Combating Cancer

Gwen Kelly

Join Gwen Kelly, Host and Founder of Combating Cancer, a podcast focused on strength, resilience, and hope. Creating a space where people can share their personal cancer journeys—whether that involves navigating treatment, celebrating remission, or honoring the memory of a loved one.

  1. 6d ago

    Choosing Kindness Over Cruelty in Cancer

    Episode 59- Show Notes: In this solo episode, Gwen Kelly opens up about a topic that has been weighing heavily on her heart: bullying and cruelty toward people facing cancer. Drawing from stories she's heard throughout the cancer community, as well as her own experience as a young adult diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, Gwen explores the difference between ignorance and intentional cruelty, the lasting impact words can have, and why kindness matters more than we often realize. This episode is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person with dreams, fears, and a life far bigger than their cancer. Whether you're a patient, survivor, caregiver, educator, parent, or friend, this conversation challenges us all to be the person who makes someone's burden lighter—not heavier. Because sometimes all it takes is one person to make someone feel seen, valued, and less alone. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Why This Topic Matters Real Stories of Bullying Ignorance Versus Cruelty Isolation and Identity Shift Choosing Kindness and Support Speak Up as a Witness Words Leave a Mark Final Takeaways and Goodbye More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    10 min
  2. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie

    Introducing Reflections: If There Is No Magic Pill, Then What? from No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie. Follow the show: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie What do Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Love, Dr. Kristin Neff, Jewel, Alexi Pappas, and Dr. Paul Conti all have in common? You can consume all the self-help content in the world, but if you never act on it, nothing changes. In this special episode of No Magic Pill, Blake Mycoskie sits down with close friend therapist, author, and speaker Chris Orwig revisiting the most powerful breakthroughs and reflecting on the ideas that left the deepest impact and what it actually takes to create lasting change. Enough Foundation's mission is to spread reminders in every form — bracelets, messages, actions, community — until feeling ENOUGH becomes the cultural default. To learn more, visit weareenough.co.  Produced, Directed, and Cinematography by Wubetu Shimelash / IG: Wubetu Shimelash Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Visit http://www.weareenough.co/rules for full terms. More information on Blake’s other projects here:  Morning Water  Morning Water is a daily hydration formula that restores energy, balance, and performance with essential electrolytes, minerals, and nutrients in one simple routine.  To learn more, visit morningwater.co and use code NOMAGICPILL for 25% off your first order. SONIA  Sonia is a conversational AI companion designed for emotional support. Through voice and text, it offers guided wellbeing sessions, including meditations, journaling, personalized recommendations, and practical exercises. To learn more, visit www.soniahealth.com and download it on the App Store. MOOVLAB At MOOVLAB, we bring health and wellness to your workday.  MOOVLAB - the answer to sitting is moving.  To learn more, visit www.moovlab.com Follow Blake on Instagram and stay up to date with Lemonada on Facebook and Instagram. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at lemonadapremium.com. Subscribe to Spotify Premium to watch ad-free video. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns you may have. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Chris Orwig & Universal Alignment 04:03 Be Curious - McConaughey  05:42 Date Yourself  06:29 Comfort With Yourself 07:04 Blake’s Advice For Being Alone  07:45 “It’s Important To Be Comfortable By Yourself” Reflection   08:21 Chris’s Perspective On Self-Awareness  08:58 The Inner Adventurer: Blake’s Conversation With His Son  9:33 The Last Great Adventure 10:21 “All Journeys Have Secret Destination” Comparison / Unexpected Gems  10:57 Blake’s Surprises Within Himself 11:29 Chris’s Wound Still Exist 12:15 Fear of Truth 13:31 Key To Healing 14:30 Forgiving Yourself  15:21 Exploring Self-Compassion Through Commonality 16:54 Achievement Myths 19:06 Achievements Don’t Fill The Void 20:45 Burying Emotions   22:08 Feeling Enough 24:28 “Get To Do This Mindset” 25:13 Morning Water 26:20 Forms of Self-Compassion 26:57 Blake’s Experience With Self-Compassion 28:39 Connection 29:54 Blake’s Reflection on “Taking That Step” 33:39 Sonia 35:47 Moovelab 36:47 Friends 37:29 Blake’s Advice on Being A Good Friend 39:00 Momentum  39:30 Cultivating Friendship 40:55 One-on-One Connection 42:32 Vulnerability 43:38 Show Up 45:54 Crysalisis  50:05 “Stop Trying To Skip The Struggle” Affirmation  50:50 No Magic Pill 52:11 Blake’s Response To There Being “No Magic Pill” 53:55 2 Themes To Carry Through Life 56:20 You’re Not Alone  57:25 Podcast Purpose  58:45 Outro  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Jun 17

    What Brain Cancer Looks Like at 16

    Episode 58- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly, a stage three astrocytoma survivor diagnosed at 19, welcomes 16-year-old Riley Polster, whom she met through TikTok and who shares the same diagnosis. Riley recounts her journey from months of headaches and a chronic migraine diagnosis to the discovery of a large brain tumor requiring emergency surgery. She opens up about her fears, her family's reaction, treatment challenges, cancer progression toward her spine, balancing school during treatment, and the coping strategies that keep her going. With seven treatments remaining, Riley shares her plans for celebrating and offers heartfelt advice to other young people facing cancer: live life to the fullest. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Meeting Riley on TikTok Life Before Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis Facing the News Family Reactions and Rumors Unexpected Messages Treatment Plan Changes Side Effects and Hospital Life School During Treatment Coping and Creative Outlets Counting Down Treatments Celebrating the Finish Line Advice for Young Patients Final Takeaways and Goodbye More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    15 min
  4. Jun 10

    The Things I Don't Share Online

    Episode 57- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly, a stage three astrocytoma brain cancer survivor diagnosed at 19, explains she created Combating Cancer to offer a safe, honest space for those affected by cancer. She shares why she stopped drinking six months ago: alcohol didn't create her fears but uncovered lingering trauma, triggering spirals about mortality, recurrence, survivor's guilt, and anxious thoughts about her future with her fiancé, Jake, despite knowing he loves her. She also reflects on the grand mal seizure that led to her tumor diagnosis, her ongoing seizure medication's warning not to drink, and the risk of losing her independence if another seizure occurred. Gwen concludes that drinking was delaying needed self-conversations about fear and grief, emphasizing that survivorship doesn't automatically equal emotional healing and urging listeners to notice coping mechanisms that help them avoid healing. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Why This Episode Matters Alcohol Uncovers Fear Trauma and Relationship Anxiety What I Was Really Afraid Of Seizure History and Risk Survivorship and Delayed Trauma Healing Without Running Final Takeaways and Goodbye More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    9 min
  5. Jun 3

    Be Where Your Feet Are

    Episode 56- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly, diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma at 19, welcomes Bron Watson from Australia to Combating Cancer to discuss creating a safe, honest space for people affected by cancer. Bron, a nurse, educator, and business mentor with five sons, shares her breast cancer diagnosis in 2017 that led to a rapid full mastectomy and later her 2023 diagnosis of incurable multiple myeloma discovered through routine bloodwork. She describes the trauma of waiting for confirmation, the fear of prognosis, and choosing to become an active participant in care. Bron introduces her "Serenity Project," centered on the Serenity Prayer and the idea "Be Where Your Feet Are," focusing on the next moment or "next play," naming emotions, controlling controllables, limiting unhelpful voices, and avoiding blame and shame. She notes periods of remission, embraces travel, and encourages presence, advocacy, and day-by-day coping. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Meet Bron Watson Bron's Life Before Cancer Breast Cancer Then Myeloma The Waiting and Fear Spiral Rejecting the Terminal Script Serenity Project and Present Moment Next Play Mindset Feel the Feels and Control Controllables Vulnerability and Family Truths Remission Update and Living Now Advice for New Diagnoses Wrap Up and Goodbye More from Bron:  Website: https://www.bronwatson.com.au/the-serenity-project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronwatsonme/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bron_watson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwatson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BronWatson/videos More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    29 min
  6. May 27

    Unmasking the Impact of Cancer: Identity and Anticipatory Grief

    Episode 55- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly introduces Combating Cancer and shares her stage three astrocytoma diagnosis at 19, explaining the podcast's goal of creating a safe, honest space for anyone affected by cancer. Building on a prior episode about anticipatory grief, she describes grieving not only the fear of death but the fear of losing her identity and being seen only as "the girl with brain cancer." Gwen discusses how hair loss and changes to appearance affected her self-image, how she used hair techniques and makeup as emotional armor and a way to regain control, and how exhausting it was to manage others' discomfort, staring, pity, and gossip about her medical information. She reflects on survivorship and ongoing trauma despite clean scans, urges listeners to grieve their old selves without shame, and asks supporters to treat patients as whole people and keep diagnoses private. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Anticipatory Grief and Identity Hair Loss and Hyperawareness Mirrors, Photos, and Healing Myths Control Through Hair and Makeup Cancer as Gossip and Exposure Normalcy Survivorship and Community Advice for Patients and Supporters Privacy Healing and Closing More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    12 min
  7. May 20

    Losing a Parent Young: The Grief No One Talks About

    Episode 54- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly, a stage III astrocytoma brain cancer survivor, welcomes 22-year-old Megan McCoy, whom she met on TikTok, to discuss how cancer affected her family. Megan shares that her mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer when Megan was 16 during COVID after a missed mammogram, later developing spine and liver metastases, and died in January 2023; Megan describes anticipatory grief during her freshman year of college, fears about milestones her mom would miss, and the anger that led her to try cancer research before pursuing nursing. She explains how working in a cancer hospital deepened her empathy for patients, highlights the importance of treating patients as people, and emphasizes the vital role of community support from family, friends, school, and her soccer team, including celebrating her brother's birthday the day after their mom died. Megan recommends resources like Pittsburgh's The Caring Place and advises preventive scans, self-advocacy, living fully, and telling loved ones you love them! Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Meet Megan via TikTok Megan's Story and Career Path Empathy in Oncology Care Hearing the Diagnosis at 16 Anticipatory Grief Explained Anger and Channeling Grief Grief Resources and Support Groups The Village That Carried Her Family Dynamics and Guilt Advice for Teens Facing Cancer Final Thanks and Goodbye More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    25 min
  8. May 13

    When Cancer Changes Your Circle

    Episode 53- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly welcomes listeners to Combating Cancer, sharing her background of being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19 and her goal of creating a safe, honest community for anyone impacted by cancer. She announces her scans came back great again, but describes how scan-day anxiety returned after a long hospital wait and multiple failed IV attempts, leaving her emotionally drained despite good results. The experience leads into the episode's main theme: how cancer and other major hardships change relationships, especially when people you expected to show up don't, which can feel like a deep betrayal. Gwen reflects on learning that some people aren't emotionally equipped to handle illness, while others unexpectedly step in with consistent support, including a rekindled high school friendship. She encourages listeners to grieve absences without overlooking those who do show up and invites anyone feeling alone to lean on this community. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to Combating Cancer Clean Scan Update Scan Day Spiral IV Struggles and Breakdown When People Disappear Why Some Can't Show Up Focus on Who Stayed Unexpected Support Let People Love You Final Thanks and Goodbye More from Gwen:  Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com Follow and join the community:  Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

    12 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Gwen Kelly, Host and Founder of Combating Cancer, a podcast focused on strength, resilience, and hope. Creating a space where people can share their personal cancer journeys—whether that involves navigating treatment, celebrating remission, or honoring the memory of a loved one.

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