When We Had Cancer

Larissa Morgan is the director of health justice transformation at Penn Medicine, a prior oncology nurse, and is plain ol’ honest about the challenges of having a breast cancer diagnosis, including entering the survivorship period. She recommends taking people up on the help they offer you and listening to your body if you need to take time off. Tune in to this week’s episode of “When We Had Cancer,” to hear about Larissa’s journey since diagnosis.               Song Credits: Easy on Me, by Adele; Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy

Catherine Hagele is a dragon boat fanatic, leader in the standardized patient program at Penn Medicine and discovered her own breast cancer via self exam several years ago. Today, she tells me about mindfulness and feeling each of her emotions, her enormous support system, and paddling in the Schuyllkill river alongside other breast cancer survivors--including an international competition in Germany!              Song Credits: Easy on Me, by Adele; Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy

Keisha is in her gynecologic oncology fellowship specializing in cervical cancer with research interests in patients' narratives. She's also a wife and a mother of 2 young ones. She's chatty, bikes all around Philadelphia, and carries around her yoga mat in anticipation of her CorePower yoga class later in the day. Tune in to this interesting episode to hear about warning signs of cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine, talking to patients about hospice, 'sexy' qualitative research, and how we are providers can take care of ourselves.     

Tanya Lumpkins, MD, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and before that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Navigating the healthcare system was nothing new; Dr. Lumpkins was used to being a patient that had to see multiple specialists. However, having the label as "cancer patient" took a whole new role, especially in how it offered perspective on racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, understanding genetic risk, seeing shortcomings of the health care organization, and even how it inspired travel and joy in her retirement. Life is short and so it should be enjoyed. More than 1 year after her breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Lumpkins shares her story with her very own daughter, Sarah Marion, MD, podcast host of "When We Had Cancer" and physician, herself. 

Ms. Kathleen Haden, ANP, is a nurse practitioner who now focuses mainly on cancer prevention strategies in clinic. But her journey is an interesting one: training to be a nurse practitioner when it was very uncommon (and not nearly as straightforward!), working in HIV/infectious disease units at the NIH alongside Dr. Fauci, independently figuring out what wellness strategies work for her, and now teaching nursing students how to figure out what works for them. Tune in to this episode of When We Had Cancer to hear a unique story about taking care of cancer patients from the perspective of an award-winning nurse practitioner!   Enjoy this week's episode, free to rate the podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts, and reach out to [email protected] if you (or someone you know) would be a good fit for a future episode! Thanks for listening :)~Sarah         Song Credits: Easy on Me, by Adele Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy          Song Credits: Easy on Me, by Adele Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy 

Dr. Craig Slingluff is a surgical oncologist and immunology researcher who treats and investigates melanoma, respectively. But he also was diagnosed with cancer, himself. Two years ago, he found out he had metastatic prostate cancer. With family and faculty support, Dr. Slingluff has a new perspective on life, which includes better work-life balance and gratitude exercises. Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about the intersections of work, disease, and coming to terms with one's own mortality.  Enjoy this week's episode, free to rate the podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts, and reach out to [email protected] if you (or someone you know) would be a good fit for a future episode! Thanks for listening :)~Sarah         Song Credits: Easy on Me, by Adele Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy 

Her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008 did not just have her thinking about death and dying, it inspired a second career: chaplaincy. Ms. Ann Marie Smith, MDiv, began volunteering with hospice care after her breast cancer journey, and eventually got her masters in divinity before doing her chaplain residency. Now a chaplain with the UVA Cancer Center, Ms. Smith provides care to cancer patients with a unique perspective given her similar position 15 years prior. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about the extent of chaplain services, the broad definition of grief and loss, ways to cope with emotional burden, and hear this woman’s perspective on what happens once we die. Take a listen to this week's episode, feel free to rate the podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts, and reach out to [email protected] if you (or someone you know) would be a good fit for a future episode! Thanks for listening :) ~Sarah         Song Credits: Easy on Me, by Adele Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy 

Starting off the 3rd season of "When We Had Cancer," which newly features providers (in the general sense) of cancer patients, is an interview with Dr. Fumiko Chino. Dr. Chino is a radiation oncologist in Manhattan, New York City, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Daughter of a radiation oncologist and sister to two radiation oncologists, Dr. Chino discusses many things that fall under the emotional wellbeing and challenges of cancer providers, including 1) the tribulations of growing up with a hard-working physician-mother; 2) the extent of our cancer therapies; 3) research that tailors to patients' needs; 4) the importance of flexibility and boundaries with work; 5) connecting and empathizing with patients; and 6) celebrating the wins with cancer care wherever you can. Take a listen to this week's episode, feel free to rate the podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts, and reach out to [email protected] if you (or someone you know) would be a good fit for a future episode! Thanks for listening :)~Sarah     Song Credits: Easy on Me, by AdeleClair de Lune, by Claude Debussy  

Maggie is a 34-year old cancer survivor who, frankly, isn’t thankful she ever was diagnosed. Maggie’s cancer compromised her fertility, brought upon anger, and played awful waiting games with biopsy results. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear about a rare cancer diagnosis, family planning, second opinions from doctors, and the role of therapy.   Song Credits: Easy on Me, by AdeleClair de Lune, by Claude Debussy  

Colleen is a 3-year retiree and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Living in rural Virginia with her four animals and husband, Bill Collins, of almost 48 years (who gets credit for being her rock through it all), Colleen recommends that you be there for your loved ones on cancer journeys. Saying "I'm here if you need anything" may not be enough, take a more active approach like grabbing ice cream with a group of friends. In this episode, we discuss the financial burden of cancer care, the inspiration behind the podcast, unique gratitude of cancer patients, changes in cancer care over the years, and a shop called "Flourish Boutique" at UVA Cancer Center for cancer patients to find wigs, bras, and other supportive items!  Featured SongsEasy on Me by Adele Clair de Lune by DeBussy 

This episode is a little different. Instead of interviewing a cancer survivor, I read a chapter from my book, "Six Women." This chapter is a story about a beautiful woman named Michelle called "Coffee Shop Miracles." Welcome to Season 3.    Featured SongsEasy on Me by Adele Clair de Lune by DeBussy 

Deborah, Deb, or Debby—depending on who you are—is a 5year cancer survivor from triple negative breast cancer, s/p double mastectomy. An ER/ICU nurse by training, Deborah took the diagnosis seriously: time to figure it out, get treatment, and move on. She now volunteers with the UVA Cancer Peer Support Group, along with Margarita (featured in S2E3), and also teaches/coordinates at a nursing program. Word of advice from Deborah, go schedule that mammogram! You'll thank yourself later!     Songs: Easy on Me, by AdeleClair de Lune, by Claude Debussy 

Margarita shares about self care, trusting your gut (and your research!), and being a two-time cancer survivor. Part of the UVA Cancer Peer Parter Support Group, Margarita helps other folks who are first starting their cancer journeys. 

Farah is a light-hearted, insightful first year medical student who is a two-time cancer survivor. Listen to this week's episode to hear a unique conversation about clairvoyance, severe side effects of chemo, existentialism, and a Make-a-Wish trip to Dubai. * * * * * Music accompaniment: The Night We Met by Lady Huron, arranged by Natalie Blatz, & Go the Distance by Alan Menken, arranged by Rachel Jacob.

Foster mom of puppies, spin class extraordinaire and excellent storyteller Kate Franklin sits down with me to tell us about her Leukemia diagnosis at age 4 and life since. Listen and learn about how cancer survivorship can be thought of as a pizza topping along with other parts of your life, and many more pockets of insight from my UVA School of Medicine classmate, Kate!

Full of energy and youthfulness, LaTonya is a natural storyteller with the perspective and story to match. One of the best things about having breast cancer was the self realization of her tenacity (immediately after being diagnosed LaTonya drove to the grocery store to buy everything organic, sparking a radical lifestyle change) and the worst thing by far was her chemotherapy treatment. Yet to be mentioned in this podcast, the long-lasting impact of chemotherapy, including neuropathy in your hands and feet and random bouts of dizziness, has LaTonya constantly being reminded of her 2017 breast cancer treatment.

Brenda is a bit more soft spoken than past cancer survivors on this podcast, her journey a bit more private and her circle a bit more intimate. Nonetheless, Brenda had a challenging but ultimately triumphant journey battling breast cancer and looks forward to her five-year survivorship celebration this summer. Initially fearful and in disbelief, Brenda found support in her doctors, children, and God. 

Sheri is a 10-year breast cancer survivor. Sheri is also a quadriplegic after a diving incident at age 16.  Injury coupled with illness, Sheri's challenging journey ten years ago was wrought with disability accommodations, familiarity with recurrent appointments (she calls herself a “frequent flyer”), and theories about cancer onset. A frequent storyteller, herself, Sheri shares the story of her battles with health.

Jacqueline is your unconventional cancer survivor- true alone from the fact that throughout our conversation about her breast cancer diagnosis she sat across from me with a beaming smile, giggling between anecdotes. Losing her mother and grandmother to breast cancer and brain cancer, respectively, convinced Jacqueline to approach her own cancer diagnosis years later with positivity including love, laughter, and stories with happy endings, including her own happy ending: almost 18 years of being a survivor.

Ify is an immigrant health advocate (and an African immigrant herself) who founded and serves as director of the organization, The African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association. Her spirituality, family, friends, and gentle spirit have gotten her through what has become five surgeries since her difficult decision: to do a lumpectomy in her right breast only or do a double mastectomy to essentially eliminate her risk of breast cancer reoccurrence. On the one hand Ify had only stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis, on the other, Ify had lost her friend and mother to breast cancer. Her decision to do a double mastectomy has tragically led to five surgeries due to complications, all on her left breast, which was void of cancer to begin with. Infections, pain, bleeding, ER visits, and last-minute surgeries have motivated Ify to fight even harder for her and others with illness. “Get a second opinion” Ify advises. Keep going, she says, for a third, fourth, or fifth if you have to.

Ms. Reid-Sillah is a current D.C. resident who advocates on behalf of the underserved communities of the metropolitan area. In episode #4 of "When We Had Cancer," Ms. Reid-Sillah approaches her breast cancer journey from a unique perspective, believing it was the best thing that could have happened to her. Listen to this week's episode to hear why.

A kindergarten teacher born and raised in Chester, South Carolina, “Tesha” Bouler moved to the D.C. area seven years ago. At age 36, she found a lump in her breast and assumed it was a benign cyst. The breast cancer diagnosis came as a devastating shock that was followed by fears of death, the freezing of eggs, the loss of beloved curls, and a powerful spiritual journey. Now a survivor, Tesha shares her remarkable story on Episode #3 of “When We Had Cancer.”

Not a “survivor" and technically not said to be in remission either, Susan has been N.E.D. ("no evidence of disease") since her last surgery in January 2017. A local from northwest D.C. and the mother of Sarah’s childhood friend, Isabel, Susan shares her story about how a rare breast cancer diagnosis days after President Trump’s election was tackled pragmatically with the support of family, friends, and the January Ladies.

Dr. Jehan "Gigi" El-Bayoumi is the founder and director of the GWU Rodham Institute, a clinical professor and internal medicine physician at GWU Hospital, and 15 years in remission since her double-mastectomy.