The Cancer Sucks Podcast

Adrienne Finch and Jay Williams
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Cancer SUCKS, but this show doesn't! And your life doesn't have to either. Welcome to the Cancer Sucks Podcast. I'm your host Jay Williams, and I’m currently fighting pancreatic cancer and talking about ALL of it — the good, the bad, the confusing, and the occasionally ridiculous. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or just curious about that big scary “C” word, this isn’t a downer—it's an empowering pep talk with a dash of humor. Get inspired, get informed, and remember—cancer sucks, but you don’t have to.

  1. Oct 13

    From Disney to Cancer Survivor to Entrepreneur - Sheila's Reinvention Story

    Cancer changes everything, but it can also reveal the kind of strength you did not know you had. Sheila Butler shares the brutally honest story behind surviving breast cancer in her 30s, navigating 18 surgeries, chemo, radiation, and the mental toll that kept hitting long after the physical treatment ended. This conversation goes beyond survival and into the real work of living after diagnosis. Jay opens up about his own cancer journey, while Sheila talks candidly about what it means to keep going when cancer becomes part of your life story, not just a chapter in it.  This episode is a reminder that a diagnosis does not get the final word. If you need perspective, hope, or an honest look at how people actually get through impossible seasons, this one is essential listening. Be sure to check out Shelia’s socials and podcast! ⬇ https://open.spotify.com/show/1JfBEhCu3L6AVwS8puO1qg https://www.instagram.com/marketingoverbourbon/ https://www.butlermg.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabutler/ For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For booking, to be a guest on the show, and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com 00:30 — Welcome to Cancer Sucks 01:32 — Jay’s latest health update 04:47 — New breakthroughs bringing hope to cancer care 11:50 — Meet Sheila Butler 13:03 — Disney days and the unforgettable cruise-ship wedding 17:16 — From corporate marketing to entrepreneurship 19:23 — Creating Marketing Over Bourbon 24:32 — Sheila’s breast cancer diagnosis in her 30s 26:16 — Living with cancer after treatment ends 34:00 — Working, studying, and moving forward through chemo 36:50 — The resilience cancer can reveal 41:00 — Sheila’s advice for anyone newly diagnosed 43:22 — Cancer, identity, work, and choosing what to share 47:41 — Community, connection, and giving back 48:52 — Closing reflections with Jay and Adrienne 50:18 — Stay connected with the Cancer Sucks community

  2. Sep 21

    Daraxonrasib Updates, A Hospital Scare, & Officiating My Son’s Wedding - Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Weekly Update!

    A LOT has happened these last 2 weeks! In today’s weekly update, Jay fills us in on his CT scan results and whether the Daraxonrasib is working. He has an unfortunate trip to the hospital, gets shingles, starts a press tour, and makes it out just in time to officiate his son Parker’s wedding. Jay and Adrienne discuss the financial reality of FDA approved medication, and how important it is to remain hopeful so that you can be present for important life moments.  (this update was recorded on 9/19/26) For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For booking, to be a guest on the show, and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com 00:28 Introduction and overview of Jay's recent health updates 02:52 CT Scan Results - Is Daraxonrasib Working? 06:53 Something Isn't Right 10:13 A Trip To The Hospital 15:38 Getting Out Of The Hospital 17:02 Time To Officiate My Son's Wedding! 22:37 I Got Shingles 23:26 Daraxonrasib Approved By The FDA! 24:44 Daraxonrasib Is $40,000 Per Month?! 28:01 Jay's Media Tour As Patient #1 31:28 It's Important To Fight

  3. Aug 24

    The Breast Cancer Test I Almost Waited Months For - And Why I Didn’t

    Cancer can change everything in a moment, but it does not get the final say. Susan Lambert Hatem joins the Cancer Sucks Podcast for a candid conversation about catching breast cancer early, advocating for yourself, and refusing to put life on hold while you get treated. Susan shares how a small, persistent lump led to a biopsy, diagnosis, lumpectomy, and radiation without chemotherapy, while also navigating the chaos of the LA fires, doctor delays, and a packed creative life. Along the way, she reflects on the power of trusting your instincts, building a strong support system, and staying proactive when something feels off. It’s a hopeful, honest reminder that cancer may be part of the story, but it doesn’t get to define the whole ​​life. Be sure to check out her award winning podcast! https://www.80stvladies.com/ https://www.instagram.com/80stvladies?igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For booking, to be a guest on the show, and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com 1:59 — Welcome and shared Disney history 5:10 — Susan’s journey into podcasting and 80s TV Ladies 7:10 — Noticing symptoms and advocating for early testing 12:18 — Diagnosis, treatment choices, and recovery 17:07 — Support from friends and the importance of speaking openly 25:30 — Empathy, stigma, and living with cancer 29:03 — Jay’s treatment update and new hope in cancer care 31:04 — Finding joy, purpose, and community through a difficult year 33:53 — Susan’s podcast and closing remarks

  4. Aug 17

    Prostate Cancer: How Early PSA Testing Caught It Before It Spread w/ Tony Cortese

    Prostate cancer can be terrifying, but catching it early changes everything. In this episode, Jay and Adrienne interview Tony Cortese, who shares how proactive PSA testing, a trusted doctor, and targeted radiation helped him avoid surgery and keep his quality of life intact - and why he believes the right mindset may matter as much as the treatment plan. Jay also brings a deeply personal perspective, comparing Tony’s journey to his own family’s prostate cancer history and breaking down what PSA numbers, Gleason scores, active surveillance, and modern treatment options actually mean in real life. Adrienne adds thoughtful questions that pull out the details families need to hear, especially around early detection, bloodwork trends, and when to push for more answers. For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ ⁠Follow us on INSTAGRAM⁠ for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! ⁠Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer⁠ ⁠Watch the show on YOUTUBE⁠ ⁠Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist!⁠ ⁠Find ALL our links in one place, here!⁠ ⁠Follow Adrienne⁠ ⁠Follow Parker⁠ For booking, to be a guest on our show, and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to the Cancer Sucks Podcast01:01 Jay’s health update and upcoming scan 04:49 Introducing Tony and his prostate cancer journey07:00 Tony’s diagnosis, PSA monitoring, and early detection10:46 Choosing radiation treatment over surgery14:17 Jay’s experience with prostate cancer and family history17:20 Why proactive screening and regular blood work matter24:07 Finding peace through meditation, faith, and treatment28:40 Radiation side effects, treatment realities, and quality of life30:52 Staying hopeful and choosing to keep living35:09 Faith, gratitude, and final encouragement35:39 Closing the conversation

  5. Aug 10

    1 MONTH OF TAKING DARAXONRASIB! Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Medication Update

    In today's weekly update, Jay talks about how it feels to have completed 1 MONTH of taking the new, groundbreaking, stage 4 pancreatic cancer medication, DARAXONRASIB! Jay and Adrienne also discuss: - Patrick Long (from The Decon Project) is officially CANCER FREE! - How Jay has been feeling on the drug - Side effects (or for him, lack there of) - Exciting media opportunities Jay has gotten - FDA approval status - Next steps regarding scans and tumor shrinkage For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For booking, to be a guest on our show, and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:02 Celebrating Patrick Long's cancer remission 03:51 Jay's journey with stage four pancreatic cancer 07:00 Introduction to Daraxonrasib and clinical trial process 10:00 Expanded access and Jay’s treatment experience 12:02 Upcoming scans and hopes for tumor shrinkage 15:01 The importance of FDA approval for wider access 18:12 Jay’s lifestyle changes and maintaining energy 20:59 The mental and emotional aspects of fighting cancer 24:03 The positive outlook and helping others 26:00 Future updates and the impact of new treatments

  6. Jul 27

    The Hidden Fire: How Patrick Long & The Decon Project Are Protecting Firefighters from Cancer

    Join us as Patrick Long shares his powerful story of battling lymphoma while also leading a nonprofit dedicated to protecting firefighters from cancer. This episode highlights the importance of preventative health for firefighters and first responders, the role of community, and innovative solutions like sauna use to reduce long-term risks in high-exposure professions. In this episode: Patrick's personal cancer diagnosis and treatment journey The mission and activities of the Decon Project The connection between firefighting chemical exposure and cancer risk The role of sauna therapy in detoxification and prevention Practical steps for firefighters and first responders to reduce long-term health risks How community support and advocacy can make a difference The importance of taking ownership of health and seeking second opinions Resources for implementing safety practices and wellness initiatives in fire stations For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For more about DECON PROJECT🚒⬇ The Decon Project Website The Decon Project Instagram Salus Saunas (firefighter wellness saunas) FLAME Decon Soap For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Patrick Long and his story 02:20 - The mission behind the Decon Project and Patrick’s motivation 09:00 - Patrick’s cancer diagnosis: follicular and diffuse large B cell lymphoma 14:00 - The significance of chemical exposure in firefighting and long-term health risks 23:00 - Emerging treatments like CAR T cell therapy 30:00 - The impact of shift work, sleep deprivation, and toxins on firefighter health 40:00 - Saunas as a tool for detoxification and reducing cancer risk 45:00 - Practical tips for firefighters to improve health and safety practices 50:00 - How community, faith, and personal advocacy shape Patrick’s outlook 52:00 - How to get involved with the Decon Project and spreading health awareness

  7. Jul 14

    I’M OFFICIALLY STARTING DARAXONRASIB - Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Medication Breakthrough Update

    This week, Jay received HUGE news… he is officially cleared to start taking Daraxonrasib, the new breakthrough pancreatic cancer medication that has, up until now, had a lot of red tape and been hard to get cleared for. So hit pause on the sad playlist, because this episode is about real hope, breakthrough drugs, and the kind of medical miracles that make you want to do a happy dance — even if you’re sweating through California summer. Today, Jay Williams shares his rollercoaster journey with a game-changing pancreatic cancer drug and how it’s giving him a new lease on life.In this episode: Jay dives into the journey of finally getting the groundbreaking drug Daraxonrasib after months of red tape and waiting games How a nerve block turned his terrible back pain into sweet dreams—literally The science behind KRAS, the “stuck accelerator” of cancer, and how this new drug targets it The comparison between chemo’s indiscriminate attack and targeted therapies like Daraxonrasib The importance of self-advocacy and finding doctors who listen (because not all heroes wear scrubs) Why pancreatic cancer diagnosis is often late, and how early detection could change the game The hope for combination therapies—immunotherapy plus targeted drugs—and the future of cancer care Interested in being a guest? Drop us a line at cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com. We love sharing your journey!Remember: Cancer might suck, but your life doesn’t have to. Keep fighting, keep laughing, and keep advocating! (this update was recorded on 7/10/26) For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com 00:29 I'm Starting Daraxonrasib! 05:05 Let's talk about Daraxonrasib! Red Tape 06:50 History of Daraxonrasib 09:54 Funny Story About Getting The Drug 17:16 Daraxonrasib First Impressions 17:42 Daraxonrasib vs Chemotherapy - What's The Difference? 21:37 Can Daraxonrasib Cure Pancreatic Cancer? 21:42 Treatment Outlook and Next Steps 23:22 Early Detection and Insurance Barriers 23:46 The Choice Between Quality of Life or Continuing Treatment 24:39 Daraxonrasib's Bright Future 30:08 Living With Cancer and Self-Advocacy 32:33 Hope, Research, and New Treatments 34:59 Finding the Right Doctor 37:55 Knowledge Is Power 39:22 Community, Gratitude, and Staying Positive 43:01 Where to Find Us

  8. Jul 6

    3 Years of Pancreatic Cancer, Bad Scan Results, & Daraxonrasib | Stage 4 Cancer Weekly Update

    BE A GUEST ON OUR SHOW! 🎙️ Email cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com to let us know you want to be a guest. Welcome to this week’s update! Today, Jay talks about hitting 3 years since his original pancreatic cancer diagnosis, how he emotionally copes with bad news, his latest scan results that weren’t great, going on a new chemo, and the government red tape around the new life-saving pancreatic cancer drug Daraxonrasib.  Jay and Adrienne also discuss: - Latest treatments and clinical trials for pancreatic cancer - The importance of advocacy and self-education in healthcare - The role of positivity and mental resilience in battling cancer - Community support and fundraising efforts for cancer research (this update was recorded on 6/28/26) For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇ Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments! Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer Watch the show on YOUTUBE Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist! Find ALL our links in one place, here! Follow Adrienne Follow Parker For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Cancer SUCKS, but this show doesn't! And your life doesn't have to either. Welcome to the Cancer Sucks Podcast. I'm your host Jay Williams, and I’m currently fighting pancreatic cancer and talking about ALL of it — the good, the bad, the confusing, and the occasionally ridiculous. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or just curious about that big scary “C” word, this isn’t a downer—it's an empowering pep talk with a dash of humor. Get inspired, get informed, and remember—cancer sucks, but you don’t have to.

Information

  • Creator
    Adrienne Finch and Jay Williams
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Adrienne Finch and Jay Williams
  • Show Website
    The Cancer Sucks Podcast

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