What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast

McKenna Avery
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

A cancer diagnosis can turn life into a blur of appointments, opinions, and unanswered questions. What I Wish I Knew is the podcast that slows it all down and brings you the conversations people deserve to hear sooner. Hosted by Dr. Dan Sullivan and McKenna Avery (cancer survivor), each episode features candid, compassionate interviews with leading medical experts, professors, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and survivors across the entire cancer landscape. Together, we explore what’s rarely explained clearly, from treatment and side effects to recovery and survivorship, mind-body health, nutrition, relationships, intimacy, and the emotional and spiritual terrain that comes with healing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, supporting someone you love, or simply looking for trustworthy insight, this show is here to help you feel informed, supported, and less alone. Educational content only. Not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance. Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatiwishiknewcancerpod  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ 

  1. The Truth About Cancer Diets, Cannabis & Stress | Dr. Donald Abrams | Integrative Oncology Expert

    1d ago

    The Truth About Cancer Diets, Cannabis & Stress | Dr. Donald Abrams | Integrative Oncology Expert

    What should you eat after a cancer diagnosis? Should you try the keto diet? Does cannabis change cancer? Can stress make cancer worse? 🎧 ABOUT Dr. Donald Abrams In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we sit down with one of the country's leading integrative oncology experts, Dr. Donald Abrams, integrative oncologist at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. He was the Chief of Hematology-Oncology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Professor of Medicine at UCSF, former President of the Society for Integrative Oncology, and Executive Director of the Weil Foundation. He co-authored the textbook Integrative Oncology with Dr. Andrew Weil and has spent 40+ years treating patients living with cancer. Dr. Abrams breaks down everything newly diagnosed patients wish they had asked their oncologist, from the best anti-cancer foods to why organic produce is more potent than you think, the truth about the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, fruit juice, sugar and insulin, cannabis for symptom management, acupuncture, stress, physical activity, and how to take back control of your healing. 🌿 IN THIS EPISODE: - The 5 questions every newly diagnosed patient should ask their oncologist - Anti-cancer foods: cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane, DIM & why organic matters - Why sugar, fruit juice & the keto diet are not what you think - Dr. Abrams' actual daily meal plan - What cannabis really does (and doesn't) do for cancer - The "woo" practices with real data: acupuncture, yoga, massage & meditation - What most people get wrong in the first 30 days and how to take back control 🎥 WATCH DR. ABRAMS' FREE 4-PART VIDEO SERIES ON INTEGRATIVE CANCER CARE: https://osher.ucsf.edu/resources/dr-donald-abrams-four-part-video-series-integrative-cancer-care 📖 Book mentioned: Integrative Oncology by Dr. Donald Abrams & Dr. Andrew Weil 🍽️ Book mentioned: The Cancer Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz 📗 Book mentioned: The First Cell by Dr. Azra Raza ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌐 FIND US AT: https://www.whatiwishiknew.org 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiwikpod 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Why He Chose Oncology (0:00–2:42) Chapter 2: How AIDS Led Him to Integrative Medicine (2:42–4:19) Chapter 3: Alternative vs. Complementary vs. Integrative — Explained (4:19–13:29) Chapter 4: Questions Every Cancer Patient Should Ask (13:29–18:27) Chapter 5: Making Your Body Inhospitable to Cancer (18:27–22:07) Chapter 6: Fad Diets to Avoid After Diagnosis (22:07–26:40) Chapter 7: His Exact Daily Meal Plan for Fighting Cancer (26:40–31:01) Chapter 8: Why Organic Food Is More Potent Medicine (31:01–32:56) Chapter 9: Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods Fuel Cancer (32:56–35:05) Chapter 10: Supplements vs. Whole Foods, What Actually Works (35:05–38:01) Chapter 11: How Exercise Fights Fatigue and Improves Outcomes (38:01–44:04) Chapter 12: The Biochemical Link Between Stress and Cancer (44:04–49:29) Chapter 13: The Truth About Medical Cannabis for Cancer (49:29–59:49) Chapter 14: The "Woo" Therapies Backed by Real Data (59:49–1:03:05) Chapter 15: How to Advocate for Yourself With Your Doctor (1:03:05–1:09:54) This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your medical team before making any changes to your treatment, diet, or supplement routine.

    1h 21m
  2. From Tumor the Size of a Potato to Practicing Medicine. Dr. Maggie's Full Story

    May 18

    From Tumor the Size of a Potato to Practicing Medicine. Dr. Maggie's Full Story

    What I Wish I Knew: Get a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis and it can save your life. She was healthy. She was an athlete. She was in her 20s planning a wedding and starting medical school. And she had a tumor the size of a potato in her chest. In this episode, What she shares in this conversation is the kind of stuff that only comes from actually going through it. Not reading about it. Not treating it. Living it. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr. Maggie Boomgaarden earned her BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She completed her residency at UC Irvine, the only naturopathic medicine residency inside a conventional medicine setting in the country. Her clinical focus includes hormone health, metabolic function, GI health, and longevity. She and her husband Travis recently launched their own private practice. And she did all of that after surviving stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma. 📩 Reach Dr. Maggie: @drmaggieboomgaarden on Instagram In this episode you'll learn: Why her symptoms were dismissed for over a year before anyone ordered imaging What finally led to the chest X-ray that changed everything Why getting a second opinion literally changed her treatment plan and possibly her life What she did naturally alongside chemotherapy that shocked her oncologist The fertility preservation process nobody warns young cancer patients about How chemo brain, menopause symptoms, and isolation nearly broke her What the cancer taught her that no textbook ever could Why "sugar feeds cancer" is more complicated than the internet makes it sound The role of pesticides, sleep, stress, and trauma in cancer risk How she defines healing now vs. before her diagnosis 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Life Before Diagnosis (4:20–8:00) Chapter 2: First Symptoms and Being Dismissed (8:00–14:00) Chapter 3: Starting Medical School Sick (14:00–18:00) Chapter 4: The Chest X-Ray That Found the Tumor (18:00–22:00) Chapter 5: Getting the Diagnosis in the Hospital (22:00–28:00) Chapter 6: The Case for Second Opinions (28:00–36:00) Chapter 7: Fertility Preservation and the Hidden Costs (36:00–44:00) Chapter 8: Going Through Chemo (44:00–56:00) Chapter 9: What She Did Naturally Alongside Treatment (56:00–1:02:00) Chapter 10: Isolation, Identity, and Mental Health (1:02:00–1:14:00) Chapter 11: What Not to Say to Someone With Cancer (1:14:00–1:22:00) Chapter 12: Cancer Prevention. What We Can Actually Control (1:22:00–1:36:00) Chapter 13: Diet, Fasting, and Ketogenic Diets in Cancer (1:36:00–1:50:00) Chapter 14: Integrative Therapies. Vitamin C, Mushrooms, Mistletoe (1:50:00–2:02:00) Chapter 15: Genetics vs. Epigenetics. Are Our Genes Our Destiny? (2:02:00–2:14:00) Chapter 16: What Cancer Taught Her That Textbooks Never Could (2:14:00–2:28:00) Chapter 17: How She Defines Healing Now (2:28:00–2:45:00) If you know someone going through cancer or supporting someone who is, this is the episode to send them. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org If this episode helped you, please like, comment, hit subscribe, and turn on notifications. The next conversation might be the one that changes how you see your diagnosis, your body, and your healing. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

    2h 46m
  3. "I Had Cervical Cancer at 30 - Here's What No One Told Me About Freezing My Eggs" | Tracy & Chick Mission

    May 6

    "I Had Cervical Cancer at 30 - Here's What No One Told Me About Freezing My Eggs" | Tracy & Chick Mission

    What if a cancer diagnosis didn't have to take your future family away from you? In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we have a deep conversation with Tracy, a cervical cancer survivor and founding board member of The Chick Mission. She now serves as Chief Communications Officer and shares her experience with fertility preservation, patient advocacy, and what it really means to keep your options open when everything feels out of your control. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tracy was 30, newly married, and working in entertainment when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer after months of being dismissed by doctors. What followed was a crash course in egg freezing, a $17,000 bill her insurance called "elective," and a journey that would eventually lead her to help build one of the most impactful oncofertility nonprofits in the country. In this conversation, we learn → Tracy's diagnosis story - the symptoms doctors ignored, the bathroom breakdown, and what finally got her answers → Why fertility preservation wasn't even the standard of care when she was diagnosed in 2010 → How The Chick Mission provides need-based Hope Grants for egg and embryo freezing to newly diagnosed cancer patients (ages 18+) → The real cost of oncofertility - and how Chick Mission has delivered nearly $5M in support to ~800 women → Legislative wins in Texas, New York, California, New Jersey, Colorado & more - and what's next for Arizona & Pennsylvania → The emotional weight of grieving the family you imagined - and finding peace in choice → What to say (and not say) to a friend going through cancer → How to advocate for yourself in medical appointments - and why it matters 🔗 Learn more & apply for a Hope Grant: Chick Mission 📩 Contact Chick Mission: hope@thechickmission.org 📸 Follow Chick Mission: https://www.instagram.com/chickmission/ Subscribe - because someone out there is googling "cancer and fertility" at 2am and needs to find this. Be part of the reason they do. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: When Your Body Signals Something Is Wrong (0:00–0:16) Chapter 2: Cancer Diagnosis at 30 and Life Turning Point (0:16–1:12) Chapter 3: Ignored Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis Reality (1:12–2:10) Chapter 4: The Moment Everything Became Urgent (2:10–3:04) Chapter 5: Facing Cancer While Navigating Fear and Uncertainty (3:04–4:05) Chapter 6: Fertility Decisions Under Time Pressure (4:05–5:00) Chapter 7: The Financial Shock of Egg Freezing (5:00–6:01) Chapter 8: Why Fertility Access Should Not Be Optional (6:01–7:01) Chapter 9: Turning Pain into Purpose Through Advocacy (7:01–8:49) Chapter 10: Supporting Women Through Fertility and Cancer (8:49–10:30) Chapter 11: Changing Laws to Protect Future Choices (10:30–11:55) Chapter 12: The Emotional Weight of Fertility Expectations (11:55–13:37) Chapter 13: Losing Control and Reclaiming Choice (13:37–15:16) Chapter 14: Why Having Options Matters More Than Outcomes (15:16–16:04) Chapter 15: Life After Cancer and Redefining Identity (16:04–18:03) Chapter 16: Finding Purpose After Survival (18:03–20:20) Chapter 17: Navigating Relationships and Tough Conversations (20:20–23:09) Chapter 18: Real Stories of Hope, Loss, and Resilience (23:09–26:07) Chapter 19: The Power of Support Systems and Asking for Help (26:07–41:05) Chapter 20: Advocacy, Voice, and Living Beyond Cancer (41:05–53:06) Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

    53 min
  4. 87,000 Chemicals in Your Home, What Cancer Patients NEED to Know About Detoxing | Sofia Ruan Gouchey

    May 4

    87,000 Chemicals in Your Home, What Cancer Patients NEED to Know About Detoxing | Sofia Ruan Gouchey

    What I Wish I Knew: Detoxing Your Home During Cancer Treatment Your oncologist may never bring it up, but the chemicals in your home could be quietly working against your healing. This conversation breaks down how invisible exposures, from cleaning products and cookware to fabrics, EMFs, and receipts, can quietly add to your body's toxic load. About our guest: Sofia Ruan Gouchey is a leading toxic exposure expert recognized by the Well+Good Council as the Healthy Home Guru. She is the founder of Ruan Living and the author of A to Z of Detoxing , one of the most comprehensive, science-backed guides to reducing toxic exposure in everyday life. With nearly two decades of research and almost 600 scientific studies cited in her book, Sofia translates complex environmental health science into realistic, doable steps for real families. 📖 Learn more & explore Sofia's programs: https://www.ruanliving.com 📘 A to Z of Detoxing: available on her website 🏡 40-Day Home Detox Program: ruanliving.com In this episode, you'll learn: - Why indoor air is 2–5x more polluted than outdoor air — even in major cities - The "household repeat offenders" that silently increase your toxic burden - How endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormones, immunity & healing - Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) hiding in everyday products - Why 85% of diseases may be linked to non-genetic, environmental factors - EMFs, blood-brain barrier damage, and your bedroom setup - What a journalist's urine test revealed , before and after the 40-Day Home Detox - Affordable, FREE ways to start detoxing your home today - The LOLA POP Detox Method and how to make non-toxic living a lifestyle - Why the EU bans 1,100 chemicals in personal care vs. only ~11 in the US 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Chemical Exposure Scale and Disease Link (1:00–3:55) Chapter 2: Immune Fragility and Toxic Awareness (3:55–6:50) Chapter 3: Indoor Air Pollution and Hidden Risks (6:50–9:45) Chapter 4: Sources of Household Chemical Exposure (9:45–12:40) Chapter 5: Detox Prioritization and Practical Approach (12:40–15:35) Chapter 6: Stress, Balance, and Mental Health Impact (15:35–18:30) Chapter 7: Hygiene Hypothesis and Immune Adaptation (18:30–21:25) Chapter 8: Heavy Metals and Neurotoxicity (21:25–24:20) Chapter 9: Chemical Regulation and Global Differences (24:20–27:15) Chapter 10: Consumer Choices and Exposure Reduction (27:15–30:10) Chapter 11: Toxic Cookware and Food Safety (30:10–33:05) Chapter 12: Simplifying Detox with Key Patterns (33:05–36:00) Chapter 13: Plastic Exposure in Daily Life (36:00–38:55) Chapter 14: Endocrine Disruptors and Hormones (38:55–41:50) Chapter 15: Genetics vs Environmental Triggers (41:50–44:45) Chapter 16: Cancer Support and Home Detox Basics (44:45–47:40) Chapter 17: Low-Cost Detox and Accessibility (47:40–50:35) Chapter 18: EMFs and Biological Effects (50:35–53:30) Chapter 19: Scientific Resistance and Public Perception (53:30–56:25) Chapter 20: Long-Term Health Impact and Detox Outcomes (56:25–1:00:03) If learning about the invisible toxins in your home made you think of someone navigating cancer, in treatment, or simply trying to create a healthier space to heal — share this episode with them. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org If this episode helped you, please like, comment & hit subscribe and turn on notifications , because the next conversation might be the one that changes how you see your health, your home, and your healing. Follow us on social media to stay updated: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

    1 hr
  5. The Integrative Healing Journey: Breast Cancer Survivor Micaela Palacios on Surrender, Plant Medicine and Transformation

    Apr 18

    The Integrative Healing Journey: Breast Cancer Survivor Micaela Palacios on Surrender, Plant Medicine and Transformation

    What I Wish I Knew: A Healing Cancer Podcast In this episode, we step into a deeply personal story of breast cancer, healing, and transformation. Dr. Dan Sullivan, a licensed naturopathic doctor, sits down with Micaela Palacios, a breast cancer survivor, transformational coach, and energy healer, as she opens up about being diagnosed during COVID-19. She shares how she navigated both conventional and alternative treatments, along with the emotional and spiritual shifts that reshaped her life. This conversation goes beyond the medical journey. It explores surrender, identity, resilience, and what it really means to rebuild your life from the inside out. This episode is for anyone interested in breast cancer recovery, holistic healing, and understanding the deeper emotional and physical layers of long term healing. To learn more about Micaela Palacios, visit the link below:  https://michaelapalacios.com In this episode you'll learn: - How chronic stress and emotional suppression may affect healing during cancer treatment.  - What tamoxifen is, why it is prescribed, and common side effects patients may not always be fully told about.  - How integrative approaches like Reiki and plant medicine are being explored alongside conventional cancer care.  - The link between the nervous system, stress, and how the body responds under long term pressure.  - How cancer can redefine strength, resilience, and recovery beyond medical treatment.  Chapter Overviews: Chapter 1: Breast Cancer Diagnosis During COVID-19 (1:58 to 2:24) Chapter 2: Emotional Response and Power of Surrender in Cancer Journey (2:24 to 3:02) Chapter 3: Mental Shift, Positivity, and Lifestyle Changes During Treatment (3:02 to 4:42) Chapter 4: Integrative Therapies Like Reiki During Chemotherapy (4:42 to 5:28) Chapter 5: Stress, Burnout, and Lifestyle Factors Before Cancer Diagnosis (5:53 to 6:33) Chapter 6: Post Treatment Lifestyle Transformation and Healing Approach (6:33 to 7:36) Chapter 7: Psychological Stress, Identity Pressure, and Health Impact (14:04 to 17:22) Chapter 8: Conventional Breast Cancer Treatment Plan Explained (19:01 to 21:31) Chapter 9: Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy Tamoxifen (22:14 to 23:22) Chapter 10: Functional Medicine and Nutritional Deficiency Recovery (24:33 to 24:56) Chapter 11: Role of Alternative Healing Methods and Energy Work (26:13 to 27:06) Chapter 12: Plant Medicine and Emotional Trauma Release in Healing (27:06 to 28:01) Chapter 13: Post Cancer Recovery Challenges and Lack of Aftercare Support (22:14 to 22:44) Chapter 14: Importance of Patient Advocacy and Second Medical Opinions (45:13 to 46:06) Chapter 15: Emotional Healing, Trauma Processing, and Redefining Strength (48:10 to 50:10) If this conversation resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might find it meaningful. For more episodes, resources, and integrative cancer education, visit: https://www.whatiwishiknew.org                                                                                              Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss upcoming episodes and important resources.  Follow us on social media to stay updated: Facebook: /wiwikpod Instagram: /whatiwishiknewcancer TikTok: /wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: /what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not rely on it as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.

    50 min
  6. Can the Gut Microbiome Influence Cancer Treatment? What Current Research Explores

    Apr 8

    Can the Gut Microbiome Influence Cancer Treatment? What Current Research Explores

    In this episode of *What I Wish I Knew*, we explore current research on how the gut microbiome may be associated with cancer treatment—particularly immunotherapy. Host McKenna is joined by Dr. Oriana Miltiadous to discuss what scientists are studying, how this research is conducted, and what questions remain. This conversation focuses on emerging areas of study, including fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), diet, medications, and how these factors are being investigated in relation to treatment response. The goal is to provide a grounded, research-based overview without overstating conclusions. Guest: Dr. Oriana Miltiadous Dr. Miltiadous is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center whose research focuses on the gut microbiome and its potential role in cancer care. Learn more about her work: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/oriana-miltiadous](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/oriana-miltiadous In this episode, we discuss: • What researchers are studying about the gut microbiome and cancer treatment • How fecal microbiota transplants are currently used and investigated • Considerations around probiotics and why research is still evolving • The role of diet in overall health during treatment • Ongoing questions in microbiome-related cancer research Chapter Overview: 00:48 – Meet Dr. Oriana Miltiadous 01:14 – Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) Overview 02:55 – Current Regulatory Status 03:47 – How FMT Works (Research Perspective) 05:45 – Preparation Process 06:54 – Safety and Screening Considerations 09:33 – Probiotics: Current Evidence 10:54 – Diet and Gut Health 12:25 – Nutrition Considerations During Treatment 14:25 – Fiber and the Microbiome 16:14 – Antibiotics and the Microbiome 18:10 – Gut Recovery Considerations 27:46 – Research Study Discussion 33:20 – Microbiome and Immunotherapy (What’s Being Studied) 38:15 – Future Research Directions 43:40 – Clinical Challenges 47:05 – What This Means in Current Research Context 50:51 – Key Takeaways Follow us for more research-based conversations: Instagram: @whatiwishiknewcancer TikTok: @wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: What I Wish I Knew Podcast Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not provide or promote any treatment, cure, or prevention of disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding medical decisions. Research discussed in this episode is ongoing and may not be conclusive.

    52 min
  7. EMDR, Intrusive Thoughts, and the Cancer Journey

    Mar 24

    EMDR, Intrusive Thoughts, and the Cancer Journey

    EMDR, intrusive thoughts, and the cancer journey are at the center of this conversation with Dr. Christine Sells. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, McKenna reflects on how EMDR became part of her lived experience after diagnosis and treatment-related triggers, while Dr. Sells explains what EMDR stands for, how different forms of bilateral stimulation are discussed, and why overwhelm can stay with people long after the medical event itself. This is a story-led conversation about stress, survivorship, emotional processing, and support for people navigating cancer. Dr. Christine Sells is a licensed psychologist, founder and director of training at the EMDR Center of Southern California, and she shares how EMDR is approached through multiple phases, including history-taking, preparation, and reprocessing. McKenna also opens up about intrusive thoughts, emotional triggers, and what it has felt like to reconnect with emotions after difficult health experiences. Learn more about the EMDR Center of Southern California: https://www.emdrcalifornia.com What EMDR stands for and how eye movement, tapping, and auditory stimulation are discussed in the episodeHow diagnosis, treatment, hospital memories, and body-based triggers can continue to affect survivorshipWhy intrusive thoughts and worst-case thinking are explored here through lived experience and reflectionWhat Dr. Sells shares about the eight phases of EMDR, including preparation, closure, and reevaluationWhy this episode may resonate with patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone processing medical trauma or post-treatment stressIn this episode you’ll learn… How Dr. Christine Sells explains EMDR in accessible termsWhy preparation and staying within tolerance levels are emphasized in the conversationHow McKenna describes intrusive thoughts, scans anxiety, and emotional triggers after cancerWhat this discussion highlights about survivorship, emotional regulation, and supportMore from Dr. Christine Sells and the EMDR Center of Southern California: https://www.emdrcalifornia.com Like, comment, subscribe, and share your thoughts below. Follow us on Instagram @WHATIWISHIKNEWCANCER Listen/Watch: Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

    1h 21m
  8. Why Young Adults Feel So Alone After Diagnosis

    Mar 10

    Why Young Adults Feel So Alone After Diagnosis

    In this conversation, Alison Silberman shares why young adults feel so alone after diagnosis and how community can make that experience feel less isolating. As CEO of Stupid Cancer, she reflects on the unique challenges adolescents and young adults face, from delayed diagnosis and survivorship to caregiving, identity, and the need for spaces where people can be honest about what they’re going through. This episode is for people navigating cancer, survivors, caregivers, and anyone looking for a more human conversation around support, connection, and lived experience. - Why young adults are often dismissed or diagnosed later - How Stupid Cancer and CancerCon create community for patients, survivors, and caregivers - Why storytelling, peer connection, and being understood matter so much - How self-advocacy can shape conversations around side effects, finances, and survivorship - What caregivers can do to show up in practical, specific ways - Why the identity side of diagnosis and survivorship looks different for everyone Chapters 00:00:34 Intro: After Diagnosis, Then What? 01:20 Why “Stupid Cancer” Fits 03:01 Why Young Adults Get Missed 07:57 Finding People Who Get It 16:07 Disparities, Bias, and Safe Care 22:17 Self-Advocacy and Support Gaps 35:19 Caregiving Through a Brother’s Diagnosis 52:59 You Are Not Alone In this episode you’ll learn… - why the young adult diagnosis experience can feel so different - how community spaces can help people feel seen and supported - what caregivers can ask when they want to help but do not know how - where communication gaps can show up between providers and patients Like, comment, subscribe, and share your perspective below. Follow us on Instagram @whatiwishiknewcancer Listen/Watch: Watch the full episode and listen on your preferred podcast platform. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

    57 min
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5
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About

A cancer diagnosis can turn life into a blur of appointments, opinions, and unanswered questions. What I Wish I Knew is the podcast that slows it all down and brings you the conversations people deserve to hear sooner. Hosted by Dr. Dan Sullivan and McKenna Avery (cancer survivor), each episode features candid, compassionate interviews with leading medical experts, professors, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and survivors across the entire cancer landscape. Together, we explore what’s rarely explained clearly, from treatment and side effects to recovery and survivorship, mind-body health, nutrition, relationships, intimacy, and the emotional and spiritual terrain that comes with healing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, supporting someone you love, or simply looking for trustworthy insight, this show is here to help you feel informed, supported, and less alone. Educational content only. Not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance. Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatiwishiknewcancerpod  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ 

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