Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast

CancerCare

Cancer Out Loud brings you conversations as unique as your experience. Listen to and watch our episodes featuring people living with cancer, caregivers, survivors, family members, bereaved, and oncology professionals. No matter where you are in your journey, Cancer Out Loud is here to offer guidance, support, and hope. Listen and learn more at cancercare.org/canceroutloud.

  1. 6D AGO

    77. How We Got Through It Together

    We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or episode ideas at ⁠⁠⁠canceroutloud@cancercare.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave a comment on this episode! Please follow, rate and share Cancer Out Loud to help others find strength and support through our community. Summary In this episode of Cancer Care Out Loud, CancerCare Social Worker Hayley Feuchs speaks with Marija and her daughter Tara about their journey through a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. They discuss the challenges of diagnosis, the importance of advocating for yourself in the medical system, and the support they received from family, friends, and the community. Tara shares her experiences of maintaining normalcy during treatment, the emotional dynamics within their family, and the coping strategies that helped them navigate this difficult time. They also address misconceptions about cancer, the anxiety surrounding scans, and offer advice to families facing similar challenges. Takeaways The journey to diagnosis can be long and frustrating.Advocating for oneself is crucial in the medical system.Building a support network is essential for emotional health.Maintaining a routine can help create a sense of normalcy during treatment.Friends can provide unexpected support during difficult times.Family dynamics can shift, leading to closer relationships.Coping strategies can include humor and finding joy in small moments.Difficult conversations about cancer are often necessary but challenging.Misconceptions about cancer can lead to misunderstandings about the experience.Managing scanxiety is a common challenge for patients and caregivers.

    47 min

  2. JAN 6

    76. Feeling Like Yourself Again

    We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or episode ideas at ⁠⁠canceroutloud@cancercare.org⁠⁠ or leave a comment on this episode! Please follow, rate and share Cancer Out Loud to help others find strength and support through our community. Summary Join CancerCare social worker Laurie Feingold and Tonya Potts, a certified fitter who runs the wig and prosthesis clinic for CancerCare’s New York and Long Island offices, as they explore the emotional journey of coping with hair loss and mastectomy and how you can rediscover the real you. Key Takeaways Takeaways Women often fear hair loss more than the cancer itself.Emotional distress from hair loss can lead to social withdrawal.Finding a wig can restore confidence and dignity.Clients often seek wigs that resemble their natural hair.Support from professionals can ease the emotional burden.Wig clinics provide joy and a sense of normalcy during treatment.Prosthesis programs help women feel whole after mastectomy.Education on wig care is essential for comfort.Financial barriers can hinder access to wigs and prostheses.

    36 min

  3. 10/14/2025

    75. Kids Just Want to be Kids

    We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or episode ideas at ⁠canceroutloud@cancercare.org⁠ or leave a comment on this episode! Please follow, rate and share Cancer Out Loud to help others find strength and support through our community. Summary In this episode, Christina Monaco and Sara Whelan discuss the profound impact of childhood cancer on families, emphasizing the emotional challenges faced by parents and siblings. They explore the importance of resilience in children, the need for community support, and the significance of self-care for caregivers. The conversation highlights the various services available through CancerCare and the necessity of acknowledging the unique experiences of each family affected by childhood cancer. Takeaways Childhood cancer affects a wide age range, from birth to 17.Each child's experience with cancer is unique and influenced by many factors.Parents often feel guilt and helplessness when their child is diagnosed.Siblings of children with cancer also experience emotional challenges.Asking for help is crucial for families dealing with childhood cancer.Counseling and support groups are vital resources for families.Children with cancer still seek joy and normalcy in their lives.Community support can alleviate some burdens for families.Self-care for caregivers is essential to provide effective support.It's important to acknowledge the emotional impact of childhood cancer on the entire family.

    37 min

  4. 08/29/2025

    74.The Future is an Open Book

    Join us for the next episode of Cancer Out Loud, The CancerCare Podcast, as guest host and oncology social worker, Sara Grisales Jaramillo, speaks with Jon Fox, a cancer survivor and former elementary school teacher. Jon shares his journey from diagnosis to survivorship, discussing the emotional and psychological challenges he faced, the grief of losing aspects of his former life, and the importance of community and support in navigating the complexities of life after cancer. He emphasizes the need for self-advocacy and finding the right resources to aid in recovery, while also reflecting on the duality of emotions experienced throughout the journey.  Thank you to Jon for shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs of those affected by cancer. Follow Jon on social media: Instagram Key Takeaways Cancer can interrupt any career or life stage.  Survivorship is its own chapter with unexpected challenges.  Many people feel isolated once treatment ends and support tapers off.  Grief shows up in everyday ways—sometimes even in how food tastes or brings joy.  Community and connection are key to feeling seen and supported.  Many effects are invisible to others (fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, pain).  Self-advocacy matters in follow-up care and day-to-day life.  It helps to hold space for both what’s been lost and what’s newly possible.  Healing isn’t linear; patience, time, and support make a difference.

    56 min

  5. 07/31/2025

    73. From Provider to Patient: Fernando’s Story 

    In this next episode of Cancer Out Loud, guest host and oncology social worker Daniel LaPook, LMSW, speaks with Fernando Palacios, an oncology nurse and cancer survivor, about his journey from healthcare provider to patient. Fernando shares his experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional complexities of navigating cancer as a young adult. He emphasizes the importance of communication, support systems, and self-advocacy in the healthcare process. The conversation highlights coping strategies, the intersection of patient and provider identities, and the ongoing impact of cancer on mental health and relationships.  Key Takeaways  Navigating dual roles—such as being both a provider and a patient—can bring emotional complexity. Coping strategies like therapy, journaling, and open dialogue can support emotional resilience. A supportive network significantly influences emotional and mental well-being. Young adults often encounter unique challenges and assumptions within the healthcare system. Self-advocacy is critical in ensuring one’s needs are met in complex care systems. Language and tone used by healthcare professionals can profoundly impact patient experience. Experiencing a wide range of emotions is a natural and valid part of the illness journey.

    59 min

  6. 06/30/2025

    72. Survivorship in Real Time: Then and Now

    In honor of National Cancer Survivor Month, guest host Christina Monaco, LMSW, sits down with young adult survivor Neema Philippe for an unflinching conversation about being diagnosed with cancer at age 29—and what comes next. Neema revisits the shock of her diagnosis, the whirlwind of treatments, and the grief of watching life plans shift overnight. She shares how vulnerability became a healing tool, why self-advocacy matters at every stage, and the small rituals that help her reclaim joy. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or clinician, Neema’s reflections on self-care, community, and life “after” will leave you inspired—and better equipped to navigate your own path beyond cancer.  Key takeaways:  A cancer diagnosis at any age can be shocking and life-altering.  The words “you have cancer” often bring intense emotional overwhelm.  Life stage can deeply shape how someone experiences cancer, especially when it disrupts expectations or milestones.  Medical decisions—like fertility preservation—carry emotional complexity and long-term considerations.  Support systems play a vital role in coping with the isolation that can come with a cancer diagnosis.  Embracing vulnerability can foster healing and a deeper connection.  It’s common to grieve the loss of imagined futures while navigating illness.  Fear of recurrence can linger long after treatment ends.  Finding moments of joy and meaning can help support emotional well-being during and after cancer treatment.  Self-advocacy is essential when navigating the healthcare system and making informed decisions.

    47 min

  7. 05/30/2025

    71. Beyond a Bladder Cancer Diagnosis: The Path to Survivorship

    In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, guest host and oncology social worker Christina Monaco welcomes bladder cancer survivor Steven Gruber to explore life after diagnosis, just in time for May, Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Steven recounts the moment he first saw blood in his urine, the frustrating run‑around he faced before landing in a world‑class NYC cancer center, and the decision to undergo radical bladder and prostate removal. He doesn’t shy away from the complications—recurrent UTIs, emotional lows, and shifts in intimacy—but he also celebrates the community of caregivers, fellow survivors, and loved ones who carried him through. We’re proud to partner with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) to highlight patient voices like Steven’s. Today, he channels his experience into advocacy, reminding us all that survivorship is not just about living—it’s about thriving. Key Takeaways: Early detection can improve outcomes. Persistence is key in navigating care. Treatment choices shape your path forward. Planning helps manage post‑treatment challenges. Emotional and spiritual strength sustains you. Relationships and intimacy can evolve after cancer. A strong support network is vital. Survivorship often inspires advocacy. Staying informed and taking action empowers you.

    57 min

  8. 04/28/2025

    70. Grief, Growth and the Love That Remains

    In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, Briana shares her profound journey of grief with guest host and oncology social worker, Laurie Feingold, following the loss of her young adult brother to a rare terminal brain cancer. She reflects on the initial shock of his diagnosis, the emotional turmoil she faced during his illness, and the deep sense of loss after his passing. Briana speaks to the unique challenges families face when navigating adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer, and highlights the importance of seeking therapy, the healing power of journaling, and the small steps that helped her regain a sense of purpose. Through her content creation on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@siblinggriefjourney), she continues to raise awareness and support others coping with loss. Her story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of hope. Key takeaways:  A cancer diagnosis—especially in an AYA—can leave families feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.  Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone; it can affect us emotionally, mentally, and physically.  Counseling can be a powerful source of support when navigating loss.  Journaling can offer a safe space to process complex emotions and memories.  Rebuilding a routine, even through small daily goals, can create a sense of stability during grief.  Sharing one’s story—through writing, content creation, or conversation—can be a meaningful part of healing.  Grief invites us to feel everything: the anger, the sadness, the confusion—and that’s okay.  Self-compassion is vital; being gentle with yourself is part of the healing process.  Advocating for others who are grieving can help foster a sense of community and connection.

    28 min
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4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Cancer Out Loud brings you conversations as unique as your experience. Listen to and watch our episodes featuring people living with cancer, caregivers, survivors, family members, bereaved, and oncology professionals. No matter where you are in your journey, Cancer Out Loud is here to offer guidance, support, and hope. Listen and learn more at cancercare.org/canceroutloud.

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