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

Research and testing are crucial parts of developing new cancer treatments. Clinical trials are how we achieve that research and testing. Cancer clinical trials test new drugs, radiation therapy techniques and surgical procedures. They help us determine what treatments are best for different cancers. That's why it's so important for a diverse group of people to participate in clinical trials.  
Listen in to hear me discuss the basics of clinical trials. 
 
What You'll Learn:
It's crucial that cancer patients participate in clinical trials (1:40)
Dr. Rosalyn defines what a clinical trial is. (2:08)
There are four phases of cancer clinical trials. (3:00) 
Screening, behavioral, prevention, diagnostic, treatment, and quality of life are the different types of clinical trials. (4:30) 
Participating in a clinical trial is a very personal decision. (8:20) 
"Clinical trials help us so much in terms of learning about different treatments for cancer." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell
"Clinical trials need a diversity of participants. Men, women, ethnicities, and ages. " - Dr. Rosalyn
 
Resources:
Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website
Links:
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A lot of people care about their health, but the fear of the unknown can sometimes stop them from being screened for cancer. One way to help is by holding free cancer screenings. Volunteers help put people at ease through education. Free cancer screenings also make the process more accessible to people who otherwise can't afford medical care. 
Listen in to hear me discuss a recent prostate cancer screening event I participated in where over one hundred people got screened. 
 
What You'll Learn:
Dr. Rosalyn describes the importance of free cancer screenings. (1:30)
Volunteers are essential to a successful free cancer screening event. (4:00)
Some prostate cancer survivors volunteered. (5:45)
The pandemic caused people to delay their cancer screenings.  (7:15)

 
"Free cancer screenings are so beneficial for people who don't have access to medical care." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell
"Cancer prevention is extremely important and cancer screenings are a big part of that." - Dr. Rosalyn
 
Resources:
Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website

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

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so today we will be talking about everything breast surgery with Dr. Elizabeth Arena. Elizabeth is a great friend of mine that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years, and I’m excited to have her on the podcast to share some of her insight and expertise in the area of breast surgery. It’s a huge subject to cover, but she will shed light on and introduce things like lumpectomy, mastectomy, and more.
You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://cancerfromatoz.com/episodes/6 

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

Dr. Corinne Deurdulian is a radiologist at the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles who is committed to improving radiology care for veterans. She has revised many of the MRI and CT protocols, as well as adding new protocols while practicing at the VA Medical Center. She joins the show today to share her passion for medicine and radiology, and discuss how important it is to put together the pieces.
You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://cancerfromatoz.com/episodes/3