What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast

What if a cancer diagnosis didn't have to take your future family away from you? In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we have a deep conversation with Tracy, a cervical cancer survivor and founding board member of The Chick Mission. She now serves as Chief Communications Officer and shares her experience with fertility preservation, patient advocacy, and what it really means to keep your options open when everything feels out of your control. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tracy was 30, newly married, and working in entertainment when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer after months of being dismissed by doctors. What followed was a crash course in egg freezing, a $17,000 bill her insurance called "elective," and a journey that would eventually lead her to help build one of the most impactful oncofertility nonprofits in the country.In this conversation, we learn→ Tracy's diagnosis story - the symptoms doctors ignored, the bathroom breakdown, and what finally got her answers→ Why fertility preservation wasn't even the standard of care when she was diagnosed in 2010→ How The Chick Mission provides need-based Hope Grants for egg and embryo freezing to newly diagnosed cancer patients (ages 18+)→ The real cost of oncofertility - and how Chick Mission has delivered nearly $5M in support to ~800 women→ Legislative wins in Texas, New York, California, New Jersey, Colorado & more - and what's next for Arizona & Pennsylvania→ The emotional weight of grieving the family you imagined - and finding peace in choice→ What to say (and not say) to a friend going through cancer→ How to advocate for yourself in medical appointments - and why it matters🔗 Learn more & apply for a Hope Grant: Chick Mission📩 Contact Chick Mission: [email protected]📸 Follow Chick Mission: https://www.instagram.com/chickmission/Subscribe - because someone out there is googling "cancer and fertility" at 2am and needs to find this. Be part of the reason they do. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/📌 Chapter OverviewsChapter 1: When Your Body Signals Something Is Wrong (0:00–0:16)Chapter 2: Cancer Diagnosis at 30 and Life Turning Point (0:16–1:12)Chapter 3: Ignored Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis Reality (1:12–2:10)Chapter 4: The Moment Everything Became Urgent (2:10–3:04)Chapter 5: Facing Cancer While Navigating Fear and Uncertainty (3:04–4:05)Chapter 6: Fertility Decisions Under Time Pressure (4:05–5:00)Chapter 7: The Financial Shock of Egg Freezing (5:00–6:01)Chapter 8: Why Fertility Access Should Not Be Optional (6:01–7:01)Chapter 9: Turning Pain into Purpose Through Advocacy (7:01–8:49)Chapter 10: Supporting Women Through Fertility and Cancer (8:49–10:30)Chapter 11: Changing Laws to Protect Future Choices (10:30–11:55)Chapter 12: The Emotional Weight of Fertility Expectations (11:55–13:37)Chapter 13: Losing Control and Reclaiming Choice (13:37–15:16)Chapter 14: Why Having Options Matters More Than Outcomes (15:16–16:04)Chapter 15: Life After Cancer and Redefining Identity (16:04–18:03)Chapter 16: Finding Purpose After Survival (18:03–20:20)Chapter 17: Navigating Relationships and Tough Conversations (20:20–23:09)Chapter 18: Real Stories of Hope, Loss, and Resilience (23:09–26:07)Chapter 19: The Power of Support Systems and Asking for Help (26:07–41:05)Chapter 20: Advocacy, Voice, and Living Beyond Cancer (41:05–53:06)Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

What I Wish I Knew: Detoxing Your Home During Cancer Treatment Your oncologist may never bring it up, but the chemicals in your home could be quietly working against your healing. This conversation breaks down how invisible exposures, from cleaning products and cookware to fabrics, EMFs, and receipts, can quietly add to your body's toxic load. About our guest: Sofia Ruan Gouchey is a leading toxic exposure expert recognized by the Well+Good Council as the Healthy Home Guru. She is the founder of Ruan Living and the author of A to Z of Detoxing , one of the most comprehensive, science-backed guides to reducing toxic exposure in everyday life. With nearly two decades of research and almost 600 scientific studies cited in her book, Sofia translates complex environmental health science into realistic, doable steps for real families. 📖 Learn more & explore Sofia's programs: https://www.ruanliving.com 📘 A to Z of Detoxing: available on her website 🏡 40-Day Home Detox Program: ruanliving.com In this episode, you'll learn:- Why indoor air is 2–5x more polluted than outdoor air — even in major cities - The "household repeat offenders" that silently increase your toxic burden - How endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormones, immunity & healing- Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) hiding in everyday products - Why 85% of diseases may be linked to non-genetic, environmental factors - EMFs, blood-brain barrier damage, and your bedroom setup - What a journalist's urine test revealed , before and after the 40-Day Home Detox- Affordable, FREE ways to start detoxing your home today- The LOLA POP Detox Method and how to make non-toxic living a lifestyle- Why the EU bans 1,100 chemicals in personal care vs. only ~11 in the US 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Chemical Exposure Scale and Disease Link (1:00–3:55)Chapter 2: Immune Fragility and Toxic Awareness (3:55–6:50)Chapter 3: Indoor Air Pollution and Hidden Risks (6:50–9:45)Chapter 4: Sources of Household Chemical Exposure (9:45–12:40)Chapter 5: Detox Prioritization and Practical Approach (12:40–15:35)Chapter 6: Stress, Balance, and Mental Health Impact (15:35–18:30)Chapter 7: Hygiene Hypothesis and Immune Adaptation (18:30–21:25)Chapter 8: Heavy Metals and Neurotoxicity (21:25–24:20)Chapter 9: Chemical Regulation and Global Differences (24:20–27:15)Chapter 10: Consumer Choices and Exposure Reduction (27:15–30:10)Chapter 11: Toxic Cookware and Food Safety (30:10–33:05)Chapter 12: Simplifying Detox with Key Patterns (33:05–36:00)Chapter 13: Plastic Exposure in Daily Life (36:00–38:55)Chapter 14: Endocrine Disruptors and Hormones (38:55–41:50)Chapter 15: Genetics vs Environmental Triggers (41:50–44:45)Chapter 16: Cancer Support and Home Detox Basics (44:45–47:40)Chapter 17: Low-Cost Detox and Accessibility (47:40–50:35)Chapter 18: EMFs and Biological Effects (50:35–53:30)Chapter 19: Scientific Resistance and Public Perception (53:30–56:25)Chapter 20: Long-Term Health Impact and Detox Outcomes (56:25–1:00:03)If learning about the invisible toxins in your home made you think of someone navigating cancer, in treatment, or simply trying to create a healthier space to heal — share this episode with them. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org If this episode helped you, please like, comment & hit subscribe and turn on notifications , because the next conversation might be the one that changes how you see your health, your home, and your healing. Follow us on social media to stay updated: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

What I Wish I Knew: A Healing Cancer PodcastIn this episode, we step into a deeply personal story of breast cancer, healing, and transformation. Dr. Dan Sullivan, a licensed naturopathic doctor, sits down with Micaela Palacios, a breast cancer survivor, transformational coach, and energy healer, as she opens up about being diagnosed during COVID-19.She shares how she navigated both conventional and alternative treatments, along with the emotional and spiritual shifts that reshaped her life. This conversation goes beyond the medical journey. It explores surrender, identity, resilience, and what it really means to rebuild your life from the inside out.This episode is for anyone interested in breast cancer recovery, holistic healing, and understanding the deeper emotional and physical layers of long term healing.To learn more about Micaela Palacios, visit the link below: https://michaelapalacios.comIn this episode you'll learn:- How chronic stress and emotional suppression may affect healing during cancer treatment. - What tamoxifen is, why it is prescribed, and common side effects patients may not always be fully told about. - How integrative approaches like Reiki and plant medicine are being explored alongside conventional cancer care. - The link between the nervous system, stress, and how the body responds under long term pressure. - How cancer can redefine strength, resilience, and recovery beyond medical treatment. Chapter Overviews:Chapter 1: Breast Cancer Diagnosis During COVID-19 (1:58 to 2:24)Chapter 2: Emotional Response and Power of Surrender in Cancer Journey (2:24 to 3:02)Chapter 3: Mental Shift, Positivity, and Lifestyle Changes During Treatment (3:02 to 4:42)Chapter 4: Integrative Therapies Like Reiki During Chemotherapy (4:42 to 5:28)Chapter 5: Stress, Burnout, and Lifestyle Factors Before Cancer Diagnosis (5:53 to 6:33)Chapter 6: Post Treatment Lifestyle Transformation and Healing Approach (6:33 to 7:36)Chapter 7: Psychological Stress, Identity Pressure, and Health Impact (14:04 to 17:22)Chapter 8: Conventional Breast Cancer Treatment Plan Explained (19:01 to 21:31)Chapter 9: Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy Tamoxifen (22:14 to 23:22)Chapter 10: Functional Medicine and Nutritional Deficiency Recovery (24:33 to 24:56)Chapter 11: Role of Alternative Healing Methods and Energy Work (26:13 to 27:06)Chapter 12: Plant Medicine and Emotional Trauma Release in Healing (27:06 to 28:01)Chapter 13: Post Cancer Recovery Challenges and Lack of Aftercare Support (22:14 to 22:44)Chapter 14: Importance of Patient Advocacy and Second Medical Opinions (45:13 to 46:06)Chapter 15: Emotional Healing, Trauma Processing, and Redefining Strength (48:10 to 50:10)If this conversation resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might find it meaningful. For more episodes, resources, and integrative cancer education, visit: https://www.whatiwishiknew.org                                                                                             Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss upcoming episodes and important resources. Follow us on social media to stay updated:Facebook: /wiwikpodInstagram: /whatiwishiknewcancerTikTok: /wiwikpodcastLinkedIn: /what-i-wish-i-knew-podcastDisclaimer:This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not rely on it as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.

In this episode of *What I Wish I Knew*, we explore current research on how the gut microbiome may be associated with cancer treatment—particularly immunotherapy. Host McKenna is joined by Dr. Oriana Miltiadous to discuss what scientists are studying, how this research is conducted, and what questions remain.This conversation focuses on emerging areas of study, including fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), diet, medications, and how these factors are being investigated in relation to treatment response. The goal is to provide a grounded, research-based overview without overstating conclusions.Guest: Dr. Oriana MiltiadousDr. Miltiadous is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center whose research focuses on the gut microbiome and its potential role in cancer care.Learn more about her work: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/oriana-miltiadous](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/oriana-miltiadousIn this episode, we discuss:• What researchers are studying about the gut microbiome and cancer treatment• How fecal microbiota transplants are currently used and investigated• Considerations around probiotics and why research is still evolving• The role of diet in overall health during treatment• Ongoing questions in microbiome-related cancer researchChapter Overview:00:48 – Meet Dr. Oriana Miltiadous01:14 – Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) Overview02:55 – Current Regulatory Status03:47 – How FMT Works (Research Perspective)05:45 – Preparation Process06:54 – Safety and Screening Considerations09:33 – Probiotics: Current Evidence10:54 – Diet and Gut Health12:25 – Nutrition Considerations During Treatment14:25 – Fiber and the Microbiome16:14 – Antibiotics and the Microbiome18:10 – Gut Recovery Considerations27:46 – Research Study Discussion33:20 – Microbiome and Immunotherapy (What’s Being Studied)38:15 – Future Research Directions43:40 – Clinical Challenges47:05 – What This Means in Current Research Context50:51 – Key TakeawaysFollow us for more research-based conversations:Instagram: @whatiwishiknewcancerTikTok: @wiwikpodcastLinkedIn: What I Wish I Knew PodcastDisclaimer:This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not provide or promote any treatment, cure, or prevention of disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding medical decisions. Research discussed in this episode is ongoing and may not be conclusive.

EMDR, intrusive thoughts, and the cancer journey are at the center of this conversation with Dr. Christine Sells. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, McKenna reflects on how EMDR became part of her lived experience after diagnosis and treatment-related triggers, while Dr. Sells explains what EMDR stands for, how different forms of bilateral stimulation are discussed, and why overwhelm can stay with people long after the medical event itself. This is a story-led conversation about stress, survivorship, emotional processing, and support for people navigating cancer.Dr. Christine Sells is a licensed psychologist, founder and director of training at the EMDR Center of Southern California, and she shares how EMDR is approached through multiple phases, including history-taking, preparation, and reprocessing. McKenna also opens up about intrusive thoughts, emotional triggers, and what it has felt like to reconnect with emotions after difficult health experiences.Learn more about the EMDR Center of Southern California:https://www.emdrcalifornia.comWhat EMDR stands for and how eye movement, tapping, and auditory stimulation are discussed in the episodeHow diagnosis, treatment, hospital memories, and body-based triggers can continue to affect survivorshipWhy intrusive thoughts and worst-case thinking are explored here through lived experience and reflectionWhat Dr. Sells shares about the eight phases of EMDR, including preparation, closure, and reevaluationWhy this episode may resonate with patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone processing medical trauma or post-treatment stressIn this episode you’ll learn…How Dr. Christine Sells explains EMDR in accessible termsWhy preparation and staying within tolerance levels are emphasized in the conversationHow McKenna describes intrusive thoughts, scans anxiety, and emotional triggers after cancerWhat this discussion highlights about survivorship, emotional regulation, and supportMore from Dr. Christine Sells and the EMDR Center of Southern California:https://www.emdrcalifornia.comLike, comment, subscribe, and share your thoughts below.Follow us on Instagram @WHATIWISHIKNEWCANCERListen/Watch: Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

In this conversation, Alison Silberman shares why young adults feel so alone after diagnosis and how community can make that experience feel less isolating. As CEO of Stupid Cancer, she reflects on the unique challenges adolescents and young adults face, from delayed diagnosis and survivorship to caregiving, identity, and the need for spaces where people can be honest about what they’re going through. This episode is for people navigating cancer, survivors, caregivers, and anyone looking for a more human conversation around support, connection, and lived experience.- Why young adults are often dismissed or diagnosed later- How Stupid Cancer and CancerCon create community for patients, survivors, and caregivers- Why storytelling, peer connection, and being understood matter so much- How self-advocacy can shape conversations around side effects, finances, and survivorship- What caregivers can do to show up in practical, specific ways- Why the identity side of diagnosis and survivorship looks different for everyoneChapters00:00:34 Intro: After Diagnosis, Then What?01:20 Why “Stupid Cancer” Fits03:01 Why Young Adults Get Missed07:57 Finding People Who Get It16:07 Disparities, Bias, and Safe Care22:17 Self-Advocacy and Support Gaps35:19 Caregiving Through a Brother’s Diagnosis52:59 You Are Not AloneIn this episode you’ll learn…- why the young adult diagnosis experience can feel so different- how community spaces can help people feel seen and supported- what caregivers can ask when they want to help but do not know how- where communication gaps can show up between providers and patientsLike, comment, subscribe, and share your perspective below.Follow us on Instagram @whatiwishiknewcancerListen/Watch: Watch the full episode and listen on your preferred podcast platform.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

Doctor Dan and Doctor Winkler break down cancer treatment options and what “integrative cancer treatment” can look like in practice. They talk through how patients can explore a wider range of approaches, combine therapies thoughtfully, and stay empowered in the decisions they make.In this conversation, Doctor Winkler shares how he approaches screening and personalization, why tolerability and toxicity matter, and how his clinic thinks about everything from testing to lifestyle support to emotional patterns that may be showing up for patients.Key topics & takeaways: - How Doctor Winkler got into integrative cancer treatments (and what that means day-to-day) - RGCC / “liquid biopsy” as a tool for exploring treatment fitOxidative therapies (including ozone and EBOO) and why “stacking” order matters - Photodynamic / low-level laser concepts, including an example using light with an IV compound - What a typical new-patient pathway can include: screening, diet/lifestyle support, detox-first thinking - The emotional side of cancer: common patterns discussed (including shame/worthiness themes)In this episode you’ll learn…How to think beyond a one-lane treatment plan and ask better questionsWhy combining therapies is discussed as a careful, personalized processHow mindset, ownership, and emotional support can be part of the bigger pictureChapters:00:00:35 Intro: More Than Two Options01:40 Meet Doctor Winkler03:45 Liquid Biopsy + Finding Answers Faster36:16 Oxidative Therapies: Ozone & EBOO44:14 Laser/Photodynamic Explained01:07:46 A Typical New-Patient Workup01:22:34 Emotions: Shame & Worthiness02:02:45 Where to Find the Clinic + Sign-OffLike, comment, subscribe.Follow us on Instagram @whatiwishiknewcancerDisclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations—and the science behind them—are at the center of this episode. Host McKenna shares how this work changed the trajectory of her diagnosis, then sits down with Hemal H. Patel, Ph.D. to explore what researchers are actually measuring in the body before and after these intensive experiences. His is a Professor of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Research Career Scientist at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. Together, they talk through the real-world research process: large participant data sets, microbiome sampling, blood-based experiments, and why the mind-body conversation doesn’t have to be “either/or” (alternative vs Western medicine). This is a thoughtful, curiosity-driven episode for anyone navigating cancer who wants a grounded look at what’s being studied—and what questions still don’t have clear answers yet.Bonus:Dr. Hemal Patel is featured in the documentary “Source: It’s Within You” (available on Apple TV).Like, comment, and subscribe — it helps this project reach more people who may really need it right now.Follow us on Instagram @wiwikpodDisclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

Cancer costs can lead to financial toxicity—and that can change care. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast, McKenna talks with Dr. Mateo Banegas about why cancer is so financially overwhelming and what patients and families can do early to reduce the burden.Dr. Banegas discusses how “financial toxicity” became a recognized part of oncology, and why it matters just as much as physical side effects. You’ll also hear real examples of how costs can lead people to stretch medications, skip care, or choose a different treatment path simply because of affordability.

Fertility specialist Sandy Chuan, MD explains how cancer treatment can affect fertility and what preservation options exist for women and men, including timelines, egg vs embryo freezing, sperm banking, and the real IVF “attrition” math. Educational only, not medical advice.

Radiation can be one of the scariest words you hear after a cancer diagnosis. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host and cancer survivor McKenna Avery shares what it felt like to finish 33 rounds of proton radiation, including the emotional “last day” moment, and the three things she wishes she knew sooner: that proton therapy can be an option, the power of visualization during treatment, and why consistent moisturizing matters.Dr. Dan sits down with radiation oncologist Dr. James Urbanic (UC San Diego) for a grounded, patient-first explanation of radiation therapy and the real-world decision-making behind it. They break down the goals of treatment (symptom relief, life prolongation, post-surgery “cleanup,” and curative intent), why some cancers are treated with radiation to preserve function (including larynx/voice box, cervix, and anal cancers), and how the field has advanced with better imaging, tighter accuracy, and faster planning.You’ll also hear a clear, non-hype comparison of proton therapy vs conventional X-ray (photon) radiation, including the Bragg peak, why “best” depends on the situation, and how technique differs from modality (3D conformal, IMRT/IMPT, SBRT, SRS). Dr. Urbanic walks through what planning day looks like (CT imaging, immobilization devices, contrast considerations, and behind-the-scenes safety checks), what side effects can look like across body areas (including skin reactions and why proton skin reactions may be more pronounced), how clinicians think about re-irradiation, and where immunotherapy may or may not fit alongside radiation. The conversation also touches on cost, insurance authorization realities, access gaps, and what patients should listen for when deciding if a care team feels trustworthy and thorough. This conversation is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and clinicians seeking clarity, not marketing. Educational only, not medical advice.Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Cold Open: Progress, Immunity, and Hope00:00:29 - Welcome + McKenna’s Proton Radiation Story00:01:06 - Three Things McKenna Wishes She Knew About Proton Therapy00:02:03 - Meet Dr. James Urbanic00:02:51 - From Ships to Cancer Care: Dr. Urbanic’s Path00:05:31 - Radiation Therapy Basics Explained00:07:22 - The Goals of Radiation Treatment00:09:00 - When Radiation Replaces Surgery00:10:48 - How Radiation Therapy Has Evolved00:13:30 - When Patients Want to “Go Natural”00:18:25 - Radiation Myths, Safety, and Trust00:21:46 - What Is Proton Therapy?00:26:41 - Who Proton Therapy Helps Most00:32:39 - Cost, Coverage, and Insurance for Proton Therapy00:40:27 - Proton Therapy Hype vs Reality00:42:39 - SBRT, SRS, and Modern Radiation Techniques00:50:30 - Immunotherapy and Radiation Used Together01:01:54 - What Happens on Radiation Planning Day01:06:15 - AI and Machine Learning in Radiation Planning01:11:52 - What Treatment Looks Like Behind the Scenes01:21:03 - Radiation Side Effects: Short-Term and Long-Term01:24:25 - Re-Irradiation: When and Why It’s Considered01:31:28 - Diet, Exercise, and Mind-Body Support During Treatment01:38:46 - The Future of Radiation: New Particles, New Questions01:43:23 - Access, Geography, and Proton Center Availability01:48:18 - Questions Every Patient Should Ask01:50:40 - Resilience, Meaning, and Joy in the WorkDisclaimer:This episode is for general educational purposes and reflects personal experiences and professional perspectives. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for individualized diagnosis or treatment planning. Always consult your oncology team for guidance specific to your situation. If you think you may be experiencing an urgent medical issue, seek immediate care.

After a cancer diagnosis, fear of death can get loud fast. In this episode, McKenna Avery sits down with certified death doula Selena Jong to talk about what happens when mortality moves from a distant idea to a daily thought, and how honest conversation can make the weight feel more carryable.Together, they explore hospice and the dying process, the role of a death doula (emotional, spiritual, and practical support), and end-of-life autonomy including Medical Aid in Dying in California. They also talk through real-world planning that can protect families from chaos, plus options for how to care for the body after death, including eco-friendly choices like water cremation, body composting, and natural burial.This conversation is for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and clinicians who want clearer language, grounded perspective, and more humane ways to talk about dying, grief, legacy, and the relationships that matter most.Learn more about Selena's workon instagram @movingthroughdeathwww.movingthrough.org and www.thedeathnetwork.comIf this episode helped you feel a little less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what resonated most. Share it with a friend, caregiver, or survivor who might need this conversation right now. And for more community and updates, follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD.

Immunotherapy can feel like a black box when you’re living through cancer, caring for someone with cancer, or trying to understand today’s rapidly changing treatment landscape. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, functional medicine doctor Dr. Dan speaks with immunobiology expert Dr. Susan Kaech (Salk Institute) about how the immune system works in cancer, how T cells recognize tumors, and how the tumor microenvironment suppresses immune responses.They walk through what immunotherapy is (including immune “brakes” like PD1/CTLA4 and CAR T cell therapy), what side effects can look like, and why some cancers respond better than others. The conversation also tackles treatment resistance, the role of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, and why tumor mutations and tumor sequencing matter for treatment options and clinical trial eligibility.You’ll also hear emerging perspectives on cancer vaccines (including personalized vaccine approaches and mRNA platforms), the gut microbiome and dietary fiber, and the developing science of neuroimmunology, including how chronic stress signaling can shape immune suppression and why beta blockers are being studied alongside immunotherapies. This episode is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and clinicians who want an understandable, research-informed conversation without hype.If this conversation helped you feel more informed or less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what you want to learn about next. Share this episode with a patient, survivor, caregiver, or clinician who might benefit from a clearer understanding of immunotherapy, cancer vaccines, and the stress-immune connection. Follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD.

Cancer survivorship can change everything, including your sex life. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, McKenna Avery sits down with a sexual medicine specialist to talk through the most common sexual health challenges after cancer treatment, from low libido and reduced sensation to vaginal dryness, painful sex, and orgasm changes.You’ll also hear what comprehensive, trauma-aware sexual health care can look like, including longer, more thorough visits that combine therapy, education, diagnostic testing, and careful monitoring. The conversation explores menopause after cancer treatment, the fear and hesitation around hormones in breast cancer survivorship, and why patient advocacy matters when quality of life is on the line.This episode is for cancer patients, survivors, partners, caregivers, and clinicians who want a clearer, more compassionate understanding of sexual dysfunction after cancer, and what it can mean to pursue safe, monitored support rather than suffering in silence.If this conversation helped you feel more informed or less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what resonated or what you wish more people understood about sex and intimacy after cancer. Share this episode with someone who might need it, whether that’s a patient, survivor, partner, caregiver, or clinician. Follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD.