Ms. Kathleen Haden, ANP, is a nurse practitioner who now focuses mainly on cancer prevention strategies in clinic. But her journey is an interesting one: training to be a nurse practitioner when it was very uncommon (and not nearly as straightforward!), working in HIV/infectious disease units at the NIH alongside Dr. Fauci, independently figuring out what wellness strategies work for her, and now teaching nursing students how to figure out what works for them. Tune in to this episode of When We Had Cancer to hear a unique story about taking care of cancer patients from the perspective of an aw ..read more

Dr. Craig Slingluff is a surgical oncologist and immunology researcher who treats and investigates melanoma, respectively. But he also was diagnosed with cancer, himself. Two years ago, he found out he had metastatic prostate cancer. With family and faculty support, Dr. Slingluff has a new perspective on life, which includes better work-life balance and gratitude exercises. Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about the intersections of work, disease, and coming to terms with one's own mortality.     Enjoy this week's episode, free to rate the podcast on whatever platform you ..read more

Her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008 did not just have her thinking about death and dying, it inspired a second career: chaplaincy. Ms. Ann Marie Smith, MDiv, began volunteering with hospice care after her breast cancer journey, and eventually got her masters in divinity before doing her chaplain residency. Now a chaplain with the UVA Cancer Center, Ms. Smith provides care to cancer patients with a unique perspective given her similar position 15 years prior. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about the extent of chaplain services, the broad definition of grief and loss, ways to cope ..read more

Starting off the 3rd season of "When We Had Cancer," which newly features providers (in the general sense) of cancer patients, is an interview with Dr. Fumiko Chino. Dr. Chino is a radiation oncologist in Manhattan, New York City, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Daughter of a radiation oncologist and sister to two radiation oncologists, Dr. Chino discusses many things that fall under the emotional wellbeing and challenges of cancer providers, including 1) the tribulations of growing up with a hard-working physician-mother; 2) the extent of our cancer therapies; 3) research that tail ..read more

Colleen is a 3-year retiree and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Living in rural Virginia with her four animals and husband, Bill Collins, of almost 48 years (who gets credit for being her rock through it all), Colleen recommends that you be there for your loved ones on cancer journeys. Saying "I'm here if you need anything" may not be enough, take a more active approach like grabbing ice cream with a group of friends.   In this episode, we discuss the financial burden of cancer care, the inspiration behind the podcast, unique gratitude of cancer patients, changes in cancer care over th ..read more

This episode is a little different. Instead of interviewing a cancer survivor, I read a chapter from my book, "Six Women." This chapter is a story about a beautiful woman named Michelle called "Coffee Shop Miracles." Welcome to Season 3.        Featured Songs Easy on Me by Adele  Clair de Lune by DeBussy  ..read more

Margarita shares about self care, trusting your gut (and your research!), and being a two-time cancer survivor. Part of the UVA Cancer Peer Parter Support Group, Margarita helps other folks who are first starting their cancer journeys.  ..read more

Farah is a light-hearted, insightful first year medical student who is a two-time cancer survivor. Listen to this week's episode to hear a unique conversation about clairvoyance, severe side effects of chemo, existentialism, and a Make-a-Wish trip to Dubai. * * * * * Music accompaniment: The Night We Met by Lady Huron, arranged by Natalie Blatz, & Go the Distance by Alan Menken, arranged by Rachel Jacob ..read more

Foster mom of puppies, spin class extraordinaire and excellent storyteller Kate Franklin sits down with me to tell us about her Leukemia diagnosis at age 4 and life since. Listen and learn about how cancer survivorship can be thought of as a pizza topping along with other parts of your life, and many more pockets of insight from my UVA School of Medicine classmate, Kate ..read more

Full of energy and youthfulness, LaTonya is a natural storyteller with the perspective and story to match. One of the best things about having breast cancer was the self realization of her tenacity (immediately after being diagnosed LaTonya drove to the grocery store to buy everything organic, sparking a radical lifestyle change) and the worst thing by far was her chemotherapy treatment. Yet to be mentioned in this podcast, the long-lasting impact of chemotherapy, including neuropathy in your hands and feet and random bouts of dizziness, has LaTonya constantly being reminded of her 2017 breast ..read more