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

    Alone in a Room Full of People

    Season Two, Episode 3- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly of Combating Cancer, diagnosed at 19 with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer and now nearly five years out, describes feeling unexpectedly alone even when surrounded by loving family, friends, and her fiancé. She explains this isn't loneliness from lacking people, but from others being unable to fully enter the parts of her cancer experience, especially the persistent fear of having to "do it all again" and become "Cancer Gwen" rather than just Gwen. She discusses guilt for feeling scared while living a good life, arguing gratitude can coexist with grief and trauma. Gwen recounts anxiety triggered in unrelated medical settings, like a shoulder surgery consult, showing her body remains on alert. She asks how to live with fear of recurrence without losing the life she rebuilt, emphasizing that you can hold both fear and happiness and aren't broken for feeling it. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to the Podcast Feeling Alone in Love What That Loneliness Is Fear of Doing It Again Guilt and Gratitude The Random What If Doctor Office Triggers Healing Is Not Linear Living With Fear Holding Both 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

  2. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Staying Human with Dr. Vivek Murthy

    Introducing Robin Wall Kimmerer: What is nature teaching us that we’re too distracted to see? from Staying Human with Dr. Vivek Murthy. Follow the show: Staying Human with Dr. Vivek Murthy What is nature trying to teach us that we’re too distracted to notice? Botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer joins Vivek for a conversation about slowing down and paying attention to the living world around us. She invites us to see the land as “not something but someone.” Robin is a scientist, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the author of the beloved bestsellers Braiding Sweetgrass, Gathering Moss, and The Serviceberry. For decades she has helped people see nature through both science and Indigenous wisdom. In this episode: Why we feel more alive and at ease in nature, and what gets in the way How our phones and busy lives pull our attention away from the world around us What changes when you think of the land as a “someone” instead of a “something” How we started treating land as property instead of home Making room for both science and the sacred in how we see the world Why a “gift economy” can shift our ways of consumption How everyday giving, like bringing soup to a neighbor, can help ease loneliness What success looks like when it’s about meaning rather than wealth or status The poems and places Robin turns to when she needs hope A closing reading of Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” We want to hear from you: What’s something nature has taught you about how to live a more meaningful life? Leave us a message at 1-833-74-HUMAN (1-833-744-8626) or email hello@stayinghuman.us. About Robin Wall Kimmerer About Dr. Vivek Murthy, your host IG @drvivekmurthy Substack vivekmurthy.substack.com/ 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.

    You Might Also Like: Staying Human with Dr. Vivek Murthy

  3. Oct 14

    There Is Light at the End of the Tunnel: Alex Fenn's Cancer Story

    Season Two, Episode 2- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly, a stage three astrocytoma brain cancer survivor, welcomes Alex Fenn for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to discuss Alex's breast cancer journey and life after treatment. Alex shares finishing four rounds of TC chemotherapy (Taxotere and Cytoxan) and starting a 10-year daily medication regimen due to hormone-positive cancer that induces medical menopause, alongside ongoing follow-ups and another planned surgery after her double mastectomy with reconstruction. She and Gwen discuss coping with anxiety, fear of recurrence, drastic physical changes (hair loss/regrowth, weight and skin changes, loss of sensation, clothing fit), and mourning a pre-cancer identity. Alex describes shifting friendships, building online community, marriage challenges and strengthened connection through caregiving, unexpected chemo side effects like food aversions, and encouragement that there is light at the end of the tunnel and cancer is not a life sentence. Discussed in this episode: Welcome to the Podcast Meet Alex from TikTok Life After Treatment Body and Identity Changes Strength and Friendship Shifts Marriage and Caregiving Chemo Side Effects and Food Chemo Schedule and Milestones Fear of Recurrence Rebuilding Confidence and Hair Advice and Closing Thoughts Final Wrap Up 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

  4. Oct 7

    Look How Far We've Come

    Season Two, Episode 1- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly introduces season two of the Combating Cancer podcast and reflects on how it began from her own experience of being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 19 after a grand mal seizure on March 6, 2022. She recounts emergency imaging, learning the diagnosis before her father arrived, and undergoing an eight-hour surgery with Dr. Grant, followed by pathology initially read as stage four and then regraded to stage three astrocytoma. Gwen describes fertility preservation decisions, 30 days of proton radiation at Mayo Clinic, a year of oral temozolomide, the emotional complexity of treatment and survivorship, and ongoing MRIs every 90 days. She explains how sharing her story, involvement with brain cancer advocacy, and 73 season-one episodes shaped a community centered on the mission that no one should fight cancer alone, and previews season two expansions including more guests, educational content, short-form videos, guides, blogs, and vlogs. Discussed in this episode: Season Two Begins  Why I Started  The Seizure Day  MRI & Diagnosis Dad Arrives Surgery & Pathology Treatment & Growing Up Life After Treatment  Building The Microphone  How The Podcast Grew What Season One Taught Season Two Vision  Welcome To Season Two 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

  5. Sep 30

    Who Are You Outside of Cancer?

    Episode 73- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly introduces Combating Cancer and reflects on being diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer at 19 and nearly five years out, exploring how cancer can shrink life into appointments and survival. She argues that while getting through treatment can be enough, people eventually need purpose—small reasons that make tomorrow matter—and should keep "pouring into" what brings joy without forcing productivity. Gwen shares what helped her feel like herself: her dog Bruce, journaling and poetry, staying in college and seeing friends, working out when able, and developing a personal faith during treatment. She emphasizes that no single person, hobby, job, or relationship can be an entire support system, encourages listeners (patients, caregivers, or anyone in a hard in-between season) to start small, and explains that continuing her passions prevented her identity from being replaced by cancer. Discussed in this episode: What Gets You Up Cancer Takes Over Survival to Purpose Fill Your Cup Joy Anchors  More Than One Thing  Start Small Again After Treatment Ends  Meaning Beyond Milestones Final Questions  Closing and Share  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

  6. Sep 23

    Cancer, Keto & The Pressure to Do Everything Right

    Episode 72- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly shares her experience navigating diet advice during cancer treatment, clarifying the episode isn't a claim that keto cured cancer or that diet doesn't matter, but a personal account. Diagnosed at 19 with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, she tried a ketogenic diet during 30 days of proton radiation after her radiation oncologist mentioned some patients felt they tolerated treatment better. With help from a dietitian friend and strong support from her mom, she followed a simple food list, noticed hidden sugars, and formed strong associations with certain foods. She gradually stopped keto before pill-form chemotherapy and didn't notice a meaningful difference in how she felt between radiation on keto and chemo without it. She reflects that dietary changes often provide a sense of control amid uncertainty, advises consulting an oncology team or registered dietitian before major changes, and cautions against believing there is one perfect cancer diet. Discussed in this episode: Cancer Diet Noise Keto Suggested Making Keto Work Radiation Routine Stopping After Radiation Did It Help Control Through Food Advice And Caution Closing Thoughts 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

  7. Sep 16

    The People Who Weren't There

    Episode 71- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly reflects on how answering "What do you do?" often leads to disclosing her stage three astrocytoma brain cancer diagnosis at nineteen and watching people's perception shift into pity, shock, and questions. She describes cancer unexpectedly surfacing in ordinary moments like a routine physical and coaching tennis, even though she no longer looks like she's in treatment. Gwen explores relationships with people who met her after treatment, including her fiancé Jake, who knows her story but didn't live it with her, and notes that even those who were present couldn't fully feel what she felt. She concludes that she doesn't need others to completely understand, but to listen, believe the ongoing weight of survivorship, and love her without making cancer the center of who she is. Discussed in this episode: The What Do You Do Question Meet Gwen And The Podcast When People See You Differently Cancer In Ordinary Moments Loved Without Knowing Cancer Gwen Jake And The Parts He Missed Understanding Versus Acceptance Believe Me Love Me Still Peace With Who Was There 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

  8. Sep 9

    What Does Cancer Actually Feel Like?

    Episode 70- Show Notes: Host Gwen Kelly explores the assumption that cancer must "feel" like something, sharing that she had Stage 3 astrocytoma brain cancer at 19 while feeling completely normal. She recounts years of chronic back pain starting at 15, multiple spine MRIs that showed nothing, and the exhaustion of having real pain without an explanation. On March 6, 2022, she had a grand mal seizure in front of trusted people, leading to the discovery of the tumor; she notes she never had headaches, vision problems, or prior seizures. After tumor removal, her back pain largely improved, though doctors can't confirm any connection or how long the tumor existed. Gwen emphasizes there is no universal cancer feeling, and symptoms often come from treatment or may be absent, telling listeners they may have had nothing to notice or miss. Discussed in this episode: Can You Feel Cancer Meet Gwen And The Question Years Of Back Pain The Seizure That Changed Everything No Classic Brain Tumor Signs Back Pain After Tumor Removal What Cancer Feels Like No Warning And Final Takeaway Closing And Invitation 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

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Gwen Kelly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Combating Cancer

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