Leukemia Survivor on Stem Cell Transplant, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Rebuilding Life After Cancer

Rich — a leukemia survivor, nurse practitioner, and longtime oncology clinician — to talk about what it’s really like to survive cancer, rebuild your life after treatment, and live with long-term side effects.Rich was diagnosed with leukemia at age 28, underwent an allogeneic stem cell transplant at Dana-Farber / Brigham and Women’s, and is now a 29-year survivor. His experience as both a patient and provider offers a rare, honest look at cancer survivorship, prostate cancer side effects, sexual health, mental health, and post-traumatic growth.In this conversation, we cover:What it’s like to be told you have leukemia in your 20sStem cell transplant and long-term survivalTurning cancer into purpose and becoming an oncology NPCommon prostate cancer side effects (urination, bowel changes, erectile dysfunction)How doctors actually manage these symptomsSexual health after cancer treatmentMental health, grief, and post-traumatic growthHow to rebuild your life after active treatmentThis episode is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone navigating life after a cancer diagnosis.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube🔔 Subscribe for evidence-based cancer care and survivor stories00:00 Life gets hard — and it gets better01:00 Meeting Rich02:50 Diagnosed with leukemia at 2805:30 Stem cell transplant & early treatment reality07:20 Complications and emotional toll08:40 Discovering purpose in oncology care10:45 From patient to nurse practitioner13:00 Building virtual survivorship care16:50 Prostate cancer side effects overview17:45 Urinary problems after radiation21:20 Blood in urine & stool — when to worry23:50 Erectile dysfunction after treatment26:30 Medications & men’s health options28:50 Emotional impact of sexual side effects31:00 Quality of life vs quantity of life32:10 Post-traumatic growth33:00 Marriage, fertility, and family after cancer36:00 Advice for rebuilding life after treatment38:30 Final thoughts & hope🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell.Connect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.