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The Cancer Sucks Podcast

The Cancer Sucks Podcast

By: Adrienne Finch and Jay Williams
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Cancer SUCKS, but this show doesn't! And your life doesn't have to either. Welcome to the Cancer Sucks Podcast. I'm your host Jay Williams, and I’m currently fighting pancreatic cancer and talking about ALL of it — the good, the bad, the confusing, and the occasionally ridiculous. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or just curious about that big scary “C” word, this isn’t a downer—it's an empowering pep talk with a dash of humor. Get inspired, get informed, and remember—cancer sucks, but you don’t have to.Adrienne Finch and Jay Williams Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Reframing the Fight | Lessons in Staying Positive with Pancreatic Cancer
    Mar 16 2026

    "It’s not about what happens to you; it’s about how you see it."

    In our first weekly update of Jay’s pancreatic cancer journey, we’re stepping away from the clinical reports and medical jargon to talk about something much more powerful: The Mindset. How do you stay genuinely positive when facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis? Today, Jay pulls back the curtain on the mental "tricks" and daily habits he’s using to navigate the hardest days. From the power of positivity to his specific process for reframing intrusive thoughts, Jay shares the perspective shifts that have become his most important tools in this fight.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    • The Reframing Technique: How Jay catches negative thoughts before they take root.

    • Practical Gratitude: Why finding the "small wins" is a non-negotiable part of his day.

    • Mindset vs. Reality: Honest talk about staying hopeful without ignoring the weight of the situation.

    • Weekly Update: A brief look at where things stand as we kick off this series.

    Whether you’re walking a similar path, supporting a loved one, or just looking for a masterclass in resilience, Jay’s outlook is a reminder that we always have a choice in how we show up.

    Subscribe to follow Jay’s journey every week.


    00:00 Welcome to our first Weekly Update!

    05:30 Navigating Appetite Changes

    07:29 Balancing Working While Sick

    10:03 The Emotional Toll of Illness

    12:23 The Only Way Out is Through

    14:40 Lessons Learned the Hard Way

    17:10 The Power of Perspective

    20:29 You Never Know What Someone's Going Through

    24:30 The "Lucky" Part About My Diagnosis

    26:58 Navigating Things You Can't Control

    30:19 The Butterfly Effect

    32:21 How To ACTUALLY Stay Positive

    34:57 Neuroplasticity and the Science of Belief

    36:48 The Brain Likes to Think The Worst

    38:59 Setting Realistic Goals for Success

    39:25 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

    40:29 Behind the Scenes of This Podcast

    42:16 Adrienne's Updates!


    For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST

    Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments!

    Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer

    Watch the show on YOUTUBE

    Find ALL our links in one place, here!

    Follow Adrienne

    Follow Parker


    For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

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    46 mins
  • How did we get here? - The Back Story (Part 2)
    Mar 9 2026

    Welcome back to the Cancer Sucks Podcast! Today we dive into Part 2 of Jay's cancer journey – from surgically re-wiring his digestive system, to fighting off neuropathy, and coming face-to-face with the harsh reality that cancer is a relentless game of inches. You’ll discover:

    • The surprising truth about chemotherapy and why it’s still the best shot we’ve got—even if it feels like a nuclear bomb.
    • The insane complexities of the Whipple surgery—and why some of those historical “-medieval” procedures still echo today.
    • Why becoming your own healthcare advocate isn’t just smart, it’s lifesaving—plus, tips on how to vibe with your doctor.
    • Cutting-edge treatments like MRI-guided radiation that make traditional chemo look prehistoric, and how they’re giving hope to those with “inoperable” tumors.
    • The wild rollercoaster of tumor markers, blood transfusions, and falling three times from dizziness—because cancer doesn’t just attack your body, it tests your mental stamina.

    Jay Williams, a cancer survivor, entertainment legend, and now, fighter-in-chief, shares his raw, unfiltered journey through the darkest chapters—and the incredible spirit that kept him going. If survival stories with a dose of wit and wisdom are your thing, you’re in the right place. Buckle up—hope is on the way.


    Why does this episode matter? Jay’s story highlights the importance of relentless vigilance—and that sometimes, even when the doctors say “wait,” your body might scream “fight back!” This is essential listening for cancer warriors, medical skeptics, or anyone who just wants a little hope served with a side of humor and honesty. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own health battle or just curious about what it really means to stare down the beast—this episode is your wake-up call—and maybe even a bit of comic relief.


    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM! @cancersuckspodcast

    All our links! - linktr.ee/cancersuckspodcast


    00:00 - Part 2 of Jay’s Cancer Journey

    6:15 - The Whipple Procedure

    19:23 - Facing New Challenges: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

    23:12 - Cancer Trivia

    26:40 - There’s Good News and Bad News

    29:05 - Tumors and Arteries

    32:39 - The Tumor Has Returned

    34:38 - A New Kind of Radiation

    38:13 - You’re Always in The Fight

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    44 mins
  • How did we get here? - The Back Story (PART 1)
    Mar 8 2026

    Most cancer stories are about fear, despair, and bad news — but what if your diagnosis could inspire strength, humor, and a little “WTF” attitude? Meet your host, Jay — a pancreatic cancer warrior who decided to turn his battle into a badge of honor and a beacon for others. In this eye-opening, gut-punching, and surprisingly funny episode, he shares the wild journey from shocking diagnosis to life-saving surgery — complete with DIY chemo, nuclear-style radiation, and a whole lot of “wait, WHAT?!” moments.


    You’ll discover how Jay uncovers his cancer almost by accident, navigates the complex maze of treatments (including the infamous Whipple procedure), and learns the importance of advocacy, humor, and community in the face of life’s biggest curveballs. We go deep into the crazy month-by-month rollercoaster — from avoiding a silent tumor to reunion with the belly button, and now, battling a sneaky prostate cancer that’s lurking in the shadows. Bonus: Jay’s real talk on trusting your doctors, listening to your body, and turning the “end of the road” into just another stage of the fight.


    This episode isn’t sugar-coated, but it is hope-coated. Because if Jay can survive all this and crack a joke or two, so can you — whether you’re fighting cancer, supporting someone who is, or just love a good story of resilience with a side of sarcasm. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered if life can be both tough AND funny, or for those who need a little kick to go keep fighting.

    Oh, and spoiler alert: Cancer sucks. But you, my friend, don’t have to.


    Jay Williams is a stage 4 pancreatic cancer survivor, health advocate, and badass who’s here to spill his guts (literally) and help the rest of us face our fears with a smile.


    Follow us on INSTAGRAM! @cancersuckspodcast

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    40 mins
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