Only 4 Words

Karen Waddington with Melanie Williams
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

An honest and sometimes irreverent look at breast cancer. Hopefully, we can make you laugh, we might make you cry, but we will touch your heart.

  1. FEB 5

    Cancer Day at the Capital 2026 Recap

    Join Karen and Melanie as Melanie discusses her recent health updates and the need for a treatment change. They discuss the importance of advocacy in cancer treatment and legislative efforts is highlighted. Karen shares cancer statistics and the need for communitysupport and awareness. Biomarker testing is becoming more accessible and is crucialfor personalized treatment. The podcast emphasizes the importance of legislativeadvocacy for cancer-related issues. Melanie discusses the financial burden of medical debt andits impact on treatment access. The need for increased awareness and prevention measures for tobacco use is discussed. Community programs like Live Strong are vital for cancersurvivors' rehabilitation. The conversation ends with a focus on future plans andcontinued advocacy efforts. Here are the resources we discussed on the podcast: From our discussion with Cobie Whitten - Season 2 episode 44 published December 17, 2025 Support group virtual meetings 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 2-3:30pm 2nd Tuesdays of each month 6:30-8:00pm www.provcancer.org for more details Workshops and retreats www.harmonyhill.org/cancer For financial support, classes, support groups cancerlifeline.orgTo join the Rutgers study: join.rugcc.org American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics 2026 cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org

    37 min

  2. JAN 7

    Karen and Melanie talk with ACS Cancer Action Network's Anika Khan and Audrey Miller Garcia

    In this episode of the Only 4 Words podcast, Karenand Melanie welcome guests Anika Khan and Audrey Miller Garcia from the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network. They discuss the current legislative landscape affecting cancer patients, the challenges posed by budgetconstraints, and the impact of Medicaid changes. The importance of storytelling in advocacy is emphasized, particularly in relation to the upcoming Cancer Action Day, where volunteers can share their experiences with lawmakers. The conversation also covers upcoming legislative priorities, including biomarker testing and medical debt issues, and encourages community involvement in advocacy efforts.   Guests: Anika Khan, Grassroots Manager Audrey Miller Garcia, Government Relations Director Resources discussed on the podcast: The Washington State Standard waplanhealthfinder.org fightcancer.org Cancer Action Day January 21, 2026 Olympia, Washington

    1h 1m

  3. JAN 2

    A New Year's Message from Karen and Melanie

    Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who has supported us, listened, shared and attended our in person gatherings. We appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to a healthy, happy 2026 for all of us!

    1 min

  4. 12/25/2025

    A Christmas Message from Karen and Melanie

    From both of us and from the bottom of our hearts, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, good health and a an amazing 2026 ahead. Thank you for listening, for supporting us and walking along side us for this journey. We will be back in January with all new episodes.

    1 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Our Interview with Psycho-Oncology Consultant Cobie Whitten

    In this episode of the Only 4 Words Podcast, hosts KarenWaddington and Melanie engage in a heartfelt conversation with Cobie Whitten, an Psyco-Oncology Consultant. Cobie shares her extensive background in psycho-oncology anddiscusses the profound impact of cancer on individuals and their families. The conversation explores various themes, including the importance of emotional support, coping strategies, the role of positivity, and the challenges ofnavigating intimacy after a cancer diagnosis. Cobie emphasizes the need for open communication, the significance of support systems, and the importance offinding meaning and purpose in life despite the challenges posed by cancer. Theepisode concludes with insights on managing uncertainty and fear, as well as resources for those affected by cancer. Our next in person gathering with be: Saturday, Jan 3rd, 2026 Sweet Magnolia Coffeee Co 125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater, WA 2:00pm-4:00pm No RSVP needed, just show up Here are the resources that were mentioned on the podcast: https://www.harmonyhill.org/cancer/ https://cancerlifeline.org/

    1h 1m

  6. 12/08/2025

    A Few of Our Favorite Things

    In this episode of the Only Four Words podcast, Karen andMelanie reflect on their weekends and share personal stories about their experiences with cancer. They discuss their favorite things that can provide comfort and support to those undergoing treatment, including knitted knockersand local businesses that give back to the community. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness, emotional support, and practical help for loved ones in treatment, as well as creative gift ideas for the holiday season.   Here are a few of our favorite things: knittedknockers.org facebook.com/pink lift bustedtank.com fleshworkstattoostudio.com Icechips.com Happy Mail - linktr.ee/its.nerisa fightingpretty.org Serenity For A Cause (https://thewindchime.co)Join us for our next in person gathering: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co 125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater 2:00pm-4:00pm

    47 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Health Updates from Karen and Karen Celebrates 5 Years Cancer Free

    In this conversation, Karen Waddington shares her experienceof receiving unexpected medical news regarding a mass on her uterus. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication from her doctor, who took the time to discuss the results with her personally, demonstrating empathyand understanding during a stressful time. This highlights the critical role of patient care and the doctor-patient relationship in navigating health challenges. Next In Person Gathering Saturday, December 13, 2025 2:00-4:00pm Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co. 125 Tumwater Blvd., #119, Tumwater, Wa No RSVP needed

    42 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    A Thanksgiving Message from Karen and Melanie

    We just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for coming along on this journey with us. We are so grateful for you, our listeners, for those that have come on the podcast, and for those that show up at our in person gatherings and share their stories. Happy Thanksgiving! Karen and Melanie Our next in person gathering will be: Saturday (Note the change from Sunday) December 13th, 2025 Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co. 125 Tumwater Blvd #119, Tumwater, WA 2:00pm - 4:00pm There is no recording during this time

    2 min
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Trailer

About

An honest and sometimes irreverent look at breast cancer. Hopefully, we can make you laugh, we might make you cry, but we will touch your heart.

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Waddington with Melanie Williams
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Karen Waddington with Melanie Williams
  • Show Website
    Only 4 Words