The Cancer Project

Oklahoma Proton Center
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Biweekly

Stay informed and empowered as we explore the intersection of technology and medicine. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice to help you or your loved ones on the journey through cancer treatment and recovery.

  1. 20h ago

    Brachytherapy, Prostate Cancer, & Interventional Oncology with Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar

    With over twenty years of experience, Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar joins The Cancer Project Podcast to discuss low-dose rate (LDR) Brachytherapy. His practice utilizes this unique procedure to treat localized prostate cancer for patients from all over the country.   Dr. Bhatnagar shares where his passion for brachytherapy began back in medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, and how at his practice, patients can receive localized anesthesia for LDR brachytherapy and even drive themselves home after. He highlights the advantages of no operating room, no going under advanced anesthesia, reduced toxicity, and short recovery times, which can be very beneficial to the older demographics. Low-dose rate brachytherapy utilizes small rice-sized radioactive seeds that are planted near the tumor to give off high concentrations of radiation to cancerous cells while mitigating toxicity to healthy tissues. These seeds can stay permanently in the body, eventually losing all radioactivity. Dr. Bhatnagar explains this procedure and why he is so passionate about it for localized prostate cancer. He also touches on the three different types of radioactive seeds offered at his practice and the difference between each. While brachytherapy has become less common in the last two decades, Dr. Bhatnagar speaks on its continued value and the importance of always getting a second or third opinion. Advocating and educating for yourself has never been more important as new information from untrustworthy sources continues to show up in social media feeds and online. Host David Raubach and Dr. Bhatnagar discusses the mission of providing trustworthy information to those going through a cancer diagnosis, especially prostate cancer, which has many options for viable treatments and can be especially difficult to determine the best fit. Episode Resources: Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Dose-Brachytherapy-Prostate-Cancer/dp/B0DGD483V2 https://prostatecancerusa.com/ Oklahoma Proton Center https://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter The Cancer Project Podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  2. Aug 3

    A Loved One's Glioblastoma Diagnosis: The Journey Of A Caregiver with Peyton Washington

    On this sentimental episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, we welcome Peyton Washington! Peyton is the oldest daughter of Jenny Washington, former Vice President of Operations at the Oklahoma Proton Center who passed away from glioblastoma in June 2024.  We are honored to have Peyton on our podcast as we reflect on Jenny’s exemplary character and her relentless pursuit of helping people, both in her role at the Oklahoma Proton Center and in everyday life. Jenny served as a pillar of the center and community, working her way up to Vice President of Operations after previously working as a dosimetrist and radiation therapist. One of her greatest joys in life was helping patients in any way possible as they navigate cancer treatment. Peyton Washington shares the patience and grace Jenny carried as a mom and grandmother to her son, Weston.  She emphasizes the care and enthusiasm she brought to every corner of her life, especially her family.  Peyton reflects on her mom’s diagnosis as symptoms very suddenly began to manifest. She walks us through the timeline of diagnosis, treatment, and eventually hospice prior to Jenny’s passing. As the oldest of four, Peyton speaks about the role the family played as caregivers throughout the journey and the difficulties of helping make decisions while actively trying to come to terms with the severity of the diagnosis. Today, the Oklahoma Proton Center has an award named after Jenny that is given out biannually to an employee who embodies her character: passionate, kind, caring, and goes above and beyond for patients. We love and miss you Jenny and strive to carry on your beautiful mission and legacy of helping patients everyday.  Episode Resources: In Loving Memory Of Jenny: https://www.okcproton.com/what-remains-when-words-fall-away/ Oklahoma Proton Center https://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter The Cancer Project Podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  3. Jul 27

    Why Proton Therapy: Oklahoma Football Alum Karl Peter's Story

    Pauls Valley native and former Oklahoma Football defensive back Karl Peters comes from a large family and is the second youngest of fourteen children. In this week’s episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, Karl reflects on his many fond memories growing up in a big family including following in his older brother's footsteps of playing defensive back for the University of Oklahoma.  With a family history of prostate cancer, Karl was always diligent in his screenings and acted quickly after an increase in his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. After a confirmation of prostate cancer, his doctor recommended surgery as early as the next week. Karl upon hearing the recovery time for the procedure, researched prostate cancer treatment options and found proton therapy available in Oklahoma City.  Karl went on to receive treatment at the Oklahoma Proton Center, and shares his experience from his intake appointment, insurance battle, receiving treatment, and even coming back months later to provide lunch to the entire staff! Karl emphasizes the family setting he experienced, and it reminded him of growing up in Pauls Valley which inspired the barbecue! Episode Resources: Oklahoma Proton Center https://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter The Cancer Project Podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  4. Jul 20

    In The Middle Of A Miracle: Pediatric Cancer, Philanthropy, & Purpose with Brooklyn Hawkins

    In the summer before beginning her senior year of high school, Brooklyn Hawkins began experiencing daily fevers, shortness of breath, and overall physical fatigue. She found herself in-and-out of the doctors office, each time experiencing more concern for her growing symptoms. After continuing to advocate for herself, Brooklyn received scans that would reveal a Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis at seventeen years old. While navigating life as a senior in high school, Brooklyn suddenly found herself in a whirlwind journey of being diagnosed with cancer and having a full treatment plan within a week. She courageously shares her day-to-day life receiving a rigorous schedule of chemotherapy and the many hospitalizations that accompanied cancer treatment. Brooklyn’s experience was unique in that she received treatment at both a children’s and adult hospital. She speaks about the feeling of not belonging at either hospital as a teenager. Brooklyn channeled these feelings of alienation and not being understood into “In The Middle Of A Miracle”, a nonprofit that provides love and support for Oklahoma pediatric cancer patients with an emphasis on teenagers.   In The Middle Of A Miracle continues to grow today and was adopted as the local philanthropy for Brooklyn’s sorority at Oklahoma State University. Her non-profit organization hosts events, various programs, and even provides scholarships to pediatric cancer patients in need. To learn more about In The Middle Of A Miracle and the many ways to get involved or support please visit the resources below! Episode Resources: In The Middle Of A Miracle: https://www.inthemiddleofamiracle.org/ https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofamiracle https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092705070509 Oklahoma Proton Center https://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter The Cancer Project Podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  5. Jul 13

    Cancer Diagnosis At Seventeen Weeks Pregnant: A Testimony Of Faith & Family with Priscilla Ballesteros

    In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Cancer Project, we are joined by breast cancer survivor Priscilla Ballesteros. At age twenty-eight Priscilla was diagnosed with breast cancer while seventeen weeks pregnant. Priscilla sits down with Host David Raubach to share her testimony and cancer journey that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Priscilla courageously shares the process of being diagnosed while entering her second trimester after an abnormal scan of a swollen lymph node. She speaks about the many conversations necessary for treatment planning while considering quality of life for both herself and unborn child. Priscilla received three chemotherapy treatments prior to delivering her son Ezra. Over the next six months, she would receive another thirteen rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiation.  Faith is at the core of the Ballesteros family, and they affectionately refer to their son Ezra as a miracle from God. Priscilla passionately shares how her relationship with her faith is what kept her grounded through her diagnosis and treatment. She also speaks about approaching life and medicine with a holistic approach, and what that looks like in her day-to-day life.  Priscilla found hope and joy in other women sharing their cancer journey while pregnant and found an incredible community of women on social media. After experiencing the community and positivity sharing can create first-hand, Priscilla embraced content creation once she was physically and mentally ready. To experience more of Priscilla’s inspiring journey please visit her socials below as she honestly and authentically shares her survivorship journey! Episode Resources: Connect With Priscilla Ballesteros https://www.instagram.com/priscillaballesteros/ https://www.tiktok.com/@priscillaballesteros?lang=en Oklahoma Proton Center https://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter The Cancer Project Podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  6. Jul 6

    Making Proton Therapy More Accessible: The Logistics & Heart Of Building Proton Therapy Centers with Hadley Ford

    With a background in investment banking, Hadley Ford had never heard of proton therapy prior to meeting nuclear physicist Dr. John Cameron. Dr. Cameron was a true pioneer in making proton therapy more accessible to the United States as a groundbreaking cancer treatment. Hadley and Dr. Cameron joined forces, making their commitment and company official over breakfast with a napkin with one primary goal: to make proton therapy accessible for children. On this episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, Hadley Ford shares how he and Dr. Cameron partnered to create ProCure, a trailblazer in cancer treatment providers. ProCure would go on to oversee the building of four proton therapy centers across the United States, including our very own Oklahoma Proton Center!  Hadley reflects on partnering with Aubrey McClendon and the process of building the first ProCure center in Oklahoma City and the aggressive timeline and budget set for the project of 24 months and 100 million dollars. This accomplishment was unheard of at the time of completion in September 2009. As Hadley reflects, he recalls walking the plot of land for the first time and the overwhelming emotions he felt as the hard work and plans began to come to fruition.  Many of the traditions created by ProCure and the board of directors are still implemented at the Oklahoma Proton Center today, such as the patient graduation luncheon. In an emotional moment, Hadley recollects a pediatric patient who was told by doctors in her home country of Holland that the tumor wrapped around her spine would mean she would never walk again after treatment. With a smile she took her graduation challenge coin and skipped back over to her mother, silencing Hadley and overwhelming him with gratitude for the opportunity to help bring Dr. Cameron’s vision to life. Join us in this week's episode as we learn about the rigorous logistical planning, capital demands, and passion for the project required to build a proton therapy center. Episode Resources: Oklahoma Proton Center https://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter The Cancer Project Podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  7. Jul 1

    Reflections of a Retiring Radiation Oncologist with Dr. Mark Storey

    In this special episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, Dr. Mark Storey rejoins colleague David Raubach to reflect on his seven years at Oklahoma Proton Center and the next chapter of his career. Dr. Storey joined OPC in 2019 with a clear mission: to advance proton therapy while improving both patient outcomes and the overall patient experience in radiation oncology.As he begins this new season of life, Dr. Storey shares what his career as a radiation oncologist has meant to him, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the advice he would offer both his younger self and the next generation of physicians. Reflecting on his time at Oklahoma Proton Center, he describes it as “a midlife crisis gone well” and speaks proudly of the culture built around a simple but powerful philosophy: treat every patient the way you would want your own family treated.Looking back on his seven years at OPC, Dr. Storey also looks ahead to the future of cancer care. Drawing on his extensive experience treating head and neck cancers, he discusses the continued evolution of proton therapy and why quality of life should remain at the center of treatment decisions—particularly for cancers located near critical organs, where the benefits of reducing radiation exposure may not always be fully captured in clinical studies.We are grateful to Dr. Storey for taking the time to share his reflections on The Cancer Project Podcast, but even more grateful for the lasting impact he has made on Oklahoma Proton Center. His optimism, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to patient-centered care have shaped our organization in meaningful ways and will continue to influence those who follow. As he begins this exciting new chapter, we thank him for his extraordinary contributions and wish him nothing but the very best.Episode Resources:Dr. Mark Storey’s Substack:https://protons101.substack.com/Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenterThe Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

  8. Jun 15

    From Doctor To Patient: A Radiation Oncologist's Cancer Journey with Dr. Jim Gray

    Medical Director of Tennessee Oncology Proton Therapy Center, Dr. Jim Gray, has spent decades at the forefront of radiation oncology. In this episode, he reflects on the remarkable evolution of cancer treatment throughout his career—from the days of manually contouring treatment plans in medical school to today’s highly advanced technologies that allow for unprecedented precision.Having witnessed many of the field’s most significant breakthroughs firsthand, Dr. Gray shares the advancements that have had the greatest impact on patient care. He discusses the unique advantages of proton therapy, how it differs from traditional photon radiation, and the role he believes it will continue to play in the future of cancer treatment.As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Gray has long educated patients about cancer screening and the importance of understanding family history. After losing his father to prostate cancer and noticing a rise in his own PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, he recognized the importance of taking immediate action.Soon after, Dr. Gray found himself facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer—the very disease he treats every day. Experiencing cancer from the patient’s perspective gave him a new understanding of the physical and emotional realities of treatment. In this candid conversation, he shares what it was like to be on “the other end of the beam” and how undergoing proton therapy himself has deepened his empathy and strengthened his relationships with patients.Join us on this week’s episode of The Cancer Project Podcast as Dr. Gray discusses the evolution of radiation oncology, the benefits and future of proton therapy, and the lessons he learned while navigating cancer not as a physician, but as a patient.Episode Resources:Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenterThe Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerprojecthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy

See All (53)

About

Stay informed and empowered as we explore the intersection of technology and medicine. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice to help you or your loved ones on the journey through cancer treatment and recovery.

Information

  • Creator
    Oklahoma Proton Center
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Oklahoma Proton Center
  • Show Website
    The Cancer Project

You Might Also Like