Recently, I was a guest on "The Strong Sunflower" podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strong-sunflowers/id1548796820). I had a great time talking with Zana and Gisselle. They're both strong, kind women who are working to improve themselves and the world at large. Thanks for the opportunity, Z & G! NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical advice. You can see this interview on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMX5Cdv3MYs&t=8s PC: The Strong Sunflowers Key ..read more

Bethann and Shawn Rapp shared their story about Bethann's lung cancer diagnosis last season. (You can find that conversation here: https://www.lifecanceretc.com/podcast/episode/4875ebeb/nonsmokers-get-lung-cancer-too-with-bethann-and-shawn-rapp). In this episode, they talk about how they're dealing with a recurrence, and I really appreciate them sharing how they're working through this experience. NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical advice. PC: Shawn & Bethann Rapp  Keywords: lung c ..read more

You can also watch this video interview on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD-0Snw5qbk&t=67s) I've known Camilla Ball since she was 14 years old. Her mom, Valéria, died of brain cancer when Camilla was in college. In our conversation, Camilla shares a very honest, unflinching look at that time, at herself, and at how much she's learned from the experience. Here's a link to the article she references about rings and boundaries when supporting someone with cancer: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-xpm-2013-apr-07-la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407-story.html ..read more

Getting decent sleep can be difficult, at best, after cancer -- especially after chemo. Here are some suggestions for strategies and products that have helped me get better sleep. Tadin Passionflower Tea: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FFQWBLA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Yogi Bedtime Tea: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YGN1KLN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Rootcha Magnesium & Zinc: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076G5LXQR?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_7&amp&crid=31DAJ16SWSKF0&amp&sprefix=rootcha L-Tryptop ..read more

NOTE: You can see the video from this interview on our YouTube channel, here. Many thanks to Courtney and Riley at #AmbitionStrikes for their encouragement to make the jump to YouTube! Olivia Luginski was my social worker at Moffitt Cancer Center after I was diagnosed with a cardiac sarcoma. Olivia helped guide us through the process of getting help and offers advice for anyone -- patient or caregiver -- who's dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Plus, she's a delightful human being. To review the resource list Olivia mentioned, submit a request on our website's contact page and we'll email you ..read more

Here's where my head -- and heart -- are these days. Getting through cancer is not a one-shot deal; you've got to deal with the aftermath, too, and figure out what you want the future to look like.  Also, we're adding video interviews to our YouTube Channel starting in June! I think I was a little afraid to announce this because it meant I had to commit and I'm so out of my depth -- it's exhilarating and terrifying, all at the same time. But taking those leaps are how we grow, right?  So I'm heading into the unknown and excited to see where this path leads. NOTE: I am not a medical ..read more

*** CONTENT WARNING *** We speak very graphically and specifically about breast cancer surgery, so please use headphones if you're around kiddos. My sister Kate had breast cancer surgery last week. She thought it was important to share what it's like in the "limbo" after treatment so that others know what to expect and feel less alone. I love how honest and real Kate is and appreciate her willingness to be open and vulnerable. Link to Kate's first episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1468990/episodes/9867650 NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast ..read more

Dr.  Debbie Egbert is an anesthesiologist in practice in Oregon.  Debbie is a wealth of information and has an obvious passion for serving her patients. Side note: she's also a fabulous gardener and cook! In this episode, we talk about what anesthesia is and how it works. NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical advice. Photo © 2021 Dr. Debbie Egbert Keywords: questions about anesthesia, types of anesthesia, anesthesiologist You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https ..read more

My sister, Kate, was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma at the end of September. She's currently in the middle of chemo, awaiting surgery and radiation, and talks with us about what life's like right now for her, her husband, and their six kids. Kate did a follow-up episode right after breast-cancer surgery. You can find it here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1468990/episodes/10278542-graphic-content-advisory-right-after-breast-cancer-surgery-with-kate NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical ..read more

Life changes are hard and the last few months have been, too. Here's what I've been doing and why I've needed to take a step back. NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Everyone on the "Life, Cancer, Etc." podcast is sharing their own experiences, not giving medical advice. Photo © 2021 Heidi Bragg Content © 2022 Heidi Bragg Keywords: self-care, saying no is okay, reasonable expectations, setting good boundaries You can also find some episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeCancerEtc ..read more