Simplify Cancer

Look, I’m a huge fan of adding something new to your life after cancer, something that means the world to you, something that you really care about.  That’s why I have so much in common with Dana, she took her energy and she’s channeled it into becoming an advocate for young adults who had cancer, for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Here is what we cover in this conversation: Overcoming the diagnosis Your emotional shield during treatment The challenges beyond recovery Our right and duty to ask for help Caregivers, the forgotten people Living stories and why we need more of them Survivors and the road ahead The instruction book for cancer (that doesn't exist) and much, much more! Links The Dragonfly Angel Society Dana Stewart (Cure Today) Episode 026: Stand Up For Your Rights Full Transcript Joe:                 Well, Dana, thanks so much for joining me.  I really want to go back to if you had a time machine and we were to go back to this crazy time when you found out you had canc

Simple truth from Matthew Zachary of Stupid Cancer - know your rights and your choices in the quest to crush cancer. Matthew is a true inspiration, with stupid cancer empowering young adults to deal with cancer on their terms! Here is what we cover in this conversation: The invincibility bubble (AKA your life before cancer) How knowing your rights and choices can safeguard your future after cancer Dealing with scanxiety Stick with what you love during cancer Safeguarding your future as a young adult facing cancer Your lifeline during cancer and beyond The community behind Stupid Cancer and much, much more! Links The Stupid Cancer Show Matthew Zachary on LinkedIn Stupid Cancer Full Transcript Joe:                 Hey, Matthew, listen, first off, I want to start with, what was life like before cancer?  I know this was a long time ago, so you have to dig up in that memory.  What was it like, man? Matthew:         Fabulous and cancer-free.  You were invincible.  You could do anything you want

Full Transcript Hey, my name is Joe Bakhmoutski, I am the creator of Simplify Cancer and it’s weird that with cancer, you end up in this foreign country where you don’t speak the language, you don’t have a map to get around, and it’s scary because you don’t know who you can trust or how things are going to play out, and you have to figure out how everything connects together... And you can’t stop thinking about it because every twitch, every ache and pain, and you ask yourself: is this cancer? This constant worry, it’s a curse because you can’t think straight. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You can tackle cancer by learning it’s every move, what you can expect, and what you can do about it. In no time at all, you can become an expert on your own cancer, and that puts you in the driving seat, puts you back in charge, and I’ll give you 2 reasons why: First reason is external. You go to to another level of confidence when you dealing with cancer, it gives you a huge lift when you are working your special

It’s tough to open up and talk about your worries during cancer, even with people you trust the most.  That’s where someone who is outside of your immediate circle can help - they don’t know you and there is no agenda. To shed some light on why a qualified psychologist can become your greatest ally in dealing with  worries and uncertainty that come with cancer, I’m talking to Maria who heads up Clinical Psychology department at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Melbourne. Maria has a really unique way of relating to people and she shares how you can find the right psychologist for you! Here is what we cover in this conversation: Internal barriers that prevent us from asking for help Why cancer is more than a physical illness What to expect from a qualified psychologist How to screening your therapist The impact cancer has on you and those you love Mindfulness during cancer: is it worth it? and much, much more! Links Dr Maria Ftanou at Peter Mac Can-Sleep: Improving night-time sleep problem

Today, I’m super excited to be talking to Ben Smith.  Ben is based at the University of New South Wales, in Sydney.  He specialises in developing online tools to deal with the mental side of cancer that give you control over the support that you get. Ben also has some fantastic advice on dealing with the fear of cancer coming back, on where you can turn to for professional help, and where cancer caregivers, what can they do to stay sane during this crazy adventure and much, much more.  There are so many great actionable takeaways from our conversation today that I promise you you’re going to love it. Here is what we cover: Why we don't ask for help during cancer How to get the support you want through online interventions Where you can turn to for help (face to face and online) How to deal with fear of cancer recurrence The importance of a diverse team supporting evidence based outcomes Carer's roller coaster of emotions and where to get help and much, much more! Links e-TC Express Ben Smith

Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed, or maybe you’re going through treatment, or maybe it’s someone you love and you’re trying to get through it together.  Whatever the case may be, you’re on this crazy roller coaster of emotions and feelings that are hard to put into words. That’s what Jill and I are talking about today, practical ways to take charge of your life and your emotions as you tackle cancer on every level. Here is what we cover: Overcoming guilt How putting a name to your feelings helps you deal with them Dealing with depression during cancer Carer's mirror of emotions How to tackle fear of the unknown and much, much more! Links Episode 015: When Your Loved One Has Cancer Episode 007: How To Use Your Inner Resources To Better Deal With Cancer Episode 018: Finding The Light Amidst The Darkness Full Transcript Joe:                 Hi Jill, I’m really excited for us to be doing this again. Jill:                   Thanks, Joe, I’m pleased to be here. Joe:                 That’s fantasti

Cancer is crazy - every single day, you're dealing with physical symptoms and side effects of treatment and your own emotional state while still trying maintain a sense of normality in your everyday life.  It’s so easy to overthink it and get swept up in the craziness of it all... That’s why I love talking to Khevin - he is a male breast cancer survivor who has a way of cutting through the noise of worries and stress and deal with cancer in a profound and honest way through humor and ingenuity, how to laugh despite cancer, at the world and at yourself. Here is what we cover: The numbness of cancer diagnosis Uncovering the myths about applying meditation and mindfulness Laughter yoga - oddly therapeutic! Using music for stress relief during cancer Kevin top 5 lessons learned in dealing with cancer How to laugh despite cancer and much, much more! Links Khevin Barnes | Cure Today MALE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR Khevin Barnes; Male Breast Cancer Survivor, Cancer Writer, Inspirational Keynote Speaker

Today, I’m talking to Christoffer, he’s an expert in psychosocial cancer research and we take a plunge into the deep and murky waters of the psychology of cancer, the psychological repercussions of cancer on you and those you love. Here is what we cover: How diagnosis can change the way you see yourself Evidence that psychological stress does not cause cancer The impact of mindset on survivorship Social factors that play a huge role in our approach to treatment Dealing with 3 major late effects that come with cancer The need to treat cancer as a collective disease and much, much more! Links Christoffer Johansen's Research Profile Episode 007: How To Use Your Inner Resources To Better Deal With Cancer Episode 016: Your Survivorship Blueprint Full Transcript Joe:                 Hey, this is Joe Bakhmoutski, and welcome to Simplify Cancer Podcast. Joe:                 Christoffer, you know cancer changes the way other people see you.  That can have a huge negative impact on how you see yourse

Today, I’m talking to Justin who found that when document your cancer journey, it helps you and gives you a higher purpose in helping so many others by promoting cancer awareness. Sharing your story is a fantastic way to transform these tough times when you’re dealing with cancer, to share your experience in such a powerful, so you can really refocus and re-centre your life around something positive.  Here is what we cover: Dealing with cancer diagnosis Mental health during cancer Documenting your cancer journey and much, much more! Links A Ballsy Sense of Tumor Justin Birckbichler | Cure Today Episode 003: Building Knowledge Beats Cancer Anxiety Full Transcript Joe:                    Justin, I want to start with your life before cancer. What was that like? Justin:              That was a really good year, 2016, prior to getting diagnosed.  I had applied and been accepted to the Google Innovator Academy, so I got to fly out to the Google headquarters in California for a couple of days, I got eng

One of the worst side-effects of cancer is that it takes away control and it changes the way you see yourself and the world around you.  It’s easy to lose sight of who you really are, and you need to find your way back.  That’s what I love about Sophie’s book "The Cancer Whisperer" - it’s all the ways that you can take your power back without being a hero. Sophie shares some fantastic advice and insight that can really help you: Dealing with fear that comes with cancer On being blindsided by cancer diagnosis Keeping your personhood intact Dealing with conflicting emotions Coming to terms with cancer Finding the light amidst the darkness of the dis-ease Dealing with moments when life shocks you with an event that you weren’t expecting Unique perspective on grief and much, much more! Links Sophie Sabbage Website Book Review: The Cancer Whisperer More To Life Episode 005: Become Your Own Case Manager Full Transcript Joe:                 Sophie, there’s a metaphor in your book where you ref

One of the main challenges that you’re confronted with when you get cancer is that you are completely unprepared.  You’re thrust into this alternate universe, where you’re confronted with new rules, and new terminology and new specialists, new perspectives and all of a sudden, you have to make decisions and you have to talk to new people and you really don’t understand their world and where they’re coming from. Today, you’re going to hear from Joseph, a top urologist who works with cancer and Joseph is involved in an incredible amount of work, from seeing patients and performing procedures, to doing research and training the next generation of experts. Today, he’s going to give you an insider’s view into the world of urology: Breaking the news on cancer 2 key reasons to get a second opinion Unique make-up of urology Understanding your own information needs How to approach appointments and follow up Why you are in safe hands with a urologist How to get a second opinion and much, much more!

Right now we have a really special guest. His name is Michael Jefford, and Michael is not only an expert in oncology, but he’s also a passionate advocate for cancer survivors! In this episode, Michael shares some truly inspirational words of wisdom on how you can take control of your life during treatment, and what to do with this whole uncertainty and stress around cancer really gets to you.  Michael also has some tremendous insights on how you can deal with the challenges that come with rebuilding your life after cancer:  On dealing with fear of cancer coming back Understanding your preferences about decision making Trusting your specialist How hope sends people on the search for alternatives Building a better life after cancer Tougher journeys for different groups through cancer Powerful tools to help during a consultation with your specialist Understanding palliative care The importance of general practitioner during cancer and much, much more! Links Coping with the fear of cancer co

When you’re dealing with cancer, the spotlight is on you. But what happens when your loved one has cancer?  For them, it’s just as tough if not more, because not only are they trying to help you and be there for you, they also want to have some sort of normal life, just living from day to day. We don’t get to hear this side of the cancer story.  That’s why today you’re going to meet Jill.  Jill’s partner had prostate cancer and Jill has some profound insights about what this experience was like for her. She shares some unique strategies that enabled her and her partner to deal with cancer in a very proactive way, by taking back control, by taking the power away from cancer.  That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Here is what we cover in this episode:  Why it's hard to bounce back after cancer The profound shock when your loved one has cancer On dealing with fear and uncertainty Having a courageous conversation with those you care about Practising gratitude daily How some people in your life fad

I’m really excited today because I get to talk to my new friend, Frances Goodhart who wrote this great book called "The cancer Survivor’s Companion: Practical ways to cope with feelings after cancer".  Frances is a clinical psychologist and it’s a real privilege to hear from her because she genuinely cares about people like you and me who go through these tough times.  Today, Frances shares some fantastic insights and practical tools to tackle cancer that you can start applying right away: Why it's hard to bounce back after cancer How to manage anxiety and conflicting emotions Finding emotional backup when the going gets rough On dealing with anger How to get relationship issues out of the way The importance of exercise after treatment How to manage your energy better Step by step relaxation technique you can apply anywhere Using visualisation to help you relax How to break the vicious cycle around lack of sleep Finding way back to sex and intimacy and much, much more! Links About D

When it comes to cancer, we are so focused on the specialist who’s treating you, and rightly so because your oncologist or surgeon or your urologist is absolutely crucial in getting you through it. But what about the general practitioner, the family doctors, what role do they play and how can they help you in your fight against cancer?  Right now, you’re going to hear from Jon Emery, the professor of primary care cancer research at the University of Melbourne.  Jon will reveal why the GP is your best ally in your war on cancer and is going to set the record straight on cancer and how it relates to primary care, including: Proven online resources to find the right information on cancer The fear of cancer recurrence The role of GP as advisor and counsellor How primare care can help after cancer How can primary care physicians pick up cancer early Why Big Data and artificial intelligence can help GPs to detect cancer Why the GP is your best ally in your war on cancer Links Jon Emery Academic Prof

Listen, I think it’s fair to say that nutrition isn’t the first thing in mind when it comes to cancer but eating well can make a huge difference in dealing with cancer, during treatment and in recovery.  Today, I’m talking to Julie Lanford.  Julie is a cancer dietitian who is going to describe your nutrition needs during cancer.  Whether you find it difficult to eat at the moment, or you maybe you’re relying too much on comfort foods, or maybe you don’t really know much about eating well during cancer.  You’re going to get tons of fantastic in-depth practical advice from Julie that you can apply right now, including: Do we now have to give up bacon? What is evidence based advice and why it's important Key myths and misconceptions about nutrition and cancer Dealing with taste changes during treatment Why plant based eating is important to you right now Simple rules of thumb for choosing good food sources The importance of exercise during cancer What is moderation when it comes to alcohol Gre

Who Is Going To Stay With You Through Cancer Listen, I don’t know about you, but for me, honesty has become such a rare commodity these days because it’s so hard to accomplish - you have to set aside your ego, you have to put your worries aside about how other people see you, but it also gives you this incredible power of clarity.  Honest - that is how I would describe Matt Featherstone, our guest today.  Matt is for real.  Matt doesn’t screw around. He takes his honesty and he turns it into insight, into how you can shift your focus during cancer, into how you can manage your energy.  Who is going to stay with you through cancer? Matt is going to share some fantastic advice for dealing with cancer, including: How some people in your life fall away just when you need them most Why Matt's little c reframe can help put cancer in its place How the modality of cancer scares people off 3 things that are inherently different about men facing cancer Setting the rules up to deal with cancer as a family

If there one thing that I regret throughout my cancer adventure, it's not being properly prepared.  There’s a lot going on and it’s easy to forget about your symptoms. You forget to tell your specialist what’s bothering, so to help you with that, in this episode you’re going to find out about Cancer Aid, a mobile application that helps you track your symptoms and so much more. I'm talking to Raghav Ganesh-Murali, COO of CancerAid and in this episode, we cover: The importance of logging and sharing your symptoms Being empowered and making better decisions Having the support of your champions through treatment Trends and symptom changes that integrate into patient's medical record Online platform to share and connect via stories Links CancerAid CancerAid Wins $500,000 on Shark Tank (YouTube) Simplify Cancer First Visit Oncologist Checklist Full Transcript Joe:                 Raghav, how did Cancer Aid come about?  What problem were you guys trying to solve? Raghav:          Yes, so CancerAid i

In this episode, I'm talking to Bogda, medical oncologist who shares some great insights if you’re facing cancer right now, or if you’re building a life after cancer.  Bogda breaks down what to expect when you’re talking to your oncologist, advice on dealing with stress, why oncologists are here to guide through the tough times as well as closing the loop with your general practitioner, as well as other specialists you might be dealing with. In this episode, we cover: Dealing with cancer diagnosis How to prepare for your oncologist visit Why oncologists love informed patients Multi-disciplinary care and how it can help you Why oncologist is your guide and advisor through cancer Resources that support you on your terms When getting professional help to deal with cancer stress Bogda's survivorship formula Links Finding My Way Bogda's Academic Profile Simplify Cancer First Visit Oncologist Checklist Full Transcript Joe:                 Bogda, thanks very much for taking the time to do this,

In this episode, I'm talking to Rochelle who is amazing at articulating her cancer adventure in a way that’s universal. So even if your experience is different, you can still find so much that you can relate to! In this episode, we cover: The bombshell of diagnosis and the alien reality of cancer Why trust in your specialist is critical Why some people are the rock of support (and why some people drop off) Ups and downs of chemotherapy The importance of connecting cancer experience Emotional ebbs and flows during cancer The lost art of listening Links Cancer Connect Cancer Council Victoria ThinkHatch Marketing & Communications Full Transcript Joe:                 Hey, this is Joe Bakhmoutski and welcome to Simplify Cancer Podcast.  Right now, you’re going to hear from Rochelle, who is a cancer survivor and what’s really amazing about Rochelle is that she can articulate what this cancer adventure has been like for her in a way that’s universal.  Even if your experience is different, you can s