Episode 42- Show Notes:

In this episode of Combating Cancer, Gwen Kelly sits down with colon cancer survivor Emily Williams to share a powerful story of resilience, partnership, and hope. Diagnosed at 29 while building her career and planning a family, Emily opens up about the shock of the diagnosis, navigating treatment, and finding strength amid uncertainty. Together, they discuss survivorship, mindset, and the importance of holding on to hope—even when the future feels unclear.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Emily's unexpected colon cancer diagnosis at 29
• Navigating emergency surgery, a colostomy, and chemotherapy
• The emotional impact of hearing the word "cancer."
• How cancer changes your perspective on time, plans, and the future
• The role of Emily's husband and support system during treatment
• Fear and uncertainty after finishing treatment
• Fertility concerns and life after cancer
• Mental health during survivorship
• Advice for those currently in treatment or supporting a loved one

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 41- Show Notes:

In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer and explores the often unspoken emotional side effect of surviving cancer: survivor's guilt. Gwen discusses how survivor's guilt can surface in moments of happiness, such as clear scans and birthdays. She criticizes societal reactions that dismiss these feelings with phrases like 'you should be grateful' and emphasizes that grief is not a competition. Gwen offers insight into how survivors can manage guilt without letting it define or destroy them, and she underscores that cancer, not survivors, is the true villain. The episode advocates for honesty in discussing the complex emotional truths of cancer, creating a space where such conversations can contribute to healing and remembrance.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Understanding Survivor's Guilt
• The Emotional Weight of Survival
• Challenging Cultural Narratives
• Honoring Those We've Lost
• Finding Joy Amidst Grief
• Final Thoughts and Call to Action

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

Episode 40- Show Notes:

In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her own cancer journey and introduces guest Kate Onk. Gwen discusses her personal battle with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer and the motivation behind creating this platform. Kate opens up about her father's glioblastoma diagnosis, the rapid progression of the disease, and her role as his primary caregiver. They explore the emotional challenges of such a journey, the importance of advocacy, and the significance of maintaining dignity in patient care. Kate also shares her transition into working on innovative brain cancer treatments, including her collaboration with Dr. Sloan and the development of a novel therapy combining laser interstitial thermal therapy and a chemosensitive liposome. They discuss the ongoing efforts to fund these advancements and offer advice to caregivers and those looking to turn their personal challenges into impactful actions.

Discussed in this episode:

• Welcome to Combating Cancer
• Meet Our Guest: Kate Onk
• Kate's Personal Story: Her Father's Battle with Brain Cancer
• The Diagnosis and Immediate Aftermath
• Navigating the Healthcare System
• Kate's Advocacy and Current Work
• Future Goals and Advice for Caregivers
• Conclusion and Call to Action

More from Kate:

The DNKO Fund via the Musella Foundation 501(c)(3) nonprofit: https://virtualtrials.org/dnko.cfm

The treatment paradigm closest to the clinic combines LITT with chemotherapy. More details are available here: https://www.dnko.net/our-scientific-approach

More from Gwen:

Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

Follow and join the community:

Website: https://www.combatingcancer.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn