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About This Episode:  If you've been diagnosed with a disease or had a major injury, you may have heard your Doctor talk about their focus on your “lymph nodes.” But do you know much about the lymphatic system, and how important the flow of lymphatic fluid is in your body? Lymphedema is the disease that could affect cancer patients or anybody that has sustained an injury that could disrupt our bodies lymphatic system. Because this amazing fluid collection system in our body operates so effectively, it's only in times when our bodies are compromised and lymphatic fluids begin building up in affected areas that many of us we learn of its existence. Dr. Paula Stewart, President of the Lymphology Association of North America, joins the Our Cancer Journey Podcast in this Part-1 of a two-part interview for the program. In this first episode Host Bruce Watkins and Dr. Stuart discuss how the lymphatic system was discovered, what it is and how it works, and the way the lymphatic system keeps our body healthy. Problems with the flow of lymphatic fluids can cause serious harm to our body, and people that have had surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and possibly immunotherapy to address illness are at higher-risk of developing the disease of Lymphedema. This episode and it's Part-2 companion are important for all patients and their caregivers to hear, because the topic is difficult for medical professionals to explain, and it's often times misunderstood by patients.  Patients knowing the signs of lymphedema and seeking early intervention is critical to preventing the more serious affects of this disease. Host Bruce and Dr. Paula make a point to breakdown this complicated topic into very accessible and easy to understand concepts so everyone can benefit from this information. STAY TUNED for PART-2 of the interview with Dr. Stewart: COMING SOON - #018 - Lymphedema & Effective Lymphatic Therapies - Part-2 - Dr. Paula Stewart ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast! The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!  HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by clicking here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/03/30/014-season-2-trailer-for-the-our-cancer-journey-podcast-with-bruce-watkins/ Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!  References and Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Lymphology Association of North America website: https://www.clt-lana.org/ Books by Dr. Paula Stewart: 100 Questions & Answers About Lymphedema https://www.amazon.com/100-Questions-Answers-About-Lymphedema/dp/0763749893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1M0Z7XMBOWTTX&keywords=lymphedema+stewart&qid=1655756319&s=books&sprefix=lymphedema+stewart%2Cstripbooks%2C72&sr=1-1Lymphedema Wellness Manual: The Interactive Lymphedema Management System for Patients and Therapists https://www.amazon.com/Lymphedema-Wellness-Manual-Interactive-Management/dp/0985866403/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1M0Z7XMBOWTTX&keywords=lymphedema+stewart&qid=1655756319&s=books&sprefix=lymphedema+stewart%2Cstripbooks%2C72&sr=1-4 Episode Guest: Paula JB Stewart MD Paula JB Stewart MD, MS CLT-LANA graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Human Biology and a Masters in Neurobiology. After graduating from Medical School at the University of Minnesota in 1987, she completed her residency in PM&R at the Mayo Clinic in 1991. Dr. Stewart went on to established one of the largest lymphedema clinics on the Eastern seaboard in Charlotte, NC at

About This Episode:  Picking up where our Part-1 episode with Dr. Arash Asher left off, Host Bruce Watkins and Dr. Asher dive deeper into factors that cause and/or enhance the common experience of chemo brain, or cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).  In this episode, we learn how the experience of chronic loneliness can “up-regulate” our genes to produce more inflammatory agents called Cytokines. In the previous Part-1 episode, Dr. Asher described how these inflammatory cytokines can cross the blood brain barrier and wreak havoc on our concentration and memory. CLICK HERE to Read the FULL SHOW NOTES If you have not yet listened to the Part-1 episode installment of the interview with Dr. Asher, you can find it here: #015 – What is Chemo Brain, Cytokines & Accelerated Aging – Part 1 – Dr. Arash Asher Direct Link to Episode #015: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/04/12/015-what-is-chemo-brain-cytokines-accelerated-aging-part-1-dr-arash-asher/ ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast! The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!  Check out this Season 2 Trailer episode, enjoy the sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your apps, by following the OCJ show’s Facebook page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!  Episode Guest: Dr. Arash Asher, MD - Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai.  Episode Host: Bruce Watkins: A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving back.  https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/ About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, ……. This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.  Learn more about the Our Cancer Journey Podcast: The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/  Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/

About This Episode:  What is “Chemo Brain?” The term started several decades ago when cancer patients tried to describe a number of symptoms they experienced during and after cancer treatments. These symptoms seemed to affect their mind’s clarity of thought and effective information recall. Also referred to as "Chemo–Fog” back in the day, the phrase was initially popularized by patients getting chemotherapy. It's spread quickly in groups like the breast cancer community, who often would gather together in infusion centers to receive their periodic chemotherapy treatments.  Some people thought they were crazy, because no one had communicated to them that the symptoms could occur. But his patients learned that others were experiencing similar things, they began asking more questions. In some cases, their doctors were dismissive. Other times their practitioners did try to get to the root of the symptoms. But, because little was known about the condition at the time, these efforts were not successful.  As patience became aware that the symptoms were far more common than first suspected, they became more vocal about requesting help, and advocating for its recognition. Dr. Arash Asher of the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center at Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, joins they Our Cancer Journey Podcast to walk us through some of the more common symptoms of this condition. He then candidly discusses why medical professionals were so perplexed when initially hearing about this condition. Dr. Asher shares new science about the deeper understanding of the inflammatory cytokines* protein our bodies produce, and the theories of how these play a significant role in affecting our cognitive function. * - You may have heard the term "cytokines" before as they are directly linked to some of the worst symptoms patient’s could experience with COVID-19 Dr. Asher also shares some statistics about people being affected with these symptoms, and the good news is a large majority of people recover from the initial severity of this “foggy” experience.  Finally, patients that have never had chemotherapy also experienced similar symptoms to those described as Chemo Brain. Because those patients were largely excluded from the conversation, a new and more accurate term has been developed to describe this condition: CRCI - Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment  ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast! The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!  Check out this Season 2 Trailer episode, enjoy the sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your apps, by following the OCJ show’s Facebook page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!  Episode Guest: Dr. Arash Asher, MD - Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Asher has a special interest in the physical and rehabilitative needs of cancer survivors who continue to experience the effects of their cancer and its treatment. He has led in the development of several unique cancer survivorship programs, each with the goal of optimizing physical, psychological, and spiritual resilience for patients with cancer.   Dr. Asher has also focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients and his expertise in the non-pharmacologic management of pain, cancer-related fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, neuropathy, exercise prescription for cancer patients, and the management other musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Asher is active in leading or participating in several studies, including evaluating the role of Qi Gong* for chemo-ind

About This Episode:  The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience IS BACK for its 2nd Season!  We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics, and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!! And we are still recording new episodes for this season, so even more fascinating interviews and solo-shows are on the way. In this new season of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast, Host Bruce Watkins interviews leading Doctors, researchers, healthcare & support professionals, and inspiring Cancer patient advocates. Bruce continues to dive deep into ideas and experiences with his guests to find great takeaways for us all. And, of course, you’ll hear vulnerable moments, meaningful commentary, and the same fun, informal, and conversational-style discussions that the OCJ Podcast is known for and our listeners have come to love.   So check out this trailer episode, enjoy the sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your apps, following the show’s Facebook page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!  EXTRA FUN FACT! Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear Bruce share just how much he enjoys doing the show!  Episode Guests: This special “Season 2 Trailer” episode includes highlights from just a few of this season's upcoming interviews. Guests featured in this episode include: Dr. Arash Asher, MD - Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Dr. Drew Moghanaki MD - Thoracic Radiation Oncology Researcher as well as Professor and Chief of Thoracic Oncology in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Mladen Golubic, MD, PhD - Professor, Medical Director, Center for Integrative Health and Wellness Professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine at the University of Cincinnati Jeffrey Wertheimer, Ph.D., ABPP-CN - Associate Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Chief of Psychology and Neuropsychology Services, Director of Clinical Training, Neuropsychology Dr. Mao Shing Ni, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, cofounder of the award-winning Tao of Wellness center and Yo San University, and best selling author Levi Waldron - Associate Professor - Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy Bin McLaurin - Cancer Patient Advocate & Program Coordinator of the Wellness, Resilience and Survivorship programs at Samuel Oshin Comprehensive Cancer Institute - Cedars-Sinai Cancer Liz Morasso, LCSW, OSW-C - Clinical Social Worker III, Department of Radiation Oncology - UCLA Health System Kathleen Ross- Allee - Certified Yoga Therapist & Director of Yoga Studies at Loyola Marymount University  Joe Bulllock - Cancer Patient Advocate. Administrator for The Howling Place Facebook group @manuptocancer.com and Program Manager for Colontown Junior with Colontown.org Angela C. Lai, L.O.M., MSTOM - Licensed Acupuncturist & Oriental Medicine Practitioner - UC Health Integrative Medicine Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, media producer, podcaster, writer & visual content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.  https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucew

This PART 2 installment of a two-episode show continues our retrospective started in Episode #012 – Season 1 Retrospective and New Insights – PART 1. Host Bruce Watkins takes a look back at just a few meaningful moments from Episodes #006 through #011 from Season One of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins.  Besides providing new reflections and some great takeaways, after playing selected clips from these episodes, Bruce also shares additional insights, some fun feedback from listeners, and off-microphone moments that occurred while recording the show. Why a retrospective show? While the majority of the OCJ audience “Follows” the program and listens to every episode … (thanks for that!), the show’s audience is continuing to grow exponentially, so this type of show gives new listeners a chance to sample these valuable past episodes. But, even long-time dedicated fans of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast can enjoy Bruce’s newly-taped reflective insights, and his sharing of some candid and personal thoughts about his experience recording the podcast. For example, at the end of the program, Bruce shares some personal insights about how the popular OCJ-show closing came about. And in a rare moment, Bruce opens-up while telling a listener’s story about its meaning to them, and the meaning of that and other listener’s comments to Bruce.   So, if you have just recently discovered the program or you have sampled just a few of the OCJ episodes, these two ‘reflection shows’ are for you! Listen to the Full Episodes mentioned in this show: #006 – Your Mindset and You – Part 1 – with Bruce Watkins [ https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/04/02/006-your-mindset-and-you-part-1-with-bruce-watkins/ ] #007 – Your Mindset and You – Part 2 – Stories – with Bruce Watkins [ https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/04/09/007-your-mindset-and-you-part-2-stories-with-bruce-watkins/ ] #008 – Ovarian Cancer, Giving Back and Australian’s AusLitTeal Awareness – Sirin Steele [ https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/05/02/008-ovarian-cancer-giving-back-and-australians-auslitteal-awareness-sirin-steele/ ] #009 – From Caregiver, to Surviving Cancer, to Patient Support Advocate Part 1 – Joe Bullock [ https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/06/08/009-from-caregiver-to-surviving-cancer-to-patient-support-advocate-part-1-joe-bullock/ ] #010 – Motivation to Action, Just Say YES & OCJ is Back!! – Bruce Watkins [ https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/09/05/010-motivation-to-action-just-say-yes-ocj-is-back-bruce-watkins/ ] #011 – Lung Cancer Advocacy – Terri Ann DiJulio & The Gift Of Our Beautiful Lives [ https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/10/04/011-lung-cancer-advocacy-terri-ann-dijulio-the-gift-of-our-beautiful-lives/ ] SEASON 2 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Season 2 of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast is COMING SOON! Stay tuned to our webpage, the OCJ Facebook Page and upcoming bonus ‘trailer’ episodes announcing the new season’s premier date!  Thanks for your support! ===== Guest(s): Host Bruce Watkins with various guest from past show clips including: Terri Ann DiJulio Joe Bullock Sirin Steele ===== About the Podcast: Check out the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ ===== Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind

About This Episode: This PART 1 installment of a two-episode series takes a look back at just a few meaningful moments from the 1st season of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast. Host Bruce Watkins provides new reflections on some great takeaways provided in OCJ’s Episodes 2 through 5 from Season One, and after playing selected clips from the shows, Bruce also shares some additional insights and off-microphone moments that occurred while recording the show. While the majority of the OCJ audience “Follows” the program and listens to every show … (thanks for that!), even dedicated listeners of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast can enjoy Bruce’s newly-taped reflective insights, and his sharing of some candid and personal thoughts about his experience recording the podcast. If you have just recently discovered the program or you have sampled just a few of the OCJ episodes, these two ‘reflection shows’ are for you! Listen to the Full Episodes mentioned in this show: #002 – Restorative Yoga and Your Cancer Treatment Recovery – Kathleen Ross-Allee #003 – Restorative Yoga Part 2 – Tips for Your First Oncology Yoga Class & Recovery – Kathleen Ross-Allee #004 – BONUS – Show Launch Update and Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website & Facebook #005 – Intro to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Part 1 – Angela Lai, L.O.M. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Season 2 of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast is COMING SOON! Stay tuned to our Official Webpage, the OCJ Facebook Page and upcoming bonus ‘trailer’ episodes announcing the new season’s premier date!  Thanks for your support! ===== Guest(s): Host Bruce Watkins with various guests from past show clips including: Kathleen Ross-Allee - Certified Yoga Therapist / Educator Angela Lai, L.O.M. ===== About the Podcast: Check out the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ ===== Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.  https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/

About This Episode:  Guest Terri Ann DiJulio discusses great insights, lung cancer patient support and advocacy for research, and shares her compelling story about how she “Lives the Hell Out of Life”, because she does not want to waste “The Gift of Her Beautiful Life.” Compelling inspiration and great takeaways abound.  ===== CLICK HERE to View Full Show Notes, and to Hear a BONUS AUDIO CLIP of Terri Ann DiJulio sharing a story about “Forget the BUT, and just say YES!” at our website.   Visit: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/category/podcast/ ===== Episode Guest(s): Terri Ann DiJulio Terri Ann DiJulio is a three-time lung cancer survivor and member of a multi-generational lung cancer family. Fueled by gratitude for her own health, Terri Ann has dedicated time to educate herself, fundraise for research and engage in legislative advocacy in hopes of having her voice help move the needle forward in the fight against lung cancer.  ===== About the Podcast: Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ Check out Our Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ ===== Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back.  https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/

The OCJ Podcast returns from a several-week break, with this personal solo episode from the Host Bruce Watkins. Bruce took a few weeks away from the podcast to take advantage of two opportunities that arose. He was honored to be asked by a group of medical professionals to guide the production of a series of cancer patient support videos. Bruce also had the opportunity to travel, something that brings great meaning to Bruce’s life.  Beyond these to valuable experiences, Bruce also learned two important lessons. One was a reinforcement about the consequential impact sharing, the reasons for our hesitations to share, and how messages from this podcast's followers and listeners helped Bruce to understand its importance, especially during profound moments in the lives of other. See Bruce’s story on the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Webpage Blog: The Reason Why We All Need To Share Our Travel Stories The other lesson, which is what Bruce discussed in this episode, is how small internal motivations and “just saying YES” can help us to avail ourselves to opportunities both big and small. Bruce shares a story and how a quiet and inexplicable motivation in him helped him to step out of his cancer bubble, and out of his home, to reconnect with nature, self-confidence and happiness. References and Resources mentioned in this Episode: See Bruce’s story on the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Webpage Blog: The Reason Why We All Need To Share Our Travel StoriesEpisode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. Learn more: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/ Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Check out Our Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ Request to Subscribe/Follow, Review and Ratings - Please help us share this information! A top aim of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast is to help share valuable information with those impacted by Cancer, their caregivers and their loved ones. Your positive ratings, show reviews (on Apple Podcasts), and especially your personal recommendations and sharing of our show with others, are the most effective ways you can help us get the important information about Survivorship out to those that need it! So please subscribe, rate, review and share the Our Cancer Journey Podcast, our website and our Facebook page with friends and in your social media.  Thanks for Listening! With Gratitude, The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Team.

In this first of a 2-Part episode, traditional Southern (U.S.) guy Joe Bullock walks us through his unexpected cancer journey where he moved through multiple roles. Our raw and authentic conversation with Joe provides us great insights on how to support caregivers, being an adult-child caregiver for a difficult aging parent, the importance of communication with your life-partner during diagnosis and treatments, how to navigate a personal cancer experience with your immediate family (especially children), and much more. This Part-1 episode sets the stage for how Joe transformed his life from “Average Guy” into a passionate advocate for men to seek out support during their cancer journey, and a dedicated supporter for pediatric Cancer patients. In Part-2 of our interview with Joe, we will discuss how he and his fellow Colon Cancer Survivor Trevor Maxwell (host of the Man Up To Cancer Podcast) came to found the Facebook Group for Men’s Support, “Man Up To Cancer - The Howling Place,” as well as Joe’s other giving back efforts.  —— Key Discussion Points and Takeaways from this Our Cancer Journey Podcast Episode: How a routine colonoscopy detected a Stage-3 Colon Cancer diagnosisThe importance of speaking immediately and candidly with family members, especially parents, about your family health historyHow “stepping up” and providing care for a loved one with Cancer, even when there have been issues with that person, can provide blessings and benefitsHow having a previous experience as a caregiver can make you a more compassionate patient toward your future caregiversThe importance of shaping individual communications about a cancer diagnosis to children of different ages, and how that communication does not end after the initial conversationHow moving into a home across the street from your parents always turns into an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, ……. Always!—— References and Resources mentioned in this Episode: Man Up To Cancer - The Howling Place Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/manuptocancer/Man Up To Cancer Podcast with Trevor Maxwell: https://manuptocancer.captivate.fm/Colontown: https://colontown.org/We Have Cancer Podcast with Lee Silverstein: https://wehavecancershow.com/ Episode Guest(s): Joe Bullock: Joe Bullock worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry while his wife was a registered nurse at a children’s hospital in their North Carolina town. In response to her variable schedule, the couple decided that Joe would become a stay at home Dad in order to provide their young children a sense of stability. When dropping off his kids at pre-school, Joe was recruited to teach pre-K classes there, a role he thrived in for 20 years. The lessons Joe learned when he became a caregiver for his Father, a man who Joe had a difficult relationship with for years, helped him to navigate his later personal Colon Cancer diagnosis. After surviving his cancer experience, Joe felt called to encourage other men to connect with others and seek support via the creation of a growing Facebook community. Joe also now is organizing support for pediatric cancer patients and their families.  Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. Learn more: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/ Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancer

Australian Cancer Survivor and lead of the AusLitTeal awareness and advocacy campaign to “Lite Australia TEAL” joins us to discuss survivorship, and moving through an unexpected Ovarian Cancer diagnosis to find meaning in lighting up her whole country Teal. Her remarkable story takes us through her personal transformation from Mother, trained engineer and someone pursuing her conventional life to being driven to raise awareness, empower patients and get more medical attention paid to the deadliest of gynecological cancers.  —— Key Discussion Points and Takeaways from this Our Cancer Journey Podcast Episode: How to spot early signs of Ovarian Cancer How the “whispers of Ovarian Cancer” are often misdiagnosedThe importance of self-advocacy and asking directly for Ovarian Cancer detection testingThe story of how humble giving-back efforts led to a Country-wide campaign to raise cancer awarenessWays of “giving back,” and how everyone can participateThe benefit of proactive doctors and direct conversations with health care practitionersHow a “quirky, eccentric and direct” doctor helped her to process the news of Cancer and become groundedThe importance of reaching out for support and engaging with support groups (when you are ready), and listening to your heart—— References and Resources mentioned in this Episode: AusLitTeal Official Website: https://auslitteal.com/AusLitTeal Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/auslittealAusLitTeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auslitteal2021/Sirin Steele Facebook Page (where she can be messaged): https://www.facebook.com/sirin.steeleSirin Steele’s campaign email address: [email protected] Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) is AusLitTeal’s charity partner, and a regular recipient of donation from AusLitTeal’s fundraising efforts: https://www.ocrf.com.au/Women of Hope NL Facebook Group - A Facebook group originally started by Susan Glynn to support Ovarian cancer patients in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, but now includes women from around the world: https://www.facebook.com/WomenofhopenlEpisode Guest(s): Sirin Steele: Sirin Steele is an Australian citizen, mother, trained engineer, and an Ovarian Cancer survivor. After recovering from her cancer treatments, she experienced a life transformation to become a leading cancer advocate in her country. Starting by giving-back in simple and small ways, Sirin was eventually contacted by Susan Glynn, a passionate Ovarian Cancer advocate from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (literally half-way around the world). Susan asked Sirin if she could help raise awareness about Ovarian Cancer by “Lighting Up Her City in Teal” (the official color of Ovarian Cancer advocacy). Hesitant at first, Sirin agreed to assist. What started as an attempt to request one building in her home town of Melbourne, Australia to light its facade Teal evolved into a now multi-year Nation-Wide awareness Campaign.  Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. Learn more: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/ Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ Check out Our Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Request to Subscribe/Fol

In this "Part 2” of a multi-episode “mini-series” of podcast shows, program host Bruce Watkins continues his introduction of Mindsets with two illustrative stories about how a Mindset can help us to create paradigms, and how we may eventually realize that these paradigms can be “terribly wrong.”   Future episodes of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Mindset Series will explore how our Mindset engages associations and expectations to dramatically shape our future beliefs, and influence our happiness and future health outcomes. Why are we exploring this topic? We are diving into the concept of Mindsets because understanding this space is critical for those facing a Cancer diagnosis and for those supporting them. Be sure to Listen to episode #006 - Part 1 of the “Your Mindset and You” mini-podcast series! Key Discussion Points and Takeaways from this Our Cancer Journey Episode: Illustrate the power of a Mindset to create ParadigmsIntroduce the concept of a Paradigm ShiftRecall times when all of us have experienced inaccurate Paradigms, and the moment we realized that our belief in these Paradigm was not correctIntroduce the concept that a Paradigm and the true “Us” are separate and differentReferences and Resources mentioned in this Episode: The Our Cancer Journey Podcast official webpage - www.ourcancerjourney.comThe video mentioned in this episode of Stephen R. Covey telling his Paradigm Shift Story (at the 6:00 minute mark) - https://youtu.be/w5XpMg53K4cSend Your Feedback and Suggestions to - https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/Listen to episode #006 - Part 1 of the “Your Mindset and You” mini-podcast series!Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cancer-journey-podcast/id1538463804?i=1000515523557Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dXdaWdhjJWVXHbx0NX1JN?si=D_b4ioOvQa-lxkdOzXJGwQGoogle Podcast -https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tLzFjYTA2YmM3LWI0MTctNGZkMS1hYTEzLWQ0YzI2ODhhYjYyNAOn the OurCancerJourney.com webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/04/02/006-your-mindset-and-you-part-1-with-bruce-watkins/Episode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. Learn more: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/ Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ Request to Subscribe/Follow, Review and Ratings - Please help us share this information!   A top aim of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast is to help share valuable information with those impacted by Cancer, their caregivers and their loved ones. Your positive ratings, show reviews, and especially your personal recommendations and sharing of our show with others, are the most effective ways you can help us get the important information about Survivorship out to those that need it! So please subscribe, rate, review and share the Our Cancer Journey Podcast, our website and our Facebook page with friends and in your social media.  Thanks for Listening! With Gratitude, The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Team.

In this "Part 1” of a multi-episode “mini-series” of podcast shows, program host Bruce Watkins walks us through a very simple introduction to the concept of a “Mindset,” the powerful device we use to orient ourselves to the world. Bruce discusses how the framework of a frame of Mindset is different and separate from … the actual YOU. This point is critically important for people wishing to overcome barriers to their own self-empowerment.  Everyday examples are use to introduce how the Mindset’s power can help or hinder our life experience.  Future episodes on Mindset will explore paradigm shifts, how Mindset recruits other resources to help us process and make sense of information, and how associations and expectations dramatically shape our future beliefs, our happiness, and our future health outcomes. Understanding this space is even more critical for those facing a Cancer diagnosis. Key Discussion Points and Takeaways from this Our Cancer Journey Episode: Introduce the concept that the Mindset is separate from the individualBreakdown a working definition of a MindsetDiscussion of the Mindset as a tool that helps us to make sense of the worldDefine and compare basic examples of “associations” and “expectations”References and Resources mentioned in this Episode: Alia Crum, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor - Stanford University - https://profiles.stanford.edu/alia-crumChange your mindset, change the game | Dr. Alia Crum | TEDxTraverseCity - https://youtu.be/0tqq66zwa7g - At the 3:30 Mark Professor Crum Ph.D. defines MindsetEpisode Host: Bruce Watkins A Father, Cancer survivor, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.  After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. Learn more: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/ https://www.brucewatkins.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/ Follow Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/ Check out Our Official Webpage: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Request to Subscribe/Follow, Review and Ratings - Please help us share this information! A top aim of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast is to help share valuable information with those impacted by Cancer, their caregivers and their loved ones. Your positive ratings, show reviews (on Apple Podcasts), and especially your personal recommendations and sharing of our show with others, are the most effective ways you can help us get the important information about Survivorship out to those that need it! So please subscribe, rate, review and share the Our Cancer Journey Podcast, our website and our Facebook page with friends and in your social media.  Thanks for Listening! With Gratitude, The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Team.