A live on-location recording from Calgary, we welcome Dr. Cedric Tremblay on to the pod!

Freshly after sharing the stage at a researcher's conference, Carolyn and Cedric plop down on a set of comfortable armchairs to chat about people with lived cancer experiences, the burden of childhood cancers, lessons learned as a once upon a time young-er researcher, leveraging cross-border 🇦🇺 citizenship and experience to fuel momentum in 🇨🇦 Canada, and what might be missing in evidence-based investigatory cancer research efforts.

Aside from playing lead roles at ⁠CancerCare Manitoba⁠, ⁠Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)⁠, and ⁠Pediatric Research in Oncology in Manitoba: Innovation, Science, Excellence (PROMISE)⁠, Dr. Cedric Tremblay is fostering the next generation of immunology researchers through the ⁠University of Manitoba⁠ and is committed to incorporating PWLLE's (People With Lived and Living Experience) in his pediatric leukemia research.

For those with lived experiences of childhood cancers, Dr. Tremblay's unwavering commitment might leave you feeling hopeful. For emerging scientists, Dr. Tremblay offers up some life advice that you'll want to consider. For his mentors, students and mentees - this might feel like a love letter to you.

Enjoy this candid conversation with Dr. Cedric Tremblay!

(01:20)-Welcome to our hangout!

(07:19)-"There's no way we can do pediatric research centered in Canada"

(09:09)-The burden of pediatric leukemia.

(10:12)-Engaging PWLLE (People With Lived and Living Experience).

(11:18)-Cedric's journey that led him to do what he does today.

(15:20)-The importance of collaboration and cross-border experience and insight.

(17:45)-Manitoba's superpower for longitudinal studies.

(22:00)-Our Indigenous population is important and the data is missing.

(23:25)-Some populations might be traumatized.

(24:55)-It's a long-game. How Cedric keeps going on challenging days.

(27:58)-Cedric reflects on his ECR experiences and lessons learned.

(33:50)-ECR workshop sessions that stood out for Cedric.

(35:57)-Indigenization in cancer research.

(36:25)-What Cedric hopes to see more of in cancer research.

(39:00)-Knocking down silos.

(42:31)-Oysters & Farewells

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a rating and comment!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one!

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com

__

The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

In 2019, Sam Megarry went to the hospital thinking that she had appendicitis. She had no idea what she was about to encounter around the bend - a Stage 3 colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome diagnosis. Her life was suddenly flipped upside down at 28 years old.

Carolyn and Sam met in group therapy at Gilda's Club Toronto where a small crew of young adults in their 20s and 30s at different stages and phases of their cancer experiences met on a regular basis. Even through some seriously frigid icy snow storms, they still met week-to-week. To some, it was the only time they felt truly heard, seen and understood in their every day lives.

As Carolyn and Sam continued through their 30s - they went on to experience more life changes. A few years later, Carolyn reaches out to Sam to invite her on to the pod. They catch up and candidly chat about going from therapy icks to making it a career, how cancer might have impacted their relationship with change itself, questionable wellness narratives, cancer as depicted and perceived in Hollywood, and of course - they answer your questions!

We're so pumped to hang out with you. Go ahead and hit that play button.

(01:23)- Welcome to this conversation & an intro to Sam Megarry

(05:30)-Sam's first experience with going to therapy

(07:10)-Wellness, working in it, and the industry

(10:40)-Sam's relationship with therapy now

(14:30)-Our relationship with change itself

(17:00)-So...about that pandemic. How it was like from our seat in the house

(22:40)-The challenges of finding the right therapist as a persons experiencing cancer

(26:20)-When Sam encountered a therapist that was not the right fit

(27:50)-A therapists' lived experiences with cancer

(38:10)-Beyond the body. What about the rest of us?

(41:47)-Question From Pareetah

(45:41)-When they think you're being an alarmist

(47:40)-Question From Madison

(51:30)-Parenthood & genetic considerations

(57:10)-Question from Gideon

(59:35)-"But...you look and seem so healthy!"

(1:00:45)-When Chadwick Boseman passed

(1:07:57)-Question from Kim

(1:08:51)-When they go in for a hug

(1:11:27)-Question from Bree

(1:11:47)-Cancer plots in film and tv

(1:15:00)-Parting words from Sam

__

Learn more about Sam Megarry ⁠here⁠. We’re thrilled to know that she's making her way through the professional psychotherapy world.

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment or give us a rating!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

__

The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

We are back to our regular programming answering your questions survivor-on-survivor style - this time with Aisha McClellan! Aisha was diagnosed with cervical cancer just as she was about to turn 32 years old. Shortly after, she was told that she could have 3 months to live. Spoiler alert: years later, she joins us on the pod - and we'd love for you to meet her!

Carolyn and Aisha met and hit it off while travelling for work. Months later, while back in Toronto - Carolyn had a touching and tearful encounter with a stranger. It inspired her to appreciate the lived experiences of parenthood through cancer and reach out to Aisha via voicenote to go there with all of you.

Carolyn and Aisha catch up and get in to it. From how getting cancer as a young mother changed her approach and outlook on parenting, shifts in identity, what's missing from the conversation, and of course they answer your - super thoughtful, might we add - questions! Parent-to-Parent, Friend-to-Friend, Survivor-to-Survivor. Hypewoman-to-you!

Hit that play button while you're whipping up some magic in the kitchen, doing a deep clean, on a drive or stroll, or during your night time wind down routine. Either way, come get cozy with us and hang out with Carolyn and Aisha. Enjoy!

Follow Aisha on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@aishatheadvocate

__

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment or give us a rating!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

(01:55)- Welcome To This Conversation

(02:35)-About Aisha McClellan and Her Diagnosis

(05:55)-A New Normal For Aisha?

(10:20)-How Cancer Might Have Shifted Aisha's Approach To Parenting

(12:40)-"Are My Kids - Too - Dependant On Me?" I Want To Be There For Them While I'm Here

(13:35)-Processing The Diagnosis While Offering Life Teachings To Her Kids

(15:25)-That Profound Moment With Her Daughter That Catalyzed Some Shifts

(17:30)-Kids Have Sophisticated Wiring

(18:45)-What Might Have Better Prepared Aisha For This

(21:50)-Why Aisha Took A Beat Before Doing Advocacy Work

(23:50)-What's Missing From The Conversation

(27:40)-Surprising & Standout Lessons Learned

(31:10)-Question From Kent

(42:00)-Question From Huma

(54:40)-Question From Janelle

(1:05:15)-Parting Message From Aisha

__

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. They do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

Welcome to another special edition Live from AACR 2025 Chicago episode of Candidly with Carolyn! This time with Katie Coleman, software engineer, author of Too Young For Cancer and Rare Cancer Patient Advocate. Facing a cancer diagnosis especially as a young adult can be very lonely and isolating as it is. What happens when we are diagnosed with 1 of only 10 known stage 4 cases in the entire world - where information and resources are so limited?

Carolyn and Katie find a nook at the conference convention centre to chit chat, try to ignore hearing nearby event staff getting sassy with one another, discuss how their cancer experiences and facing mortality might have inspired how they move through life today, advocacy post-the Apple Cider Vinegar Netflix series, building systems that empower patients and clinicians alike, and of course - share laughs along the way. Come hang out with us. Enjoy!

Learn more about Katie Coleman's advocacy works at https://www.katiekickscancer.com/ and Contexlia at https://www.contexlia.com/

(01:08)-Welcome to this conversation! Come hang out with us.

(04:04)-Advocates tend to have this fierceness - an observation from Dr. Emil Lou

(07:00)-When advocate fierceness is nurtured by community

(09:13)-What inspired Katie to build Contexlia?

(11:50)-Advocates have a vested interest

(12:20)-When Katie and others showed up for another patient

(14:30)-Relentlessly moving the ball forward as advocates

(15:26)-Advocates with lived cancer experiences make great builders of things

(18:11)-You have stage 4, is there....a succession plan?

(21:50)-The biggest post-cancer challenge for Katie

(23:17)-The Apple Cider Vinegar Netflix series

(24:50)-What can sometimes feel icky

(27:17)-We're not - that - special.

(27:42)-The approach to data information management for Contexlia

(29:40)-The power of context and sentiment

(31:35)-Creating solutions that stick

(33:00)-A case for demonstrating what advocates know

(33:40)-Challenges with keeping track of medical records

(34:49)-"The Medical Assistant went from stressed to so excited"

(37:40)-"I got dismissed a lot in the medical system"

(38:50)-We have front and centre seats to breaks in the system

(40:30)-When we can see the passion re-emerge from clinicians

__

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment or give us a rating!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠

__

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. They do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

Live from Chicago, we've got another special edition instalment for you! This time, we welcome Dr. Fei-Fei Liu on to the pod. Aside from treating breast cancer patients at Princess Margaret Hospital and fostering the next generation of scientists and clinicians through the University of Toronto - she is setting the sails for Canada's investigative priorities as Scientific Director of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).

While tens of thousands of American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting #AACR25 conference delegates excitedly move to and from meeting rooms, Carolyn and Dr. Liu find a place to sit down, take a breather and chat about both professional and personal life topics - and share some high-fives.

Hit that play button and hang out with us as Carolyn and Dr. Liu delve into pressing issues surrounding cancer research, the increasing incidence of cancer - particularly among younger populations, and the importance of data. They go on to discuss collaborative efforts to acheive positive impact on public health, investing in mobilizing data intelligence, and how a framework for Canada might serve as a practical tool to support unified forward movement.

For emerging clinicans and scientists listening, Dr. Liu leaves you with some solid life advice that you'll want to consider!

(00:45)-Welcome To Our Hangout!

(03:35)-From Fei-Fei to Dr. Liu

(07:34)-Setting The Strategic Priorities For Canada

(08:30)-Early Detection & Risk Reduction

(10:04)-Improving Survivorship

(11:26)-Data Strategy & Advanced Analytics

(11:58)-A Unifying Framework For Canada

(12:43)-Longitudinal Cohorts

(13:20)-Environmental Data - And Stitching Together Data Sets

(14:10)-Who Might Be In The Best Position to Lead This Framework?

(14:50)-Health Data As A National Asset

(15:18)-Who's At The Table From The Start?

(16:31)-What Dr. Liu Is Looking To Learn More About

(18:15)-But It's Not Just Cancer...

(20:07)-Through The Rollercoasters, What keeps Dr. Liu Motivated?

(21:05)-Reflecting On The Smoking Cessation Campaign

(22:47)-The Perception Of Canadians

(24:10)-The Advice Dr. Liu Would Offer Up To The Young(er) Fei-Fei

(26:30)-High Fives!

______________________

Learn more about how progress in cancer control has led to a substantial number of cancer deaths avoided in Canada here

Follow ICR on LinkedIn

Find Dr. Liu on BlueSky

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠on Instagram⁠

www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one!

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com

______________________

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. They do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

Live from Chicago, join us for this special edition instalment of Candidly With Carolyn where we welcome Carmen Monge - Author, Researcher & Globe Trotting Cancer Patient Advocate on to the pod to hangout. They meet in the lobby of their hotel in Chicago and catch their breath after hurriedly getting ready from one conference event to another.

Pour yourself a cup of your favourite coffee, hit that play button and hang out with Carolyn and Carmen as they walk-and-talk about accessibility in cancer care, biases and blindspots in research design, delivery and communication, ethnicity, reclaiming and authoring our identities and patient-informed language around cancer.

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com

(00:35)-Welcome To This Hangout!

(05:00)-Accessibility of New Treatments.

(06:34)-Collaboration. Let's Not Start From Scratch.

(07:48)-Cultural Considerations. The Seemingly Little Things Make A Difference.

(09:40)-Neurodiversity Is Often Overlooked.

(11:40)-The Less Visible Human-Factors.

(12:50)-Asia, Beyond India.

(14:20)-Biases In Research Leadership And Design.

(14:50)-I Grew Up Thinking I Was White. How Racism and Imperialism Can Impact Identity.

(16:35)-Admiring the LGBTQIA Community.

(21:10)-Who Authored? Who Got To Author? And Who Gets To, Moving Forward?

(23:33)-Patients Informing & Authoring Cancer Communications.

(25:10)-Are We Headed In The Right Direction?

(26:45)-"They Lost The Battle To Cancer" is....ick.

(29:40)-Can-Can And The Adventure of Ming Island.

(30:50)-Lets Get Better At Facing And Talking About Cancer.

______________________

Learn more about Carmen's children's book Can-Can and The Adventure of Ming Island ⁠here⁠.

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠www.candidlythepod.com

______________________

The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

Carolyn welcomes Brooks Nelson and Yee Won Chong, filmmakers of Trans Dudes With Lady Cancer on to the pod. Join us for this survivors hangout as we talk about scenarios and circumstances that trans-masc and trans-femme individuals can face within the healthcare system with examples from Yee Won and Brooks' first-hand breast and ovarian cancer diagnosis experience, their 'whys' and goals behind the documentary, and answer your questions!

From knowledge gaps that exist in the public discord and in the healthcare system, identity disruption, examination room jitters, and complicated family dynamics - Carolyn, Brooks and Yee Won highlight themes of human-centred care, preventing past traumas from disrupting care and causing future harm, the power we have as patients and practitioners, and what advocating for ourselves and loved ones can look like.

Enjoy our conversation. As always, happy to have you with us!

Learn more about Trans Dudes With Lady Cancer at https://www.transdudeswithladycancer.org/

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.

Rate us and Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn for more.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at candidlythepod@gmail.com

(00:25)-Welcome To Our Hang Out!

(03:02)-Chosen Family

(04:44)-Creating the Film: 4 Goals and Motivations

(13:40)-Strains on Culturally Competent Practitioners, an example from Yee Won's experience

(17:20)-How Personal Biases From Practitioners Get In The Way, an example from Brooks' experience. "Can you just examine me?"

(19:30)-The Importance of Trust Healthcare Relationships

(20:44)-When Practitioners Advocate For Us

(22:00)-Not Everyone Has The Same Access

(22:40)-How Do We Become Better at Advocating for Ourselves?

(24:50)-"Stop Taking Testosterone (Hormone Replacement Therapy)"

(31:25)-What Yee Won and Brooks Learned From Their Unique Seat In The House Observing One Another Through Their Respective Experiences

(36:21)-A Confession from Brooks' Gynaecological Oncologist

(38:21)-When Clinicians Go To Bat For You

(40:25)-Knowledge Gaps, Myths, and Opportunities

(41:25)-When The "Early Detection" Messaging Is Not Enough

(42:10)-Getting Patients to "Yes"

(43:58)-Question from Sameer

(46:22)-The Issue With Gendered Messaging

(46:57)-That - IS - some BS

(47:40)-Question from Edith

(50:20)-Question from Evan

(53:55)-A Cheers To Life!

______________________

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠www.candidlythepod.com

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording - and do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

Carolyn welcomes Dr. Scott Adams, CEO and Director of Research & Training of Cancer Fatigue Services on to the pod. Hang out with us as we catch up, share laughs and go all in on a topic that can interfere with day-to-day function and tasks of those even 15+ years post-diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Fatigue can be severe enough to significantly disrupt the lives of 1/3 of those living with and after cancer. Scott gives us a rundown of what cancer fatigue is, the complexities, the prevalence, the contributing factors and symptoms, fascinating cases, and good news in the spirit of progress in this very specific area of recovery.

From our experiences being minimized and dismissed, common misconceptions, and experiencing cognitive interference - Carolyn and Scott highlight themes of advocacy, accessibility, what the evidence is showing us, and the power of multidisciplinary approaches to care as they answer your questions.

If you could use some support talking about cancer-related fatigue with your doctor, family, friends, supporters or team members go ahead and use this resource when self-advocating. It’s sprinkled with evidence-based goodness that you can lean on. This was inspired by Priyanka's Question, featured in this episode.

Learn more about Cancer Fatigue Services at https://cancerfatigueservices.com/ . CFS is the very first of it's kind in Canada and amongst the very few in North America.

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Rate us and Drop us a comment!

Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found - and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one!

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at candidlythepod@gmail.com

(00:25)-Welcome to our conversation!

(06:17)-What Is Cancer Fatigue?

(08:15)-They are whole people

(10:20)-What prompts cancer patients to look into Cancer Fatigue?

(15:50)-When Cancer Fatigue can develop and reach its peak

(17:15)-Long-term effects of cancer treatment & The Sandcastle analogy

(29:03)-Myths and misconceptions of Cancer Fatigue

(32:40)-Is Cancer Fatigue psychosomatic?

(35:30)-A hot take on self-diagnosing culture

(40:45)-Is there a gendered piece to Cancer Fatigue?

(42:55)-Question from Priyanka

(45:59)-Effects of exercise, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and pharmacotherapies

(47:20)-Advocacy is important. How do we do this?

(52:20)-Question From Sam

(53:37)-Cognitive dysfunction in cancer patients

(56:15)-Taking medication vs. counselling, rehab, nutrition, exercise

(01:00:15)-Question From Caitlin

(01:03:40)-The role of aerobic exercise in cognitive function

(01:04:20)-What might my personal trainer need to know?

(01:06:20)-Where might engagement about Cancer Fatigue be missing?

(01:14:20)-We need The Avengers!

(01:17:45)-Cancer Fatigue Services wins & hopes for the future

______________________

Follow Candidly With Carolyn ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording - and do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.