Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast CancerCare

March is National Social Work Month and an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact that CancerCare’s services have had on the oncology community. For our Season 6 finale and the three year anniversary of the Cancer Out Loud Podcast launch, we take a closer look at what it means to be an oncology social worker at CancerCare. Listen in as earlier podcast guests share their sentiments of what it would be like without the support of CancerCare.  Cancer Out Loud will return later this Spring for Season 7.

Before her cancer diagnosis, Valarie worked in human resources. After being diagnosed with both multiple myeloma and breast cancer, Valarie’s life took a different path- one of advocacy and patient education.  As her goals shifted, she focused on educating others about the disease while shedding light on health inequities. In the penultimate episode of Season 6, Valarie shares how advocating for herself led to empowering others to find their voice.

When Judy was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer almost a decade ago, many emotions ran through her mind: shock, fear, disbelief and curiosity. Judy, a research scientist by trade, wanted to know more about her diagnosis and was disappointed by the lack of literature and research available. Join us for a story of hope, perseverance, and gratitude as Judy shares the highs and lows of navigating a rare cancer diagnosis. 

Healing looks different for everyone. Often, the expressive arts can create an outlet to understand and process difficult emotional experiences- this includes creative writing, music, crafting, painting, etc.  This episode takes a deeper dive into the different tools that can be used to cope with a cancer diagnosis. Listen in as Chris speaks with her oncology social worker, Sara, about the challenges she has faced throughout her cancer experience. Chris is no stranger to gratitude and her story is one that many can relate to- in Chris’ words, “Just know you can ride these waves, but you will find your feet on the shore again- it’s always possible.”

A cancer diagnosis is incredibly disruptive and unpredictable. At the time her 32-year-old husband was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer, Whitney was starting a doctoral program while building her private therapy practice. Whitney is no stranger to the world of chronic illness as she has managed her own for many years. With her husband’s diagnosis, she learned to take on a different role all together. Join us as Whitney shares her experience as a young adult caregiver and what it has been like to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the past 16 months.

Meet Kris, a stage III chondrosarcoma survivor, avid golfer and skier, father, and husband. In this episode, Kris speaks with his social worker Nikki about how he navigated his diagnosis and hemipelvectomy. This surgery resulted in removing his left pelvis, hip, and leg. Kris has experienced many ups, downs, and in-betweens. Throughout it all, he remains determined, focusing on living life moment by moment and filling his days with joy and love. Listen in as Kris finds light shining through in the darkest of places.