I Had Cancer Allegheny Health Network and iHeartRadio

Dr. David Bartlett, the new chair of AHN Cancer Institute, is an acclaimed cancer surgeon and researcher. Involved in the latest advances in care, he predicts steady growth in the search for a cure. Dr. Bartlett approaches each patient with empathy, developing friendships that are great motivators for him to push on with his work. Hear why he calls cancer a unique puzzle, and why everyday good health habits might hold the key to preventing it.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to IHadCancer@highmarkhealth.org with your name and phone number.

Heather was 40, with a newborn son and a 3-year old daughter, when she learned that a mole on her skin was melanoma. Then, she didn’t know what it meant, but now she’s passionate about skin cancer awareness and prevention. She is thankful for AHN surgeons and dermatologists who gave top quality care and eased her mind. Hear why she tells skin cancer: “Not at my job. Not in my neighborhood!”

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to IHadCancer@highmarkhealth.org with your name and phone number.

Ashley was 33 when ovarian cancer fractured her world. But her faith and an amazing care team at West Penn Hospital kept her going. With a leader in ovarian cancer research as her surgeon, she moved through a hysterectomy and chemotherapy to ring the final bell. Now she’s active in two cancer support groups. Hear how a schedule change, a “beat cancer” parade, and a t-shirt with a special message gave her hope.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to IHadCancer@highmarkhealth.org with your name and phone number.

Ray, 65, was always active, hunting elk, shoeing horses at the track, and celebrating his daughter’s wedding. Esophageal cancer interrupted his plans, but never his positivity. Surrounded by top-shelf cancer professionals at West Penn Hospital, he moved rapidly to a diagnosis, and then through chemo, radiation, and surgery. Hear why he credits divine intervention, his surgeon, and great people for his survival.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to IHadCancer@highmarkhealth.org with your name and phone number.

Jessica’s happiness at being pregnant was dashed when she developed a placenta tumor. She had gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), a rare cancer that arises during pregnancy. After a miscarriage, she became the youngest person – just 33 – in her chemo group. With amazing nurses and doctors, and support from generous family and friends, she became a survivor. Hear why she will never be the same again, but might be something more.

The I Had Cancer podcast provides personal and truthful conversations with cancer survivors along their journeys. Each episode will feature a different person with their unique perspective on their own fight against cancer. They are sharing their story to help others who might be facing similar challenges and to say they went from “I Have Cancer” to “I Had Cancer.” If you would like to be a guest on a future I Had Cancer Podcast, send an email to IHadCancer@highmarkhealth.org with your name and phone number.

Cheryl learned she had invasive ductal carcinoma on her 50th birthday, just four months after her mother got the same breast cancer diagnosis. With chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and great support from AHN doctors and nurses — whom she calls her guardian angels — she was on her way to being a cancer survivor. Hear how family and friends — along with a very special t-shirt – were there when she rang the bell.