Tabooty: Recent Episodes
Fight Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer patients are often faced with circumstances related to their disease that aren't often or openly discussed. In Taboo-ty : The Fight Colorectal Cancer Podcast we delve into those topics that are sometimes considered controversial, trending or just plain interesting. Listen in as we talk to experts, patients and caregivers who provide accurate, real and practical information for cancer survivors -- it’s time for us to bring these topics to light! Listen in from anywhere - from your car to the chemo chair. To suggest a podcast topic, email answer@FightCRC.org
Join Melissa as she sits down with Kentisha Mazeke to discuss her mother's diagnosis and the important topic that nobody wants to talk about - end of life. Kentisha shares some of the ways her mother continued to take care of her, even beyond her final days.
In this episode of Taboo-ty, we sit down with one of our 2018-2019 Ambassadors, Paula Chambers-Raney, to talk about the financial toxicity that can come with a cancer diagnosis. Not only was Paula facing a life-changing diagnosis, but she was facing the financial burden placed upon her due to a lack of equity for same-sex couples and insurance coverage.
In this month's episode of Fight CRC's Tabooty Podcast, we sit down with Tim McDonald to hear his story and how he became involved in advocacy work. Tim aspires to share his story as much as possible, to create ripples in the colorectal cancer community, that could potentially help change how we see treatments as standards and not "outside the box" ideas.
To continue our Ambassador Series, this month Jelena Tompkins joins us to discuss how she was able to maintain her fitness during treatment and how it's different now.
Tune in as Melissa sits down with 2022 Ambassador, Yla Flores, in the next episode of our Ambassador Story Series. The decision in 2019 to get screened—for everything that was due at her age—lead to a colorectal diagnosis for Yla. She encourages everyone 45 and older to get screened—even if you don't have symptoms.
In this episode, we sit down with Fight CRC Ambassador Spencer Dayton. Diagnosed at age 22, he is already wise in the area of his sexual health and how to maintain intimacy with his partner when things don't go as expected.
Melissa speaks with Beth Kornegay to get the scoop on – you guessed it – poop. Everyone poops, right? Well, Beth is our resident, “poop expert.” Not only does Beth know all about her own poop, she also knows what her coworkers' poop looks like. For Beth, and a lot of relentless champions of hope, pooping has so much physical and emotional baggage that cannot be just flushed away. Listen in to hear about Beth’s journey as a stage III survivor, and how she's been able to use her experience to help others.
In this next installment of the Ambassador Story Sharing Series on Fight CRC's Taboo-ty Podcast, Mike sits down with Fight CRC Ambassador JJ Singleton as he shares his story and includes helpful information from the survivor perspective on certain side-effects you may encounter during treatment and how to overcome them. JJ and Mike also discuss the importance of nutrition when facing a cancer diagnosis—Listen in!
In this next installment of the Ambassador Story Sharing Series on Fight CRC's Taboo-ty Podcast, Mike sits down with Joe Bullock- an advocate, climber, survivor, father, wolfpack leader, and all around relentless champion of hope for all affected by colorectal cancer. Joe shares his story and includes helpful information from the survivor perspective for those interested in how genetics play a role in CRC diagnosis, as well as how he seriously he takes awareness about family history. Joe is amazing storyteller, but don't take my word for it, come listen in and hear for yourself!
This month on the Tabooty Podcast, we continue our Ambassador Podcast Series with Episode 2: Kimberly Holiday-Coleman. Kimberly walks us through the true meaning of resilience and describes how powerful your perspective can be in the fight against CRC. The sincerity and elegance of her words make listening to her story a beautiful experience.
We sit down with Fight CRC ambassador Dr. Carmen Fong to more about her story and learn about surgery options for colorectal cancer patients.
On this episode of Taboo-ty, Mike is joined by Dr. Jaime Bruce of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to discuss one of the most common questions after receiving a cancer diagnosis - How do I tell my kids? Through insights, stories, and sharing resources, Jaime will help you understand how to approach this difficult conversation and make it your own!
On this episode of Tabooty, Mike meets with Trevor Maxwell, founder of Man Up to Cancer to answer the question: What does it really mean to survive cancer like a man? It doesn't mean going to war, it means finding brotherhood, compassion, and strength amongst other men willing to make the courageous choice to be vulnerable.
In this special 4/20 episode of the Tabooty Podcast, advisor to Fight CRC Andi Dwyer discusses medical cannabis, survivorship, and more with Stage IV survivor Paul Rawate"[Medical marijuana] has given me the opportunity to live a normal life. Don't be afraid to go out and find ways to help yourself get treatment assistance that can help you through your struggles- if it works for you." - Paul RawatePaul Rawate is a colorectal cancer survivor who lives in Massachusetts.
On this episode of the Ta-booty podcast, Mike is joined by Shiela Hammer, assistant clinical professor of social work at Northern Arizona University, to help you keep the best New Year's resolution you can make- a commitment to caring for yourself! Sheila and Mike explore self care from both personal and clinical angles, ultimately discovering the differences between self-comfort and self-care while discussing how you can make self-care a fulfilling routine in your life.
We sit down for a Q&A with Dr. Scott Kopetz, from MD Anderson Medical Center, about The upcoming flu season, the coronaviris pandemic, and cancer care.
We sit down for a Q&A with Dr. Al Benson, an Oncologist and Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University, on the most relevant details colorectal cancer patients need to know about engaging in virtual care.
Sexual health is an important topic for many cancer patients and survivors, and unfortunately, it can often be overlooked by providers.In this podcast, Dr. Sharon Bober, Founding Director of the Sexual Health Program at the Dana-Farber, discusses how to navigate a variety of sexual health issues that often come up for colorectal cancer patients and survivors.
Listen in to this Tabooty Podcast episode as Ed, stage IV survivor and Fight CRC Ambassador, discusses his experience in quarantine due to the novel coronavirus.
In this episode of Tabooty, we talk with Michael who explains his surprise in receiving a colorectal cancer diagnosis under age 50. He then shares his journey of living with an ostomy, followed by the challenges he is navigating post-reversal. "I was really happy to have the reversal....Once you get the reversal, there's a journey from there." Listen in to get Michael's tips for living with LARS.
If you’re concerned about how COVID-19 will affect any surgical procedures you may have scheduled (or will be scheduling in the near future) as it relates to colon or rectal cancer, Dr. Ryan Fields, MD Professor of Surgery, Chief of the Section of Surgical Oncology, Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine unpacks what patients need to know.
Dr. Al Benson, a GI Medical Oncologist at Northwestern University, a Fight CRC Medical Advisory Board Member, and chair of the NCCN CRC panel breaks down these guidelines and what patients should do during the coronavirus pandemic if they are on chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments.
In this podcast, Jamie Aten, stage IV CRC survivor and clinical psychologist, talks about the power of community while facing a cancer diagnosis. He explores the current language of cancer and explains how those touched by cancer can create their own way of identifying with their disease.
In this month’s podcast, we talk about tumor and cell storage. Michel Sadaka, founder of StoreMyTumor, discusses how this process, which is not currently a standard of care, could help patients link up to personalized medicine and immunotherapy, either now, or in the future.
Neuropathy is a common side effect for colorectal cancer patients. In this Taboo-ty episode, Dr. Dana Cardinas talks about Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and her experience as a stage IIIC colon cancer survivor.
In this Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Dr. Rona Yaeger from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses biomarkers and how they affect colon cancer and rectal cancer patients. She talks about some common biomarkers, but focuses on 'circulating free DNA' and the future of personalized medicine.To learn more about biomarkers, visit FightCRC.org/biomarked
In this month’s podcast, Schuyler Cunningham, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, BCD, talks all about the psychology of trauma and how trauma can affect cancer patients and survivors.Additional links:https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/fight/library/may-2019-cancer-and-trauma-webinar/https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/blog/may-mental-health-awareness-month/
In this month’s podcast, Liz Brockland discusses her work in Chicago with North Side Housing and Supportive Services. Among other things, Liz, a community health nurse, helps previously homeless individuals access colorectal cancer screening.
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a group of symptoms, such as fecal incontinence or urgency, frequent or fragmented bowel movements, difficulty emptying your bowels, and increased gas, following low anterior resection of the rectum.In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast, CRC survivor, Jon, talks about all things LARS. He reviews the “must-haves” a person with LARS should carry with them at all times, the ups and downs of symptoms like frequency, and more.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast, listen in as Fight CRC Ambassador, Alejandro, shares his story. He advocated for tests to find out what was going on with his body, stating “I might be overdoing this, but I don’t want to be a statistic.” Alejandro’s story may sound familiar to others diagnosed under age 50 and serves as a powerful example of standing up for yourself to ensure you receive the testing and treatment that you need.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy which uses the aid of various art modalities (like painting or drawing), to encourage a patient to express themselves. In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast, Jean McCaw, MA, ART-BC, talks about art therapy and its benefits for cancer patients and their families.
Curious about medical cannabis? Dr. Ashley Glode from the University of Colorado explains some basics about medical marijuana in this episode of Taboo-ty.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, we interview Jon, a CRC survivor living with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Listen in as Jon shares his story about his FAP diagnosis, his thoughts on FAP and his family, and the importance of finding community and support.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, we interview Serena Talcott Baughman, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor. The discussion is about preimplantation genetic testing, also called PGT, which can be used to identify embryos at risk of having a specific genetic or chromosomal condition (for example, Lynch syndrome or FAP). Learn more about PGT on this podcast as we dive into the science, process, controversy, and basic information of this technology.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, we interview Lindsay. She’s an oncology nurse recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer-she writes a blog sharing her experiences on both sides of the port. In this chat, Lindsay talks about her hesitation to seek medical care for her symptoms, her APR surgery and recovery, and more.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, we share the audio of a webinar presented by Violet Kuchar, stage IV survivor, which was hosted by the Colorado Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and Fight CRC in the summer of 2018. Violet sheds light on early age onset colorectal cancer. She was diagnosed at age 31 with stage IV cancer in the emergency room after a long time dealing with symptoms. In this episode, she talks about her diagnosis, the incredible role of patient navigation, the benefits of being part of a patient community, and the challenges faced by those who live a long time with cancer.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Fight CRC interviews Chelsey Schneider, CSO, from SavorHealth. We hit a variety of food-related hot topics: alcohol, probiotics, and food safety. Listen in to learn about how these affect colorectal cancer.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Fight CRC interviews Fight CRC Advocate, Riley, who was diagnosed during pregnancy.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Fight CRC’s Michell Baker interviews David Jackson, DG OG One, about his cancer diagnosis. He discusses the importance of raising awareness and opening discussions about this disease, especially among African American men. He speaks candidly about his initial discomfort with the colonoscopy procedure. And importantly, he talks about the importance of keeping an uplifting support network around you during treatment.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Fight CRC interviews Jean DiCarlo-Wagner, a stage IIIc colorectal cancer survivor and yoga therapist. Jean explains how yoga therapy helped her after her diagnosis and through survivorship and how it may benefit other cancer survivors. Since 2005, she has been teaching yoga in San Diego, California and online and offers a class called Yoga for Healing – A Cancer Survivors Class. Visit Jean’s website, Yoga Being http://yogabeing.net/
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Fight CRC interviews Joanna Burgess BSN, RN, CWOCN, about life with an ostomy. Joanna answers some common questions people have about ostomy, including skin preparation, emergency supplies, tips for travel and staying active, and more. Joanna, who has lived with an ostomy since age 3, currently works as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse (CWOCN) in addition to serving on the board of the United Ostomy Associations of America.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Fight CRC interviews Jana Bolduan Lomax, PsyD, Founder of Shift Healing, about survivor’s guilt. Simply put -survivor’s guilt the guilt a person feels when they have gone through a traumatic experience and survived, and others have not.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Sheila Hammer, LCSW, addresses the holiday blues and how they could affect you. As we ease into the holiday season, stress goes up, social engagements multiply, diets change, and money gets spent. Listen in to hear how to manage some of the challenges that often accompany this celebratory time of the year and how to prepare yourself to bring in the new year with a positive outlook.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Chelsea Holland, sex therapist at the Intimacy Institute talks about the mental blocks many colorectal cancer patients and survivors face when it comes to sexuality and intimacy. She shares plenty of useful tips on how to navigate this sensitive issue.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, complex GI nurse, Andrea Lee, talks about the benefits mindfulness practices can have on colorectal cancer patients and their loved ones. She shares some recent research on the subject, explains tips to get started, and inspiresusall to give it a try. This is a podcast not to be missed as it’s filled with loads of information that can improve the quality of life for everyone touched by colorectal cancer.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Kristina Smith reflects on her experience as a caregiver – the ups and the down. Being a loved one of someone with colorectal cancer means there is a shift to a new normal, which is not an easy adjustment. Kristina shares her perspective and gives advice to other caregivers, spouses and loved ones of those fighting CRC, in addition to tips for others on how to keep communication afloat during a challenging time.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Dr. Kristin Kilbourn from the University of Colorado and Fight CRC’s Andi Dwyer discuss some unique challenges that could be associated with having a genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Alaina Newell, physical therapist in Denver, CO talks all about physical therapy and how it can help a wide array of side effects from pelvic radiation.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Sheila Hammer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Cancer Support Community, talks about her journey working with those touched by cancer. She explains the ins and outs of psychosocial health and the importance of reaching out for support. This podcast offers great information for survivors and caregivers alike.
In this Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Caroline Lee, a stage IV colon cancer survivor, talks about her cancer experience – from diagnosis through treatment – and how staying physically active helped her maintain a sense of normalcy during this very difficult time. Some of her top pieces of advice include:
- Start small! Set a small, easily attainable fitness goal.
- Find a workout partner to help you get out and about and stay accountable.
- Think beyond the gym… get outside, breathe the fresh air and play!
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode Chelsey Wisotsky, CSO, from Savor Health breaks down how fiber, sugar and red meat are processed in the body and how they could affect colorectal cancer.
Michael Eselun, Chaplain for the Simms Mann Center for Integrative Oncology chats with us about confronting the end of life and honoring where we are mentally, spiritually and emotionally when it comes to this and other taboo, tricky, existential topics. While this podcast does not reflect any particular views of Fight CRC, it is an opportunity to hear from an expert in the field who regularly works with individuals and their families confronting difficult life decision
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode we discuss caregiver roles, the importance of open communication between caregiver and others, and recommendations for how to relieve or avoid caregiver stress.
In this month’s Taboo-ty Podcast episode, Brenda Elsagher reflects on her experience with rectal cancer and ostomy. She sheds light on what it was like for her as a young mother to be diagnosed at a time when ‘talking about butts and bowel problems’ was frowned upon. Listen in. Brenda’s tips circle around being honest, seizing opportunities, letting go of judgement, and most of all, finding laughter.
Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a sporadic, or nonhereditary cause for the disease, whereas an estimated 2-5% of all colon cancer patients have an underlying inherited, genetic predisposition. Medical professionals who see patients with strong family histories of colorectal cancer often recommend genetic testing to identify whether or not a defined inherited syndrome, like Lynch, is present. If it is, it can support a more proactive approach to prevention, like earlier age screening, for example. Adult adoptees, adults without close familial relationships, or individuals with family estrangement, however, may have limited access to their biological family’s health history. While a person’s genes are not the only factor that determines health outcomes, risk of CRC rises sharply with the presence of some genetic factors – and knowing family history can help determine the need to speak to a genetic counselor. If this resonates with you, take time to discuss with your doctor, especially if you notice signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, and listen in to our November Taboo-ty Podcast episode.
Fight CRC interviews Jana Bolduan Lomax, PsyD, Director of Cancer Support Services at Saint Joseph Hospital in Colorado. Colorectal cancer patients and survivors often hear comments like: “stay positive,” “well, you look good,” and “don’t worry, everything will be fine.” While well intentioned, these comments may cause uncertainty about how to share one’s true feelings. As Jana eloquently states in this episode: it’s OK to feel bad, it’s OK to feel scared, and it’s OK to be mad; in fact, trying to cover up those emotions isn’t always a great idea. Many individuals struggle to watch their loved ones go through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, and for all those touched by cancer, opening honest conversations about feelings and emotions is a key element to maintaining positive psychosocial health. Listen in to learn more
Religious and spiritual values have been reported by many patients as important cancer coping tools. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) “the terms spirituality and religion are often used in place of each other, but for many people they have different meanings.”Join Fight CRC’s Sharyn Worrall, and Chaplain Michael Eselun, BCC from the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology as they explore the role of spirituality and cancer.
The new normal is a phrase often used by cancer survivors. Due to significant life changes, many survivors struggle to adjust back to their pre-cancer self. The differences may be slight to the outsider, but could be enough to affect the survivor’s sense of self. Join Fight CRC’s Sharyn Worrall, therapist and senior research coordinator, Jean Schleski, and stage II CRC survivor Tim Wright, for tips on how to manage the transition to the new normal in this episode of Taboo-ty.
Listen in as Paige, LGBTQ+ patient navigator, and Diogo, patient navigator for cancer screening, discuss the challenges and barriers that the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) community may face in terms of colorectal cancer screening, misgendering and general access to care. This discussion has great insight regarding the importance of respect, communication, cultural competence, and of course, colorectal cancer screening.
In Episode 4, Ashley talks with Dr. Krychman about her experience with Stage III rectal cancer, fertility preservation, and the dynamics of being a newlywed after treatment.
In Episode 3, Dr. Krychman interviews a young professional about self-esteem, how colostomy bags affect sex, and issues about cancer diagnosis disclosure in same-sex and heterosexual relationships.
In Episode Two, Dr. Krychman interviews a married couple of 18 years on how colorectal cancer impacted sex and intimacy after a wife’s diagnosis.Check out all of the episodes from our Sexual Health and Intimacy series where we undress common questions and issues many colorectal cancer patients face but do not know how to ask.
Dr. Michael Krychman, a clinical sexual counselor and expert leader in sexual health and intimacy will lead us through discussions on how cancer and cancer treatment affect this important aspect of life during and after cancer treatment.
In Episode One, Sharyn Worrall from our Patient Resources team and Dr. Krychman start the series by discussing what sexual health and intimacy mean and issues that come up for many CRC patients.
In episodes 2-4, we'll interview patients and offer tips for navigating sexual health and colorectal cancer.
Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Join Fight CRC's Dir. of Health Promotion Andi Dwyer and Jean S. Kutner, Chief Medical Officer at University of Colorado Hospital, for a candid conversation about this important topic impacting many colorectal cancer patients and families.
Medical Marijuana is a topic of much debate and discussion. We catch up with Dr. Tim Byers about his views on the subject and ask those questions many patients are wanting to know. As more and more states are developing medical marijuana programs, patients and caregivers need to be informed about the potential risks and benefits. Dr. Byers is an Associate Dean at the Colorado School of Public Health and the Associate Director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center talks about medical marijuana. He is an expert leader in the cancer prevention research field. Medical Marijuana is not legal in all states - Fight Colorectal Cancer does not condone the use of marijuana where it is illegal. Please talk with your healthcare team about your treatment and use of all therapies. Colorectal cancer patients: let us guide you through. Download our free eBook for stage III & stage IV patients: http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/guideinthefight/