When you're diagnosed with cancer, everything changes — except your kids still need dinner, stories, clean clothes and someone to kiss them goodnight. In this episode, Faith shares how she and her husband navigated her stage 4 cancer diagnosis while raising two young daughters. With support from her care team and community, they worked to keep routines steady, emotions honest, and hope alive.

Joined by WashU Medicine gynecologic oncologist Andrea Hagemann, MD, and WashU Medicine clinical psychologist Amaris Tippey, PhD, we explore the emotional toll of parenting through illness, the power of honest conversations with kids, and how love, support and boundaries can carry a family through the unimaginable. This is an episode about resilience, community and the kind of strength that grows in the hardest places.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:

https://siteman.wustl.edu/patients/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/social-work-services/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/support-groups-at-siteman/

At 31, Colin was healthy and active — until a sudden cough and trouble breathing led to a diagnosis that would change everything: a rare form of cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Having faced a grueling regimen of cancer treatment, Colin opens up about the harsh realities of side effects. Brain fog, nausea, weakness, smell sensitivity —side effects impacted every aspect of life. WashU Medicine medical oncologist Armin Ghobadi, MD, who has personally invested in researching and developing new treatments for blood cancers, joins the conversation. He offers expert insight into the challenges of intensive cancer treatments and how patients need to speak up about their symptoms so their team can navigate it with them. Together, they aim to bring hope, reassurance and practical advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed or worn down on their own path through cancer treatment.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:

https://siteman.wustl.edu/patients/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/treatments/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/stem-cell-transplant-and-cellular-therapies-center/

Episode 18: Mind over Cancer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upUUDxVcRfs&list=PLAvCzAIAfHmEnRXa3ov9K1gdC8_tLJrRE&index=32

Bonus Episode: Differentiating Leukemia and Lymphoma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KV5dkOGo1s&list=PLAvCzAIAfHmEnRXa3ov9K1gdC8_tLJrRE&index=47

Humor, silence, avoidance and isolation — each is a common response to a cancer diagnosis. But these traits, particularly common in men, can harm their mental health as they fight the disease. This episode thoughtfully explores the experiences of co-host Patrick, two-time cancer survivor Mellve and other men who have shared their stories on our podcast. Wash U Medicine clinical psychologist David Morris, PhD, highlights starting points to identify emotions and self-regulate, as well as other beneficial mental health practices. Together we confront the cultural norms that urge men to bottle things up and discuss how opening up becomes a strength.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/patients/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/ydr/