Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast

In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, guest host and oncology social worker Christina Monaco welcomes bladder cancer survivor Steven Gruber to explore life after diagnosis, just in time for May, Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Steven recounts the moment he first saw blood in his urine, the frustrating run‑around he faced before landing in a world‑class NYC cancer center, and the decision to undergo radical bladder and prostate removal. He doesn't shy away from the complications—recurrent UTIs, emotional lows, and shifts in intimacy—but he also celebrates the community of caregivers, fellow survivors, and loved ones who carried him through.We're proud to partner with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) to highlight patient voices like Steven's. Today, he channels his experience into advocacy, reminding us all that survivorship is not just about living—it's about thriving.Key Takeaways:Early detection can improve outcomes.Persistence is key in navigating care.Treatment choices shape your path forward.Planning helps manage post‑treatment challenges.Emotional and spiritual strength sustains you.Relationships and intimacy can evolve after cancer.A strong support network is vital.Survivorship often inspires advocacy.Staying informed and taking action empowers you.

In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, Briana shares her profound journey of grief with guest host and oncology social worker, Laurie Feingold, following the loss of her young adult brother to a rare terminal brain cancer. She reflects on the initial shock of his diagnosis, the emotional turmoil she faced during his illness, and the deep sense of loss after his passing. Briana speaks to the unique challenges families face when navigating adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer, and highlights the importance of seeking therapy, the healing power of journaling, and the small steps that helped her regain a sense of purpose. Through her content creation on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@siblinggriefjourney), she continues to raise awareness and support others coping with loss. Her story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of hope.Key takeaways: A cancer diagnosis—especially in an AYA—can leave families feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Grief doesn't look the same for everyone; it can affect us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Counseling can be a powerful source of support when navigating loss. Journaling can offer a safe space to process complex emotions and memories. Rebuilding a routine, even through small daily goals, can create a sense of stability during grief. Sharing one's story—through writing, content creation, or conversation—can be a meaningful part of healing. Grief invites us to feel everything: the anger, the sadness, the confusion—and that's okay. Self-compassion is vital; being gentle with yourself is part of the healing process. Advocating for others who are grieving can help foster a sense of community and connection. 

Since 2009, CancerCare and the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation have partnered to provide vital support to those affected by TNBC. In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, host Cassie Spector (oncology social worker and CancerCare's Breast and Gynecological Cancer Program Coordinator) speaks with Allison McNeill, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Day ambassador, about her experience with TNBC. They discuss the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship and the importance of support systems and community. Allison shares her experiences navigating family dynamics, communicating with her children, and balancing work and health during treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy, awareness, and the emotional complexities of living with TNBC . Episode Takeaways:- Trust what the doctors are saying.- Don't Google things; trust the process.- It's okay to let go of control a little bit.- Stay active, get outside, and connect with nature.- Don't react until there's something to react to.- You have to meet this new version of yourself.- Just say yes to help when it's offered.- Knowledge is power in this area.- It's okay to push back and ask questions.

In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, host Sarah Paul sits down with VanDawn Williams, a fashion industry professional and young adult who shares his inspiring journey through a rare metastatic cancer diagnosis. VanDawn opens up about his career in fashion, the vibrant lifestyle he enjoyed, and the life-altering shock of his diagnosis. He candidly discusses the mental and physical challenges he faced, including undergoing emergency surgery and the impact of losing his job. VanDawn emphasizes the crucial role of mental health support and the importance of finding a community of young adults with cancer. He shares his coping strategies, such as creating routines, pursuing creative endeavors, and practicing meditation. Throughout his journey, VanDawn expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his partner, friends, and family. Join us as VanDawn recounts finding support and blessings in unexpected places, highlighting the significance of a strong support network, including organizations like CancerCare. He also sheds light on the silent struggles young adults with cancer face, such as mental health challenges and changes in intimacy. VanDawn encourages others not to let cancer define them and to continue pursuing their dreams. His perspective on life has shifted, and he now trusts his journey and embraces personal growth. Tune in to hear VanDawn's powerful story of resilience, community, and personal transformation. Takeaways: Being diagnosed with cancer can completely disrupt one's life and career. Mental health support is crucial for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. Creating routines, pursuing passions, and practicing meditation can help cope with the challenges of cancer. A strong support system, including a partner, friends, and family, is invaluable during the cancer journey.  Silent struggles, such as mental health challenges and changes in intimacy, need to be openly discussed and addressed. Cancer should not define a person's identity or limit their dreams and aspirations. Trusting one's journey and embracing personal growth can lead to a positive perspective on life.

In this episode, host and oncology social worker Julia Manna speaks with Muriel Linetsky, a uterine cancer survivor, about her journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Muriel shares her emotional responses to her diagnosis, the challenges she faced during treatment, and the importance of having a strong support system. She emphasizes the need for self-advocacy and her proactive steps to manage her health. Muriel also reflects on her personal strengths and the changes in her perspective on life since her diagnosis and offers valuable advice for those newly diagnosed with cancer. Takeaways: Muriel experienced a range of emotions upon her cancer diagnosis, including fear and anxiety. She underwent multiple treatments, including surgery and radiation therapy, which were physically and emotionally challenging. Support systems, including oncology social workers, played a crucial role in Muriel's journey. Self-advocacy is essential for navigating the healthcare system and making informed decisions about treatment. Muriel emphasizes the importance of researching and asking questions about one's health. Perseverance and determination are key strengths that helped Muriel through her cancer journey. Muriel's perspective on life has shifted, focusing on living in the moment and pursuing her passions. She encourages others to seek help and not isolate themselves during their cancer journey. Muriel highlights the significance of connecting with others with similar experiences for support. She believes being informed and proactive can empower patients in their healthcare journey.

In this episode, we bring you an engaging and informative panel discussion from our AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) workshop series, focusing on the unique challenges young adults face in cancer survivorship. Our expert moderators delve into the critical transition from active treatment to post-treatment life, exploring common themes such as managing ongoing side effects, overcoming the fear of recurrence, dealing with scanxiety, and adjusting to less frequent medical appointments. Join us as we uncover valuable strategies and support systems to help AYA survivors navigate their journey beyond cancer, fostering resilience and hope. Key Takeaways: Transition from active treatment to post-treatment Managing ongoing side effects Fear of recurrence and scanxiety Managing multiple roles and family dynamics Adjustment to less frequent medical appointments Support systems for AYA survivors Resilience and hope in survivorship

In this special episode of Cancer Out Loud, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of CancerCare. Join us as we explore CancerCare's remarkable journey over the past eight decades, highlighting key milestones and achievements. Additionally, we focus on the importance of mental health for cancer patients and their families during Mental Health Awareness Month. Discover practical tips and strategies for managing the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis and learn how integrating mental health care into cancer treatment plans can significantly improve outcomes. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or supporter, this episode offers valuable insights and resources to help navigate the complexities of cancer and mental health. Key Takeaways: CancerCare's Legacy: Key milestones and achievements over 80 years. Mental Health Matters: Importance of mental health in cancer care. Signs and Support: Recognizing the need for mental health support and how to seek help. Coping Strategies: Practical tips for managing the emotional burden of cancer. Resources Available: CancerCare offers services for patients, survivors, caregivers, and the bereaved.

Continue listening to Ira's story as host Sarah Paul continues their conversation, exploring the profound emotional support and life changes following his cancer diagnosis. In the second part of this episode, Ira opens up about the vast network of support that buoyed him through his treatment—from family and friends to medical teams and support groups. He emphasizes the invaluable role of CancerCare's individual counseling and support groups in providing specialized guidance and a sense of community. As Ira discusses his return to work and the adjustments he's made in his life and career, his story serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of advocacy in one's cancer journey. Tune in to hear how Ira's journey through cancer has reshaped his perspective on life and his approach to living it.  Key Takeaways: Leverage the power of community, from personal connections to professional groups, to navigate the cancer journey more effectively. Engage with specialized counseling and support groups to address the unique emotional challenges of living with cancer. Be open to adjusting life and work commitments to accommodate the realities of ongoing cancer treatment and recovery. Continuously advocate for yourself within the healthcare system to ensure your needs are met, especially when dealing with insurance and treatment options. Embrace life more fully and prioritize relationships and personal fulfillment over professional obligations.  Disclaimer: This two-part episode was recorded over the past several months. As a result, the timeline of some events and experiences shared by Ira may not reflect the most recent developments in his journey. 

In the upcoming episode of Cancer Out Loud, host Sarah Paul, Senior Director of Social Work, sits down with Ira to delve deeper into his journey with stomach cancer. This first part of a special two-part series captures Ira's raw and detailed account from the onset of symptoms to the complexities of treatment and the life-altering changes he faced. Ira openly discusses his emotional rollercoaster, the physical toll of chemotherapy, and the support he received from healthcare professionals and CancerCare support programs. As he navigates through his diagnosis, multiple consultations, and surgical decisions, Ira's story highlights the importance of advocacy, resilience, and the search for hope amidst adversity. Tune in to hear how Ira's story unfolds, shedding light on the real challenges and decisions faced by those living with cancer.  Key Takeaways: Understand the importance of self-advocacy in medical treatment, learning from Ira's proactive approach in seeking multiple opinions and choosing treatment paths. Explore strategies for managing the profound emotional impacts of cancer, as Ira shares how he dealt with despair and found his fighting spirit. Recognize the critical role of comprehensive support, from medical teams to social workers and family, in navigating the cancer journey. Gain insights into the decision-making process for cancer treatment, emphasizing informed consent and understanding of treatment implications.  Disclaimer: This two-part episode was recorded over the past several months. As a result, the timeline of some events and experiences shared by Ira may not reflect the most recent developments in his journey. 

In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, host and oncology social worker, Sarah Paul has a candid conversation with Jessica Engelhart, who shares her personal experience with colon cancer. Jessica discusses the challenges she faced during her treatment and recovery post-surgery, and the importance of mental health support during this time. She provides insights into how her background as a therapist helped her cope with the anger and anxiety that came with her diagnosis, utilizing coping techniques such as journaling, mindfulness and engaging with the Peloton community. Tune in to hear more about Jessica's story and the resources she found helpful during her journey.  Learn more about Suleika Jaouad's, The Isolation Journals Key Takeaways Utilize coping techniques such as journaling, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to manage the emotional and psychological aspects of a cancer diagnosis. Explore mental health support and/or support groups to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Avoid relying on the portrayal of cancer in the media, as it often focuses on negative outcomes and can create unnecessary fear and anxiety. Be mindful of the terminology used to describe cancer, as terms like 'battle' and 'warrior' can be misleading and place unnecessary pressure on individuals. Build a strong support system of friends, family, and healthcare professionals who can provide emotional and practical support throughout the cancer journey. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being by setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help when needed. Focus on the present moment and prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfillment, as life is precious and unpredictable.

Meet Malissa Matthews, a mother, a wife, a woman of faith. Late in 2022, Malissa was diagnosed with a very rare type of endometrial cancer and has been fighting for her life ever since. Tune in as Julia Manna, an oncology social worker at CancerCare, as she explores the challenges Malissa faced in her career due to treatment and the importance of having a supportive network. Malissa emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive attitude and finding empowerment in the face of a terminal diagnosis. She encourages individuals to trust their voice and seek second opinions when necessary. Malissa also highlights the importance of understanding different types of cancer and the need for counseling and support programs.  

November is National Family Caregivers Month. In this episode, we delve into the often-unseen world of cancer caregiving. Join us as we interview CancerCare's Caregiver Program Coordinator, Dina Smith, LMSW, exploring the multifaceted challenges and emotional experiences faced by those caring for loved ones diagnosed with cancer. We discuss practical issues, emotional tolls, family dynamics, and the evolving nature of the caregiving role. This episode offers valuable insights and resources for cancer caregivers, shedding light on their vital role in the cancer experience. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these unsung heroes in cancer care. 

In this episode, Mike and Nancy open up about the profound impact of losing their spouses and the unforeseen journey of healing that followed. Join us as they recount their experiences at CancerCare's Healing Hearts Bereavement Family Camp, a place they never imagined would play a pivotal role in their paths towards recovery. Joined by Kathy Nugent, Senior Director of Regional Programs, we hear about how Healing Hearts shaped Mike and Nancy's experience. They speak candidly about the challenges and nuances of blending their lives and supporting their young daughters through this complex process. This conversation offers an honest and raw look into navigating grief, finding strength in vulnerability, and building a new family from a place of shared understanding and resilience. Listen in for a genuine and heartfelt exploration of life, loss, and the unexpected forms that healing can take.

In the second part of this episode, oncology social worker Lucia continues her conversation around grief with two former members of her Bereavement Support Group, Jay and Lou. After being with their wives for upward of 30 years, they share their journeys of loss, moving forward and survival. Join us for an episode exploring the evolving nature of grief and the crucial role of a support system; a raw look at love, loss, and healing.

Cancer Out Loud returns this summer to share new stories of hope and resilience. In the first part of this heartfelt episode, oncology social worker, Lucia, brings together two former members of her Bereavement Support Group, Susan and Mary, to share their experiences navigating grief and loss after the death of their husbands. They touch on the universality of loss and yet the profoundly personal journey of bereavement. With Lucia guiding their conversation, they delve into the complexities of healing, the importance of support systems, and the strength they found in unexpected places. Tune in for this intimate exploration of grief that illuminates the tragedy of loss, the power of resilience, and where to find glimmers of hope.

March is National Social Work Month and an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact that CancerCare's services have had on the oncology community. For our Season 6 finale and the three year anniversary of the Cancer Out Loud Podcast launch, we take a closer look at what it means to be an oncology social worker at CancerCare. Listen in as earlier podcast guests share their sentiments of what it would be like without the support of CancerCare. Cancer Out Loud will return later this Spring for Season 7.

Before her cancer diagnosis, Valarie worked in human resources. After being diagnosed with both multiple myeloma and breast cancer, Valarie's life took a different path- one of advocacy and patient education. As her goals shifted, she focused on educating others about the disease while shedding light on health inequities. In the penultimate episode of Season 6, Valarie shares how advocating for herself led to empowering others to find their voice.

When Judy was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer almost a decade ago, many emotions ran through her mind: shock, fear, disbelief and curiosity. Judy, a research scientist by trade, wanted to know more about her diagnosis and was disappointed by the lack of literature and research available. Join us for a story of hope, perseverance, and gratitude as Judy shares the highs and lows of navigating a rare cancer diagnosis.

Healing looks different for everyone. Often, the expressive arts can create an outlet to understand and process difficult emotional experiences- this includes creative writing, music, crafting, painting, etc. This episode takes a deeper dive into the different tools that can be used to cope with a cancer diagnosis. Listen in as Chris speaks with her oncology social worker, Sara, about the challenges she has faced throughout her cancer experience. Chris is no stranger to gratitude and her story is one that many can relate to- in Chris' words, “Just know you can ride these waves, but you will find your feet on the shore again- it's always possible.”

A cancer diagnosis is incredibly disruptive and unpredictable. At the time her 32-year-old husband was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer, Whitney was starting a doctoral program while building her private therapy practice. Whitney is no stranger to the world of chronic illness as she has managed her own for many years. With her husband's diagnosis, she learned to take on a different role all together. Join us as Whitney shares her experience as a young adult caregiver and what it has been like to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the past 16 months.

Meet Kris, a stage III chondrosarcoma survivor, avid golfer and skier, father, and husband. In this episode, Kris speaks with his social worker Nikki about how he navigated his diagnosis and hemipelvectomy. This surgery resulted in removing his left pelvis, hip, and leg. Kris has experienced many ups, downs, and in-betweens. Throughout it all, he remains determined, focusing on living life moment by moment and filling his days with joy and love. Listen in as Kris finds light shining through in the darkest of places.

Just before Lindsay's 40th birthday, she was diagnosed with a rare, advanced cancer. Pre-diagnosis, Lindsay was a marathon runner, an avid traveler, and a bit of a workaholic. Listen in as Lindsay shares with host Sarah Paul how she advocated for answers, underwent a life-changing surgery, and is now learning to navigate survivorship.

In the opening episode of Cancer Out Loud Season 6, we meet Kouichi. A passionate father, environmental activist, editor and a Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor. Listen in as Kouichi speaks with his oncology social worker, Cassie, about navigating his cancer experience. Kouichi shares a passionate story of hope, survivorship and the power of fatherhood.

For the final episode of Season 5 we asked our social work team, why oncology social work? While many of our social workers have been personally touched by cancer in some way, they all have unique reasons for choosing this very meaningful work. Listen in as a handful of CancerCare's social workers share where their compassion stems from and why the work they do is so important. Thanks for tuning in, Cancer Out Loud will return later this Fall for Season 6.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month; skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. In this informational episode, Sarah Paul, CancerCare's Director of Clinical Programs, discusses the importance of practicing sun safety and various risk factors for developing skin cancer. Listen in as she shares the most effective ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and how to start performing skin self-checks at home. For more information or to learn more about skin cancer, visit our website or the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Listen in as Marlee Kiel, CancerCare's Young Adult Program Manager, and Sarah Paul, CancerCare's Director of Clinical Programs discuss the unique barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ population when navigating a cancer diagnosis. We recognize the need to continue conversations that increase access to equitable healthcare and promote cultural competency. For more LGBTQ+ educational materials, information and resources, visit our website. Additional resources: National LGBT Cancer Network National LGBT Cancer Project The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, Cancer in Our Lives

June is National Cancer Survivor Month. In this episode, we meet Joy- a 13 year stage IV cancer survivor, an author, podcast host and all around renaissance woman. Listen in as Joy shares how she was able to take the fear out of her cancer experience while embracing realistic optimism to ultimately find joy. You can find Joy on Twitter or Facebook!

In July 2003, Shannan was diagnosed with a grade 2 glioma at the age of 31. In recognition of Brain Cancer awareness month, listen in as Shannan shares how she navigated multiple surgeries and a number of treatments since diagnosis. Approaching her 19 year "cancerversary", Shannan speaks with Charlotte Ference, a CancerCare oncology social worker, about how she found support, coped with treatment side effects, raised her daughter and ultimately found hope.

May is Mental Health awareness month; at CancerCare we understand the importance of taking care of your mental health, especially if you have been affected by cancer. Listen in as Sarah Paul, the Director of Clinical Programs and Marissa Fors, the Director of Specialized Programs, discuss mental health awareness, the stigma of seeking support, navigating barriers to care and finding the courage to reach out and ask for help. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health- it's never too late to get support.

Caryn Sullivan, founder of Pretty Wellness and author of “Happiness Through Hardship”, joins us today to share her experience as a two-time breast cancer survivor, currently navigating stage IV disease. In a conversation with a CancerCare oncology social worker, Allison Moskowitz, LCSW, Caryn speaks openly and candidly about finding joy and gratitude in the little things, despite hardship. Learn more about Caryn here: www.prettywellness.com

In the opening episode of season five and in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Joe speaks with CancerCare's Director of Clinical Programs, Sarah Paul, about his diagnosis of colorectal cancer, the community support network he has helped to grow and how he has channeled his voice to encourage more men to get screened for cancer. Listen in as Joe shares his insight on coping with colorectal cancer and how his diagnosis led him on the path to advocacy. Visit Joe on Facebook and Instagram.

In the final (and bonus) episode of Cancer Out Loud, we asked current and future guests to share their most significant takeaways from the past year. This collaboration of voices paints a powerful picture of the lasting impact of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Out Loud will return in early 2022 for Season 5.

In part II of Se'Nita and Samantha's conversation, Se'Nita shares the importance of putting your health first, no matter what the barriers to care may be. She talks about the love involved in finding her voice, sharing her story and advocating for those who have yet to be heard. Se'Nita's story is not just one of advocacy in the face of healthcare disparities, but one of hope and inspiration for those seeking the courage to find their voice.

This week we want to tell a different story: one from not only the perspective of a cancer survivor, but also a long-time oncology social worker at CancerCare. Rick Dickens began his oncology social work career over 25 years ago; his experience as a patient provided him with unique insight and the passion to positively impact those affected by cancer. Listen in as he discusses the trajectory of his career and how he has been able to navigate inherent challenges faced by providers and patients alike. We thank Rick for sharing his knowledge, curiosity and compassion with CancerCare staff and clients over the last 25 years!

Jason was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2019, a rare and aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Listen in as Jason discusses the importance of self-advocacy and how it led to his diagnosis. He shares his path to treatment, his experience participating in a clinical trial and learning the best way to be your own advocate despite challenges in the healthcare system.

This week we are joined by Darlene, a woman who embodies the term “advocate” and encourages others to take the road less traveled (as long as it is right for you!). Listen in as Darlene openly discusses barriers that she faced after her colon cancer diagnosis. In this story of courage, Darlene shares the journey of finding her voice and a treatment plan that felt just right. This episode discusses complementary and alternative medicine; speak with your treating health care team to determine what treatment approach is most appropriate for you.

Eileen was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018. She shares her story through the lens of an artist, approaching each new challenge with curiosity. Eileen experienced the loss of identity and sense of self. It was these series of losses that were the catalyst for her project, “Can you make hair for me?” Eileen shares how this project allowed her to explore multiple identities while creating important connections within her community. Listen in as we take a deep dive into how the act of creating can provide a necessary outlet for processing and understanding the cancer experience. To learn more about Eileen's project, visit her Instagram @canyoumakehair.

In this episode, Se'Nita speaks with CancerCare social worker Samantha Fortune, LMSW, about being diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks before her 38th birthday. She talks about feeling “like a number” and about being shocked by the bias and insensitivity of certain medical professionals. Se'Nita pursued a second opinion from a doctor who was a woman of color, like herself, who reaffirmed the importance of being seen and heard in a medical setting. In Se'Nita's experience, older generations in the Black community rarely talk about cancer and other health concerns, sharing, “We won't even know that they had gone through anything, because no one talks about it. I want to change that for this generation. The more we talk about it, the more we speak about it, people can get diagnosed at earlier stages and save lives.” Join us later in the season for the second part of Se'Nita and Samantha's conversation.

Gracias a nuestros trabajadores sociales y miembros del personal bilingües, CáncerCare se enorgullece de ofrecer muchos servicios tanto en inglés como en español. El episodio de esta semana presenta una conversación entre Lucia Fanjul, LMSW, una de las trabajadoras sociales bilingües de CancerCare, y Rossana, una persona que vivió con cáncer del cerebro. Rossana describe los cambios internos que sucedieron cuando ella fue diagnosticada de cancer en el cerebro. Rossana comparte el trayecto de su experiencia emocional. Ella habla de como enfrento sus sentimientos de asolamiento y miedo durante su tratamiento de cancer. Rossana tambien comparte como adaptarse al cambio, y como el miedo que ella sintió, lo pudo usar para convertirlo en un empujo para pedir ayuda emocional. Thanks to our bilingual social workers and staff members, CancerCare is proud to offer many services in both English and Spanish. This week's episode features a conversation between Lucia Fanjul, LMSW, one of CancerCare's bilingual social workers and Rossana, a person diagnosed with brain cancer. Rossana describes the internal changes that happened when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Rossana shares the journey of her emotional experience. She talks about how she coped with her feelings of devastation and fear during her cancer treatment. Rossana also shares how to adapt to change and how she used her fear as a push to ask for emotional help.

On this week's episode, Richard details his wife Marcia's experience with metastatic pancreatic cancer and their conversations about illness, death and dying, which Richard compares to jumping into water: “You go under water for a while, and then you surface.” The aesthetics and flow of water, which Marcia loved, proved a vital resource in their life, love and journey together. The imagery of a “smooth river” became symbolic of their approach to Marcia's cancer and end of life. It brought calmness, openness and a sense of direction to their dialogues and their insistence on living in the present. A guiding force, the smooth river also serves as the namesake of Richard's forthcoming book, The Smooth River: Finding Inspiration and Exquisite Beauty during Terminal Illness. Learn more at www.smoothriver.org.

In the opening episode of season four and in recognition of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Alice talks with her CancerCare social worker Marlee about her road to diagnosis and treatment for lymphoma. As a young adult in the throes of medical school, Alice shares how she has navigated her diagnosis and her unique perspective of being both a medical student and a patient. Listen in as Alice and Marlee discuss all things YA cancer and why it's important to always take naps!

All cancer experiences are complex: they are nuanced, ever-evolving and even sometimes contradictory. In the final season 3 episode of Cancer Out Loud, we asked current and future guests to describe their cancer experience in one word, and we're excited to share what they had to say. Cancer Out Loud will be back with new episodes in fall 2021!