PODCAST · health
Life, Cancer, Etc.
by Heidi Bragg
This is not your mom's support group. Dealing with hard things -- like cancer -- sucks. We use humor (and snark, let's be real) to face the bad, see the good, and find some hope along the way. You CAN do this. My conversations with friends and experts will give you tips and tricks to make the process a little easier, or at least show you that you're not alone. About me? I'm a 3-time cancer survivor (colon, cardiac sarcoma, & urothelial) who's constantly dealing with the uncertainty and monitoring that comes along with that. Maybe I'm not going through exactly what you are, but I get how being diagnosed with cancer can be a visceral punch in the gut. However, there is good that can come out of this experience and you don't have to do this by yourself. NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical advice.
Episodes
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My Moffit Cancer Center PEP Talks Podcast
My team at Moffitt Cancer Center helped save my life and I'm forever grateful for their brilliance, dedication, and friendship over the past 6+ years. This is a repost of the episode I did with them last year. Being a guest on the PEP Talks podcast for providers and staff at Moffitt was an honor…
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I'm a Guest on "The Strong Sunflowers" Podcast
Recently, I was a guest on "The Strong Sunflower" podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strong-sunflowers/id1548796820). I had a great time talking with Zana and Gisselle. They're both strong, kind women who are working to improve themselves and the world at large. Thanks for the...
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Life after Lymphoma with Tom Fitzgerald
Our neighbor, Tom Fitzgerald, was diagnosed with lymphoma 17 years ago. Today, he tells us about what that was like and what life's been like since. We're so glad he's healthy and that he and his wife live in our neighborhood. NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer,...
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What Happens If the Cancer Comes Back? with Bethann & Shawn Rapp
Bethann and Shawn Rapp shared their story about Bethann's lung cancer diagnosis last season. (You can find that conversation here: https://www.lifecanceretc.com/podcast/episode/4875ebeb/nonsmokers-get-lung-cancer-too-with-bethann-and-shawn-rapp). In this episode, they talk about how they're…
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Losing a Parent to Brain Cancer with Camilla Ball
You can also watch this video interview on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD-0Snw5qbk&t=67s) I've known Camilla Ball since she was 14 years old. Her mom, Valéria, died of brain cancer when Camilla was in college. In our conversation, Camilla shares a very honest, unflinching...
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Better Sleep after Chemo
Getting decent sleep can be difficult, at best, after cancer -- especially after chemo. Here are some suggestions for strategies and products that have helped me get better sleep. Tadin Passionflower Tea: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FFQWBLA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1...
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Resources for Cancer Patients and Caregivers with Olivia Luginski, LCSW, OSW-C
NOTE: You can see the video from this interview on our YouTube channel, here. Many thanks to Courtney and Riley at #AmbitionStrikes for their encouragement to make the jump to YouTube! Olivia Luginski was my social worker at Moffitt Cancer Center after I was diagnosed with a cardiac sarcoma.…
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Taking a Leap of Faith (Make that Multiple Leaps)
Here's where my head -- and heart -- are these days. Getting through cancer is not a one-shot deal; you've got to deal with the aftermath, too, and figure out what you want the future to look like. Also, we're adding video interviews to our YouTube Channel starting in June! I think I was a little...
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GRAPHIC CONTENT ADVISORY: Right after Breast Cancer Surgery with Kate
*** CONTENT WARNING *** We speak very graphically and specifically about breast cancer surgery, so please use headphones if you're around kiddos. My sister Kate had breast cancer surgery last week. She thought it was important to share what it's like in the "limbo" after treatment so that others...
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Talking about Anesthesia with Dr. Debbie Egbert
Dr. Debbie Egbert is an anesthesiologist in practice in Oregon. Debbie is a wealth of information and has an obvious passion for serving her patients. Side note: she's also a fabulous gardener and cook! In this episode, we talk about what anesthesia is and how it works. Photo © 2021 Dr. Debbie...
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In the Thick of It with Kate
My sister, Kate, was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma at the end of September. She's currently in the middle of chemo, awaiting surgery and radiation, and talks with us about what life's like right now for her, her husband, and their six kids. Kate did a follow-up episode right after...
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Why I've Been Missing in Action
Life changes are hard and the last few months have been, too. Here's what I've been doing and why I've needed to take a step back. Photo © 2021 Heidi Bragg Content © 2022 Heidi Bragg Keywords: self-care, saying no is okay, reasonable expectations, setting good boundaries You can also find some...
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Nonsmokers Get Lung Cancer, Too, with Bethann and Shawn Rapp
Bethann Rapp is a nonsmoker, so getting diagnosed with lung cancer at age 50 was a shock. In this episode, she and her husband (and my friend), Shawn, talk about their experiences and how the last year has gone. They also have a son with special needs, so that's required some careful maneuvering...
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After-Treatment Update aka Tiffany Goulding & Lauren Bales, Part Deux
*** CONTENT WARNING: There's a minor swear in this and we use terms like "breast" and "boob," so please use headphones if you're listening around kiddos. *** Tiffany Goulding and Lauren Bales were on the podcast back in January, while Tiff was in the middle of treatment for breast cancer (listen…
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Discussing Lynch Syndrome and Good Medical Care with Dr. Phil Spiess, MD, MS
Dr. Phil Spiess is a great guy and so easy to talk with. He's a genitourinary oncologist and assistant chief of surgical services at Moffitt Cancer Center and a full professor of oncology and urology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He's also researching Lynch...
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Talking with Dr. Andrew Brohl, Oncologist and Researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center
Dr. Andrew Brohl is a medical oncologist and physician-scientist. One of his specialties is sarcoma, which is how I got to know him (my second cancer was a cardiac sarcoma). He's been instrumental in my treatment and I'm incredibly grateful for his help and expertise. Plus, he's just good people....
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Coping with Trauma with Sharon Dunbar, LCSW
As promised, we are back from our summer break and ready to tackle another difficult topic. These past couple of years have been traumatic for so many of us. What does trauma look like, both in our brains and in our bodies? What's the difference between "big T trauma" and "little t trauma"?…
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"We're Not Dying with Cancer; We're Living with Cancer" with Jean Pressley Whittaker
Jean Pressley Whittaker is a realtor par excellence and an all-around lovely human being. In this episode, she describes how she and her late husband chose to spend their time after his terminal cancer diagnosis. Her perspective is incredibly helpful and very insightful. Photo courtesy Jean...
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What's It Like for Your Kids When You Have Cancer?
Our daughter, Téa, is a fabulous person who's been through a lot. Though she's grown up now, she shares her perspective as a child who had to deal with my multiple cancer diagnoses. Seeing things through her eyes can help you support other kids who are going through the same thing. Photo © 2019...
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What's a PET Scan Like?
If you're dealing with cancer, you'll likely get a PET scan at some point. It shouldn't be scary, but we often fear the unknown. For me, getting PET scans is painless; it just takes time. In this episode, we walk through a basic outline of what a PET scan is and how the process works. You can…
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Supporting a Loved One with Terminal Cancer with Angela Bounds
Angela's a great friend and, technically, the boss of me. She's been a support person for numerous people and helped her mother-in-law as she battled cancer. Her experiences can be helpful for anyone who's a caring for a loved one with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Photo courtesy of Angela Bounds...
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What Does My Husband Think?
My husband, Kevin, is the absolute biggest blessing in my life and my favorite person in the world. In this episode, we get his take on the past 7 years and his advice for anybody going through a traumatic season in life. Photo ©2019 Heidi Bragg You can also find some episodes on our YouTube...
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Fellow Sarcoma Survivor Tess Pfohl of "Push Diaries Podcast"
Tess Pfohl is an amazing example of resilience, adaptability, and hope. She's a fellow sarcoma survivor who decided -- at age 24 -- to get a lifesaving cancer surgery that she knew would leave her paralyzed. Tess's positive outlook and the frank way she shares her story are pretty awe-inspiring,...
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Talking about Anxiety with Sharon Dunbar, LCSW
Sharon Dunbar, LCSW, is a therapist in private practice in Florida. In this episode, she answers the questions you submitted about anxiety and offers practical suggestions for those of us who deal with it. https://www.yourclearview.net/anxiety-and-depression/ Photo ©2020 Heidi Bragg Keywords:...
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What's a Radiation Treatment Like?
Starting treatment of any kind can be intimidating. Hopefully, this short essay about one of my radiation treatments will help demystify the process. P.S. I took this photo in the courtyard at Moffit Cancer Center when I was about halfway done with my six weeks of radiation. Photo ©2018 Heidi…
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I Need to Take My Own Advice!
Most Sundays, I take a drive along a canal near our house and count the alligators. This week, I recorded the podcast in the car on that drive. I've had a breast biopsy and surgical urothelial check in the past 10 days, so I've been a little wiped out. But these experiences were -- again! -- a...
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Dr. Kavita Jackson: ER Physican, Mom, Wife, Cancer Survivor
Dr. Kavita Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer right after moving her family to a new state and starting her career as an emergency room physician. Her poise, perspective, and positive outlook really inspired me. To keep learn more about her story, check out @drkavitajackson on Instagram....
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Young Women Get Breast Cancer, Too, with Ash Sivanantham
Ash Sivanantham was 30 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her warm personality and zest for life are are both very obvious as she shares her story. Plus, she was gracious enough to re-record our interview after I somehow screwed up the one we did a few weeks ago. Thanks to her...
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So You've Just Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Tiffany Goulding and Lauren Bales are best friends, co-mortgagees, and delightful to interview. A couple of months ago, Tiffany was diagnosed with breast cancer. In today's episode, the two of them talk with me about how things have progressed so far and share what they're learning. Tiff & Lauren...
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Radiation Oncology Questions with Dr. Arash Naghavi, MD, MS
Dr. "Arash the Smash" Naghavi is my radiation oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. He specializes in sarcoma and does a lot of research to help advance the field. Most of all, he's a great human being and an excellent teacher. For more info on Dr. Naghavi or Moffitt, use this link:...
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Waiting for Scans, aka "You Aren't Going to Have Certainty"
Once you've had cancer, you usually have to live with a lot of uncertainty. That bugs the heck out of me, because I like to plan and hate feeling blindsided by unpleasant news. I've got a PET scan on Monday and there was an "area of concern" on my last PET scan a few months ago. Other recent…
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What If Your Spouse Gets Cancer -- Twice???
Marie Pearlingi is my friend, almost birthday twin, and massage therapist. Her wife, Cindy Coutts, is an occupational therapist and has had breast cancer twice. In this week's episode, the three of us talk about the process they've been through, how it's affected their lives, and their plans for...
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Tips from a Radiation Oncology Nurse with Lori Thompson, RN, BSN
Lori Thompson (RN, BSN) is MY nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center's radiation oncology department. Earlier in her nursing career, she worked both pediatric and adult hospice. She's a rockstar and has great tips and insights for your cancer journey. Photo ©2020 Heidi Bragg You can also find some…
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Post-Thanksgiving Thoughts and Your Q&A
Short podcast today: a bit of specific gratitude, in honor of Thanksgiving, and some of your questions, answers, and tips. Thanks to all those who offered help and input. Photo ©2020 Heidi Bragg You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeCancerEtc…
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When Your Child Gets a Cancer Diagnosis with Dmetria "Tay" Gibson
Tay Gibson is my sister (in every way but the biological). In this episode, we talk about what happened after her nightmare came true: her son, Quinn, was diagnosed with cancer. Tay epitomizes what it means to be resilient and full of faith, no matter what comes your way. I love her to pieces.…
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How to Be a Freaking Awesome Support Person with Sarah
Sarah is one of my favorite people on earth. She's a stellar human being, a fabulous chemo companion, and a friend par excellence. Sarah has great insights and gives great tips about how to support a friend or family member who's dealing with cancer. Plus, she's just a joy to be around. PC: Sarah...
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My Story, So Far
This is the very first episode of "Life, Cancer, Etc.," where you'll learn a bit about me and my story. I'm a 3-time cancer survivor facing another open-heart surgery to find out if the latest mass in my heart is malignant. BTW, even when things are really hard, I know for a fact that there is...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is not your mom's support group. Dealing with hard things -- like cancer -- sucks. We use humor (and snark, let's be real) to face the bad, see the good, and find some hope along the way. You CAN do this. My conversations with friends and experts will give you tips and tricks to make the process a little easier, or at least show you that you're not alone. About me? I'm a 3-time cancer survivor (colon, cardiac sarcoma, & urothelial) who's constantly dealing with the uncertainty and monitoring that comes along with that. Maybe I'm not going through exactly what you are, but I get how being diagnosed with cancer can be a visceral punch in the gut. However, there is good that can come out of this experience and you don't have to do this by yourself. NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical advice.
HOSTED BY
Heidi Bragg
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Life, Cancer, Etc. have?
Life, Cancer, Etc. currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Life, Cancer, Etc. about?
This is not your mom's support group. Dealing with hard things -- like cancer -- sucks. We use humor (and snark, let's be real) to face the bad, see the good, and find some hope along the way. You CAN do this. My conversations with friends and experts will give you tips and tricks to make the...
How often does Life, Cancer, Etc. release new episodes?
Life, Cancer, Etc. has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Life, Cancer, Etc.?
You can listen to Life, Cancer, Etc. on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Life, Cancer, Etc.?
Life, Cancer, Etc. is created and hosted by Heidi Bragg.
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