In today’s episode, we're talking about a profoundly touching topic—caring for someone with melanoma. Today, we're discussing the roles, challenges, and triumphs of those who stand by their loved ones in the fight against melanoma—caregivers. They are the unsung heroes who provide the support and strength needed to face each day anew. Our guests: Sue Capozzi: Sue has devotedly served as a caregiver for her husband, John, who, despite his current stability, was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in 2019, which progressed to Stage IV the following year. Throughout his challenging treatment journe ..read more

Ever wondered how animals can make a huge difference in people's lives? ?? In this podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of animal-assisted therapy and explore its incredible benefits for both physical and mental well-being. From calming anxiety to promoting social interaction, animals undeniably impact human happiness and healing. ? Join us as we unveil heartwarming stories and scientific insights about the transformative power of furry companions. About our guest: DR. AUBREY H. FINE Dr. Fine received his graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1982 and has been on t ..read more

Writing has been medicine for Nancy Slonim Aronie. At nine months old, her son Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. Then, at twenty-two, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During the years she and her husband took care of Dan, and when he died at age thirty-eight, Aronie could not find the book she needed. So she wrote her memoir. In teaching memoir writing, Aronie has found that everyone has a story to tell and that telling it is important. Sharing “this is who I am, these are the things that shaped me, this is where I am now” allows a kind of magic and healing to happen. In this podcast s ..read more

Join us as we dive deep into the emotional path of survivorship. Dr. Liu sat down with Samantha Siegel, MD, a relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma patient, to discuss her walk as a physician, caregiver, cancer patient, mom, and wife. This powerful podcast episode explores the highs, lows, and everything in between. Dr. Sam shares her inspiring story of resilience, hope, and healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking strength and support on their own survivorship path. Our Guest: Samantha Siegel, MD, Physician. Cancer/BMT Crusher. Survivorship Advocate and Integrative Medicine E ..read more

In 2010, Mary Elizabeth Williams was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The following year, she was offered the opportunity to participate in a Phase 1 immunotherapy clinical trial. She wrote about that experience in A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles: A True Story of Love, Science, and Cancer. In this episode, Mary Elizabeth shares her story and insights into her journey as a clinical trial participant. Williams says she was in a place of desperate and deep panic, but she remembers having a conversation with someone who said, "This doesn't have to be your last resort. This can be our firs ..read more

In 2010, Mary Elizabeth Williams was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The following year, she was offered the opportunity to participate in a Phase 1 immunotherapy clinical trial. She wrote about that experience in A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles: A True Story of Love, Science, and Cancer. In this episode, Mary Elizabeth shares her story and insights into her journey as a clinical trial participant. Williams says she was in a place of desperate and deep panic, but she remembers having a conversation with someone who said, "This doesn't have to be your last resort. This can be our firs ..read more

While being diagnosed with cancer alone can put a person under tremendous amounts of mental and emotional stress, the additional burden of outrageously expensive medical care only adds to the strain. Cancer treatment requires more than medicine — families need a roof over their heads and food on their tables to survive. The dramatic rise in the cost of cancer treatments has now given rise to what is being called financial toxicity. On this episode, Liz Geisel, Director of Program Delivery for Family Reach, discusses the psychological stress related to financial toxicity and the role of Financi ..read more

A growing discipline, palliative care medicine remains underutilized. Studies suggest that patients and providers commonly confuse palliative care with end-of-life care. In this episode, Dr. Liu is joined by Dr. Sunita Puri, Program Director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center & Chan School of Medicine and author of That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour. During their discussion, Dr. Puri explains how fears related to misconceptions about palliative care can rob patients of their opportunity to engage in impor ..read more

Last year, over 197,000 Americans were diagnosed with melanoma—and we know they won’t go through that experience alone because there will be a caregiver, usually a family member or close friend, at their side. Becoming a caregiver is often unexpected and life-changing. To talk about the benefits of caregiving, the types of support that are most effective, and essential communication skills for caregivers, Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS, and AIM's Ask a Medical Expert, sits down with Allison J. Applebaum, Ph.D., Director of the Caregivers Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Discussion ..read more

"I've Been Diagnosed With Melanoma...Now What?  Dealing with the Emotional Rollercoaster that Follows a Melanoma Diagnosis.  What is Psychosocial oncology? What can a newly diagnosed patient expect on their first visit to a psychosocial oncologist? What first steps should a newly diagnosed patient take to care for their mental health? Often, we see late-stage melanoma diagnosis in older patients- particularly in men.  There is often a barrier in this demographic in seeking mental/emotional support - what advice do you have for a more aging population who might be resistant to s ..read more