the unimaginable. This is an episode about resilience, community and the kind of strength that grows in the hardest places.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, 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/patients/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/social-work-services/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/support-groups-at-siteman/

At 31, Colin was healthy and active — until a sudden cough and trouble breathing led to a diagnosis that would change everything: a rare form of cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Having faced a grueling regimen of cancer treatment, Colin opens up about the harsh realities of side effects. Brain fog, nausea, weakness, smell sensitivity —side effects  impacted every aspect of life.  WashU Medicine medical oncologist Armin Ghobadi, MD, who has personally invested in researching and developing new treatments for blood cancers, joins the conversation. He offers expert insight into the challenges of intensive cancer treatments and how patients need to speak up about their symptoms so their team can navigate it with them. Together, they aim to bring hope, reassurance and practical advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed or worn down on their own path through cancer treatment.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, 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/patients/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/treatments/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/stem-cell-transplant-and-cellular-therapies-center/   Episode 18: Mind over Cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upUUDxVcRfs&list=PLAvCzAIAfHmEnRXa3ov9K1gdC8_tLJrRE&index=32 Bonus Episode: Differentiating Leukemia and Lymphoma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KV5dkOGo1s&list=PLAvCzAIAfHmEnRXa3ov9K1gdC8_tLJrRE&index=47

Humor, silence, avoidance and isolation — each is a common response to a cancer diagnosis. But these traits, particularly common in men, can harm their mental health as they fight the disease. This episode thoughtfully explores the experiences of co-host Patrick, two-time cancer survivor Mellve and other men who have shared their stories on our podcast. Wash U Medicine clinical psychologist David Morris, PhD, highlights starting points to identify emotions and self-regulate, as well as other beneficial mental health practices. Together we confront the cultural norms that urge men to bottle things up and discuss how opening up becomes a strength.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, 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/patients/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/ydr/

After Dean first had a melanoma removed from his leg, he thought his cancer story was over. But when it returned and spread, everything changed. With the help of his WashU Medicine medical oncologist Alice Zhou, MD, PhD, and groundbreaking immunotherapy, Dean fought through life-threatening side effects — and won. Now healthy and in remission, Dean shares his journey of resilience, the lessons he learned about sun care, and why awareness matters more than ever this Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.   “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/doctor/zhou-alice/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/skin/ https://getscreenednow.com/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/ncipdq/skin-cancer-screening-pdq-patient-version/

At 49, Jeremy never imagined testicular cancer — but experiencing sharp pain sent him to the doctor, and a Stage 3 diagnosis prompted him to change providers and go to Siteman. He and his wife, Robyn, open up about the grueling treatment journey, the tough side effects, and how WashU Medicine oncologist Dr. John Visconti adapted care to keep Jeremy on track. Dr. Visconti also shares a simple way every man can take charge of his testicular health.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, 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/testicular/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/visconti-john/ https://getscreenednow.com/