Best Life After Cancer

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Join oncologist Dr. Deborah Butzbach, as she brings experience from both her medical practice and life coaching degree to help you release your fear, regain your joy and reduce your risk after cancer treatment.

Deborah Butzbach


    • Aug 7, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 73 EPISODES

    4.9 from 51 ratings Listeners of Best Life After Cancer that love the show mention: radiation oncologist, cancer patients, breast cancer, caregivers, nutritionist, survivors, diagnosis, thriving, physician, treatment, m still, therapist, easy to understand, coaching, tools, offers, teaching, helpful, practical, thoughts.


    Ivy Insights

    The Best Life After Cancer podcast is a highly informative and helpful resource for cancer survivors and their loved ones. Hosted by Dr. Butzbach, a radiation oncologist, the podcast covers a wide range of topics including science, weight loss, interviews with experts, and strategies for life after cancer. This podcast offers a nice mix of information that is both practical and uplifting.

    One of the best aspects of The Best Life After Cancer podcast is the variety of content it provides. From scientific explanations to personal interviews, listeners are able to gain a well-rounded understanding of various aspects related to cancer treatment and survivorship. The episodes also offer practical advice on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mindset, giving listeners tangible tools to improve their post-cancer lives. Dr. Butzbach's positive message shines through each episode, offering hope and encouragement to those who may be struggling.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the inclusion of guest speakers who share their professional experiences or personal cancer stories. These narratives provide real-life examples that offer inspiration and hope to listeners. Dr. Butzbach does an excellent job in selecting guests who can provide valuable insights and perspectives on different aspects of survivorship.

    While this podcast has many strengths, one possible downside is that some episodes may not resonate with every listener. Since the topics covered are quite diverse, there may be certain episodes that are more relevant or interesting to some listeners than others. However, this can also be seen as a positive aspect as it allows for versatility in content and ensures that there is something for everyone.

    In conclusion, The Best Life After Cancer podcast is an excellent resource for cancer survivors and their loved ones seeking guidance on life after treatment. Dr. Butzbach's expertise combined with her compassionate approach creates a welcoming space for listeners to learn and grow. With its diverse range of topics and inspiring guest speakers, this podcast offers valuable insights and support for anyone navigating life after cancer.



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    Latest episodes from Best Life After Cancer

    Meditation for Cancer Survivors

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 15:57


    In honor of Miles' birthday, his and my gift to you is this meditation for cancer survivors, which should help with fear, anxiety and maybe even chronic discomfort.

    Recurrent Cancer and the Waiting Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 16:48


    This podcast, written and recorded in June, talks about my husband and my journey with his recurrent head and neck cancer, as we waited for testing and surgery, and how I dealt with the struggles of managing my worries while we waited for testing, biopsies, and our surgical date.  Waiting sucks, but there are things you can do to improve your experience.

    Cancer Recovery: Do You Need to Take Time Off?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 19:13


    After loosing my son, Miles in a car accident, my mom unexpectedly from complications of endocarditis, dealing with my oldest son's depression and flashbacks to the accident, and navigating the diagnosis of a vocal cord cancer in my husband, I was struggling to navigate working as well.  I talk today about how to know you need to take time off and what to do with that time.

    Rita's Story: Beating Metastatic Melanoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 30:04


    Rita was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of melanoma, that rapidly spread to her nodes, then to her liver and elsewhere.  Today, her scans are clear.  Hear her story, with all of the challenges and triumphs that came along the way.  She is an inspiration!

    Surviving the Tsunami of a Crisis (with a focus on losing a child or receiving a life threatening diagnosis)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 19:00


    I share some of the concrete steps I took to make it through the first five months after losing my 13 yo son, Miles.  These same techniques will help newly diagnosed cancer patients in surviving their first months as well.  I hope it helps you stay afloat, navigate the unpredictable currents, and eventually reach the shore.

    Understanding Grief from Cancer or Loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 17:38


    This podcast talks about grief - that it is normal and necessary.  I talk about the stages of grief as I see them in my oncology patients, and as I experience them as a grieving parent.  

    Asking Food or Alcohol to be Comfort, Entertainment or Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2022 20:41


    So often we ask food to be more than just the sustenance our bodies need.  But when we do this, there are ALWAYS negative consequences.  Understand why you are doing this and some insight on how to stop.

    Dealing with Trauma (and what people say!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 19:43


    Whether it is a death in the family, a cancer diagnosis or another trauma, what well-meaning family and friends say can be challenging.  Today, I talk about both my experience with this, and share a letter from a follower of the podcast.  Keep sending my messages about what you all want to hear about!

    Michelle's Breast Reconstruction Challenges

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2021 28:14


    Michelle went through mastectomies with implant reconstruction, and developed a significant capsular contraction, in part from radiation.  She went on to have a latissimus flap reconstruction to repair this, and is now feeling great and enjoying life.  This podcast was recorded the week before I lost Miles, and it is nice to hear me sounding happy, relaxed and care free.

    Tribute to Miles

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 5:56


    I lost my son, Miles, a week ago. It was in a tragic car accident. He was 13. I may be absent from this space for a bit as I grieve, but know that I will be back and share the wisdom that I've gained along the way. https://www.princetonfriendsschool.org/support-pfs/miles-brackin-memorial-fund https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-a-wetsuit-under-an-umbrella/id1527899838?i=1000533237126

    Cervical Cancer following Pregnancy: Natasha's Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2021 39:17


    This is a great, heartfelt, honest look at the treatment for cervical cancer, the long term effects and the stigma of the diagnosis, from a very lovely new mother.

    Covid Update and How to Talk to Family and Friends about the Vaccine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 28:46


    The news is buzzing with all sorts of speculation on the Delta Variant, and social media is abuzz with both those pushing others to get the vaccine and those trumpeting vaccine horror stories.  Who to believe?  In this podcast, I summarize the two things I read and heard lately that I found most useful.  The first is a NYT podcast by Ezra Klein, interviewing NYU medical school epidemiologist Dr. Celine Gounder (listen here:https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/06/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-celine-gounder.html) and the other is a CNN article by Peter Bregman and Howard Jacobson (read here:https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/05/opinions/how-to-move-people-from-hesitant-to-vaccinated-bregman-jacobson/index.html)

    Meredith's story - 15 yr survivor of TNBC in her 30's!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 35:09


    Meredith got triple negative breast cancer in her 30's, when her daughter was 19 months old.  She had a goal of seeing her daughter go to kindergarten.  Now, she is 15 years out, and watched her daughter strike out the top softball recruit in the US!  She tells us her 2 week rule, and why she thinks you need to balance quality of life in treatment decisions.

    Mired in Menopause!?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 19:15


    This episode goes through options for many of the side effects of perimenopause: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sexual changes, and more. If post cancer, you have been thrust into menopause, help is here!

    Shannon's Story: A Nurse's Journey with Triple Negative Breast Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 26:27


    Shannon, a long time nurse, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, was planning for a clinical trial, then also found to have thyroid cancer.  She took all of this in stride, had chemotherapy with a pathologic complete response, mastectomies and thyroid surgery.  She shares her tips for feeling good at the end of treatment, and some of the insights from a healthcare worker turned patient!

    Creating a Compelling Reason to Live Healthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 14:44


    This is part of one of the classes in my Best Life After Cancer's Weight Loss program.  It helps you to really dig into why you want to lose weight or decrease alcohol, and leverage those reasons to help follow your plan.  This work is so important if you want to permanently change habits and create new, healthy ones!

    Living as Your Future Self, aka "Fake It Til You Make It"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 18:56


    Our brains have so much wisdom.  We can ask ourselves who we would be if we were at our goals, and then make decisions from that place.  I call this "living as your ideal self" but a client calls it "fake it til you make it".  Either way, it is a technique in your toolkit to help you follow your plans and achieve your goals.

    Pauline's Story and Cancer Care in Ireland

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2021 31:49


    This is Pauline's story - as always, uplifting and motivating, with a bit of a twist with a discussion of the cyber attack on the Irish Medical System!

    Fear, Part 2 - WHY Fear NEEDS to be Addressed!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 16:55


    There is so much good to know here - the havoc chronic fear wreaks on our bodies, why we tell patients to avoid blogs, and how some people use fear to their advantage!

    Understanding Fear - How Our Brains Work!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 18:11


    Understanding how our brains and bodies experience fear can help us know how to manipulate and work with it.  Learn the neuroscience and chemistry of fear in this episode, along with how and why cancer patients in particular struggle with fear.

    Janet's Story: How Running Kept Her Positive after a Lymph Node Recurrence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 29:53


    Not many people make a pact with themselves to walk 30 minutes every single day of their cancer treatment and run whenever they are able.  Janet proves what is possible during chemo, and what's more, that our mental wellbeing is often linked to our physical wellbeing.  You will love hearing how she stayed positive, even after the devastating finding of a significant lymph node recurrence!

    Obstacles to Weight Loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 19:04


    If we don't address these obstacles come out weight loss is almost guaranteed to fail. Today we talk about how parts of our brain can be used to help or hinder weight loss, what we're asking food to do in our lives and how to identify the challenges that may face us. If you're interested in the weight loss webinar, you can access it here: https://www.bestlifeaftercancer.com/WtGain

    The Math and Science of Weight Gain

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 20:54


    Weight loss is not just calories in less than calories out.  There is so much more.  Listen to this episode to understand the role of insulin and weight set point.

    Feeling Empty After Cancer Treatment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 17:42


    Recently, I have heard from more and more patients that they feel empty after treatment.  Why is this so?  Today, I try to unpack this and give some tips to help you recover your " joi de vivre".  

    Elisa's Story - Breast Cancer Wisdom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 27:33


    Elisa has some of the greatest tips so far on how to manage the overwhelm that comes when one is newly diagnosed with cancer.  I love how she set up a system to have all of the contact from friends and family organized and screened ahead - it is something I will recommend to patients in the future!  She is also an amazing success story in how coaching helps after cancer!  Enjoy!

    1 year anniversary - The Big Take Home Messages!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 19:57


    This is a recap of the first year - what I really want you to take to heart and work on! New 12 months to better health freebie here: https://www.bestlifeaftercancer.com/freebies

    Olivia, founder of Humor Beats Cancer, tells her cancer story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 25:51


    Olivia was in her 30's when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she found that a bit of dark humor helped her get through this, but also made her feel even more alone.  Did others find parts of their cancer treatment funny?  She now runs a nonprofit, helping to spread joy and laughter to patients with her group, Humor Beats Cancer, where young people with cancer are invited to connect and share support and stories.

    Understanding DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 20:25


    DCIS is a less aggressive type of breast cancer, but still comes with challenges.  This week is part science, and part mindset, to help patients have the best experience and outcomes with this diagnosis.

    Dr. Faryal Michaud: Having Difficult Conversations and Living Intentionally

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 30:05


    Today we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Faryal Michaud, from the "Write Your Last Chapter" podcast and Blog.  She is a palliative care doctor and life coach working with physicians on living intentionally.  If these things seem like polar opposites, she will tell you how this came to be.  She shares her wisdom on having conversations early with family about the "plan b" in treatment, why we should live our bucket lists sooner rather than later, and how to live a life intentionally.

    4 Different Cancers in 15 years - My Dad's Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 28:59


    This episode is near and dear to my heart.  It is my sweet Dad's story.  He has survived and thrived through an acoustic neuroma (benign brain tumor), a rare kidney tumor, non-hodgkin's lymphoma and a basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid.  He is also now struggling with worsening Alzheimer's.  We talk about his mindset, how we talked to my kids about his illness, and what he especially loves about his family.  I adore this man.

    The 50/50 of Every Human Life (especially after cancer!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 16:42


    All life is composed of some good, some bad and some boring.  But if we try to force it to all be good, paradoxically, we increase the bad!  This is something we can work on and change, along with living in victim mentality.

    Pregnancy after Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 21:58


    In this episode, I attempted to review all of the recent literature on pregnancy after cancer. This needs to be run by your primary team but can be used as a resource to understand the options.

    Bucket Lists and Living Intentionally

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 14:57


    What is the best way to get what you want from life?  By deciding what you want, and planning for it to happen.  This podcast talks about why we should all make a bucket list TODAY.

    Alex's Story - a 10 year survivor of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 37:46


    This is Alex's story.  This man, who came to the US at 7 when his family fled Vietnam.  Through perseverance and hard work, he was accepted to medical school, becoming a respected anesthesiologist.  He was diagnosed with a renal cell carcinoma in his 30's, less than a week after finding out that his wife was pregnant with their third child.  He then got the news that he had a genetic mutation leading to extremely aggressive cancers, called HLRCC.  His cancer recurred quickly after his initial surgery, and then metastasized to his liver.  Yet, through clinical trials, targeted treatments and a lot of prayer, he is a 10 year survivor and currently without any evidence of disease!  This story is SO uplifting and inspiring.  I know you will love it!

    Understanding Metastatic Disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 15:36


    There are is so much fear and incorrect information surrounding the diagnosis of metastatic disease in cancer treatment.  This podcast will help you understand how it happens, what it means, and some of the common treatments.

    Post-Cancer PTSD

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 18:35


    This is a relatively new diagnosis, and may be overlooked by both clinicians and patients themselves, but treating it can improve outcomes, along with compliance to treatment protocols.  Listen to learn more about what PTSD can look like, who it is most likely to affect, and how I personally dealt with PTSD and flashbacks after an accident in our family.  

    Breast Cancer Reconstruction Options with Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Alex Au

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 29:15


    Today we talk all things reconstruction:  DIEP Flaps, Implants, 3D Nipple Tattooing and more.  With special guest, Dr. Alex Au. 

    The Three Reasons You Aren't Taking Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 14:28


    We know what we should be doing, but we are not.  Why is that?  Listen to this episode to understand 3 of the most common things keeping us stuck where we are.

    Covid-19: Vaccine Information for the Cancer Survivor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 17:16


    This is an oncologist's overview of Covid, testing, vaccines, who qualifies and should get them. 

    Challenges of High Achieving Women After Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 16:21


    Imposter syndrome is something that many high achieving women face at some point during their career, and I believe it is likely worse for many women following treatment.  Learn what it is, and how I deal with this in my life.  Yep, you guessed it, I have experienced it, too!

    7 Steps to Freedom From Worry After Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 14:07


    With only a few changes, you can decrease worry significantly.  These changes are not difficult to understand, but life changing when implemented.  If additional help making the changes is needed, get information about the upcoming Freedom From Cancer Fear program here:  https://www.bestlifeaftercancer.com/group-coaching-introduction

    Interview with Joanne, an 8 year survivor of metastatic disease!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 20:50


    So many people think a diagnosis of metastatic disease is a 6 months to dead death sentence.  She is here to help you see what is possible, and is living her best life despite liver and brain mets!

    If Thoughts Are Optional, Why Do We Choose Ones That Make Us Feel Awful?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 20:13


    If our thoughts are optional, why do we choose one that create misery?  How do we recognize the original thought?  What is the process to change them?  Listen to this podcast to find out.

    Holiday Expectations and Why They Are Challenging

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 16:12


    The holidays are a challenging time emotionally for many people.  It is in part because we have grand expectations, and reality doesn't meet them, leading to disappointment.  Work through some of these thought challenges in this episode.   Please note - it discusses that I am away.  We have travelled responsibly, and are taking social distancing seriously!

    Everything You Wanted to Know About Radiation and Breast Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 17:59


    As a rad Onc, I do this all day. But this is something completely new for most patients. Here is all the explanation, everything you wanted to know without even having to ask it!

    Are You Thriving or Just Surviving After Cancer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 15:16


    Michelle, a client and friend, told me that after cancer she was searching for a way to thrive, not just survive.  I loved this so much, I dedicated an entire podcast to it.  I think it is important.  Just surviving is NOT enough.  We want to be thriving.  In this podcast, I describe both, and how to take steps to become a thriver.  Michelle, this one is for you - thank you for the inspiration!  

    The Health Benefits of a Gratitude Practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 11:31


    Thanksgiving week seems like the perfect time to tell everyone about the myriad of benefits from a gratitude practice.  Have a lovely holiday!

    Breast Cancer - Where We've Been and Where We Are Going with Dr. Arnie Baskies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 30:24


    I am so excited to be able to bring you this chat with the former Chairman of the Board of the American Cancer Society. Hear where breast cancer treatment started and where it is going!

    Challenging Ourselves to Create our Emotions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 17:53


    This month I challenged myself to be an example of what coaching can do.  I wanted to go from hating fall to loving it, and I wanted to stop feeling like life was on hold waiting for Covid to pass.  In this podcast, I teach you how to do it, and what you can create in your life.  If you are living thinking you have to hate your job, your marriage, having a history of cancer, then let's create a new path.

    Shana's Story - A Node Positive, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor and Thriver

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 23:10


    Shana's story is heartfelt, and honest.  It touches on so many of the fears of the TNBC community, and how she made it through and is thriving in her current life.  I am so happy she was willing to share this story with us!

    Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 16:54


    For all of those who asked me to do a podcast specifically on triple negative breast cancer, here it is. I went over what it is, the normal treatment of this and I dispel some myths along the way. I hope you find it helpful!

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