Cancer Covered

In this episode of Cancer Covered, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Judy Tjoe and nurse practitioner Mikayla Petzke continue their conversation about what patients can expect after surgery and how team-based care helps patients feel supported every step of the way. They explain how preparation before surgery improves recovery afterward, how simple tools like support garments and heart-shaped pillows make a real difference and why ongoing follow-up care remains essential long after treatment ends. “All patients that come through our doors are always going to be taken care of. We don’t believe in abandonment. I promise that I will be with you every step of the way.”— Mikayla Petzke, NP On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: What patients can expect in the first hours and days after breast cancer surgery How surgical teams help manage postoperative discomfort at home Why axillary support pillows can significantly reduce underarm pain after lymph node procedures How emotional support continues after surgery, even when treatment milestones are complete What the advanced practice provider role looks like before, during and after surgery How team-based care improves communication, efficiency and patient confidence Why survivorship care continues long after surgery is finished How ongoing access to your surgical team helps patients feel supported through recovery and beyond We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Advanced practice providers play an essential role in helping patients move from diagnosis to treatment with clarity and support. In this episode of Cancer Covered, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Judy Tjoe and nurse practitioner Mikayla Petzke of Green Bay Oncology explain how they work together to guide patients through the early stages of a breast cancer diagnosis and surgical decision-making, helping patients understand their options, process complex information and feel supported from the first phone call through survivorship care. “Our goal is to minimize the amount of time that the patient feels alone to navigate this new cancer diagnosis.”— Dr. Judy Tjoe On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: How a breast surgical oncologist and nurse practitioner partner to support patients from diagnosis through surgery and follow-up care Why early outreach after diagnosis helps patients feel more confident and prepared for their first consultation How informed shared decision making helps patients choose between surgical options that are medically equivalent What role support people play during consultations and why they’re included from the very beginning How advanced practice providers can help patients process information and questions after the surgeon leaves the room Mikayla and Dr. Tjoe bring up the illustrations that Dr. Tjoe does with patients to help explain their cancer diagnosis and what it means for their treatment options. Here are some real examples of what those illustrations look like: If you liked learning about how Dr. Tjoe and Mikayla work together in caring for breast cancer patients, you may also like: Patient story: “A 15 Out of 10”: Judy’s Breast Cancer Journey with Dr. Judy Tjoe Podcast: Dr. Judy Tjoe on Breast Cancer Treatment Innovations and Patient Care We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Chemotherapy is one of the most recognized and most feared cancer treatments. In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Edgard Badine, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Matthew Ryan of Green Bay Oncology unpack one of the most common concerns patients share after a diagnosis: is chemotherapy worse than the cancer itself? Together, they explain how modern chemotherapy has changed, why supportive care has dramatically improved the patient experience, and how treatment decisions today are highly personalized to balance effectiveness with quality of life. “With appropriate use of treatment and supportive care, the quality of life is actually better on treatment than just letting an advanced cancer grow unchecked.”— Dr. Matthew Ryan On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: Why fears about chemotherapy are often shaped by outdated experiences from decades ago How modern anti-nausea medications, dosing strategies, and supportive care have transformed treatment The difference between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies and why patients sometimes group them together How oncologists personalize treatment plans based on cancer type, genetics, and patient priorities Why saying no to chemotherapy can sometimes be the right medical decision and how doctors help patients weigh that choice thoughtfully We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Dr. Edgard Badine, Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Matthew Ryan of Green Bay Oncology unpack one of the most common fears patients face after a cancer diagnosis: Is this a death sentence? The physicians discuss why that perception still lingers and how advances in screening, treatment and supportive care have changed what a cancer diagnosis often means today. They also explain how oncologists guide patients through the uncertainty of early visits and why reframing the conversation from fear of death to understanding the plan can help restore a sense of control. “Maybe it ends in death. But that applies to many diseases. The real question becomes: what’s the plan, and what are we hoping for?”— Dr. Edgard Badine On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: Why the “death sentence” myth persists: How experiences from the 1970s and 1980s—and portrayals in media—continue to shape public perception of cancer today. How cancer outcomes have improved: From early detection and better imaging to targeted therapies and immunotherapy, physicians discuss the advances that have significantly lowered cancer mortality. Why statistics can be misleading: Doctors explain how survival numbers are averages, why they often lag behind current treatments, and how patients should interpret them. What better questions patients can ask: Instead of focusing only on mortality, asking about treatment options, quality of life, and the plan moving forward. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on one of the earliest eras of bone marrow transplantation through the eyes of both patient and physician. Dr. Merkel recounts his leukemia diagnosis at age 18, the reality of informed consent, and the life-or-death decisions that shaped not only his survival, but his future as a scientist and educator. Together, the group explores how transplantation has evolved—from isolation wards and experimental protocols to outpatient care, clearer communication, and a deeper understanding of the human experience of treatment. “I was prepared to die. I really was. But I was determined to live and to do what was necessary for my part to make that happen.”— Dr. Brian Merkel On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: What “informed consent” really means: Why understanding risk intellectually is different from living through it—and why family conferences can be one of the hardest parts of the transplant process. How communication reduces fear: The physicians discuss how explaining why treatments are given—using stories, analogies, and repetition—can significantly lower patient anxiety. The role of trust and self-advocacy: From choosing a transplant center to speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, patient confidence and agency matter. How transplantation shaped modern cancer care: Early transplant research laid the groundwork for today’s cellular therapies, including CAR-T, and continues to influence the future of oncology. This episode is the final of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here: Part 1: A History of Stem Cell Transplantation Part 2: The Leukemia Patient Experience

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Together, they discuss how the patient experience of leukemia treatment has changed—and where it’s headed. From the psychological toll of isolation to the groundbreaking role of artificial intelligence in drug design, this conversation explores how clear communication, family support, and scientific persistence are giving new hope to patients and their families. “Transplantation is a family affair. It is not something that patients go and do by themselves. It involves everyone, and it is getting safer and safer.”— Dr. Fred Appelbaum On this episode of Cancer Covered, you will learn: Why patients can feel isolated: Many patients, especially young adults, experience emotional isolation during treatment. The doctors discuss why this happens and how families can help close that gap. The importance of self-advocacy: Patients are encouraged to ask questions, speak up, and act as their own advocates so they feel informed and comfortable at every stage of care. How doctors communicate complex information: Physicians often rely on analogies and repeated explanations—what they call “continuous education”—to help patients absorb difficult information during stressful moments. What’s next in cellular therapy: Transplant research laid the foundation for CAR-T cell therapy. Today, artificial intelligence is being used to design new drugs that may one day cure autoimmune diseases—and even HIV. This episode is the second of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here: Part 1: A History of Stem Cell Transplantation Part 3: From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on the bold and uncertain early days of stem cell transplantation and how that work reshaped the treatment of leukemia. From experimental procedures in the 1970s to today’s highly refined transplant and cellular therapies, this conversation traces how risk, collaboration, and perseverance laid the foundation for modern cancer care. “Whoever saves a life, saves the world. And when you sit with a patient, you have to remember that you could just as easily be on the other side of the table.” ~ Dr. Fred Appelbaum On this episode of Cancer Covered, you will learn: How stem cell transplantation began: What leukemia treatment looked like in the early 1980s, why early transplant attempts were considered radical, and how researchers pushed forward despite skepticism and failure. From last resort to standard of care: How advances in supportive care, donor matching, and clinical trials transformed transplantation from an experimental gamble into a life-saving option for many patients. The human ripple effect of innovation: How Dr. Brian Merkel’s own experience as a teenage transplant patient led him to a career in science and teaching, and how survivorship continues to shape future generations of physicians and researchers. Collaboration that changed medicine: Why breakthroughs in transplantation required not just oncologists, but infectious disease specialists, researchers, patients, and families working together over decades. Ethics, empathy, and trust: How physicians navigate risk, hope, and informed consent when treatments are complex, demanding, and deeply personal. This episode is the first of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here: Part 2: The Leukemia Patient Experience Part 3: From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Harsha Poola discusses his journey from a small town in southern India to joining Green Bay Oncology. He shares how witnessing his parents’ dedication to their patients and his own family’s experience with a cancer diagnosis shaped his holistic, patient-centered approach to medicine. “I strongly believe that the paternalistic approach to medicine is no longer valid. The days of a doctor telling you what to do and what not to do are not entirely appropriate anymore. I strongly believe in being a partner to my patients.” ~ Dr. Harsha Poola On this episode of “Cancer Covered,” you will learn: A legacy of care: How growing up as the son of two physicians in India inspired a lifelong commitment to medicine and the importance of being an “extended part” of a patient’s family. The “cheerleader” philosophy: Why Poola views himself as a partner and advocate rather than just a prescriber, emphasizing a collaborative process that factors in a patient’s values, goals and existing medical conditions. The impact of immunotherapy: An exploration of how modern advancements are changing outcomes for patients, while acknowledging the complexity of managing side effects and autoimmune considerations. Beyond the white coat: A look at Poola’s life outside the clinic, from his childhood admiration for Michael Jordan to his “off the beaten path” family adventures hiking Machu Picchu and exploring the Bolivian salt flats. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Medical oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Kamal Abbi discuss how to bridge the gap between finishing treatment and finding a new normal. They dive into the overlooked complexities of survivorship, exploring how the end of clinical care often marks the beginning of a different, more personal battle with anxiety, physical recovery, and the shifting identity of life after a diagnosis. “We can sometimes get people to that spot where they don’t actually look at cancer as having been a bad thing for them. They may actually live longer and live better after cancer because they’ve made better health choices and better lifestyle choices moving forward with their life.” – Dr. Brian Burnette On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The survivorship cliff: An honest look at the transition from active treatment to surveillance, why it can be an anxiety-provoking state for patients and how the care team works to ensure no one feels abandoned. Reframing the fear of recurrence: Dr. Burnette and Dr. Abbi discuss how they manage the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” mentality by providing realistic contexts for recurrence and treating cancer as a manageable chronic disease. Addressing the unmet needs: A candid discussion on the physical recovery process, including often-taboo topics like sexual health, intimacy, and the importance of clinical trials like GEM-S and FoRtitude in enhancing long-term quality of life. The power of perspective: How a diagnosis often leads to a refocusing of priorities, where patients may find themselves living more intentionally and happily than before their diagnosis. Helpful links Clinical trials exploring ways to improve cancer survivorship: Geriatric Evaluation and Management With Survivorship Health Education for Older Survivors of Cancer, GEM-S Trial (GEM-S) A Targeted Electronic Health Approach to Reduce Fear of Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors (FoRtitude) (FoRtitude) E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living After Breast Cancer (HEAL-ABC) LIVESTRONG at the YMCA We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Social worker Tom Bekkers joins oncologists Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Michael Guiou to peel back the curtain on the emotional weight of cancer care. They explore how the care team supports not only the patients and their families, but also one another, through the most difficult moments of the journey. “Acknowledging that…it takes a special person to work with patients day in and day out… making that an open time or giving them the free time to come and talk… It’s okay to come and share it.” – Tom Bekkers On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The Emotional Weight of Caregiving: An inside look at how doctors and social workers process loss, manage “compassion fatigue,” and the importance of clinical debriefings to ensure the team can continue providing high-quality care. The Provider’s Evolution: Dr. Groteluschen and Dr. Guiou reflect on how their perspective on life and death has matured over time, moving from a feeling of “failure” at a patient’s passing to a focus on providing peace and quality of life. The Importance of Perspective: How working on the front lines of oncology shifts the providers’ personal outlooks, fostering deep gratitude and a commitment to honest communication regarding the goals of care. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

A cancer diagnosis is more than physical; it requires sufficient nourishment to support the body through treatment and recovery. In this episode, Clinical Dietician Maddi Mleziva joins Oncologist Dr. David Groteluschen to discuss the alarming rate of food insecurity among cancer patients and the collaborative strategies the care team uses to ensure access to vital nutrition. “ Your calorie needs increase pretty significantly with treatment, and that goes in part with the cachexia. Your cells are eating up calories a lot faster because the cancer cells are eating up calories.” – Maddi Mleziva On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The Alarming Reality: Why cancer patients face a significantly higher risk of food insecurity (up to 55%), driven by the staggering economic and social burdens, including the high cost of treatment and potential loss of income. The Nutritional Impact on Treatment: How lack of consistent, nutritious food impairs a patient’s ability to tolerate and recover from treatment, increasing the risk of chemotherapy delays and life-threatening infections due to severe weight loss, or cachexia. Calories Over Perfection: The clinical approach to maximizing a patient’s caloric intake—even with less nutritionally ideal foods like ice cream—when nausea and loss of appetite make eating a challenge, and the importance of families reducing pressure on patients to eat. The Power of Collaboration: How the oncology team—physicians, dieticians, and social workers—collaborate to identify high-risk patients and provide expert, often free, dietary counseling and support, including managing specialized nutritional needs like feeding tubes. Essential Community Resources: A detailed look at the local resources available in Northeast Wisconsin, including food pantries, government aid like SNAP/EBT, Meals on Wheels, and holiday meal programs, all designed to alleviate the emotional and financial burden of food insecurity. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

A cancer diagnosis is more than physical; it touches every part of a patient’s life. In this vital episode of Cancer Covered, social worker Tom Bekkers joins oncologists Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Michael Guiou to discuss the indispensable role of social work in providing comprehensive support for patients and families navigating the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer care. “We address the emotional and psychosocial aspects… Just trying to help give them a chance to feel what they’re feeling and give ‘em permission to experience whatever they’re feeling.” – Tom Bekkers On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The Evolving Role of Emotional Support: How the social worker’s focus shifts across the cancer journey, from dealing with shock and fear at diagnosis, to managing daily challenges during treatment, and finally to addressing goals of care at end-of-life. Why Social Work is Vital for Physicians: The oncologists’ perspective on how social workers enhance care by managing the non-medical side of the equation—including family issues and accessing community resources—which is crucial for treatment success. Control Through Planning: The value of establishing Advanced Directives early, acting as a roadmap for care that ensures a patient’s wishes are known and honored, especially regarding quality of life goals. Community and Hope: The therapeutic benefits of cancer support groups, which break down isolation and offer powerful hope when patients connect with long-term survivors. Navigating Financial Roadblocks: How the care team connects patients with resources to address overwhelming financial anxiety—from insurance concerns and co-pays to transportation needs and month-to-month living expenses. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this episode we cover burn pit exposure and cancer that affects many veterans. Medical Oncologist Dr. Tony Jaslowski and Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Kell Bales discuss the health crisis stemming from military burn pits and the landmark legislation designed to help. The guests break down the extensive use of open-air burn pits used to dispose of everything from trash and fuel to chemicals and medical waste and the subsequent illnesses years later. They then detail the passing of the PACT Act in 2022, a law that significantly expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to these toxic substances, explaining what the “presumptive conditions” list means for getting care and why it is critical for veterans, even those who are hesitant, to file a claim. “If you’re not gonna do it for yourself, please consider doing it for your family, for your spouse, for your kids. ‘Cause certain benefit levels will open up new opportunities.” – Kell Bales On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: What the inhalation of burn pit smoke and its complex mix of toxins does to the body over time, and the cancers and respiratory illnesses (like lymphomas, kidney cancer, and COPD) believed to be connected. How the PACT Act created “presumptive conditions,” meaning the VA presumes a connection between a diagnosis and service in a burn pit area, simplifying the claims process for veterans. How veterans can enroll in the Burn Pit Registry and VA healthcare, and the difference between receiving care directly from the VA versus through the Community Care program with a local oncologist. Why many veterans are hesitant to file for benefits, and the critical role of the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) in providing free, expert assistance to ensure veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned. How increased documentation and studies spurred by the PACT Act may shape future research and lead to a deeper biological understanding of these cancers, potentially improving treatments. Helpful links to learn more: The PACT Act and your VA benefits: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp VA Health Care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/ Find your local VSO Wisconsin: https://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso-tvso/ Michigan: michigan.gov/mvaa/county-filter-search-locations Nationwide: https://www.nacvso.org/county-veterans-service-officers We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In the second part of our interview, Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, moves the focus from his battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 1984 to his life as a survivor and educator. After beating the disease with a bone marrow transplant, Dr. Merkel now inspires and mentors the next generation of doctors and scientists, committed to paying that gift forward. He is joined again by Green Bay Oncology’s Dr. Brian Burnette and his former student, Dr. Evan Wenig. They discuss this story and how survival shapes a career in education and cancer care. “ Success for me is seeing those students reach those goals, get into those programs, and then it’s even better when they come back to the community.” – Dr. Brian Merkel On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The inspiration Dr. Merkel takes from his experience to be a “cheerleader” for medical students, helping them manage the pressure and maintain balance in a difficult curriculum. The essential role of teachers and education at all levels from elementary school to medical school, in training the next generation of physicians and advancing the field of oncology. A reflection on how the human element of his story, and all patient stories, serves as a powerful reminder to his former student, Dr. Wenig, of why he chose a career in medicine. Dr. Merkel’s open offer to be a source of inspiration for current patients, demonstrating the power of connecting survivors with those currently undergoing a cancer journey. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this episode, Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, shares the deeply personal story of surviving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 1984. Despite a 10% chance of survival, he overcame the disease through a bone marrow transplant, an emerging treatment at the time. Now, he dedicates his life to teaching and mentoring the next generation of doctors and scientists. Joining him are Green Bay Oncology’s Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Evan Wenig, a former student of Dr. Merkel’s. “…that miracle is never lost on me because every day I have a chance on multiple occasions to pay that gift forward.” – Dr. Brian Merkel On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: Dr. Merkel’s harrowing cancer journey, from his initial diagnosis as a high school senior in 1984 to undergoing a bone marrow transplant during the infancy of the procedure. The psychological and emotional toll of surviving a severe illness and the process of reintegrating into life, including the surprising challenge of simply being asked, “How are you feeling?” How Dr. Merkel channeled his survival trauma into a decades-long passion for teaching, mentorship, and inspiring students to pursue careers in medicine and science. The profound impact of Dr. Merkel’s teaching philosophy, which focuses on getting students to “realize their value,” as discussed with his former student, Dr. Evan Wenig. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this episode, Green Bay Oncology’s financial counselors, Jordan Karwedsky and Anne Baumgart, break down how Medicare covers cancer treatments. They share practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of the system, avoid unexpected costs, and access financial assistance. “Ask for help early. Don’t let it get outta control. And don’t forget if there’s financial counselors available, we’re always here to help.” – Jordan Karwedsky and Anne Baumgart On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The different parts of Medicare such as what Parts A, B, C, and D mean for patients and how they relate to cancer care. The difference between a Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicare Part B with a supplemental plan, and what this means for out-of-pocket costs. Practical tips for navigating Medicare, securing financial assistance, and preparing for the costs of cancer treatment, whether you are on a fixed income or not. Advice on how to avoid denied claims and unexpected costs by working with financial counselors and a trusted insurance agent. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Medical oncologists Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Brian Burnette discuss BiTE therapy, a groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment for various cancers. They explain how this therapy works by harnessing the body’s own immune system, its rapid evolution, and who is eligible for treatment. “We’re at the tip of the iceberg… moving a non-curable but manageable disease to a curable disease with a time-limited, not indefinite treatment.” – Dr. Brian Burnette In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: This bispecific T-cell engaging antibody therapy acts like a magnet, bringing the body’s own “killer T-cells” into direct contact with cancer cells to destroy them. This targeted treatment is showing remarkable results, with the potential to turn previously incurable cancers into curable diseases. Green Bay Oncology is committed to bringing this life-changing treatment to communities across the region, so patients don’t have to travel to distant centers. What a newly diagnosed patient should ask their oncologist about BiTE therapy and clinical trials. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Guiou and medical oncologists Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Matthew Ryan discuss Pluvicto, an innovative radiopharmaceutical treatment for advanced prostate cancer. They explain how this therapy uses a targeted approach to deliver radiation from the inside out, who is eligible for the treatment, and what patients can expect.  “With external beam radiation, you’re limited in what you can treat… with Pluvicto, you can have things in your pelvis and your chest and your arm and your leg. You can treat all those.” – Dr. Michael Guiou  In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:  Pluvicto is a targeted therapy that delivers a low-traveling dose of radiation directly to prostate cancer cells throughout the body, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.  This therapy is used for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and its recent FDA approval has expanded its availability to more patients.  While not a cure, Pluvicto has shown significant effectiveness in controlling the disease and improving quality of life, with two-thirds of patients seeing some form of benefit.  The treatment is generally well-tolerated by most patients and often has fewer side effects than chemotherapy.  Patients who receive Pluvicto must take temporary safety precautions for a few days after treatment to limit radiation exposure to others.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Radiation oncologists Dr. Michael Guiou and Dr. Alex Coffman discuss why patients with left-sided breast cancer face an increased risk of heart disease due to the proximity of the heart to the tumor. They explain how historical advancements in radiation technology initially led to higher doses reaching the heart and detail the modern techniques now used to mitigate this risk.   “You don’t want to cure their cancer, but increase their risk of having a heart attack later on in life.” – Dr. Michael Guiou  In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:  The primary reason left-sided breast cancer patients are at higher risk is the heart’s position on the left side of the chest, which makes it more susceptible to radiation exposure.  Advancements in radiation therapy in the 1960s, while improving deep-body targeting, also unintentionally increased the radiation dose to the heart.  Modern techniques like deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), prone positioning, and advanced planning are used to keep radiation away from the heart.  These modified treatments have significantly reduced the risk of heart disease for most patients.  Patients with pre-existing risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking or diabetes, are at an even higher risk, so it’s crucial to manage those factors.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this truly special Part 2 episode, we’re honored to continue our conversation with Vaughn Collicott, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran and cancer survivor. Having shared the remarkable first half of his life in our previous episode—from growing up in a covered wagon to navigating the London Blitz and the D-Day invasion—Vaughn now shifts his focus. Today, he delves into another significant battle he’s faced with the same steadfast spirit: his journey with multiple cancer diagnoses. He shares his incredible story of resilience, service, and courage with host Steve Slocum, Dr. Tony Jaslowski, and his granddaughter Gidget Peerenboom.  “I tell live as good as the clean life as you can. Don’t smoke, don’t drink. And have professional people for your eyes and your body have the best doctors that you can get.” – Vaughn Collicott  In this Part 2 episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:  Vaughn’s Battle with Cancer: Vaughn recounts his multiple cancer diagnoses, including prostate cancer in 2001, which required 39 radiation treatments for a successful cure, and bladder cancer, treated with two rounds of BCG. He shares the challenges and perseverance through these treatments.  Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The episode highlights Vaughn’s enduring spirit, exemplified by his ability to overcome significant health challenges, including a burst appendix in his seventies where he still managed to drive himself to the hospital initially.  Reflections on D-Day’s 80th Anniversary: Vaughn shares his emotional return to Utah Beach for the D-Day 80th anniversary, where he revisited the site where the USS Meredith was sunk and reflected on the countless lives saved by disabling the German bunker.  Life Advice from a Centenarian: Vaughn imparts wisdom on living a “clean life,” avoiding smoking and drinking, and seeking the best professional medical care for one’s body.  An Unexpected Celebrity Encounter: Vaughn details his experiences at the D-Day anniversary, including meeting President Biden, Nancy Pelosi, a four-star admiral, and even Steven Spielberg, with whom he and his granddaughter, Gidget, got a picture.  Continued Adventures: Despite his age, Vaughn continues to travel, including trips to the Dallas Cowboys stadium, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and participation as a grand marshal in the National Memorial Day parade in Washington D.C., all facilitated by American Airlines’ special program for veterans.  Facing New Challenges: The episode concludes with Vaughn revealing his recent lung cancer diagnosis, which he plans to tackle with the same proactive and resilient attitude he has demonstrated throughout his extraordinary life.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this truly special episode, we’re honored to feature Vaughn Collicott, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran and cancer survivor. Vaughn’s life story spans some of history’s most pivotal moments, from spending his first year of life in a covered wagon to navigating the London Blitz and the D-Day invasion. He shares his incredible journey of resilience, service, and courage with host Steve Slocum, Dr. Tony Jaslowski and his granddaughter Gidget Peerenboom.  “I’ve been a lucky person all my life. Fortunate? Yeah. Playing bingo even, I’ve been lucky. I won big money three times.” – Vaughn Collicott  In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:  Vaughn’s early life, including growing up in Walworth County, Wisconsin, surviving a near-fatal tonsillectomy at age seven, and learning to drive and play golf with a remarkable older neighbor.  His decision to join the Navy in 1942 and his first experiences at sea, including surviving rough Atlantic voyages without ever getting seasick.  His harrowing accounts of wartime travel, from sailing the Thames River into London and experiencing the Blitz, to enduring constant threats from German U-boats in massive convoys.  His critical role on the USS Meredith during the Normandy invasion, including his precise actions as a Fire Controlman and his vivid recollection of the ship being struck by a 2,000-pound bomb.  The raw and emotional details of surviving the USS Meredith’s sinking and the immediate aftermath, including witnessing horrific injuries and his eventual journey back to the U.S.  How he seamlessly transitioned from war zones to civilian life, painting hotels and working at General Motors, demonstrating his lifelong adaptability and “jack of all trades” mentality.  His final wartime service on the USS Lanier, transporting the first division of Marines to Japan as the initial occupation forces after the war’s end.  Join us for the first half of Vaughn’s unforgettable story, a testament to an extraordinary life lived through resilience, duty and sheer fortune. Be sure to tune in for Part 2, where Vaughn shares his experiences battling multiple cancer diagnoses with the same steadfast spirit.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Matthew Ryan and pediatric hematology/oncology social worker Emma Lehman, MSW, CAPSW, discuss the unique challenges that young adults face when transitioning from pediatric to adult cancer care. They share how the shift from a family-centered pediatric environment to a more independent adult setting can be emotionally and logistically daunting, highlighting the significant differences in care teams and support systems.  “Transitioning from pediatric to adult oncology care is tough because it’s more than just a medical shift; it’s an emotional and logistical one. Pediatric care offers significant wraparound support, while adult care expects more independence, which can be overwhelming for young adults.” – Emma Lehman  In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:  The biggest difference between pediatric and adult cancer care teams often lies in the presence of child life specialists in pediatric settings, who offer play, distraction, and creative ways for patients to cope with and process their experiences.  Young adults often miss the strong relationships they built with their pediatric care teams due to the more personalized and family-involved approach common in pediatric clinics.  Common barriers to a smooth transition include differences in health systems and medical records, as well as the challenge of establishing new relationships with the adult care team.  Best practices for a successful transition involve initiating discussions early, teaching self-advocacy skills, and promoting effective communication between pediatric and adult care teams through “warm handoffs.”  Empowering young adults in their new care environment involves encouragement, teaching them to lead appointments, and providing checklists to help them ask questions and understand answers.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this episode, Dr. Michael Guiou, a radiation oncologist, and Emma Lehman, a pediatric hematology/oncology social worker, dive into the unique challenges of facing cancer as a young adult. They discuss how treatment approaches are adapted, the long-term impacts young adults face, and the crucial support systems they need to navigate their diagnosis.  “They’re a population that doesn’t fit in. They’re not in the pediatric world. They’re not in the adult world, and oftentimes it even takes us a longer time to figure out they have cancer.” – Dr. Michael Guiou  In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:  Treatment approaches are uniquely adapted for young adults, with special consideration for long-term side effects like cardiovascular disease and fertility preservation.  Young adults are underrepresented in clinical trials, often due to the demands of their life stage and the emotional toll of their diagnosis.  Common misconceptions about cancer and its treatments persist, including the idea that cancer is a death sentence or that all treatments cause severe side effects.  Emotional and social challenges are significant for young adults with cancer, including fear for the future, isolation from peers, and a struggle to balance independence with the need for support.  Mental health support is as crucial as medical treatment for young adults, as it directly impacts their ability to adhere to treatment and overall recovery.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this episode, Dr. Michael Guiou, Dr. Matthew Ryan, and Dr. Kamal Abbi explore the key factors that impact the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. They emphasize the importance of patient advocacy, understanding treatment options, and the role of a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive and safe care.  “I always encourage patients to ask questions and advocate for themselves. I take much time to make sure that patients truly understand what they’re undergoing.” – Dr. Michael Guiou  In this episode of Cancer Covered:  Patient health significantly determines the safety of treatment and how well a patient can tolerate various therapies.  Genetics plays an increasingly vital role in treatment safety, as different patients metabolize drugs differently.  Social support is a crucial factor in how patients manage their treatment.   The approach to cancer treatment has evolved from “more is better” to “smarter is better.” Modern oncology focuses on matching treatments with the stage and risk of cancer.  An interdisciplinary team comprising oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social workers collaborates to create the safest and most effective treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs, comorbidities, and social circumstances.  We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Cancer diagnosis and treatment involve a complex array of tools and considerations, and understanding them can be crucial. In this episode, we discuss tumor markers and their vital role, as well as their limitations, in the field of oncology. We explore how these proteins, produced in excess by certain cancers, serve as valuable indicators for diagnosis and monitoring but also highlight the potential for false positives and the critical need to interpret them within a diagnosis. We cover the importance of compassionate care, the impact of testing on patient anxiety, and the ongoing challenge of integrating these powerful tools responsibly into comprehensive cancer care. “With tumor markers, you want to treat the patient as a whole and not just look at a number on a lab test.” ~Dr. Matthew Ryan In this episode of Cancer Covered: Tumor markers are proteins found in the blood and can be used by oncologists to diagnose certain cancers or monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment. While some cancers produce reliable tumor markers (e.g., PSA for prostate cancer), others do not, limiting their universal applicability. Tumor markers can be crucial in assessing cancer recurrence or determining the effectiveness of ongoing treatment. The episode highlights the importance of a holistic approach, emphasizing that tumor markers should always complement clinical assessments and imaging rather than be used in isolation. The discussion addresses the potential for false positives and the risk of misinterpretation when tumor markers are not considered within a broader clinical picture. The podcast also touches upon the impact of tumor marker testing on patient anxiety and the importance of understanding patients’ motivations for requesting these tests. Careful and considered application of tumor markers ensures effective and compassionate cancer care. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

The financial realities of a cancer diagnosis often come as a second shock, right after the words “you have cancer.” Insurance can be a maze at the best of times, and when treatments, tests, and ongoing care start to add up, understanding exactly how your coverage works becomes critical. In this episode, I sit down with Renee Lemens, President of Informed Choice Insurance Agency, and Jordan Karwedsky, financial counselor at Green Bay Oncology, to demystify the insurance world for cancer patients. Together, we break down the most important insurance concepts, discuss common hurdles, and offer practical strategies for managing costs throughout your treatment journey. Renee Lemens has more than 27 years of experience helping individuals and families across Wisconsin navigate their health insurance options with compassion and clarity. Renee, a trusted community resource, specializes in matching clients to plans that suit their medical needs and lifestyles, especially during major healthcare changes like a cancer diagnosis. Jordan Karwedsky is a financial counselor with Green Bay Oncology, guiding patients through the intricacies of insurance coverage, authorizations, and the many programs designed to ease out-of-pocket costs. Jordan’s experience lies in translating complex insurance jargon into actionable steps, ensuring patients understand their financial obligations and the assistance available to them. “If you have a really bad year for health…what is the most that you’re going to pay out of pocket for your care that year? That’s a really important number to know.” ~Renee Lemens Today on Cancer Covered: Know your insurance basics: Understand terms like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket limit. This is the true cap on your annual medical spending. Network matters: In-network and out-of-network care can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Always verify that your providers and oncologists are in network before starting treatment. HMO vs PPO vs EPO: The more freedom you have to choose providers (PPO), the higher your premium typically is. HMOs and EPOs are more restrictive but may cost less. Government programs: Medicare and Medicaid offer broad coverage but have distinct qualifications and network restrictions. Dual eligibility can open up more plan options but may also increase complexity. Resources for help: Independent insurance agents and financial counselors can clarify coverage, help you choose the best plan, and troubleshoot barriers during care. Supplemental coverage: Specified-disease policies (like cancer insurance) can help cover hidden costs that your main policy doesn’t, like travel, lost wages, or house cleaning. Financial assistance: Hospital programs, copay cards from drug manufacturers, and national foundations can help cover out-of-pocket costs for treatment and medication. Keep records: A simple binder to organize explanations of benefits and doctor bills and a log of appointments can save you time and stress when sorting out bills and insurance claims. Guest Contact Information Informed Choice Insurance Agency (Renee Lemens)Website: https://informedchoice.com Green Bay Oncology (Jordan Karwedsky)Website: https://gboncology.comFinancial counseling services are available via patient support at the clinic. Resources Mentioned Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org (comprehensive info on insurance and cancer, legal rights, and advocacy) Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Local county-based support for insurance and Medicaid navigation Copay assistance programs through drug manufacturers and national foundations (search by disease or medication) Medicare Marketplace and local agents for plan comparisons and enrollment guidance If you’re feeling lost in the insurance world, know it’s normal. There are people and resources ready to advocate for you. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, reaching out can lighten the load and help you focus on healing. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer treatment can be overwhelming—not just emotionally and physically, but financially as well. While insurance may cover much of the cost, significant expenses often fall to patients. In this episode, we talk with the team behind Navigating Hope, a financial counseling initiative at Green Bay Oncology that has helped save patients and care facilities millions. Jordan Karwedsky and Gretchen Van Dyck, two financial counselors on the front lines of this work, join Dr. Brian Burnette, an oncologist who often connects patients with these vital resources. Together, we explore how Navigating Hope transforms how patients handle the financial impact of cancer, how the program has evolved over the years, and the profound relief it offers patients at every stage of their journey. “It’s bonkers that other programs don’t have that… $17 million in savings in 2023 split maybe 50/50 between the hospital system and patients.” ~Dr. Brian Burnette Today on Cancer Covered: In 2023, Navigating Hope saved Green Bay Oncology patients and facilities over $17 million by using foundations, copay cards, and assistance from specialty pharmacies. The financial counseling program has grown from a single staff member to a team of eight full-time financial navigators, paralleling the practice’s growth and patient needs. Financial counselors proactively connect with all new patients, regardless of diagnosis, explaining insurance benefits and offering support from the very start. Navigating Hope can often eliminate out-of-pocket patient costs, providing immense relief and preventing financial catastrophe. The financial counseling team assists with in-state insurance navigation and helps patients across state lines, tackling especially complex scenarios for those living near borders. Providers and staff at Green Bay Oncology are quick to refer any insurance or billing questions directly to financial counselors, ensuring patients get immediate and accurate support. The presence of Navigating Hope dramatically reduces provider burnout by offloading the burden of prior authorizations and insurance wrangling, letting doctors focus on patient care. While programs like Navigating Hope remain rare, the team works to share its knowledge nationally and advocates for developing similar support systems elsewhere. Guest Contact Information: Green Bay Oncology: website For financial counseling or to learn more about Navigating Hope: Contact Green Bay Oncology or call the main office for referral to a financial counselor. Resources Mentioned: Copay assistance programs and foundations (local and national) ACCC (Association of Cancer Care Centers) for networking and best practices in financial navigation Good Faith Estimate (required by law for uninsured or self-pay patients) Advanced Beneficiary Notice (used by some large centers; discussed as a contrast to the local approach) We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

How do you know if your cancer is cured? In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us to explore this crucial question. We dive into the definitions of “cure” and “remission” and how they differ. Our discussion highlights how factors like age, cancer type, and treatment goals influence long-term outcomes and the personalized nature of cancer care. Dr. Brian Burnette, an expert oncologist, shares his insights into the complexities of cancer treatment. Dr. Tony Jaslowski, who brings his rich experience in oncology, discusses effective strategies for managing cancer. “Each cancer is unique, and the same cancer can have different approaches based on the patient’s age and priorities.” – Dr. Tony Jaslowski This week on Cancer Covered: The personal nature of defining cancer “cure” across different patient scenarios How age influences treatment decisions and outcomes in cancer care Discerning the difference between cure and remission in patient management The applications and intentions behind adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and palliative therapies The significance of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment and prognosis Emotional challenges when transitioning from active treatment to surveillance The importance of lifestyle changes for living well after cancer treatment Tools and strategies to guide patients in understanding their cancer journey We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this episode of Cancer Covered, we delve into the inspiring story of Spierings Cancer Foundation, a local powerhouse in the fight against cancer in the Fox Cities. Born from Jim Spierings’ battle with throat cancer and the overwhelming support he received, the foundation has distributed nearly $2.5 million since its inception in 2009. Our guests, Jim Spierings, founder and president; Katie Dougherty, executive director; and Dr. Brad Heraly from Green Bay Oncology, share insights into how the foundation supports local families, enhances cancer treatment options, and funds critical research. Jim Spierings, diagnosed with stage four throat cancer in 2007, leaned on his family and community for support. Despite a tough battle and lengthy recovery, the support from his community led him and his family to start the foundation in gratitude. They focus on supporting local families struggling financially with cancer, improving treatment options locally, and funding statewide cancer research efforts. “It’s our biggest priority to support local families battling cancer.” ~Katie Dougherty Today on Cancer Covered: Jim Spierings’ battle with cancer and community support led to the founding of the Spierings Cancer Foundation. The foundation’s mission centers on aiding local families battling cancer and enhancing treatment within the community. Rock Cancer, the foundation’s major fundraiser, unites the community through music, activities, and a common cause. The partnership with Green Bay Oncology underscores a shared commitment to improving cancer care. Enhanced cancer treatment through fundraising efforts includes advanced equipment, like the intraoperative specimen radiograph machine. Over 200 families have been supported in the past year, speaking volumes about the rising need and the foundation’s growing impact. Volunteers play a vital role, with numerous opportunities to engage during events like Rock Cancer. Community generosity remains a driving force behind the foundation’s ability to meet increasing demands. Contact Information: For Spierings Cancer Foundation inquiries or to support their cause, visit their website: https://spieringscancerfoundation.org/ Connect with the Spierings Cancer Foundation for updates and volunteer opportunities on their Facebook page. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Understanding and preventing cancer recurrence is a crucial aspect of survivorship. In this episode, we’re joined by medical oncologists, Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Brad Heraly, to explore the factors contributing to cancer recurrence and strategies patients can use to reduce their risk. We’ll also delve into managing the emotional challenges that accompany cancer survivorship. Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Brad Heraly are experienced medical oncologists dedicated to advancing cancer care and supporting patients through comprehensive treatment and recovery processes. With years of expertise in oncology, they bring valuable insights into cancer prevention and recurrence management. “Embrace your body and try to get it to a point that gives you the best chance of not having to deal with cancer again.” – Dr. Brad Heraly In this episode of Cancer Covered: Understanding cancer recurrence involves recognizing the various timelines and types of recurrence that differ across cancer stages and types. Lifestyle changes such as managing alcohol consumption, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet significantly impact recurrence risk. Smoking and tobacco use are crucial risk factors for cancer recurrence, highlighting the importance of cessation. Routine check-ups, including mammograms and colonoscopies, are vital for early detection and positivity in survivorship care plans. Emotional management and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for handling anxiety about recurrence. Having a trusted medical provider and a clear survivorship plan fosters confidence and well-being post-treatment. AI and technology continue to advance, likely enhancing diagnostics and patient care in the near future. Patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves by seeking second opinions and ensuring trust in their provider relationships. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Nutrition is critical in cancer care, influencing treatment outcomes and recovery processes. In this episode, we sit with oncology clinical dietitians Jasmine Ditter and Maddi Mleziva from HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers. Both are passionate about supporting cancer patients through their dietary journeys, addressing the unique nutritional challenges of treatment. They bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to their roles, ensuring individualized care that meets each patient’s specific needs. Together, we explore how personalized dietary guidance can make a difference, understanding patients’ fears and concerns, and navigating the sea of information often found online. Jasmine Ditter is a registered dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition for the past four years. She is dedicated to nourishing the body, mind, and soul, focusing on each patient’s struggles to provide tailored nutritional guidance. Maddi Mleziva, driven by personal connections to cancer, offers a year and a half of experience as a dietitian at the cancer center. Her individualized philosophy centers around treating each patient with compassion and care, often providing an attentive ear to understand patients beyond their medical needs. “Nutritional intake can significantly impact treatment tolerance and recovery.”~Maddi Mleziva This week on Cancer Covered: The importance of personalized dietary plans for cancer patients Navigating the influx of information from the internet with expert guidance How diet plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes and recovery Methods to manage nutritional intake during chemotherapy and radiation The impact of nutritional beverages and community resources The significant ratio of dietitians to oncology patients Addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of eating during treatment The support system involving caregivers and how it aids in cancer care We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Understanding whether cancer treatment is working can be a complex and nuanced journey. In this episode of Cancer Covered, I’m joined by Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated medical oncologist, and Dr. Michael Guiou, an insightful radiation oncologist, as we navigate the critical topic of evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Together, we’ll explore how different treatments are prescribed and monitored while highlighting the importance of individualized care and the patient’s active participation in their treatment journey. Dr. Tony Jaslowski brings his extensive expertise as a medical oncologist. He focuses on developing personalized treatment plans using an array of therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. Dr. Michael Guiou, a skilled radiation oncologist, provides his perspective on various radiation treatments and their role in curative and palliative care settings. “If you’re feeling better through the treatment, more than likely we’re on the right path.”– Dr. Tony Jaslowski Today on Cancer Covered: Cancer treatment is highly individualized, considering both the type and stage of cancer. Based on the cancer’s spread, there is a differentiated approach between curative and palliative treatments. Standard treatment effectiveness evaluation methods include imaging, physical exams, and patient-reported outcomes. Communicating with healthcare providers is essential for understanding the treatment course and expected outcomes. Patients must remain engaged and informed about their treatment to better advocate for themselves. The timeline for seeing treatment results differs significantly between chemotherapy and radiation. Family involvement in the patient’s care and understanding of the process can significantly ease the journey. Patient resources, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, can be invaluable for staying informed. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

In this episode of Cancer Covered, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Evan Wenig, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who joined Green Bay Oncology in the fall of 2024. Dr. Wenig shares his journey from a small town in Wisconsin to becoming a dedicated medical professional. In our conversation, he discusses his philosophy on patient care, his inspiration for specializing in oncology and hematology, and his excitement about joining the Green Bay community. We delve into his approach to blending medical expertise with compassionate patient care and his involvement in clinical trials to advance cancer treatment. Dr. Evan Wenig is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at Green Bay Oncology. Originally from Oostburg, Wisconsin, Dr. Wenig completed his undergraduate education at UW-Green Bay, medical school in North Carolina, and subsequent residency and fellowship in Indiana and Michigan, respectively. His background and family experiences profoundly influenced his career choice and compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Wenig is also actively involved in clinical research to improve oncology treatments. “Optimism is the word that I would choose; my hope is to provide a beacon of lightto patients and their families.” ~Dr. Evan Wenig Today on Cancer Covered: Dr. Wenig’s role includes treating cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders and solid organ cancers. A significant personal experience, the loss of his older brother to childhood cancer, inspired Dr. Wenig’s career choice and compassionate approach. Growing up in a supportive household equipped Dr. Wenig with the optimism and resilience needed for a career in oncology. His philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, empowering patients to participate in treatment decisions. Dr. Wenig values the importance of clinical trials in improving medical treatments and patient outcomes. Bonding with the local community and sharing everyday experiences enhances his patient interactions. Dr. Wenig enjoys family time, outdoor activities, and exploring new culinary experiences outside of work, which help him recharge. Dr. Wenig aims to bring optimism and encouragement to his patients, even in their darkest hours. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartPlease share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this episode, Dr. Judy Tjoe joins us to share her journey into the world of breast surgery and oncology. She discusses her motivations for choosing this specialty, the importance of patient-centered care, and her innovative work in integrating exercise into cancer recovery. Dr. Tjoe also details her role in developing a new breast cancer program at Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center in Appleton, WI and her vision for the future of cancer care. Dr. Judy Tjoe is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who joined Green Bay Oncology in the spring of 2024. With a background that spans medical school at UC San Francisco, specialized training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and over two decades of experience, Dr. Tjoe is dedicated to the holistic treatment of breast cancer patients. Her commitment to integrating surgical precision with compassionate care and innovative recovery programs marks her as a leader in the field. “How do we fit this cancer treatment, which you weren’t expectingor asking for, into your usual life?” ~ Dr. Judy Tjoe In this episode of Cancer Covered: Dr. Tjoe’s approach focuses on patient-centered care, getting to know her patients and their needs. Building a comprehensive breast cancer program involves integrating various disciplines such as surgery, oncology, genetics, physical and occupational therapy, and patient navigation. Her philosophy is to ensure that the rest of the patient’s life is as minimally disruptive as possible. Dr. Tjoe initially considered pediatric hand surgery and plastic surgery before being guided to surgical oncology. Her patients’ courage motivates her, and she finds profound inspiration in their journeys. Dr. Tjoe pioneered a groundbreaking exercise program for cancer survivors, integrating triathlon training as a means of recovery. She values continuous education and making connections in the medical community to stay updated on evolving breast cancer treatments. Dr. Tjoe’s move to Green Bay Oncology allows her to build a new breast cancer program focusing on personalized, innovative care. Resources mentioned: Green Bay Oncology:https://www.gboncology.com/ Ascension Hospital in northeastern Wisconsin:https://healthcare.ascension.org/ Dr. Judy Tjoe:https://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care For more stories and insights from Green Bay Oncology, tune in to other episodes: Cancer Covered – Our Roots Cancer Care Then & Now We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding this disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise, patient care, and compassionate support for patients and their families. In this introduction, Steve Slocum, Chief Strategy Officer, and I, Megan Bies, Green Bay Oncology’s brand specialist, are excited to present the new season of Cancer Covered. We aim to bridge the gap between you and our team of highly knowledgeable cancer doctors, providing you with the insights and information you need, whether you’re a patient, a family member, or someone keen to learn about cancer-related topics. Throughout this season, we will feature interviews with our trusted cancer experts and introduce you to some of our new providers. We’ll tackle some of the most commonly asked questions, such as whether breast radiation affects the heart and what roles diet and nutrition play in cancer treatment. Join us as we embark on this informative journey together. “Our mission is to connect you with our team of cancer doctors as they share the knowledge and insights they’ve gained over the years.”– Steve Slocum Today on Cancer Covered: The primary mission of Cancer Covered is to connect listeners with knowledgeable cancer doctors. Topics covered will be relevant to patients, family members, caregivers, and individuals interested in cancer-related knowledge. Familiar and trusted experts from Green Bay Oncology will be featured in this season. New providers will also make their debut, sharing their valuable insights. Common questions, such as the impact of breast radiation on the heart, will be discussed. The series will explore diet and nutrition’s significant role in cancer treatment. Listeners can expect various subjects crucial to understanding and managing cancer. The journey aims to be informative and supportive, offering knowledge that empowers listeners. Related Episodes: Our Mission Cancer Care Then & Now Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

On today’s episode, we dive into the topic of chemotherapy ports. We discuss what they are, how they work, and why and when they’re used and not used in cancer treatment. Exploring the benefits and potential risks associated with ports and the issues surrounding when they should be removed after treatment, it’s an informative and insightful conversation that sheds light on this often inquired-about important aspect of cancer care. Dr. Burnette explains the different types of ports, their placement, and the reasons why they are often preferred over other infusion devices. He also addresses common misconceptions about ports and shares his perspective on when and why they should be removed after treatment. Dr. Burnette’s expertise and compassionate approach to patient care make him a trusted authority on the topic of chemotherapy ports. A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Winkler attended Hendrix College in Conway, where he received his B.A. in biology. He attended medical school at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and completed his internship and residency. He completed his oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, hematology, hospice, and palliative medicine.   “Oftentimes when you bring up a port, the picture a patient or the family member has in their mind is somebody having a dialysis catheter, a long IV hanging out of the arm, and it’s different than that.” ~ Dr. Brian Burnette   Today on Cancer Covered: A chemotherapy port is a device inserted under the skin that connects to a large blood vessel in the body, providing secure IV access for medication infusion. Ports are different from other devices like PICC lines or Hickman lines. While ports are commonly placed in the chest, they can also be placed on other body parts by surgeons or radiologists. Ports must be flushed regularly to maintain their function, usually every four to six weeks. Ports provide a more pleasant experience for patients with difficulty getting IVs in their arms, as they offer secure and easily accessible IV access. Some chemotherapy drugs can be harsh and irritating to the inside of veins, making ports a better option for infusion as they can handle more challenging conditions. Ports are not necessary for all patients receiving medications, but they are particularly useful for treatments that require secure IV access or protracted infusions. The decision to keep a port in after completing cancer treatment is a personal one, but it is important to consider the psychological burden and potential risks associated with leaving it. Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/   We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou about the importance of having transparent and honest discussions with cancer patients about their prognosis and treatment options. We discussed how many doctors struggle to answer the question of how long a patient with Stage IV cancer will live and the negative impact this can have on patients. Dr. Burnette emphasized the need to set realistic expectations and prepare for the worst while maintaining hope. He explained that about a third of patients will not respond well to treatment and may have a short life expectancy, while another third will respond well and have long periods of disease control. Dr. Guiou added that it is crucial to be honest with patients and not give false hope, as this can lead to unnecessary treatments and emotional harm. We also discussed the importance of ongoing patient conversations about their prognosis and treatment options and the need to respect each patient’s hopes and goals. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of trust, honesty, and open communication in providing the best care for cancer patients. Dr. Brian Burnett: A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. Dr. Michael Guiou was born in Sacramento, California; with his father’s career in the Air Force, he grew up across several states. He attended the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento and completed a residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Guiou loves the kind and caring culture of the Midwest, a trait he found was often lacking in bigger cities where he lived. Dr. Guiou has always wanted to help people and considers it a privilege to care for the patients under his care.   “If somebody looks like they’re heading out of this world, and they have an opportunity to spend one last time with the people that mean the most to them, and they weren’t aware that time was short, boy, you just cost them a lot.”~Dr. Brian Burnette This week on Cancer Covered: Uncertainty in Prognosis: Doctors often cannot accurately predict how long a patient with stage 4 incurable disease will live. Admitting uncertainty and discussing the range of possible outcomes is more helpful than providing an average survival statistic. Individualized Outcomes: Patients with the same diagnosis can have vastly different experiences. About a third may not respond well to treatment, a third may have an average response, and a third may respond exceptionally well, living many years longer than expected. Importance of Honest Communication: Clear and honest discussions about prognosis are crucial. Physicians should avoid giving false hope and help patients understand their situation realistically to make informed decisions. Impact of Misinformation: Providing unrealistic expectations can lead to patients missing out on important life events, spending unnecessary resources, and experiencing additional emotional and physical distress. Evolving Conversations: Discussions about prognosis and end-of-life care should be ongoing and evolve as the patient’s condition changes. This helps build trust and prepares patients for potential outcomes. Changing Perceptions of Hope: Hope should not be limited to the prospect of a cure. It can take many forms, such as the hope for quality of life, not being a burden, or having a peaceful death. Patient Autonomy: Modern medical practice emphasizes the role of the physician as an educator and guide rather than a paternalistic decision-maker. Patients should be empowered to make their own informed choices about their care. Hope and Expectation: It’s natural for patients and doctors to hope for the best outcomes, even when they may not align with the most likely expectations. Hope can coexist with a realistic understanding of a patient’s prognosis.   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/   We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Please share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this episode, we’re joined by the pioneering founders of Green Bay Oncology – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer – along with Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated oncologist and hematologist at GBO. Our conversation delves into our practice’s roots, exploring the establishment of a service and ethics-driven team approach. We reflect on how this ethos and culture, which prioritize teamwork, camaraderie, and equality, have flourished at GBO since its inception. Our discussion further highlights the founders’ commitment to prioritizing patient needs rather than focusing solely on financial goals. We explore our ongoing mission to provide honest, compassionate care, a philosophy that has become our and our founders’ lasting legacy. Additionally, we delve into the genesis of clinical research trials at GBO and examine the advancements in cancer research over the past thirty years. To be an oncologist is an incredible privilege. You meet people at one of the worst times of their lives, and they allow you to care for them. Sometimes you cure their cancer, and sometimes they succumb to the disease – or something in between. But one thing remains consistent in our careers as a physician – It’s an incredible privilege to help our patients. Caring for our patients is a gift – a gift they give to us. It’s something our founders at Green Bay Oncology have never forgotten. And it’s something every oncologist should remember. “Standardization of care is the ultimate vision for where we want this to go so everybody can have the best results.” – Dr. Skip McGovern This week on Cancer Covered: Treating each other as equals promotes teamwork Putting the patient’s needs first Our mission is to provide honest, compassionate care The differences between a profit-driven practice vs a service-driven practice How clinical research trials began at GBO Understanding what an IRB is and what they do How clinical research impacts communities   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.  

Cancer research and treatment has come a long way over the last few decades. From having only a handful of treatment options and medications at our disposal in the late 1970s and early 80s to now having a wide range of treatment options, the ability to diagnose and treat cancer earlier, and even cure many different types of cancer – the evolution of cancer treatment and care has significantly evolved. Our founders – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer – witnessed cancer treatment’s evolution and revolution first-hand. Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, Dr. Gerald Bayer, and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us again today to discuss the evolution of cancer care, what cancer treatment plans were like when Green Bay Oncology first began, and the treatment options that are currently available to oncologists and patients. We discuss how cancer research has improved the life expectancy of many patients with various types of cancer over the last several decades. They share the most memorable cancer treatment developments throughout their careers and the cancer drugs they were glad to see retire. We also discuss how the introduction of in-home hospice care has significantly improved the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients and how the number of cancer patients being admitted into the hospital for cancer treatment side effects has been impacted by the development of modern drug treatment options. “When hospice moved to taking care of patients in an outpatient setting, in their own home – it was a game-changer. It was actually care for them to receive.” – Dr. Skip McGovern This week on Cancer Covered: How cancer research has improved the life expectancy for patients over the last 40 years Various cancer drugs our founders were glad to see retire The most memorable cancer treatment developments that occurred throughout their careers What life was like for cancer patients in the late 70s and early 80s and how it has evolved over time Patients experiencing nausea, fatigue, and hair loss following a round of cancer treatment The number of patients admitted into the hospital to receive chemotherapy treatments Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Mitch and I delve into hair loss during cancer treatment in today’s episode. We explore why certain therapies cause hair loss and discuss the emotional impact it can have on patients. We also touch on the treatments more likely to cause hair loss, such as anthracyclines and taxane drugs. Mitch shares insights on the temporary nature of hair loss and how patients can cope with the distress it may cause. We also discuss the option of scalp cryotherapy as a preventative measure, although it comes with challenges. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding and validating the emotions that come with hair loss while highlighting cancer patients’ resilience and adaptability. Join us as we shed light on this aspect of cancer treatment. “This is a temporary phase, just like the cancer treatment is.” ~Dr. Mitch Winkler In This Week’s Episode of Cancer Covered: Why some cancer treatments cause hair loss. Specific treatments more likely to cause hair loss. Is hair loss permanent for cancer patients? Preventing hair loss during treatment. How cancer patients cope with hair loss. How common is it for people to lose their hair during cancer treatment? Adapting to hair loss during treatment Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this week’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou to discuss the importance of cancer staging. We delve into cancer staging and how it helps guide treatment decisions. We also explore the evolving nature of cancer staging, shifting towards considering molecular characteristics and functional status in addition to traditional staging systems.   Dr. Brian Burnett: A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. Dr. Michael Guiou was born in Sacramento, California; with his father’s career in the Air Force, he grew up across several states. He attended the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento and completed a residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Guiou loves the kind and caring culture of the Midwest, a trait he found was often lacking in bigger cities where he lived. Dr. Guiou has always wanted to help people and considers it a privilege to care for the patients under his care.   “Stage is one piece of how we set our expectations for how the cancer is going to behave, how the cancer might do, and what we can reasonably expect to achieve.” ~ Dr. Brian Burnette   This Week on Cancer Covered: What is cancer staging, and why is it important in cancer treatment? How does the cancer stage determine the treatment options for a patient? Can Stage IV cancer be curable? Are all Stage II cancers less severe than Stage III or IV cancers? How do molecular characteristics and biology of a tumor affect cancer staging? Is the stage the only factor that determines prognosis and treatment for cancer? Why does the staging process take time, and how does it affect patients’ anxiety? How can patients and their families have productive conversations with doctors about the cancer stage?   Resources Mentioned: AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) – A staging system used for cancer that divides tumors into early, intermediate, or late-stage disease. TNM staging system – A classic tumor-lymph node-metastasis staging system used for many cancers. 8th edition of the AJCC staging system – The most recent edition of the staging system, with a 9th edition expected to be released in the next year or two. p16 mutation – A mutation that can affect the stage and behavior of certain cancers, such as head and neck cancer. Functional status – A patient’s overall health and ability to function can be a better predictor of survival than Stage IV solid tumors.     Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/     We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this episode, Dr. Mitch Winkler and Kyla King discuss the discomfort that often arises when talking to someone with cancer. They explore the reasons behind this anxiety and offer insights into how to navigate conversations with cancer patients. Dr. Winkler emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and avoiding common missteps and provides valuable tips for supporting friends and loved ones with cancer while acknowledging the individuality of each person’s experience. “Companionship is a really powerful therapeutic in ways that we still don’t quite understand,but I know it from my work, and I know it from my own personal life, the power it can have.”~Dr. Mitch Winkler This Week on Cancer Covered: • Anxiety plays a significant role in our discomfort when talking to someone with cancer.• Cancer patients often don’t want their illness to define them and prefer to maintain a sense of normalcy.• Many cancer patients feel othered and isolated due to visible signs of treatment or people avoiding them.• Blanket reassurances can feel dismissive and diminish the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.• Good listening skills, empathy, and avoiding probing questions are essential when talking to cancer patients.• Offering specific, concrete help and acknowledging your own discomfort can be meaningful gestures of support. Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Tony joins us today to discuss why providing cancer care close to home is essential. We discuss the travel expenses often associated with receiving cancer treatments and why they often cause patients to delay their treatment. We discuss how often many cancer patients need to visit the oncologist for cancer treatments and how they typically feel after a round of treatment. We also discuss the psychological benefits of receiving cancer treatment at medical facilities closer to home, as well as how outreach clinics impact the local communities. Dr. Tony Jaslowski is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the United States Air Force Academy and his medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. Tony completed his internship and fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Before joining the Green Bay Oncology family, Tony served as a military consultant to the Surgeon General for medical oncology and hematology and was twice awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award by Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Tony is passionate about ensuring patients receive the best treatment choices to fight cancer. Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and four children during his free time, playing racquetball at the YMCA, biking, and gardening. “It’s not what’s convenient for me’or what’s convenient for the staff’. It’s what’s best for the patient and their families.”– Dr. Tony Jaslowski This week on Cancer Covered: Why some cancer patients may delay their cancer treatments Travel expenses associated with receiving cancer treatments How cancer outreach clinics help ensure patients receive the care they need How patients often feel after receiving cancer treatment The psychological benefits of receiving cancer care close to home Why Green Bay Oncology is committed to providing patients with cancer care close to home How cancer outreach clinics help local communities Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In today’s episode, we discuss advanced directives and how they support patients at the end stages of life. We describe the historical context of advanced directives and explain how doctors solely made end-of-life decisions until the recognition of patients’ rights in the 70’s. We outline the consequences of not having an advance directive. We also emphasize the need to proactively plan for advanced directives and underscore how parents and caregivers can encourage younger adults to create advanced directives. All end-of-life decisions used to be made exclusively by doctors without any input from their patients. Futile, painful treatments were conducted on patients, even if they didn’t want them. In 1969, human rights lawyer Louis Kuttner argued that patients had the right to clearly state their end-of-life care preferences and demand physicians follow them. This right was recognized by the courts in 1975 after the parents of Karen Ann Quinlan—who suffered brain death—sued on her behalf to have her ventilator discontinued. Today, our right to choose our own treatment at the end of life is clearly established—but it only happens if we define our wishes with advanced directives. “An advanced directive is a set of instructions about how a person wants to be cared for at the end of life.It’s intended to represent you and your wishes if you become too ill to speak for yourself.”– Dr. Mitch Winkler. This week on Cancer Covered:The historical context of end-of-life decisionsAdvanced directives: their importance and componentsThe need for advanced directives for all adultsThe types of advanced directivesSimplifying and updating advanced directivesThe “Five Wishes” document and how to obtain an advance directiveThe barriers to completing advanced directivesThe completion rates of advanced directivesThe downside of not having advanced directivesHow parents or caregivers can encourage young adults to create advanced directivesThe ideal time to create advanced directivesAdvanced directive completion in La Crosse, Wisconsin We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode,please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartShare your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Tom joins us today to discuss denial and why it is a fundamental part of the human experience. He describes how denial, while unhealthy in some situations, can be a healthy coping strategy when facing difficulties. He also explores different strategies to overcome unhealthy denial, underscores the power of having a trusted supporter when facing fear, and highlights how overcoming denial gives individuals confidence and mastery over hardships. Tom Bekkers, MSW, APSW, is an oncology social worker and the facilitator of the monthly cancer support group at Green Bay Oncology, which offers psychotherapy related to the challenges of adjusting to new health situations, lifestyles, and interpersonal relationship dynamics, as well as therapy to cope with death, dying, and grief—available to patients and loved ones. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Marquette University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Tom co-authors The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse. “Overcoming denial allows you to develop confidence and mastery over your situation.You start feeling like you don’t have to live in fear and can trust again.” – Tom Bekkers. This week on Cancer Covered:The meaning of denialHow denial can be a healthy coping strategyWhy denial is a fundamental part of the human experienceHow denial is almost always portrayed as a negative thingDenial of diagnosis and illnessesDenial of unhealthy lifestyle choices or unhealthy behaviorsAccepting or denying new physical limitations due to aging or stressDenial of early symptoms and the “neglected breast cancer” phenomenonStrategies to overcome unhealthy denial and acknowledge your fearsThe good that comes from facing denial Connect with Tom Bekkers:Tom Bekkers on LinkedInBook: The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Bradley joins us today to discuss the historical use of immunotherapy treatment to treat cancer.  We discuss how immunotherapy works and the positive and negative impact it can have on a patient’s immune system. We discuss why immunotherapy treatment works well for some types of cancers but not for others and how it has made significant improvements in the survival rates of patients. We discuss some of the current limitations of using immunotherapy to treat cancer and the need to conduct further research to expand its use to treat other types of cancers. We also discuss what we believe the future holds for using biotechnology therapy, vaccines, and immunotherapy treatment to prevent and treat cancer. Dr. Bradley Heraly, an esteemed specialist in medical oncology and hematology, originates from Casco, Wisconsin. With a comprehensive training background, including his residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, he excels in delivering personalized cancer care and treating adult blood disorders. Participating actively in the National Cancer Institute\’s (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) trials, he demonstrates a keen interest in immunotherapy, bladder, and renal cancer. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bradley enjoys outdoor activities, including parasailing, biking, and camping, as well as coaching sports and fantasy football. His unique blend of calming, empathetic, and attentive traits allows him to establish strong patient relationships, underpinning his personalized approach to cancer care. “We have this technology we use on a large scale. We can move forward in the cancer realm with certain antigens and get some benefit from this.”– Dr. Bradley Heraly This week on Cancer Covered:The interaction between cancer cells and the immune system and how cancer cells can dampen the immune responseThe role of PDL1 molecules as a ‘fake ID’ for cancer cells and how it helps cancer cells avoid an immune attackTypes of cancers that have shown a good response to immunotherapy treatmentWhy immunotherapy treatment is less effective in certain cancers, like pancreatic, prostate, and hormone-positive breast cancerEducating patients on immunotherapy treatment effectiveness and usePossible side effects of immunotherapy treatmentThe development and ongoing research of CAR-T cell therapy to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myelomaThe rapid progress and prospects of immunotherapy treatmentThe potential for cancer vaccines as a primary prevention of infection-related cancersThe need for evidence-based approaches in utilizing immune boosters and nutraceuticals for treating cancerThe importance of balancing efficacy and safety in cancer treatment approachesOngoing advancements in cancer research and the potential for future breakthroughs in immune therapy Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartShare your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

The 20th century saw the fast development of medicine and medical intervention. Alongside this incredible advancement came the assumption that medicine could cure anything—and the refusal to believe that something is incurable. For most of medical history, however, palliative care and relief from suffering was not just the norm but the only option. Though medical advancements have lengthened the life expectancy of people, terminal illness and death will always be with us. As Dr. Skip McGovern—co-founder of Green Bay Oncology—puts it, the end of life is a fundamental truth of the human experience. What probably matters more is the quality of our lives as we move toward the final chapters of our years. Skip joins us in this episode to explore the history of hospice care and how it became a unique medical specialty in the modern age. We describe the hospice movement’s role in caring for the terminally ill and the impact of hospice care on reducing hospital inpatient numbers. We discuss why empathetic listening and advocating for patients are important skills palliative care physicians need to have. We also highlight the role of nurses and nurse assistants in providing hospice care and illustrate how hospice and palliative services provide support not only to patients but also to their loved ones. “We have to offer patients an end to their suffering, which might include pain, emotional, or spiritual suffering.We have to provide support not only to the patient but also to their loved ones.” – Dr. Skip McGovern This week on Cancer Covered:How rapid changes in the 20th century led to high expectations for miraculous curesHow the advancement of medicine may have impacted palliative careThe roots and early history of hospiceThe AIDS epidemic and the Lazarus effectHow nurses saw the critical need for intensive care for terminally ill patientsHow hospice care has expanded to include pastoral care and social work supportThe important role of certified nurse assistants in hospice careThe American Medicare hospice benefitShifts in physician attitudes toward hospice careThe necessary skills for palliative care physiciansPatient advocacy in palliative and hospice careHow palliative medicine and hospice medicine became a specialtySwitching from focusing on quantitative data to a more qualitative approach in patient careThe public’s perception of hospice and resistant attitudes toward end-of-life careThe timing of hospice enrollment and the conflict between early hospice enrollment and continued medical interventionsThe role of hospice in improving patients\’ quality of life and supporting families Related Episodes:Our MissionCancer Care Then & Now Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartShare your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Dr. Bradley Heraly joins us today to delve into the world of blood tests in cancer clinics. We demystify the reasons for frequent testing, clarify the misconceptions about the information they provide, and discuss the present and potential future role of these tests in cancer treatment. We discuss how routine blood tests help doctors determine if patients have sufficiently recovered from treatment and the potential of DNA-based testing in identifying cancer. We also discuss the realities of patient experiences and the psychological impact of these tests and share our perspectives on the evolving technology in the field of Oncology. Dr. Bradley Heraly is a distinguished medical oncologist and hematologist from Casco, Wisconsin. After graduating from medical school at the Chicago Medical School’s Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, he polished his skills at notable institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Dr. Heraly is devoted to delivering personalized and empathetic care, leveraging his extensive expertise in cancer treatments and adult blood disorders. Participating in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) trials, he is interested in immunotherapy, bladder cancer, and renal cancer. When not caring for his patients, Dr. Heraly enjoys outdoor activities such as parasailing, biking, and camping, with a penchant for coaching sports and fantasy football. His calming and attentive nature and genuine interest in building strong patient relationships set the foundation for his personalized approach to cancer care. “Infections are our biggest risk in chemotherapy, and blood tests help us monitor and prevent them.”– Dr. Bradley Heraly This week on Cancer Covered:The importance and frequency of blood tests in cancer clinicsCommon misconceptions about what blood tests can reveal about a patient’s cancerThe limitations of current technology in detecting cancer cells in blood samplesThe potential of DNA and RNA-based testing in early cancer detectionThe challenges posed by the heterogeneity of cancerThe role of tumor markers and their limitationsFuture prospects for blood testing in oncologyAssessing organ function for safe chemotherapy treatmentThe impact of chemotherapy on bone marrow function and blood cell levelsMisconceptions around the necessity of routine blood tests after completing treatmentThe importance of expert guidance and staying cautious while researching online Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Matthew and Brian join us today for an insightful discussion discussing the pivotal role of evidence-based medicine, a cornerstone in optimizing patient outcomes and healthcare strategies. This conversation navigates through the historical tapestry of medical research, spotlighting James Lind’s 1753 seminal scurvy experiment as a monumental benchmark initiating systematic medical experimentation. We dissect the principle of equipoise, a crucial element ensuring the ethical integrity and scientific validity of clinical trials, and venture into addressing the frequent anxieties patients encounter regarding clinical trials, providing actionable strategies for fostering critical thinking in health information to address the growing scientific skepticism. Underscoring the transformative impact of patient involvement in accelerating advancements within clinical trials and overarching medical research, affirming its instrumental role in shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Brian Burnette is a physician at Green Bay Oncology. He graduated top of his class from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. Afterward, he completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, where he also recently served as an Instructor of Medicine. With a special interest in lymphoid malignancies, Brian has authored multiple full-length, peer-reviewed articles addressing various cancer types and treatments. Dr. Matthew Ryan is a physician at Green Bay Oncology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University. He attended medical school at the University of Iowa and completed his residency and fellowships in oncology and hematology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. While at the Mayo Clinic, Matthew also developed clinical practice guidelines for its oncology tumor group. “The real heroes in clinical research are those patients who invested in their own care and in the care of future patients; it’s on their backs that these clinical trials led to improvements in cancer care.” – Brian Burnette This week on Cancer Covered:A brief history of medical research and experimentationThe historical perception of ideas without evidence as “medieval”The slow progress of medical experimentation and the reluctance to abandon entrenched ideasNazi World War II experiments, the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, and other ethical concerns on medical experimentsThe importance of informed consentEquipoise in research and randomization in clinical trialsThe rarity of placebo-controlled trialsThe British Parachute papersCommon anxieties about participating in clinical researchThe rigorous process and ethical standards in modern clinical trials.The courage of individuals who participated in early clinical trials for cancerThe importance of cooperation among competitive researchers in standardizing treatments and sharing resourcesThe value of taxpayer-funded clinical trialsThe potential shortcomings of today’s clinical trial structureBernard Fisher and his leadership in developing clinical trials for breast cancerThe economic impact of clinical researchThe role of clinical research in job creation and generating economic activityThe use of surrogate endpoints and other approaches to shortening timelines for cancer clinical trialsThe role of patient advocates in the development of clinical trialsThe anti-intellectual and anti-science backlashThe difference between good and bad skepticismPatient-centered care and supporting patients in their treatment choices Connect with Dr. Matthew Ryan:Matthew Ryan on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Brian BurnetteBrian Burnette Website Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Alisa, Mary Jo, and Tony join me today to discuss Alisa’s breast cancer diagnosis and how it impacted her fertility. Tony explains the rarity of breast cancer in young adult women and the unique challenges younger cancer patients face during treatment. He illustrates his experience working with Alisa as both her oncologist and colleague and discusses why her story continues to inspire him. Alisa shares her fertility journey after cancer, as well as her decision to use a surrogate and donor eggs. Alisa and Mary Jo also describe the joy Bodhi has brought to their lives and underscore how his birth has helped them move forward. Alisa Ross is a certified medical assistant at Green Bay Oncology / HSHS St Vincent Cancer Center. In 2017, Alisa was diagnosed with Stage 2 HER2 breast cancer. She later pursued a technical diploma in Surgical Technology at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College while simultaneously undergoing cancer treatment. Inspired by the compassionate care she received during her own journey, she offers vital support and empathy to patients facing similar battles. Five years after her cancer diagnosis, Alisa’s life is graced by the birth of her son, Bodhi, who brings joy to her and Alisa’s mother, Mary Jo. Mary Jo Ross, a retired Registered Nurse, played a pivotal role in Alisa’s cancer journey. With a nursing education from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Racine, WI, and a BSN from the University of Alaska, Mary Jo brought unwavering maternal support to Alisa as she navigated her journey through cancer. Dr. Anthony Jaslowski is a physician at Green Bay Oncology. Tony received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy. He attended medical school at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago and completed his internship residency and his hematology and oncology fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians. At Green Bay Oncology, Tony serves as Alisa’s oncologist and colleague. “Each cancer patient has their own story, their own life circumstances, what they struggle with. For younger patients, you always worry how it’s going to affect them for the rest of their lives.” – Dr. Tony Jaslowski This week on Cancer Covered:Alisa’s Stage 2 HER2 breast cancer diagnosis and her neoadjuvant chemotherapyThe rarity and median age of breast cancer in young womenThe unique challenges a younger cancer patient might face during treatmentChemotherapy’s toxicity and its potential permanent and reversible side effectsHow certain chemotherapy drugs can impact fertility in young womenApproaches to preserving the fertility of young cancer patientsThe evolution of breast cancer treatment in young adultsThe use of markers like estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, and HER2 status to determine treatment for breast cancerAdvancements in understanding HER2-positive tumors and the development of monoclonal antibodiesUtilizing chemotherapy before surgeryJaslowski’s experience working alongside Alisa as both her oncologist and colleagueHow Alisa’s cancer journey inspires Dr. JaslowskiAlisa’s fertility journey after her cancer diagnosisThe challenges Alisa faced during the egg retrieval processThe decision to use a surrogate and donor eggsThe birth of Alisa’s son, Bodhi, and the joy he brings to her lifeAlisa’s advice to young women facing cancer and fertility challengesMary Jo’s perspective as a grandmother to Bodhi Connect with Alisa Ross:Alisa Ross on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Anthony Jaslowski:Anthony Jaslowski on LinkedIn Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…CoveredThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.