The Many Faces of Cancer

Melissa Grosboll
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

As a cancer survivor and thriver, I know how important community and support are when you are facing a cancer diagnosis. That’s why I created The Many Faces of Cancer Podcast. Each week I will be interviewing amazing people with heartfelt and inspirational stories from all sides of the cancer journey: patients, survivors and thrivers, caregivers, family and friends, and professionals. I may even throw in a bonus episode once in a while talking about things that are important to us all.  We never think it will happen to us, until it does. This podcast will be about community, knowing you’re not alone in your journey. It will also be an opportunity for people to share their stories and hopefully help others.  I hope you will all tune in. While it will be cancer stories, we all learn from others and, ultimately, these are human stories, applicable to many other areas of life.

  1. 1d ago

    Changing the Future of Childhood Cancer with Julie Daubenmire

    When Julie Daubenmire's 10-year-old daughter Hannah began complaining of knee pain during cross-country practice, her family assumed it was a routine sports injury. Instead, it became the beginning of a life-changing journey through osteosarcoma, a rare pediatric bone cancer. Today, Hannah is thriving, and Julie has transformed her family's experience into a mission. As Director of Marketing and Family Engagement for Cancer Free Kids, she's helping fund the groundbreaking research that could change how childhood cancers are treated for generations to come. In this inspiring conversation, Julie shares the emotional reality of parenting a child through cancer, the often-overlooked impact on siblings, why pediatric cancer research remains dramatically underfunded, and why she's optimistic that the next decade could revolutionize treatment for children. In this episode, we discuss:  Hannah's unexpected osteosarcoma diagnosis after what seemed like a simple running injury  Why early detection made such a difference  The realities of pediatric chemotherapy and limb-salvage surgery  Living with a growing titanium knee implant  The emotional impact cancer has on siblings and the entire family  The importance of mental health and wraparound support during treatment  Why pediatric cancers receive only a small fraction of overall cancer research funding  How Cancer Free Kids funds innovative early-stage research  The promise of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine  Why today's research could dramatically improve treatment for tomorrow's children  Finding purpose after cancerThis episode is a powerful reminder that every breakthrough begins with someone willing to invest in hope. Resources: Julie's website: https://www.cancerfreekids.org/ Julie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancerfreekids/ Julie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerfreekids/ Julie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cancerfreekids Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Changing the Future of Childhood Cancer with Julie Daubenmire

  2. Aug 11

    Making Sense of It: From Diagnosis to Decision with Paul Davies

    A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming—but what happens when the next words aren't “Here's what we're going to do,” but instead, “Here are your options. You decide”? In this episode of The Many Faces of Cancer, Melissa talks with Paul Davies, a prostate cancer survivor, television producer, lifelong educator and Chair of Trustees for Tackle Prostate Cancer in the UK. Because Paul's father died from prostate cancer, Paul began regular PSA testing in his 40s. Years later, despite feeling healthy enough to run the London Marathon, a change in his PSA began a months-long journey through testing, uncertainty and eventually a prostate cancer diagnosis. But receiving the diagnosis wasn't the end of Paul's uncertainty—it created an entirely new kind. Faced with several possible treatment options, Paul found himself overwhelmed by research, potential side effects and the enormous responsibility of choosing the treatment that was right for him. Then, during an interfaith meeting, a rabbi friend offered a sentence that changed everything: prostate cancer might not kill him, but indecision might. Paul shares how he finally made peace with his treatment decision, why avoiding “treatment regret” matters, and the remarkable full-circle moment when that same rabbi later called Paul after receiving his own prostate cancer diagnosis. Today, Paul uses his experience to help others through Tackle Prostate Cancer, an organization supporting thousands of people through more than 160 support groups across the UK. He also discusses Make Sense of It, an initiative designed to help people navigate the difficult period between diagnosis and treatment. In this conversation, Melissa and Paul discuss: • The importance of knowing your PSA history and recognizing changes over time • The emotional toll of waiting for a cancer diagnosis • Why having multiple treatment options can sometimes increase anxiety • How personal circumstances influence cancer treatment decisions • Making a decision you can live with without future treatment regret • The unique emotional challenge of active surveillance • The power of cancer support groups and peer connection • Turning your own cancer experience into support for someone else • Paul's simple strategy for managing worry during cancer treatment Paul's story is an important reminder that there may not always be one “right” cancer treatment decision. Sometimes the goal is to gather the information, understand what matters most to you, make the best decision you can—and allow yourself to move forward with it. Resources: Tackle Prostate Cancer Website: https://tackleprostate.org/ Paul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldavs/ Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Making Sense of It: From Diagnosis to Decision with Paul Davies

  3. Aug 4

    No Shame, Just Strength: Ali's Anal Cancer Story with Ali Stripling

    When Ali Stripling left her corporate career to pursue her passion for women's health, cancer was the last thing she expected. Just one month later, she was diagnosed with Stage III HPV-related anal cancer. In this heartfelt conversation, Ali shares the symptoms she ignored, the shock of hearing the words "it's cancer," and the difficult reality of chemoradiation treatment. She also opens up about something many survivors experience but few people talk about—the challenges of life after treatment. Melissa and Ali discuss:  The symptoms that led to Ali's diagnosis  The connection between HPV and six different cancers  Why there should be no shame around anal cancer  The physical and emotional reality of chemoradiation  Scanxiety and the unexpected challenges of remission  Learning to reduce stress and redefine priorities  The importance of finding community after cancer  The creation of The Brave Behinds, a support community for women with anal cancer  Why breathing techniques became one of Ali's most valuable coping tools Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or simply want to better understand the cancer experience, this conversation is full of compassion, wisdom, and hope. Resources: Ali's Website: www.alistripling.com Ali's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistripling/ Ali's Instragam: https://www.instagram.com/thequeenagersquad/ and https://www.instagram.com/thebravebehinds/ Other Resources: www.mission-remmission.org https://www.analcancerfoundation.org/ Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    No Shame, Just Strength: Ali's Anal Cancer Story with Ali Stripling

  4. Jul 28

    Redefining Life with Incurable Cancer with JJ Singleton

    When JJ Singleton was just 27 years old, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer—a disease he believed only affected older adults. After surgery and chemotherapy, he thought cancer was behind him. Just weeks later, it returned. Today, more than a decade later, JJ is living with stable but incurable cancer after a clinical trial became the treatment that changed—and ultimately saved—his life. In this inspiring conversation, JJ shares what it's like to live with cancer long-term, the emotional toll of isolation, why patients must become their own advocates, and how breakthroughs in biomarkers, immunotherapy, and clinical trials are changing the future of cancer care. In this episode, we discuss:  JJ's colorectal cancer diagnosis at age 27  Ignoring symptoms because "I'm too young for cancer"  Losing 80% of his colon  When cancer returned only weeks after chemotherapy  Living with stable but incurable cancer for over ten years  The clinical trial that became his lifesaving treatment  Why biomarkers and personalized medicine matter  How AI is beginning to improve cancer care  The unique challenges of rural cancer patients  The importance of finding community after diagnosis  Why patients should ask more questions and advocate for themselves  Finding balance instead of trying to do everything "perfectly"  The future of clinical trials and targeted therapiesWhether you're a patient, survivor, caregiver, or simply someone wanting to better understand today's cancer landscape, this episode is filled with hope, honesty, and practical wisdom. Resources: JJ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj5145?igsh=cTA4YnhsajI2NTU= JJ's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jjsingleton32?_r=1&_t=ZP-97ST10psUxS JJ's X: https://x.com/JJSingleton1 JJ's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-singleton-a275ab2a4/ OncoDaily 2026 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Redefining Life with Incurable Cancer with JJ Singleton

  5. Jul 21

    Living with Cancer, Not Dying From It with Kevin Griffiths

    When Kevin Griffiths was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 44 years old, his world changed overnight. Since then, he's endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and an incurable stage IV diagnosis. Yet six years later, Kevin continues to prove that a terminal diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of living. In this inspiring conversation, Kevin shares how cancer transformed his priorities, deepened his appreciation for everyday moments, and inspired him to create Cancer My Arse, a fundraising movement that's helping support cancer charities while encouraging others to keep living life to the fullest. Together, Melissa and Kevin discuss the importance of hope, why positivity isn't the same as toxic positivity, and how advances in treatment are changing what it means to live with stage IV cancer. Kevin also opens up about protecting his mental health, setting boundaries, and finding purpose through helping others. In this episode: Kevin's unexpected bowel cancer diagnosis at age 44The symptom that led him to seek medical attentionWhat it's really like living with stage IV cancerWhy "terminal" doesn't mean life stopsFinding the balance between realism and hopeThe difference between positivity and toxic positivityNavigating chemotherapy and difficult treatment decisionsLearning to appreciate the ordinary moments in lifeWhy setting emotional boundaries matters during cancerHow Cancer My Arse is helping fund cancer research and patient supportWhy none of us are guaranteed tomorrow—and why that's a reason to fully embrace todayResources: Kevin's Website: https://cancermyarse.co.uk Kevin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancermyarse/ Kevin's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566560542684 Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpgriffiths/ Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Living with Cancer, Not Dying From It with Kevin Griffiths

  6. Jul 14

    Healing Beyond The Cancer Diagnosis with Edna Castillo

    Cancer treatment often focuses on surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and medications—but what about the emotional side of healing? This week, Melissa sits down with cancer thriver, speaker, coach, and bestselling author Edna Castillo to explore how calming the nervous system, listening to your intuition, and processing emotions can profoundly change the cancer experience. After being diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer during the height of COVID, Edna underwent sixteen rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation while intentionally practicing techniques that helped her move from fear toward peace. Today she teaches those same tools through her Calm the Chaos of Cancer method. Together, Melissa and Edna discuss:  Why healing is different from curing  The impact of living in "fight mode" during treatment  Trusting your intuition when making medical decisions  Learning to advocate for yourself with your healthcare team  How breathing can calm the nervous system in moments of fear  Finding gratitude without pretending everything is okay  Why community is one of the most powerful forms of healing  Seeing cancer as one chapter of your life—not your entire story Whether you're newly diagnosed, years beyond treatment, or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers practical tools and gentle encouragement for navigating cancer with greater peace and resilience. Resources: Free Monthly Workshop: CALM The Chaos of Cancer™ https://livingrealitydreams.com/calm-the-chaos-of-cancer Edna's Website: https://livingrealitydreams.com/cancer-thriver/ Edna's Book on Amazon: Living Your Intuitive Genius Edna's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edna.arevalo.castillo925 Edna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrealitydreams/ Edna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednacastillo/ Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Healing Beyond The Cancer Diagnosis with Edna Castillo

  7. Jul 7

    Cancer, Data and Hope: How AI is Changing the Future with Russ Read-Barrow

    AI is everywhere right now—but could it actually help people living with cancer? In this fascinating conversation, Melissa sits down with stage IV colorectal cancer survivor Russ Read Barrow, who decided not to wait for technology to change healthcare. Instead, he began building AI tools to help manage his own cancer journey. After multiple surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and metastatic disease spreading to his liver and lungs, Russ realized he possessed something incredibly valuable: his own medical data. Using AI, he created tools to organize his records, track symptoms, manage medications, summarize his health history, and even make his medical information searchable. His project, F*ck Cancer with AI, has grown into a resource that encourages patients to take ownership of their health data and discover how artificial intelligence can reduce the overwhelming administrative burden of living with cancer. Melissa and Russ discuss:  Russ's unexpected colorectal cancer diagnosis at age 39  Living with stage IV cancer while maintaining hope  Why optimism isn't the same as toxic positivity  How AI can help patients organize complex medical information  The importance of owning and understanding your health data  The future of personalized cancer treatments and AI-driven medicine  Why staying alive today may open doors to tomorrow's breakthroughs This conversation isn't about replacing doctors with AI—it's about empowering patients with better information, greater organization, and renewed hope. Whether you're living with cancer, caring for someone who is, or simply curious about how AI may transform medicine, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into what the future may hold. Resources:  Russ' Websites: http://knownandcited.com/ and http://fcancerwith.ai/ Russ' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellrb/ Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Cancer, Data and Hope: How AI is Changing the Future with Russ Read-Barrow

  8. Jun 30

    Heaven Is the Top of My Bucket List: The Faith and Legacy of Pam Erwin

    Before this episode was released, our guest, Pam Erwin, passed away after living with advanced melanoma. We are honored to share this conversation as part of her legacy. Pam spent her life saying "yes" to wherever God called her. From serving as a Disaster Relief chaplain alongside her husband, Dave, to helping build churches, schools, and vocational programs in Benin, West Africa, her faith wasn't something she simply believed—it was something she lived every day. Then came cancer. Diagnosed with a rare form of mucosal melanoma, Pam faced a terminal illness with the same quiet confidence that had guided her throughout her ministry. Even while receiving hospice care, she continued encouraging others, serving her community, and made one final mission trip to Benin—a place and people she dearly loved. In this deeply moving conversation, Pam shares why she isn't afraid of hospice, how faith transformed the way she approached cancer, and why she believes every day is another opportunity to love, serve, and point others toward hope. Whether or not you share Pam's faith, her perspective on purpose, legacy, and living fully in the face of uncertainty is both inspiring and unforgettable. In This Episode How one prayer led to a life-changing ministry in BeninBuilding churches, schools, and hope in West AfricaLiving with a rare form of terminal melanomaWhy Pam chose hospice earlier than most people expectMaking one final mission trip despite advanced cancerFinding peace in the face of deathWhat it means to live with purpose until the very endWhy "Heaven is the top of my bucket list"Pam's life reminds us that while we can't choose every circumstance, we can choose how we respond. Her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, and servant's spirit continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. We dedicate this episode to Pam's memory and hope her words encourage you to live each day with purpose, hope, and love. Resources: Pam's Ministry Website: https://truthunleashedministries.org/ Pam's Ministry Facebook Page: Truth Unleashed Benin Follow: Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/ My website: https://melissagrosboll.com Email me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

    Heaven Is the Top of My Bucket List: The Faith and Legacy of Pam Erwin
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5
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About

As a cancer survivor and thriver, I know how important community and support are when you are facing a cancer diagnosis. That’s why I created The Many Faces of Cancer Podcast. Each week I will be interviewing amazing people with heartfelt and inspirational stories from all sides of the cancer journey: patients, survivors and thrivers, caregivers, family and friends, and professionals. I may even throw in a bonus episode once in a while talking about things that are important to us all.  We never think it will happen to us, until it does. This podcast will be about community, knowing you’re not alone in your journey. It will also be an opportunity for people to share their stories and hopefully help others.  I hope you will all tune in. While it will be cancer stories, we all learn from others and, ultimately, these are human stories, applicable to many other areas of life.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Grosboll
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Many Faces of Cancer
  • Show Website
    The Many Faces of Cancer