The Funny Things About Cancer

It's World Cancer Day, and I am happy to share some good news: a clear progress report along with my gratitude for a supportive medical team and loved ones. This episode brings with it a temporary pause of the podcast to regroup, schedule guests, and better bring forward humorous stories from patients, caregivers, and medical staff. The goal remains to find and share the unexpected, often funny moments that come with a cancer journey while including more voices and perspectives in future episodes.

Kerri recounts a recent phone conversation with her hilarious friend, Chemo-Sabe, whom she met in the chemotherapy infusion bay. During their laughter-filled catch-up, amongst other things, they spoke about how people show up beautifully, but sometimes miss the mark with their well-intentioned support.  The episode explores how a compliment like “superhero” can sometimes feel heavy or unhelpful, and offers simple advice for supporters: listen, be mindful with words, and keep showing up - sometimes less enthusiastic praise and more steady presence is what patients need most.

Chemo brain describes the foggy, forgetful cognitive changes many people experience during or after cancer treatment, including trouble concentrating, finding words, remembering conversations, and multitasking. This episode is about my personal experience — a once-articulate speaker who suddenly struggled to find words, repeated stories, and became forgetful. Humor helped me, and others, to cope with this short-term side-effect of cancer treatment. I'm hopeful that it will help others do the same. And, I'm much better now! It just took a sense of humor and a bit of time.

Kerri, a breast cancer survivor who worked in a cancer center shares the candid, often funny and surprising conversations that happen between patients and staff. From questions about alcohol and chemo, losing the ability to taste, cravings, hair loss and bowel issues, the episode highlights how honesty creates connection, hope, and occasional laughter amid treatment. Cancer itself isn’t funny, but the vulnerability and openness it brings can lead to human, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious moments that help patients and caregivers cope.

This episode finds humor in the unexpected side effects of cancer treatment — forced menopause ("heropause"), night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, weight changes, and adult-onset acne — and how laughter helped cope. It also touches on male symptoms like andropause through a patient story, the practical challenges of sweating and dehydration, and how treatment and community support made the experience more bearable.

In "Pushing Through," the host shares her journey from a stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis to extended treatment, then returning to work at the cancer center where she was treated. She discusses the emotional toll of supporting patients while managing her own mental health, recounts a panic attack that led to an ER visit despite good physical test results, and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, mammograms, and moments of both struggle and triumph.

In this episode of "The Funny Things About Cancer," I dive into the life-changing decision of incorporating a medical port into cancer treatment, introducing the affectionate nickname "Miss Marble." Listen as I share personal anecdotes and humorous reflections on the challenges and comforts provided by this technological marvel. Discover how Miss Marble transformed routine treatment routines, offering ease and efficiency, while forming an unexpected bond with me, her host. From installation anxieties to the bittersweet removal process, my story offers an enlightening perspective on finding humor, once again, in the midst of adversity.

Welcome to an engaging episode of "The Funny Things About Cancer," where host Kerri does a virtual chat with her nurse practitioner, Lindsey, to explore their unique and humorous journey through cancer treatment. Lindsey, an oncology nurse for 15 years, shares her first encounter with Kerri during her chemotherapy and how their bond grew over shared experiences and delicious cookies. Discover how Kerri's transition from corporate America to baking became a Hallmark-worthy story, filled with unexpected detours in her health journey. Listen to the tales of swelling fingers, joint pains, cookie therapy, and the joyous moments that brought light even in challenging times. Tune in for this heartfelt conversation that brings awareness to lesser-discussed cancer treatment experiences while celebrating the human spirit's resilience and humor.

In this heartfelt episode, join Kerri as she sits down with her friend and neighbor Keith, who shares his inspiring journey of being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer. Keith’s story is a testament to the power of humor and positivity when faced with life's challenges, including his surprising and uplifting experience within the cancer center where Kerri works. Keith also opens up about his life's passions, from his unique hobby of mustard making to his deep involvement in politics and public relations. As Keith reflects on his experiences, he emphasizes the importance of regular medical check-ups and the vital role of positivity and humor in overcoming adversity. Tune in for a genuine, uplifting, and candid conversation about living life with courage and laughter in the face of cancer.

Cancer was never something I wanted to define me, yet it inevitably shaped my life in profound ways. In this episode, I share how my diagnosis both challenged and transformed me, providing new perspectives and unexpected gifts. At the very cancer center where I was treated, I now work to support other patients through my shared experiences, offering them the comfort and encouragement I found valuable during my own treatment. Through anecdotes of resilience, like the humorous evolution of my post-cancer hair and the new-found confidence in my voice, I highlight the often-overlooked lighter aspects of this serious journey. Join me as I navigate the funny, frustrating, and ultimately enlightening path of living with cancer, celebrating the important connections and insights gained along the way.

In this episode of "The Funny Things About Cancer," I delve into the unexpected side effects of chemotherapy on nails, a topic that isn’t discussed as much as other side effects, but one that is significantly impactful on daily life. Amidst the candid reflection on personal experiences with nail discoloration and loss, I share a lighthearted exploration of workplace camaraderie: colleagues sharing their perspectives on perfume, and the fashion statements made through scrubs. Join me as I uncover the humor and irony in these side effects, and share gratitude for the small joys, like colorful scrubs, that brighten the cancer treatment journey.

In this heartwarming episode, I pay tribute to Emma and Kori, two remarkable women who brought laughter and resilience to their cancer journeys. Despite the pain and loss that cancer often brings, Emma's sharp wit and Kori's infectious energy remind us of the power of humor in healing. Join me as I reflect on the funny moments shared with them, and explore how humor can be a beacon of light in challenging times. This is a celebration of life's lighter side, even in the face of a dark disease.

Join Kerri on this episode of "The Funny Things About Cancer" as she welcomes her friend Ron, who shares his journey with a rare type of cancer - anal cancer. At 63, Ron reflects on his life changes after a shocking diagnosis during a routine colonoscopy. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes using humor and openness in discussions about his treatment and the importance of early detection through regular check-ups. Listen as Ron talks about the unique challenges faced, from dealing with the stigma of his diagnosis to undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. You’ll discover Ron’s resilient spirit and his ability to make light of the situation, right down to keeping his sense of humor while grappling with radiation and the trials it brings. Kerri and Ron's honest conversation highlights the value of support groups, where shared experiences contribute to well-being, and the importance of encouraging others to adhere to regular screenings. Tune in to be inspired by Ron's story and to understand that sometimes laughter is indeed the best medicine.