Patient from Hell

Manta Cares
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you a cancer patient? Caregiver? Survivor? Advocate? Friend? Then you've come to the right place! The Patient from Hell is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by cancer survivor, founder of Manta Cares, and self-described "patient from hell", Samira Daswani. The podcast features guests who are making the cancer experience a little easier. Each episode will educate, empower, inspire and most importantly, show you that you are not alone in your experience. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to (or watch!) podcasts.

  1. JAN 21

    Rebuilding Life After Cancer: Viktor Frankl, Resilience, and the “Power of AND” (Harriet Cabelly)

    Cancer survivorship isn’t about “going back to normal.” It’s about rebuilding—on purpose. In this episode of Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani sits down with Harriet Cabelly, LCSW, a grief therapist and cancer thriver, for a grounded, surprisingly funny, deeply useful conversation on what happens during treatment and in the long tail of survivorship—including fear of recurrence (“scanxiety”), meaning-making, resilience, and the emotional support patients don’t get nearly enough of. Harriet shares the moment she was told she had a mass on multiple organs—and her first response: “Put me in hospice.” From there, we unpack how hope returned, why Viktor Frankl’s work matters in cancer care, and practical mindset tools that help patients and caregivers survive the day-to-day without spiraling into the “20-year forecast. If you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone you love, or treating patients clinically, this episode delivers real coping skills—without toxic positivity. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 — “If you have to go through hell, don’t come out empty-handed” 01:09 — Harriet’s diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (large B-cell) and the ER moment 02:45 — “Put me in hospice”: the shock + numbness after the scan 04:41 — How hope returned (faith, timing, and a “flipped verdict”) 07:44 — Why faith and religion can matter in the patient experience 09:03 — “Miracles” during treatment: staying ahead of nausea + the “Vomit Miracle” 11:25 — “Miracle of tolerance”: handling meds when you’ve always had a sensitive system 12:55 — Life before diagnosis: ballroom dancing, family, hiking, private practice 14:56 — Viktor Frankl + Man’s Search for Meaning: choosing attitude, choosing response 18:44 — Positive psychology: building strengths, not denying reality 19:50 — Resilience as a muscle (and how to train it) 20:33 — Gratitude, “WWW: What’s Working Well,” and the donut-hole metaphor 23:05 — The “Power of AND”: holding darkness + light at the same time 26:50 — Shrinking time: one hour, one day, one cycle at a time 29:59 — Fear of recurrence + “scanxiety”: what helps, what gets easier with time 33:51 — Rebuilding after cancer: nutrition, fasting windows, exercise, sugar reduction, circadian walks 35:35 — Mind-body connection + journaling (without pretending it’s all “in your head”) 37:13 — Rapid-fire advice: newly diagnosed, survivorship, long-term treatment, clinicians, pharma 43:10 — Favorite quotes + choosing to “make the best of what happens” 44:00 — Medical disclaimer About the Guest Harriet Cabelly, LCSW is a grief counselor, therapist, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people navigate loss, life transitions, and rebuilding meaning after trauma. A cancer thriver herself, Harriet blends clinical tools with lived experience to help patients and caregivers reclaim purpose, joy, and resilience. Book: Light Through Darkness: Miracles Along My Cancer Journey Referenced: Viktor Frankl — Man’s Search for Meaning Manta Cares: mantacares.com  Subscribe to Patient From Hell for evidence-based cancer-care insight, survivorship tools, and the conversations patients wish they’d had sooner. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

    45 min

  2. JAN 7

    Exercise Is Cancer Side-Effect Medicine (Backed by New Survival Data)

    Exercise isn’t just “nice to have” during cancer, it can function like treatment for the side effects: fatigue, muscle loss (sarcopenia), joint pain, neuropathy, weakness, and even lymphedema risk reduction. In this episode of Patient from Hell, host + cancer survivor Samira Daswani sits down with Sami (exercise + cancer specialist focused on implementation) to break down what the research is finally confirming and what patients can do today, even with low energy, limited time, or zero equipment.We also unpack the headline-grabbing findings from the CHALLENGE Trial in colorectal cancer: a structured, coached exercise program was associated with a 28% lower risk of recurrence or new primary cancer and raises the bigger question: why isn’t exercise prescribed like medicine? Key takeaways you’ll learn: - Why strength training is the #1 lever for cancer-related fatigue + muscle loss - How to reduce joint pain (including hormone-therapy related joint pain)Simple “wake the nerves up” tactics for neuropathy- Lymphedema: prevention vs management + why early assessment matters - Chemo brain: why “automation” (classes + follow-alongs) can be the hack - The starter protocol: 10–15 minutes, every other day Chapter Codes 00:00 Exercise as “treatment” for cancer side effects (fatigue, sarcopenia, function) 00:30 Meet Sami: implementation theory (how she got into exercise + cancer) 02:37 “How I f***ed up into this” — origin story + early patient experiences 05:20 The headline research: what the CHALLENGE Trial showed 07:19 The big number: 28% lower recurrence/new primary (structured group) 08:40 Trial design: education vs coached/supervised exercise 11:03 Symptom playbook begins: what exercise helps most 11:35 Fatigue: why strength training rebuilds your “engine” 14:09 What counts as strength training (real-world examples) 15:46 Joint pain: lubrication, range of motion, yoga/Tai Chi basics 17:22 Hormone therapy joint pain: why feet + shoulders show up big 20:06 Plantar fasciitis: barefoot time + ball rolling + lifestyle traps 21:47 Neuropathy: “wake the nerves up” + balance + sensation tools 24:29 Lymphedema: prevention vs management + catch it early 28:04 Weakness: mitochondria, estradiol, and fast-twitch strength loss 30:34 Chemo brain: automate workouts so you don’t have to think 33:59 Safety fear: “If chemo didn’t kill you, a squat won’t” (starting smart) 38:33 Where to start: 10–15 minutes every other day 40:17 Two starter moves: sit-to-stands + countertop pushups 41:14 Just diagnosed? Keep routine—lower intensity + prioritize strength 42:25 Wrap + the bigger message: independence, quality of life, green light About Patient From Hell Patient From Hell is hosted by cancer survivor and founder Samira Daswani, who asks the questions most patients are too overwhelmed—or too afraid—to ask. The show brings together doctors, researchers, advocates, and survivors to reveal evidence-based answers for patients navigating the chaos of cancer. Subscribe for episodes that blend science, compassion, and clarity—without the medical jargon. Connect & Follow Samira Daswani LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiradaswani/ Manta Cares: https://www.mantacares.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

    45 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    Cancer's Impact on Intimacy: A Doctor Explains

    Up to 90% of breast cancer survivors experience sexual health changes, yet almost no one is talking about it. Today on Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani sits down with Dr. Laila Agrawal, a leading clinician in oncology sexual health, to break the silence around libido loss, vaginal dryness, pain, body-image shifts, dating after cancer, orgasm changes, pelvic floor dysfunction, and how treatment impacts intimacy. This episode answers the questions patients wish they could ask, but rarely get time for in an oncology appointment. If you've ever wondered: “Is sex safe during treatment?” “Will my desire ever come back?” “Should I use vaginal estrogen?” “What’s normal to feel?” — you’re in the right place. Sexual health concerns in breast cancer are common, treatable, and deeply misunderstood. Dr. Agrawal explains: - Why oncologists often avoid sexual health conversations - The real reason libido drops during and after treatment - The truth about vaginal estrogen and hormone-positive breast cancer - How to talk to a partner when desire shifts - How single women can navigate dating after cancer 🧠 Guest: Dr. Laila Agrawal is a nationally recognized expert in sexual health for oncology patients. She specializes in survivorship care, menopausal symptoms, pelvic health, pain management, and evidence-based approaches to sexual wellness throughout cancer treatment. She is passionate about removing stigma and giving patients the tools, language, and confidence to advocate for their sexual well-being. Chapter Codes 00:00 – Why sexual health is overlooked in oncology 01:45 – How many breast cancer patients struggle with sexual health 03:15 – Why oncologists avoid the sex conversation 05:02 – Biggest myths about sex during/after treatment 06:07 – Low libido: what’s actually happening 08:20 – Responsive desire vs spontaneous desire 09:50 – Vaginal dryness: causes, range, and treatment 12:34 – Moisturizers, hyaluronic acid & home remedies 13:45 – Vaginal estrogen: safety, controversy & guidelines 15:41 – Menopause, hormone shifts & severity of symptoms 17:30 – Pain during intercourse & pelvic floor dysfunction 19:27 – What to do if your cancer center lacks specialists 20:58 – Body image & sexuality after mastectomy 22:57 – Body image vs desire — how they interact 24:42 – When to see a sex therapist vs medical provider 26:29 – Partner communication and relationship impacts 28:10 – How to set boundaries without losing intimacy 29:55 – Dating during or after treatment 31:19 – How treatment affects ability to orgasm 33:28 – Is sexual recovery tied to treatment timing? 34:58 – Should you feel guilty for wanting sex after cancer? 35:40 – Myth busting: sugar, condoms, recurrence risk & more 36:37 – Is sex safe with a chemo port? 37:10 – Best sexual health resources for cancer survivors About Patient From Hell Patient From Hell is hosted by cancer survivor and founder Samira Daswani, who asks the questions most patients are too overwhelmed, or too afraid, to ask. The show brings together doctors, researchers, advocates, and survivors to reveal evidence-based answers for patients navigating the chaos of cancer. Subscribe for episodes that blend science, compassion, and clarity without the medical jargon. 🔔 Connect & Follow Samira Daswani LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiradaswani/ Manta Cares: https://www.mantacares.com

    38 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    Why Your Mammogram Might Be Lying to You: Leslie Ferris Yerger’s Fight

    We're joined by women’s health advocate and author Leslie Ferris Yerger, founder & CEO of My Density Matters. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer just two months after a “clear” mammogram and ultrasound, Leslie uncovers how dense breast tissue can hide cancer, why current screening standards fail many women, and what you can do to protect yourself.Leslie’s mission: make sure her story doesn’t become someone else’s. Her nonprofit empowers women to check their breast density, ask the right questions, and push for additional screening when needed. ✅ Listen to learn: What breast density is — and why it matters How dense tissue affects mammogram accuracy When to ask for MRI or advanced imaging Patient advocacy: how and when to push your doctor Real steps you can take today Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & background 01:17 – Clear mammogram → diagnosis journey 05:13 – Why dense breast tissue matters 12:58 – Understanding density categories & reports 18:47 – What to ask your doctor next 22:15 – Insurance, screening access & advocacy 26:54 – Leslie’s takeaways & how to take action Guest Bio: Leslie Ferris Yerger is a Tedx speaker, author of Probably Benign, and a women’s advocate with a laser focused mission. Leslie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in November 2017 after an ‘all clear’ mammogram and ultrasound, experiencing firsthand the failings of our current breast cancer screening standards. As Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit My Density Matters, Leslie is determined to empower women to find out their breast density, learn their options, and advocate for themselves to get the additional breast cancer screening they need, so that her story doesn’t become their story. Leslie lives in Hawthorn Woods, IL with her husband John. She has 3 grown children: Evan, Julia, and Megan. Resources: My Density Matters → https://mydensitymatters.org/Purchase her book “Probably Benign” → https://probablybenign.com/ Trigger warning: This episode covers breast cancer and screening challenges. If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe, and share this with the women in your life. Your next mammogram might just end up different. #BreastCancer #BreastDensity #WomenHealth #PatientAdvocacy #ScreeningFailure Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    41 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Breast Cancer | Surgeon Dr. Liz O'Riordan

    Dr. Liz O’Riordan — a former breast surgeon turned patient, author and speaker — about what really happens behind the scenes of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We unpack the full spectrum: from surgery to recurrence, from myths to survival, and the long-term “new” life that follows. Dr O’Riordan brings the rare perspective of having been the doctor and the patient. If you or someone you know is navigating this journey, this conversation provides insight, clarity and hope. Guest Links • Website: http://liz.oriordan.co.uk •Podcast “So Now I’ve Got Breast Cancer” Book: Under The Knife, The Cancer Roadmap, The Complete Guide to Cancer, and more ⏱ Chapter Codes 00:00 – Introduction: Turning surgeon into survivor 02:12 – Why she chose breast surgery & what it taught her 04:17 – My diagnosis: stage 3, mastectomy, radiotherapy & hormone blockers 07:28 – Life after treatment: coping, identity loss & “new” normal 10:53 – Side-effects deep dive: chemo brain, fatigue, mental health 14:39 – Sexual health, body image & life after breast cancer 20:19 – Bone health, exercise & recurrence risk 24:53 – Shared decision making: lumpectomy vs mastectomy 32:37 – Diet myths, sugar & cancer: evidence-based truth 35:10 – Fasting, alternative medicine & what the research really says 42:57 – Life after cancer: “It’s not normal—it’s new” 44:47 – What matters now: strength, confidence & joy 📌 Why You Should WatchDr O’Riordan breaks down complex medical topics into relatable, actionable insights — from fatigue to sexuality, from diet myths to bone health, and from fear of recurrence to finding joy again. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the patient experience — this episode offers clarity, authenticity and real talk. 👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell. Connect with Us: Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    47 min

  6. 10/24/2025

    Janice Cowden's Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Story

    Janice Cowden, retired nurse and patient advocate, shares her remarkable triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) story. Five years following successful treatment for stage one breast cancer in 2011, Janice was diagnosed with a stage 4 metastatic TNBC recurrence. As of today she has 8 years of no evidence of disease (NED) under her belt. She shares how she stumbled upon the cancer community that inspired her to become the advocate she is today and the uncertainty that comes with NED. She also shares how she copes with losing friends in the cancer community through her patient advocacy work. We also have a rapid fire Q&A where she answers questions surrounding various medical terminologies, diagnoses, and more to keep you in the loop. NOTE: There is one clarification from the rapid fire Q&A session. The definition of disease free survival (DFS) is the time from random assignment (used in clinical trials and research studies to assign participants to different groups) to cancer recurrence or death from any cause (Gutman SI, Piper M, Grant MD, et al. 2013).Key Highlights:1. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is stage four breast cancer that has spread to distant sites in the body.2. Finding events and communities centered around cancer not only supports cancer patients emotionally and socially, but can also serve as informational hubs. Being proactive in learning about your diagnosis, whether it’s through community and/or research on your own time, can help you feel confident with the choices you make. 3. While finding a community of other cancer patients can help, unfortunately this disease means that you will lose friends you make in these settings. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but finding an outlet to cope with such losses is vital to your wellbeing.About our guest:Diagnosed with Stage IV triple negative breast cancer in 2016, five years after an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, Janice launched into patient advocacy following training through Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s (LBBC) Hear My Voice Outreach program in 2017. As a peer-to-peer support and research patient advocate, Janice is passionate about supporting others with metastatic breast cancer, in addition to continually furthering her scientific knowledge base of this disease, treatments, and clinical trials, which she acquires through attending scientific breast cancer conferences and webinars. Janice is involved with several patient-founded and led organizations including PCDI, GRASP, and Project Life MBC. As a trained peer support volunteer, she is founder of an international online peer support group for patients newly diagnosed with MBC. She serves on the Board of Directors for METAvivor Research and Support Inc., and is an Advisory Board member for Project Life MBC. She is an individual member of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. When she’s not busy with advocacy work, Janice enjoys traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family, including her husband, two adult children and three grandchildren.Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

    54 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    My Secret Battle With Breast Cancer

    Author and motivational speaker Susan Svoboda shares her raw, scientific, and deeply personal journey through breast-cancer diagnosis and recovery. Discover what she learned about modern cancer science, the hidden truths about lymph-node surgery, and why self-advocacy might be the most powerful form of medicine. 00:00 — Why she told no one about her breast cancer 01:30 — The story behind “I Hate the Color Pink” 02:45 — The mammogram that changed everything 04:20 — How her husband handled the diagnosis 06:00 — Finding the right surgeon through one bold question 07:45 — A tough conversation about body image and loss 10:00 — Running as a path to healing 13:00 — Post-surgery recovery and rebuilding strength 14:50 — What science says about lymph nodes and lymphedema 16:30 — How journaling became a lifeline during treatment 18:30 — Writing as therapy and empowerment 19:35 — Becoming your own best health advocate 21:10 — Her top advice for patients and caregivers 22:15 — Was she the “patient from hell”? 23:00 — The biggest lesson: learning to let go 23:50 — Finding purpose and helping others through her book 👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell. Connect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    25 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    10 Years as a Cancer Caregiver: The Hard Truths Nobody Tells You

    In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira engages with Charlotte Bayala, a caregiver who shares her journey through the challenges of supporting a loved one with cancer. The conversation explores the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, the lack of agency often felt by caregivers, and the importance of self-care amidst the demands of the role. Charlotte reflects on her experiences, the lessons learned, and the strategies she developed to navigate the complexities of caregiving while maintaining her own well-being. Chapter Codes 00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and Its Impact 05:37 The Shift: Diagnosis and Role of Caregiver 10:30 Agency in Caregiving: The Unasked Role 14:15 Survival Mode: Caregiver's Protective Instincts 18:19 The Caregiver's Learning Curve 25:44 Trial and Error: Navigating the Caregiving Journey 32:24 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections Takeaways Caregiving often comes without a clear role definition. The transition to caregiver can be overwhelming and unexpected. Mindfulness practices from yoga can help caregivers stay present.Caregivers often operate in survival mode, balancing protection and care. Agency in caregiving is often unacknowledged, leading to stress. The caregiver's role is strategic, requiring foresight and planning. Caregivers need to prioritize their own health and well-being. Trial and error is a significant part of the caregiving journey. Communication with healthcare providers is crucial for effective care. Caregivers should be recognized as integral members of the care team. Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell. Connect with Us: Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    38 min
See All (108)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Are you a cancer patient? Caregiver? Survivor? Advocate? Friend? Then you've come to the right place! The Patient from Hell is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by cancer survivor, founder of Manta Cares, and self-described "patient from hell", Samira Daswani. The podcast features guests who are making the cancer experience a little easier. Each episode will educate, empower, inspire and most importantly, show you that you are not alone in your experience. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to (or watch!) podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Manta Cares
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 671975
  • Show Website
    Patient from Hell

You Might Also Like