Cancer Interviews

Jim Foster
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

It is our sincere hope that however cancer may be impacting you or your loved ones, that you will find the Cancer Interviews podcast and our interviews with amazing cancer survivors, caregivers, oncology professionals and others, helpful, informative and encouraging! Our guests share their stories with things like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants, the emotional ups and downs of being a cancer patient, being a caregiver for a loved one fighting cancer, as well as cancer nutrition and allow them an opportunity to tell us about their life before, during and after their cancer journey. We do not provide medical advice on this podcast. Please remember, you are not alone and we invite you to be a part of our team, where together, everyone achieves more! We are sharing the journey together and we wish you the very best possible outcome, with your cancer journey!

  1. 6D AGO

    165: Athena Porter survived cervical cancer | radical hysterectomy | endocervical adenocarcinoma | HPV+

    After close to a decade of abnormal pap smears, a Cone Biopsy indicated Athena Porter had cervical cancer.  To make sure her diagnosis of endocervical adenocarcinoma didn't spread, she opted for a radical hysterectomy.  With the procedure, her cervix was not the only vital organ removed.  A wife and mother to two daughters, Athena feels blessed that she can return to work on her Iowa farm.    In 2012, she went in for an annual wellness exam.  A pap smear indicated she was HPV+.  Her doctor told Athena a worst-case scenario was cancer, but the virus would likely go away on its own.  She was asked to return in a year.  When she came back, she was still HPV+,  so she underwent a colposcopy, an attempt to get a better look at cells on her cervix.   This led to a LEEP procedure in which cells on her cervix were removed.  The virus was still there, but the procedure showed clean margins.  After more years of being HPV+, in late 2022, Athena underwent a Cone Biopsy, in which a device resembling an ice cream scoop removed cells on her cervix, cells that were sent to the Mayo Clinic.  In early 2023, results came back.  Athena received a phone call at work telling her she had cervical cancer.   Her doctor said by way of treatment, Athena could have only her cervix removed, but she opted for a radical hysterectomy, which would come close to guaranteeing the cancer wouldn't spread.  The hysterectomy removed her cervix, her uterus, the top part of her vagina and her fallopian tubes.  This move came after she and her husband decided their family, including two young daughters, was complete, and that they were okay with having no more children.   Athena was in the hospital for four or five days, then after she was discharged, even with medication, she experienced severe pain when she would stretch or twist.    Athena reached survivorship, and though she would admit her health is not what it was prior to her diagnosis, she feels blessed to be able to return to her office job and work on her Iowa farm.  She also feels blessed that her cancer journey was not as severe as that of others who have also been diagnosed with cervical cancer.   By way of advice, she strongly advises women to get screened for cervical cancer and to get the HPV vaccine.   Additional Resources:   Support Group: Cervivor  https://www.cervivor.org

    22 min

  2. JAN 23

    164: Joshua Silva survived clear cell renal cell carcinoma | partial nephrectomy | appendectomy | kidney cancer

    Joshua Silva did not take lower back pains and gastrointestinal issues seriously until they worsened, forcing him to visit an emergency room.  A CT scan revealed inflammation of his appendix, necessitating an appendectomy.  A urologist said the scan also showed a problem in his left kidney, later diagnosed as clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.  Joshua underwent a partial nephrectomy knowing before the procedure he may lose the kidney.  When he regained consciousness after the procedure, a nurse told him the kidney was spared.  Post-treatment medication and weekly visits to a therapist enabled him to get very close to his pre-diagnosis health.  Among other positive developments, Joshua Silva has resumed one of his major passions, that of playing golf.   Lots of people experience gastrointestinal problems and lower back pain, so when this happened to Joshua Silva of Houston, Texas, a man in his early thirties, he thought with time the problems would go away.  But that didn't happen.  One night the pain became so bad that he couldn't sleep, and he decided to go to the emergency room.   He underwent a CT scan which indicated an inflamed appendix but also showed problems with his left kidney.  What Joshua knew was that he would have to undergo an appendectomy.  What he didn't know with certainty was just what was wrong with his kidney.  Some doctors said the problem might by a cyst or might be cancer.  Joshua prepared himself for the worst and began to think what life would be like if he was diagnosed with cancer and had to go forth with one kidney.   His appendix was removed, but he had to wait an excruciating four weeks to see a urologist, who said he didn't need a biopsy to determine Joshua had clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer.    Because the diagnosis came shortly before the holidays, the urologist accelerated the timetable for a partial nephrectomy, seeking to form a care team before its members left for vacation.  The urologist said the margins around the tumor would determine whether he could spare the left kidney or have to remove it.    Even though he was under anesthesia for the procedure, as soon as he regained consciousness, he wanted to know the status of his kidney.  A nurse told him the urologist was able to remove the cancer without removing the kidney.   Just when it seemed like Joshua was on his way toward survivorship, he received some bad news.  The incision point for the partial nephrectomy was very close to the incision point for the appendectomy.  The appendectomy incision had not fully healed, resulting in an infection.  His abdomen area began to swell and turn red.  Antibiotics prescribed after the partial nephrectomy did nothing to address the pain. It was a very difficult three weeks, as Joshua dealt with the pain and sudden uncertainty as to whether he could keep his left kidney.   He was put on a different medication regimen and after three more weeks, the pain and swelling went away.  A subsequent scan showed that he was cancer free.   Joshua Silva says his health is now about 98 percent of what it was prior to his back pains and GI issues, and back out on the links with a single-digit handicap.   Additional Resources:   Support Group:   The Kidney Cancer Association  https://www.kidneycancer.org

    18 min

  3. JAN 10

    163: Tessa Parry-Wingfield survived Ocular Melanoma | Eye Enucleation | Uveal Melanoma | Monocular Vision

    While jogging in 2023, Tessa Parry-Wingfield felt an unusual sensation in her left eye.  It wasn't painful but merited medical attention.  She was seen by three doctors before learning she had ocular melanoma, a form of eye cancer.  Because of the particulars of her diagnosis, she had to undergo an enucleation, the removal of her cancerous eye.  With an acrylic implant taking the place of the cancerous eye, Tessa had an enormous amount of learning ahead of her, most notably what is known as monocular vision.  Amazingly, Tessa has adjusted to her limited vision.  She has resumed running and hiking and driving a car.  Her future includes writing a book and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.   Tessa was jogging along the River Thames in London when she felt something was wrong with her left eye.  She went to see an optician thinking she needed to change her prescription regarding her contact lenses.  However, upon checking out Tessa's eyes, the optician could see something was wrong, perhaps an astigmatism.   Lacking the necessary equipment for more in-depth scrutiny, the optician sent Tessa to an eye hospital, where they performed various x-rays and scans.  When one of the x-rays of her left eye was held up for observation, half of it was black.  Her care team thought Tessa had a form of eye cancer known as ocular melanoma, or, uveal melanoma, a tumor in the eye.  She was next sent to see an ocular oncologist, who swiftly confirmed the diagnosis.   Many patients diagnosed with ocular melanoma have more than one treatment option, but in Tessa Parry-Wingfield's case, the oncologist performed more scans and tests and immediately told her she would need to undergo an enucleation, the removal of her left eye.    Tessa was under anesthesia for the 90-minute procedure.  It resulted in her getting a temporary prosthetic eye, eventually replaced by an acrylic implant, which she has to this day.   She had to do a great deal of learning to go through daily life with one functioning eye, but that is exactly what Tessa has done.  She has resumed running, hiking and skiing.  She thought it would be a year or so of adjustments before she could drive a car, but her vision tests went so well that, three months after the procedure, her oncologist urged her to get behind the wheel.  Without a left eye, she says she has to look a little farther to the left than she was used to before her diagnosis, but she is now quite comfortable driving a car.   Through her cancer experience, Tessa Parry-Wingfield says she has surprised herself by learning how tough and resilient she can be.   Additional Resources:   Tessa on Instagram: @seeing_life_clearly   Tessa's website: https://www.tessa.parry-wingfield.com

    25 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    162: Bhavika Taunk cared for her son, diagnosed with leukemia | pediatric cancer

    For Bhavika Taunk, life took a radical turn in 2017 when her four-year-old son, Kabir, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  After a bone marrow transplant, he went on an aggressive chemotherapy regimen for two years.  Kabir relapsed twice, but has been in remission since 2020.  Bhavika tells the story of how she cared for her son and how she reaches out to other parents of children diagnosed with cancer.   Bhavika, her husband and two young sons returned from a Disney cruise in April 2017, and both sons felt sick.  While her two-year-old son soon got well, things went from bad to worse for four-year-old Kabir.  He complained of bone pain, first in his wrists, then his ankles, to the extent that he could not walk.  Then he suffered from intermittent fevers and appetite loss.   Kabir was taken to a hospital, where after blood tests, Bhavika was told that a bad virus had settled into her son's bone marrow and that he had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  She called her husband with the awful, collapsed on the floor and cried.  Bhavika said this was the most life-changing event of her life.   She went on to say the degree of helplessness accompanying such a diagnosis is overwhelming.  Up until Kabir's diagnosis, she thought she could fix anything in his life that presented a challenge.  Bhavika says the biggest lesson with a child's cancer diagnosis is the total lack of control and it is the worst imaginable feeling.   Bhavika says when caring for a child with cancer that words are very important.  She stresses that she doesn't believe in "hollow encouragement because it is very invalidating to the patient."  She says a parent cannot tell their cancer-stricken child that everything is going to be okay.   Kabir has been in remission since 2020, but still requires a great deal of attention and medical care.   Bhavika Taunk wants very much to come to the aid of parents of a child diagnosed with cancer.  She advocates for parents of Facebook and Instagram, while strenuously calling for increased funding for pediatric cancer patients.   Additional Resources:   Bhavika on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhavika.v.taunk   Bhavika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btaunk/   Bhavika's small business supporting pediatric cancer: Birdsong Tea – Tea With A Purpose

    34 min

  5. 12/27/2025

    161: Brian Vesall survived Stage 2A testicular cancer | orchiectomy | bleomycin | etopside | cisplatin | teratoma

    In 2021, Brian Vesall noticed some pain in one of his testicles when getting in his car.  He sought medical attention, which led to his getting an ultrasound.  After briefly looking at the scan, a urologist confirmed to Brian that he had Stage 2A testicular cancer.  He underwent an orchiectomy to remove the cancerous testicle, followed by an aggressive chemotherapy regimen of bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin.  But he wasn't done.  Brian also underwent an additional surgical procedure to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes.  As daunting as his treatment was, Brian chose to address it with a sense of humor, which he still has after achieving survivorship and advocating for other men diagnosed with testicular cancer.   Brian's cancer journey began when he felt pain in a testicle as he was getting in his car.  Upon further inspection, he noticed a "hard spot on one side."  He immediately went to see his primary physician, who sent him to a urologist.  The urologist called for an ultrasound and only minutes after seeing its results told Brian he had Stage 2A testicular cancer.  The diagnosis was confirmed with Alpha-Fetaprotein and BHCG, or, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin tests, whose results were far above the normal range.   Addressing his cancerous testicle meant just one remedy, an orchiectomy, surgery that would remove the testicle.  Diagnosed on September 27, 2021, Brian had the procedure done just three days later.  He was told to avoid any lifting and really, just about any type of strenuous physical activity.   In November 2021, the surgery was followed by three rounds of BEP chemotherapy, which stood for bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin.  Brian said he suffered the usual side effects, including cognitive issues, fatigue and hair loss.    In addition, Brian Vesall had to undergo an additional surgical procedure known as RPLND, or Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in June 2022, to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes   Brian's health is pretty much back to normal, but a byproduct of his treatment regimen is that he suffers from retrograde ejaculation, meaning that semen travels backward into the bladder during orgasm instead of exiting the penis.   By way of advice, Brian Vesall says if you experience the symptoms of testicular cancer, you should act right away, and at all times, be your own advocate   Additional Resources:   Support Groups:   Man Up To Cancer: https://www.manuptocancer.org   The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org   Brian's Speech at TCAF's San Diego Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/blog/tcc-2024-vesall   Brian's Appearance on the TCAF "It Takes Balls" podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/blog/brian-vesall-it-takes-balls-podcast-guest

    21 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    160: Marcel D'Allende survived Stage 4 Lung Cancer | carboplatin | pemetrexed | durvalumab | immunotherapy

    Marcel D'Allende was in outstanding health, an avid hiker in the mountains overlooking her hometown of Cape Town, South Africa.  However, in October 2021, she began to experience shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.  That led to a diagnosis of Stage IV non-small cell adenocarcinoma, or lung cancer.  Determined not to let cancer define her, she underwent a treatment regimen of radiotherapy, then chemotherapy with carboplatin and pemetrexed, and immunotherapy with durvalumab.  In September 2022, a PET scan revealed Marcel was cancer-free.  It took a little while for her to get back up to speed, but has returned to an active lifestyle, and every weekend, you can find her hiking the mountains.   Marcel thought she was in terrific health, but in the fall of 2021, suddenly she found herself out of breath on a recurring basis.  Her difficulty with breathing became so acute that shortly after beginning a weekend hike with friends, she had no choice but to turn around and return to the base of the mountain.  Things worsened when she had frequent coughing spells.   She was seen by her general practitioner, who recommended she see a pulmonologist.  The pulmonologist called for a CT scan, which revealed a tumor on a lung, and a diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer in January 2022.    Marcel, who during her adult life smoked cigarettes off and on, immediately thought of her father, who passed away from lung cancer in 2000.  She was afraid she would suffer the same fate.  However, her doctor said that her father's fate didn't have to be hers because of major advances in medicines and technologies in the past twenty years.    She was determined to not let her life be defined by cancer, saying at all times, one on a cancer journey must have hope.  At the same time, she says one can be hopeful without being delusional.    Her diagnosis was difficult enough, but she soon felt the sting of the stigma that often accompanies a lung cancer diagnosis.  When informing friends about her diagnosis, many of them told her should not have smoked. Marcel's treatment begins with six weeks of radiotherapy treatment, which she thought wasn't so difficult.   Next was six cycles of chemotherapy, specifically carboplatin and pemetrexed.  The worst side effects she experienced were nausea and fatigue.   Then, Marcel's oncologist introduced her to a newly-approved form of immunotherapy called durvalumab.  It is usually prescribed for a duration of twelve months, but she was taken off the immunotherapy at the nine-month mark because spots were detected on her lung.  The spots cleared in March.   In September, Marcel D'Allende underwent a PET scan that showed she was cancer-free, which she has been to this day.   She had to start slowly, but Marcel's health is back to normal, and she has returned to her weekend home, hiking trails outside Cape Town.   Additional Resources:   Support Group:   Cancer Association of South Africa  https://www.cansa.org.za   Marcel's Written Account of her Cancer Journey:   https://cansa.org.za/breaking-the-silence-around-lung-cancer/

    27 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    159: Margo Wickersham survived bladder cancer | cystoscopy | radical cystectomy | plasmacytoid

    In November 2019, Margo Wickersham noticed blood in her urine.  Three months later, she was diagnosed with two types of bladder cancer.  After an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, she underwent a radical cystectomy and a hysterectomy in June 2020, resulting in the removal of her bladder, uterus and ovaries, all this during the quarantine phase of the COVID pandemic.   Ever since, Margo has been cancer-free, but she had to get fitted with a stoma bag and had to learn how to manage it.  The bag is an annoyance, but she considers it a small price to pay in order to stay alive.   When Margo first noticed blood in her urine, she sought medical attention, thinking she had a urinary tract infection.  It turned out she didn't have a UTI, but she still thought something was wrong.  She underwent a cystoscopy, which captured a photo of a cauliflower-shaped tumor in her bladder.  Next up was a biopsy, which indicated she had Stage One bladder cancer.  Her urologist prescribed BCG immunotherapy.   Margo sought a second opinion and her doctor ruled out BCG, because further probing turned up a second type of bladder cancer, plasmacytoid, and said it could not be addressed with BCG.  He called for an aggressive chemotherapy regimen.  He also said in addition to a radical cystectomy, which would remove Margo's bladder, he said a hysterectomy would be necessary, a procedure that would remove her uterus and ovaries.   Both were performed in June 2020.  Because that was during the quarantine phase of the COVID pandemic, neither Margo's husband nor members of her family could visit her.   After the procedures, Margo was cancer-free.  However, her life would never be the same after she had to wear a stoma bag into which her urine would go.  Sometimes the bag leaks when filled beyond its capacity.  She accepts this as her new normal and says she can deal with it, but has to think ahead in terms of access to a bathroom.   By way of advice, Margo says one's primary emotion should be that of hope and not stress.   Additional Resources:   Support Group:   Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network  https://www.bcan.org   Margo's Book, available on Amazon and Kindle:  Gratitude in the Storm – When Not Dying Is Enough to Keep Fighting   Margo's merchandise line: www.ThriverSurvivor.shop, with a portion of the revenue going to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, to fund bladder cancer research

    25 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    158: Casey Kang survived acute lymphoblastic leukemia | experimental immunotherapy | doxorubicin | methotrexate

    When she began experiencing severe bruising and fatigue and turning pale in late 2013, Casey Kang sought medical attention.  This led to a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  She was placed on an aggressive, 18-month chemotherapy regimen, which included doxorubicin and methotrexate.  Casey relapsed three times during which she was placed on an experimental immunotherapy.  All told, she spent 168 days in a hospital, but Casey achieved survivorship.  She is now a coach who helps women diagnosed with cancer through the physical, mental and emotional challenges that occur after treatment.   When Casey Kang experienced various aches and pains at the end of 2013, she thought they were tied to holiday- or work-related stress.  She sought medical attention, was prescribed ten days of antibiotics, and was told to return in two weeks.  During the ten days, things got worse.  She was stricken with extreme fatigue, bruising, vision issues and her turning pale.  While this went on, she continued to go to work.  She underwent blood tests, and they revealed she had leukemia.  Even before the test results came back, her care team called for a bone marrow transplant, so sure were they that she had cancer.   Casey said her cancer was subsequently diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  Because of its aggressive nature, she was put on an aggressive, 18-month chemotherapy regimen.  It included doxorubicin and methotrexate.  She experienced two relapses and was prescribed an experimental immunotherapy.   Multiple hospital stays totaled 168 days.  During that time, Casey learned how mentally tough she was and is.  As much as she disliked the time in the hospital, she was sure to create a routine that would get her through the day.  Casey used the hospital floor's exercise bike and walked laps around the floors, with 17 laps equaling a mile.   Despite a grueling journey, Casey Kang achieved survivorship.  She is active on social media, as she works tirelessly to aid woman diagnosed with cancer to make them physically, mentally and emotionally strong when dealing with life after treatment.  As for herself, she says her overall is better than it was before her diagnosis.   Additional Resources:   Casey's Website:   https://www.thehappierhustle.com   Casey's Free Guide:   https://casey-head.mykajabi.com/free-guide

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

It is our sincere hope that however cancer may be impacting you or your loved ones, that you will find the Cancer Interviews podcast and our interviews with amazing cancer survivors, caregivers, oncology professionals and others, helpful, informative and encouraging! Our guests share their stories with things like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants, the emotional ups and downs of being a cancer patient, being a caregiver for a loved one fighting cancer, as well as cancer nutrition and allow them an opportunity to tell us about their life before, during and after their cancer journey. We do not provide medical advice on this podcast. Please remember, you are not alone and we invite you to be a part of our team, where together, everyone achieves more! We are sharing the journey together and we wish you the very best possible outcome, with your cancer journey!

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Foster
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Cancer Interviews © 2020
  • Show Website
    Cancer Interviews