Coffee Cancer & Cocktails

Pam Baker

Follow along with Jon & Pam Baker as they navigate life after Jon's diagnosis of glioblastoma - a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.  Each episode features life in real time including all of the messy, perfectly imperfect, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking moments all while sipping coffee or cocktails.  But, let's be honest....it's mostly cocktails.   All episodes can be viewed on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coffeecancerandcocktails

  1. 05/20/2025

    Massive Headaches....is the beast making a comeback? 9/20/2020

    Send us a text Keywords health, cancer, treatment, MRI, personal experience, emotional support, medical insights, wellness, community, caregiving Summary In this conversation, Pam Baker shares her personal journey through health challenges, particularly focusing on her experiences with cancer treatment and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies it. The discussion covers technical aspects of their live setup, health updates, MRI experiences, treatment progress, and reflections on the support received from the community. Pam emphasizes the importance of care protocols and the emotional impact of her journey, providing insights into living with cancer and the significance of hope and resilience. Takeaways Pam and Jon are experimenting with a new live setup. Jon has been experiencing fatigue and headaches as side effects of his treatment. Excedrin has been effective for managing his headaches during treatment. Recent MRI results showed improvement in his condition, which was unexpected but welcomed. The care protocol has been a game changer in his treatment journey. Pam emphasizes the importance of community support during Jon's health challenges. She reflects on the emotional aspects of their journey, including moments of joy and tears. The conversation highlights the significance of being proactive in health management. Pam shares insights on the importance of diet and exercise in Jon's treatment. The discussion ends with a positive note about future plans and gratitude for support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 02:49 Health Update and Personal Experiences 06:10 MRI Experience and Medical Insights 12:04 Treatment Progress and Emotional Reflections 17:49 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts Youtube video:  https://youtu.be/432dYbpqlvA

    24 min
  2. 05/20/2025

    Will Someone PLEASE Find Me a Cancer Concierge?!? 1/5/2020

    Send us a text Keywords New Year, medical updates, treatment options, polio trial, health journey, decision making, brain tumor, cancer treatment, family support, personal reflections Summary In this conversation, Pam Baker reflects on Jon's recent health journey, including updates on his medical condition and the decisions surrounding his treatment options. She discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating medical trials, particularly focusing on a promising polio trial. The conversation also touches on the importance of gathering information, the support of family and friends, and the need for a more structured approach to cancer treatment options. Additionally, Pam shares highlights from the holiday season, emphasizing the balance between personal life and health challenges. Takeaways It's been a crazy month and a half. We went into hyper research mode. What does your gut say? Polio has been one that we've heard about. We decided that's the way we're gonna go. There's so much that goes into this that we never knew. We need someone who is objective. It needs to be a cancer concierge. We had a blast over the holidays. Cheers to a healthy 2020. Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Updates 01:52 Navigating Medical Decisions 09:21 Exploring Treatment Options 12:41 The Polio Trial Journey 19:43 Gathering Information and Making Choices 27:05 Final Decision on Treatment 31:43 Holiday Highlights and Future Plans Youtube Video:  https://youtu.be/UsBy1k4_KWk

    34 min
  3. 05/20/2025

    MRI Results and GREAT news in the Cystic Fibrosis World 11/14/2019

    Send us a text Keywords Cystic Fibrosis, Glioblastoma, Trikafta, Cancer Journey, Immunotherapy, MRI Results, Community Support, Health Updates, Family, Positivity Summary In this conversation, Pam Baker shares updates on her family's journey with cystic fibrosis and glioblastoma. She discusses the recent approval of the drug Trikafta for cystic fibrosis, the challenges faced during her husband's cancer treatment, and the emotional roller coaster of navigating health issues. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, positivity, and upcoming events that bring people together for a cause. Takeaways The approval of Trikafta is a significant advancement for cystic fibrosis treatment. Staying positive is crucial during health challenges. Jon's glioblastoma diagnosis led to a rapid treatment process. Immunotherapy is a painful but promising treatment option. MRI results can bring uncertainty but also hope. Community engagement through events can provide support and joy. Celebrating small victories is important, even amidst challenges. Insurance can complicate access to necessary treatments. Family support is vital during health journeys. Finding joy in the midst of struggles is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:59 Exciting Developments in Cystic Fibrosis Treatment 05:52 John's Cancer Journey: Diagnosis and Treatment Updates 11:46 Navigating Uncertainty: MRI Results and Next Steps 17:45 Finding Positivity Amidst Challenges 24:09 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement Youtube video:  https://youtu.be/FvJ_n-sA2yk

    29 min
  4. 05/20/2025

    Let me read the damn scans! 9/12/2019

    Send us a text Keywords health updates, brain cancer, personal stories, research, family, anniversaries, reflections, wellness, community support, resilience Summary In this conversation, Pam Baker shares personal updates about Jon's health, including recent scans and treatments related to brain cancer. She discusses a fascinating conversation with a doctor about advancements in brain cancer research, particularly focusing on CMV and its implications for treatment. The conversation also reflects on the past year since her diagnosis, celebrating milestones and personal experiences, including anniversary celebrations and family activities. The discussion emphasizes resilience, community support, and the importance of staying informed about health and wellness. Takeaways Pam shares Jon's health updates and recent scans. The importance of community support in health journeys. Advancements in brain cancer research are promising. Personal reflections on the past year since diagnosis. Celebrating anniversaries and personal milestones is vital. The floating experience was a unique and beneficial detox. Pam emphasizes the significance of immune system health. Conversations with medical professionals can provide valuable insights. Staying active and healthy is a priority for Jon. Humor and light-heartedness play a role in coping with challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 03:03 Health Updates and Scans 05:51 Conversations on Brain Cancer Research 12:07 Reflections on the Past Year 14:58 Anniversary Celebrations and Personal Experiences 17:54 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Youtube video:  https://youtu.be/90tz6QTKg3s

    21 min
  5. 05/20/2025

    Is This Guy Still Alive?!?!? 7/17/2019

    Send us a text Keywords health updates, cancer journey, mental health, lifestyle changes, community support, personal growth, nutrition, humor, technology trends, reconnecting Summary In this conversation, Pam Baker shares her journey of reconnecting with her audience after a hiatus, providing updates on Jon's health and chemotherapy regimen. She discusses the importance of mental health, lifestyle changes, and nutrition while also reflecting on his medical progress. The conversation is interspersed with lighthearted moments and humor, as well as discussions about new trends and technology. Pam emphasizes the significance of community support and connection, and she looks ahead to future plans while acknowledging the challenges of her journey. Takeaways It's important to reconnect with loved ones after a break. Health updates can provide reassurance to those following your journey. Lifestyle changes, including nutrition, play a crucial role in health. Mental health is just as important as physical health during challenging times. Humor can be a powerful tool in coping with difficult situations. Exploring new trends can provide a fresh perspective on life. Self-reflection is essential for personal growth and understanding. Community support can make a significant difference in one's journey. It's okay to ask for help when needed. Planning for the future can provide hope and motivation. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting After a Hiatus 02:50 Health Updates and Chemo Journey 05:50 Lifestyle Changes and Nutrition 08:49 Reflections on Medical Progress 12:06 The Importance of Mental Health 14:46 Lighthearted Moments and Humor 18:09 Exploring New Trends and Technology 21:03 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 24:07 Community Support and Connection 26:53 Looking Ahead and Future Plans Youtube video:  https://youtu.be/hD0BJXaDPIs

    38 min

About

Follow along with Jon & Pam Baker as they navigate life after Jon's diagnosis of glioblastoma - a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.  Each episode features life in real time including all of the messy, perfectly imperfect, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking moments all while sipping coffee or cocktails.  But, let's be honest....it's mostly cocktails.   All episodes can be viewed on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coffeecancerandcocktails