Advertise on podcast: Cancer, Smiles, and Sarcasm

Lonnie shares his nine-year journey after a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer that spread to his bones and lymphatic system. He recounts initial misdiagnoses, discovering BRCA and CHD mutations through genomic testing, and joining a clinical trial that extended his life. The episode covers treatments (androgen deprivation therapy and a clinical-trial medication), heavy side effects like fatigue, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction, and the mental-health toll of living with incurable cancer. Lonnie emphasizes therapy, self-advocacy, and the importance of earlier PSA screening to catch prostate cancer before it advances.

In this episode Jess, a 33-year-old military mom, shares her battle with a rare myoepithelial carcinoma that began in her salivary gland. After months of misdiagnoses she faced spinal compression, liver metastases and multiple treatments — radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, a major liver resection and removal of a neck tumor. She relocated for care, joined clinical trials, and now has most tumors inactive with two tiny lung lesions under surveillance while off systemic treatment. Jess stresses the importance of self-advocacy, seeking specialist centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering or MD Anderson, and pursuing second opinions—especially when care through military providers feels dismissive. Her story highlights resilience, difficult choices, and choosing to live fully with her children despite uncertainty.

A conversation starter and sexual health guide... How does menopause impact sex? The relationship this all has to cancer. Tips and tricks to bring sex and intimacy back into the relationship. This episode explains how menopause and cancer treatments affect sexual health, defining menopause and outlining why estrogen loss changes desire, lubrication, and comfort. The host discusses connections between estrogen-driven cancers and lasting menopausal side effects. She gives practical advice—moisturizers, lubricants, dilators, Kegels, devices, position changes, and communication strategies—to help partners rebuild intimacy and adapt to a new normal.

Christina shares her journey from an initial colon cancer diagnosis to metastases in her liver and lungs, detailing surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and the long road to no evidence of disease (NED). She speaks openly about how faith transformed her life, the challenges of treatment and recovery, and the habits and mindset that helped her keep fighting and find hope.

In this episode Nichole, a stage four breast cancer patient, shares her de novo diagnosis after cancer was found in her lymph nodes. She discusses the ATM gene mutation and the long journey through biopsies, poop issues, and multiple therapies. She describes the infusion routine and the side effects she manages like hair loss, severe nausea, and constipation. The conversation blends blunt honesty and dark humor as Nichole and the host talk about the mental toll of living in cancer limbo, ER experiences, and how gratitude for small moments and stubborn resilience help them keep living despite the disease.

Jessie shares her journey from years of vague symptoms and misdiagnoses to a stage 3B ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2024. After initial chemo, debulking surgery at MD Anderson, and a recurrence in 2025, she completed further treatment and is currently cancer-free. This episode highlights how hard ovarian cancer can be to detect, the importance of advocates and second opinions, and practical advice: know your baseline, ask for ultrasounds or CA-125 tests, and push for care if something feels wrong.

She tripped over her dog, got a shoulder CT, and oh look — an early-stage lung cancer. So yes, apparently pets now double as medical screening devices. After a minimally invasive VATS procedure removed the tiny tumor, she chose surveillance over chemo, lives near refineries (because why not), and now gets frequent low-dose CTs while dealing with scanxiety and broken ribs — all the joys of modern medicine.

Host Tammy (Ragdoll Warrior) shares difficult personal news and welcomes Jeannie, who recounts a nearly 20-year cancer journey: early triple-negative breast cancer at 32, later ovarian cancer, discovery of BRCA1 gene mutation, multiple surgeries including hysterectomy and double mastectomy, chemo, an ileostomy, and a recent recurrence. They discuss the emotional toll of scans and PTSD, losing a job, and practical advice for supporting people with cancer—showing up, giving grace, and finding purpose while living with uncertainty. Jeannie talks about her nonprofit, Caregivers Honors Foundation, and the upcoming 5K fundraiser on  October 3, 2026. Visit her blog to become a virtual runner!

Amy shares her experience after testing BRCA1-positive, explaining why she pursued genetic testing and how the diagnosis affected her choices. She describes preventive surgeries—including removal of ovaries/fallopian tubes, completion hysterectomy, and a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction—her recovery, lymphatic therapy, and changes to daily life and body image. The episode also covers family testing (her daughter tested positive), emotional challenges, practical advice for patients, and the importance of advocating for yourself and supporting loved ones through decisions about genetic risk and prevention.

Valerie David, the award-winning "Pink Hulk," tells her story of turning cancer into comedy and advocacy after four diagnoses—non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple bouts of breast cancer including metastatic disease, and a rare collision tumor treated with surgery and radiation. This episode highlights her resilience, treatment choices, and the healing power of performance: a decade of the Pink Hulk show, global tours, patient advocacy, and candid, humorous talkbacks that give hope to survivors. Cancer, smiles, and sarcasm: Be sure to follow me and leave comments if you like this show, or any other show, or if you want to hear about something else. If you want to be on the show, message me on Facebook at the Ragdoll Warrior!

In this episode, oncology nurse Kylie shares her journey into cancer care, explains her role as an LPN in patient education and coordination, and offers practical advice — from organizing a cancer binder and bringing an advocate to the clinic, to managing misinformation and the risks of unproven remedies. She discusses appointment expectations, drug interactions, emotional challenges, and the importance of asking questions and advocating for oneself. We also touch on the natural treatments to cancer, including Ivermectin.

Vanessa, a stage 4 breast cancer patient for ten years, recounts her journey from early diagnosis through multiple treatments, metastasis to her liver and skull, and the daily realities of living with long-term cancer — ports, side effects, diabetes management, and the emotional toll. She discusses advocacy, building a support tribe, hosting the movie-review podcast "The Plot Sickens," and offers blunt, hopeful advice to new patients: find your community, fill your love cup, and make the most of every day — because she’s “not dead yet.”

Tammy gives a blunt yet funny account of living with stage four cancer: the mental drama of living out her final years, daily chemo side effects, pain, and the mental toll of losing her old life and finding a new path in life. She talks about the hard choices—foster parenting, finances, bucket-list dreams, careers—and invites listeners in to share, relate, and talk through the realities of serious illness.

In this episode Tammy and licensed broker Christopher Tallant explain life insurance basics—term vs whole life, final expense policies, guaranteed-issue options for those with serious illness, waiting periods, medical checks, and typical costs. They share practical examples, discuss who can buy policies for whom, and emphasize why life insurance matters to avoid burdening loved ones with funeral bills and family conflict.

In this episode of Cancer, Smiles, and Sarcasm, hosts Tammy, Sunshine, and Matt have an open, heartfelt conversation about the difference between religion and personal faith and how those beliefs shape responses to cancer and might impact patients and nonnonpatients alike. They candidly discuss prayer, God’s sovereignty versus free will, personal stories of illness and loss, and how faith can bring both comfort and difficult questions—inviting listeners to reflect and join the conversation.