Cancer From A to Z with Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

Dr. Rosalyn Morrell
Cancer From A to Z with Dr. Rosalyn Morrell Podcast

Join Dr. Rosalyn Morrell on her new podcast "Cancer From A to Z" where she'll be discussing topics that matter the most to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Dr. Morrell is a board-certified radiation oncologist and has been successfully treating cancer patients for over 15 years. Cancer is a complex topic to navigate through and Dr. Morrell is here to help guide you through your cancer journey. She'll be interviewing medical specialists and other health professionals, patients (to get their perspectives), as well as sharing her own experiences and professional expertise. Her goal is to share informative and educational conversations to help guide you and your loved ones through the maze of cancer information and treatment options. Be sure to join Dr. Morrell for each and every episode of the podcast as she and her guests discuss Cancer From A to Z. You can find out more about Dr. Rosalyn Morrell and the cancers she treats at https://www.centerpointoncology.com/

  1. Surviving Cancer, COVID and Heart Failure with Jen Singer

    21/02/2023

    Surviving Cancer, COVID and Heart Failure with Jen Singer

    After several misdiagnoses, Jen Singer was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During her treatment, she was blogging about parenthood for Good Housekeeping and began writing about her cancer experience. That inspired her to become a full-time medical writer. Listen in to learn more about Jen's journey with cancer, COVID, and heart failure. You'll also hear in detail how she's used empathy to become an award-winning medical writer.   What You'll Learn: Jen Singer is introduced. (2:35) There were several misdiagnoses before Jen got diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (4:05) After being rushed to the hospital, Jen got a second opinion. (9:45) When she finally got the correct diagnosis, Jen's first thoughts were her daughters. (11:00) Having an honest doctor was everything for Jen. (13:48) After recovering from COVID, Jen went into heart failure. (16:45) Jen laughs about learning the difference between the oncology floor and cardiology floor. (18:50) The term heart failure is terrifying for many people. (22:10) Anger is a common feeling when patients have multiple big diagnoses in their life. (23:00) Asking smart, specific questions about your treatment is important. (26:45) Seeing terrified patients, Jen was inspired to create "The Just Diagnosed Guides" (27:40) "How is it for you today?" is a great question to ask patients. (30:26) Healthcare providers need to be careful about what they say. (33:25)   Ideas worth sharing: "I wrote a script to call different pulmonologist offices." - Jen Singer "When you see something concerning, doctors should say, "That's odd we should investigate." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "The whole thing was how can I get the right treatment as fast as possible, and how can I protect my family from people saying things that aren't always helpful." - Jen Singer "Googling your symptoms is never a good idea when you don't know what you're looking for." - Jen Singer "The more dangerous the diagnosis, the more opinions you should seek." - Jen Singer "We're taught how to be healthy, not how to be sick." - Jen Singer   Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website Jen Singer: Website

    38 min
  2. Ep. #27: Bone Metastases - What is it and How to Get out of Pain

    13/01/2023

    Ep. #27: Bone Metastases - What is it and How to Get out of Pain

    Bone metastases can happen to many people who have cancer. They are most common in people who have breast cancer or prostate cancer. Bone metastases are often painful which is why it's so important to get an early diagnosis to reduce a patient's pain.  Listen in to learn what to expect after being diagnosed with bone metastases. You'll also learn about the different types of bone metastases, the diagnosis process and treatment options.   What You'll Learn: Bone metastases are different from bone cancer. (2:00) Our bodies are always breaking down and building bone. (4:00) There are three types of bone metastases: osteolytic, osteoblastic and mixed. (4:45) The most common symptom is pain. But fractures and elevated calcium levels can also occur. (7:18) Pain from bone metastases is constant and really hard to relieve without treatment. (9:05) To get a diagnosis doctors will typically order x-rays and other scans. (10:10) The most important thing is to get the pain under control as quickly as possible. (14:30) Medications that inhibit the processes of bone resorption are sometimes prescribed. (17:00)  Radiation therapy and radionuclide therapy are two other ways to treat bone metastases. (18:00) Radionuclide is when a patient is injected with radioisotopes for pain relief. (22:24)   Ideas worth sharing: "Though bone metastases are common in certain types of cancer they're possible in all types of cancer." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   "If you're experiencing pain, we want to get the pain under control as quickly as possible." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   "Usually you can get very rapid pain relief from radiation therapy." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   "Which form of therapy you receive is dependent upon your clinical scenario." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   "If you have cancer and are feeling pain that feels like it's arising from a bone, inform your healthcare provider. You want to be diagnosed sooner rather than later." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website

    27 min
  3. Ep. #25: Brain Tumors with Dr. Daniel F. Kelly

    29/11/2022

    Ep. #25: Brain Tumors with Dr. Daniel F. Kelly

    Brain tumors don't get the same amount of attention as the other types of cancers. But they are still very important to talk about. My guest today is Dr. Daniel F. Kelly, a neurosurgeon and founder of Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Listen in to learn about Daniel's non-linear path to becoming a neurosurgeon. You'll also hear how the Pacific Neuroscience Institute uses keyhole surgery to reduce the amount of time patients need to stay in the hospital.   What You'll Learn: We learn about Dr. Daniel F. Kelly and his background. (2:00) Daniel explains his non-linear path to becoming a neurosurgeon. (3:40) I recount some of my experiences with neurosurgeons.  (5:30) Seeing a gap in specialized neuro-oncology at St. John's Cancer Institute, Daniel helped found the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.  (6:00) Daniel describes the types of tumors he sees most and how that's changed over time. (8:15) We hear how Daniel got interested in pituitary tumors. (10:20) Pacific Neuroscience Institute uses a lot of collaboration to give the patient the best care (13:05) We hear how patients' pathways may differ when treated by Daniel. (14:26) Not every brain tumor patient requires surgery. (17:20) The essence of keyhole surgery is to sneak in and sneak out. (18:36) Daniel explains how surgery has evolved throughout his career. (21:30) Not every neurosurgeon specializes in keyhole surgery. (22:00) The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the amount of time neuro-patients stayed in hospitals post surgery. (24:30) Neuro-patients are incredibly brave and resilient. (27:16) Daniel explains how he collaborates with different specialists. (30:00) There are some exciting advances happening in neurosurgery. (32:00) Pacific Neuroscience Institute is looking for a cure for Glioblastoma. (35:05) Psychedelic assisted therapy is currently having a renaissance. (36:30) Daniel describes various studies on psychedelic assisted therapy. (39:14) We discuss the Netflix show 'How to Change Your Mind'. (44:00)   Ideas worth sharing: "Not everyone who has a brain tumor needs surgery." - Dr. Daniel F. Kelly   "The essence of Keyhole Surgery is to sneak in and sneak out with minimum collateral damage." - Dr. Daniel F. Kelly   "Managing patient expectations is important for all areas of oncology." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   "All of my patients teach me so much. We think we're teaching them and educating them -- but a lot of times it's the other way around." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   Resources: Dr. June Wiley: USC Pacific Neuroscience Institute: Website Dr. Daniel F. Kelly: Email

    48 min
  4. Ep #24: What Your Oncologist Wants You To Know

    08/11/2022

    Ep #24: What Your Oncologist Wants You To Know

    Getting a cancer diagnosis can be a very uncertain time in someone’s life.  Questions can arise as thoughts and minds race to understand the news.  With all of that uncertainty, sometimes we may forget some of the basic things we need to know for an appointment with a physician.  We understand and it can be a lot to take in. In this episode, we are going to cover what your oncologist wants you to know to make your time with them easier. Listen in to learn about six crucial things to know when visiting your oncologist. You will hear some advice you may already know and some advice you may have never thought about.   Save this episode for future reference or share it with those you know and you can use it as a quick checklist to be prepared for your next visit.   What You’ll Learn: The importance of knowing your past medical history when meeting with your medical physician. (1.29) Why physicians need to know your list of medications. (2:55) Overcoming language barriers. (4:00) As physicians, we are completely ok if patients want to seek a second opinion. (6:06) Why I believe it’s better to ask more questions. (8:12) Honesty is nothing to be embarrassed about. (10:33) I share my final thoughts. (12:23)   Ideas Worth Sharing: “It is probably safe to not assume that the physician you are seeing or their office staff speaks your language…if English is not your primary language.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   “If you hear from another physician the same thing that I’ve told you, then that kind of makes it a little bit easier for you to decide—and that’s totally ok.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   “The more comfortable you are with what we are recommending, the better everyone is going to be in terms of the relationship and even in terms of the treatment outcome.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell   Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website https://www.centerpointoncology.com/ Caregiver Website https://www.caregiver.org/

    14 min

About

Join Dr. Rosalyn Morrell on her new podcast "Cancer From A to Z" where she'll be discussing topics that matter the most to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Dr. Morrell is a board-certified radiation oncologist and has been successfully treating cancer patients for over 15 years. Cancer is a complex topic to navigate through and Dr. Morrell is here to help guide you through your cancer journey. She'll be interviewing medical specialists and other health professionals, patients (to get their perspectives), as well as sharing her own experiences and professional expertise. Her goal is to share informative and educational conversations to help guide you and your loved ones through the maze of cancer information and treatment options. Be sure to join Dr. Morrell for each and every episode of the podcast as she and her guests discuss Cancer From A to Z. You can find out more about Dr. Rosalyn Morrell and the cancers she treats at https://www.centerpointoncology.com/

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