Bladder Cancer Matters
79 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratingsBladder Cancer Matters is the podcast for, by and about the bladder cancer community. Host Rick Bangs interviews interesting guests from the bladder cancer community, including patients, survivors, advocates, medical professionals, researchers, caregivers and more. It is brought to you by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.
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Episodes
Pioneering Progress in BCG Treatments: An Interview with Dr. Donald Lamm
April 02, 2024 15:03 - 34 minutes - 24.8 MBJoin us for an enlightening episode of Bladder Cancer Matters with Dr. Donald Lamm, a trailblazer in bladder cancer treatment and the driving force behind the groundbreaking Lamm Protocol. Discover the journey of BCG immunotherapy from its inception in the 1970s to becoming a the gold standard in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer care. Delve into Dr. Lamm's insights on the nuances of BCG therapy, including dosing, strain differences, and the critical challenges of supply shortages. With a c...
The Advantages of Shared Decisionmaking in Bladder Cancer Treatment with Dr. Aditya Bagrodia
March 19, 2024 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBJoin Dr. Aditya Bagrodia, a urologic oncologist, on Episode 67 of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast as he unveils the power of shared decision making in bladder cancer care. Learn why involving patients and caregivers in treatment choices, rooted in their values and informed by expert insight, is crucial across all stages of bladder cancer. Discover the goals of care from non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to advanced stages, and empower yourself to advocate for your health. Dive deep int...
Unbreakable Spirit: Conquering Bladder Cancer with Dean Karrel
March 13, 2024 14:28 - 34 minutes - 28 MBDive into Dean Karrel's powerful journey as a bladder cancer survivor, from his initial diagnosis to life after a radical cystectomy, in Episode 66 of Bladder Cancer Matters. Dean shares the symptoms that led to his life-changing diagnosis, the resilience he maintained through treatments that failed him like BCG and Gemcitabine, and his decision for life-saving surgery. His story is a unfiltered look at the challenges post-surgery, the crucial role of support from nurses and care teams, and ...
Where Should I Be Treated? Large Academic Institutions or Community Hospitals?
March 05, 2024 19:28 - 39 minutes - 31.2 MBIn this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs chats with Dr. Elizabeth Guancial, a medical oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists in Sarasota, Florida. They discuss the differences between receiving bladder cancer care in academic medical centers and community hospitals. Dr. Guancial is an expert because she has practiced in both types of institutions. Dr. Guancial shares that in academic medical centers, the focus is on teaching, research, and patient care, while communit...
A Behind the Scenes Look: BCAN Interview Host Rick Bangs
February 23, 2024 14:46 - 53 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this riveting episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, Mark Story sits down with Rick Bangs, the podcast's host and a muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivor. Dive deep into Rick's personal battle with bladder cancer and uncover the critical role of patient advocacy in shaping research. You'll also discover the behind-the-scenes magic of podcast production and get a glimpse into the future of bladder cancer diagnosis and treatments. Rick passionately advocates for the advancement o...
Part 3: A Conversation with Bill, a Bladder Cancer Patient, and the Doctor Who Treated Him
February 13, 2024 19:49 - 28 minutes - 24.8 MBIn Part 3 of this Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs continues his conversation with Bill Robertson, a bladder cancer survivor, and Dr. Vikram Narayan, an assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Emory University School of Medicine. They discuss the challenges and adjustments that come with having an ileal conduit, a common diversion procedure for bladder cancer patients. Dr. Narayan emphasizes the importance of understanding the recovery process and finding the rig...
Part 2: A Conversation with Bill, a Bladder Cancer Patient, and the Doctor Who Treated Him
February 13, 2024 19:27 - 22 minutes - 19.8 MBIn Part 2 of 3 in this Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs continues his conversation with Bill Robertson, a bladder cancer survivor, and Dr. Vikram Narayan, an assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Emory University School of Medicine. They discuss the difficult decision of undergoing a radical cystectomy, the potential benefits of bladder removal, and the importance of understanding a patient's values and preferences when discussing treatment options. They a...
A Conversation with Bill, a Bladder Cancer Patient, and the Doctor Who Treated Him
February 13, 2024 19:15 - 24 minutes - 21.6 MBIn Part 1 of a three part "Bladder Cancer Matters" podcast, join host Rick Bangs as he engages in an enlightening conversation with bladder cancer survivor, Bill Robertson, and Dr. Vikram Narayan of Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Narayan is Bill’s urologist and helped him navigate the challenges of a bladder cancer diagnosis and resulting bladder removal. Dr. Narayan sheds light on the critical role of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team in delivering exceptional care to bla...
What is a Rare Bladder Cancer Tumor?
January 29, 2024 15:58 - 29 minutes - 66.7 MBIn this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Philippe Spiess, a Genitourinary Oncologist and Assistant Chief of Surgical Services at the Moffitt Cancer Center as they discuss rare cancers. Dr. Spiess explains that rare cancers are defined as those with an incidence of 40,000 cases or less per year in the United States. However, he notes that the definition of rare cancers should also take into account factors such as expertise, patient advocacy, resources, supp...
Using Immunotherapy to Treat Bladder Cancer
January 16, 2024 18:28 - 25 minutes - 57.7 MBIn Episode 61 of Bladder Cancer Matters, Dr. Brendan Guercio, a medical oncologist and assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, discusses the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer. He explains that immunotherapy works by training the immune system to identify and fight cancer cells, unlike chemotherapy which directly kills cancer cells. Dr. Guercio focuses on immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy that blocks proteins used by ca...
What is Metastatic Bladder Cancer? with Dr. Arlene Siefker-Radtke
December 12, 2023 16:37 - 35 minutes - 81.2 MBIn this episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs interviews Dr. Arlene Siefker-Radtke, a medical oncologist and professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They discuss metastatic bladder cancer and the importance of defining choosing the right targets and combinations for treatment. Dr. Siefker-Radtke explains that metastatic cancer is the highest stage of cancer and typically refers to cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. She dis...
Alan: My Life as a Bladder Cancer Survivor
November 14, 2023 19:23 - 37 minutes - 85.8 MBIn Episode 59 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Alan Lifton, a survivor of muscle invasive bladder cancer. Alan shares his journey and experiences and discusses his diagnosis, treatment, and choice of urinary diversion (ileal conduit). He also highlights the importance of support from organizations like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and its Survivor to Survivor program, which connects newly diagnosed bladder cancer survivors with survivors with similar diag...
What Does It Mean to be a Bladder Cancer Survivor?
November 01, 2023 16:32 - 31 minutes - 72.8 MBIn this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs interviews Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN of the University of North Carolina. Mary is a nurse practitioner and co-chair of the BCAN Survivorship Task Force. They discuss the definition of a cancer survivor, the concept of survivorship, and the unique aspects of bladder cancer survivorship. They also talk about the work of the BCAN Survivorship Task Force, including the development of survivorship care plans, the creation of a surv...
Everything You Need to Know About Bladder Preservation with Dr. Leslie Ballas
October 20, 2023 18:13 - 31 minutes - 72.2 MBIn Episode 57 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Leslie Ballas of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center about a topic on the minds of many patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer: keeping their bladders. Even when the cancer has penetrated the bladder wall, can bladders still be saved? Then answer (for some) is “yes,” and Rick and Dr. Ballas discuss: What bladder preservation is Different types of preservation like tri-modality therapy The role that radiation plays...
Which Type of Chemo Is Best When Facing a Radical Cystectomy? with Dr. Matthew Galsky
October 06, 2023 18:03 - 22 minutes - 52 MBIn Episode 56 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Matthew Galsky, a medical oncologist who specializes in treating bladder cancer patients, about advancing new treatments for bladder cancer through clinical development and investigating the gap between the efficacy and real-world effectiveness of existing chemotherapies. Among other topics, they discuss: The VESPER trial and its purpose related to bladder cancer Background on two chemotherapies, MVAC and GemCis, for...
Bladder Cancer Was Not Cathy's First Cancer Diagnosis
September 06, 2023 16:06 - 33 minutes - 75.6 MBIn Episode 55 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Cathy Murphy about how she overcame multiple cancer diagnoses and faced them head-on. Their conversation will draw you in with its emotional depth and compelling insights. Among other topics, they discuss: Her journey with two forms of breast cancer prior to her bladder cancer diagnosis Coping mechanisms she implemented during treatment Receiving the news of diagnosis during the height of COVID The difficulties in de...
Raw, Real, and Relevant: A Conversation with Shannon Murphy
August 22, 2023 17:39 - 45 minutes - 103 MBIn Episode 54 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Shannon Murphy about her bladder cancer diagnosis at age 35. Their discussion is real, raw, and riveting. Among other topics, they discuss: Her experiences with a cystoscopy, TURBT, and BCG The difficulties in determining when and whom to inform about her diagnosis Her advice for managers and colleagues on how to navigate a direct report's cancer diagnosis Overcoming a bladder cancer diagnosis as a young woman Intim...
How Avelumab Can Help Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Bladder Cancer With Dr. Tom Powles
August 15, 2023 17:19 - 40 minutes - 92 MBIn Episode 53 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Tom Powles about an interesting clinical trial he and others conducted studying the effectiveness of a drug to treat metastatic bladder cancer. Among other topics, they discuss: The JAVELIN 100 trial that successfully studied the effectiveness of avelumab after chemotherapy in bladder cancer patients who have locally advanced metastatic disease What avelumab is and how it is used The questions that Dr. Powles hoped...
Does Removing More Lymph Nodes During a Radical Cystectomy Lead to Better Outcomes?
August 02, 2023 16:22 - 27 minutes - 62.8 MBHistorically, many patients who have a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) also have an extended lymph node dissection, which means taking out several lymph nodes during the surgery. A new study led by Dr. Seth Lerner of Baylor College of Medicine (and also a BCAN Board Member) suggests that taking out a large number of lymph nodes does not improve both disease-free survival and overall survival. Rick and Dr. Lerner discuss: What lymph nodes and why are they important in bladder cancer ...
What You Need to Know About Sexuality and Bladder Cancer Treatments
July 11, 2023 14:20 - 42 minutes - 98 MB*** This episode contains explicit language and candid conversations about bladder cancer and sexuality. We believe it's essential to have open, honest conversations about these matters, to provide support and guidance to those who may be facing similar experiences. Bladder cancer can bring about significant changes and challenges in the realm of intimacy and sexuality, and we want to address these topics head on. Our guest, Dr. Daniela Wittmann shares her advice and insights in an u...
Facing Bladder Cancer During Chemo Drug Shortages
July 06, 2023 14:38 - 21 minutes - 50.3 MBIn an important and timely podcast, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Goya Iyer, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he is section head for urothelial cancer. They discuss the disturbing shortage of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs for bladder cancer patients, most commonly cisplatin and carboplatin. They cover: - Why these drugs are in short supply - Short and long-term solutions for the shortages - When the shortages began - How they impact patients w...
Bladder Cancer and Aging: Navigating Challenges and Prioritizing Care
June 27, 2023 18:10 - 42 minutes - 96.5 MBIn Episode 49, host Rick Bangs's special guest is Dr. Sarah Psutka. Dr. Psutka is a urologic oncologist specializing in bladder and other genital urinary cancers at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. She's also associate professor of urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Among other topics, Rick and Dr. Psutka talk about: Bladder cancer can affect individuals of various ages, not just older adults. The concept of physiologic age is important in assessing individua...
Is Bladder Preservation Right For You with Dr. Jason Efstathiou
June 20, 2023 15:55 - 30 minutes - 70.4 MBIn Episode 48 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Jason Efstathiou about a topic that's frequently on the minds of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer: Can they keep their bladders? They discuss: What bladder preservation is The different types of approaches to bladder preservation How many surgeons in the U.S. have taken a conservative approach compared to other countries like the U.K. How it involves many different medical professionals A recent st...
I Am a Triathlete and a Bladder Cancer Patient, Part 2
June 07, 2023 18:18 - 28 minutes - 65.2 MBIn Episode 47 Part 2 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs continues his conversation with Damon Thomas, a triathlete and a bladder cancer survivor. You can also read Damon's story in BCAN's patient stories section. In Part 2, Rick and Damon talk about: How he made the decision to tell others about his bladder cancer How Damon put together his medical team The degree to which his treatments impacted his triathlon training How Damon navigated the mental challenges of the di...
I Am a Triathlete and a Bladder Cancer Patient, Part 1
June 07, 2023 16:21 - 23 minutes - 53.1 MBIn Episode 47 Part 1 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Damon Thomas, a triathlete and a bladder cancer survivor. You can also read Damon's story in BCAN's patient stories section. Rick and Damon talk about: Damon's delayed diagnosis His experience with his first cystoscopy, which Damon described as "barbaric" As a non-smoker, African-American and triathlete, how Damon did not fit the profile of a traditional bladder cancer patient Never miss an episode of Bladd...
What Do I Do If BCG Treatments Don't Work with Dr. Michael O'Donnell
May 24, 2023 14:29 - 44 minutes - 101 MBIn Episode 45 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Michael O'Donnell, Director of Urologic Oncology at the University of Iowa. He is the author of over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Urology and CURE. Dr. O'Donnell leads several national clinical trials using immune therapy to treat bladder cancer. Rick and and Dr. O'Donnell talk about: Why BCG is the gold standard when treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer H...
I Got Bladder Cancer at 22 Years of Age with Kristen S.
May 15, 2023 14:31 - 27 minutes - 63.6 MBIn Episode 45 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with a very special guest, Kristen. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer at 22 years of age (the average age at diagnosis is 73). She had to fight for a correct diagnosis, including when one of her doctors told her that she was just “getting fat.” Kristen S. Rick and and Kristen chat about her journey and how she struggled to get her doctors to take her seriously. They talk about: Her symptoms and how she bounced around b...
What Are Bladder Cancer Guidelines and Why Do They Matter to Patients?
April 24, 2023 21:11 - 32 minutes - 73.6 MBIn Episode 44 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Thomas Flaig, MD, a genitourinary cancer medical oncologist and vice chancellor for research for the University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical Campuses. In addition to his clinical and administrative work, Dr. Flaig has significant clinical and translational research experience, having led both local and national multi-center clinical trials. Known nationally for his work on bladder cancer, Dr. Flaig has been a mem...
Bladder Cancer Was Sue's Third Type of Cancer
February 28, 2023 18:24 - 39 minutes - 91.4 MBIn Episode 43 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with bladder cancer survivor, Sue. Sue's story is both meaningful and inspirational - bladder cancer was her third different cancer diagnosis. Rick and Sue talk about: The signs and symptoms that Sue experienced with her prior diagnoses for thyroid and breast cancer What drove her to see her doctor when she began experiencing blood in her urine How her bladder cancer treatment experience was different than her prior two ...
How Walking Helps to End Bladder Cancer, with Rebecca Yannopoulos
February 14, 2023 05:01 - 12 minutes - 28.9 MBIn Episode 42 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks Rebecca Yannopoulos, BCAN's Senior Development Manager and the person who has made Walks to End Bladder Cancer happen since 2017. Rick and Rebecca chat about: Her work supporting BCAN's dedicated Walk volunteers and fundraisers How the Walks to End Bladder Cancer got started When people should start planning to do a Walk How people can participate in a 2023 Walk What you can do if there is not an in-person Walk near...
Canadian Perspectives on Bladder Cancer with Michelle Colero and Cassandra Schooley
February 01, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 61.2 MBIn Episode 41 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Michelle Colero and Cassandra Schooley, both of Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC). Michelle is the organization's Executive Director and Cassandra is its Communications Specialist. Rick, Michelle and Cassandra talk about: The history of collaboration between BCAN and Bladder Cancer Canada How Canada has greatly improved their supply of BCG The inquiries that BCC has fielded from Americans traveling to, seeking medical care...
BCAN's Role in Bladder Cancer Research
January 24, 2023 16:36 - 32 minutes - 74.1 MBIn Episode 40 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Rebecca Johnson, the Director of Research at the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. Rebecca is responsible for the day-to-day operational oversight and management of all research grant activities. She also manages BCAN grants from pre-award through award close-out while working closely with BCAN’s senior management team and Board of Directors to successfully achieve desired research outcomes. Rick and Rebecca talk about: Wh...
What is Bladder Cancer Pathology?
January 19, 2023 16:32 - 21 minutes - 48.7 MBIn Episode 39 of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Matthew Mossanen about what pathology is and why it matters to bladder cancer patients. Dr. Mossanen is a urologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, holds a Master's Degree in Public Health and is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Matthew Mossanen Rick and Dr. Mossanen talk about: What pathology means to both doctors and patients for staging and grading bladder cancer tumors How ...
What a Robotic Cystectomy is with Dr. Dipen Parekh
January 03, 2023 17:46 - 37 minutes - 84.8 MBIn Episode 38 of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Dipen Parekh about robotic cystectomies. Dr. Parekh is the Chief Operating Officer at the University of Miami Health System, Chairman of Urology, and the Dr. Victor Politano Endowed Chair in Clinical Urology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. He also serves as the Director of Robotic Surgery at the University of Miami Health System. Rick and Dr. Parekh talk about what a robotic cystectomy is ...
What to Know About BCG Treatments for Bladder Cancer with Dr. Ashish Kamat
December 01, 2022 17:25 - 28 minutes - 64.6 MBIn Episode 37 of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs talks with two-time return guest Dr. Ashish Kamat. Dr. Kamat is a professor of urology and director of bladder cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He's also a member of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network's Scientific Advisory Board. Rick and Dr. Kamat talk about what is on the mind of many bladder cancer patients: what to expect before, during and after BCG treatments for non muscle-invasive bladder can...
A Vietnam Veterans Who Faced Bladder Cancer with Jim Scott
November 11, 2022 05:01 - 32 minutes - 75.1 MBIn Episode 36 of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs talks with BCAN patient advocate and bladder cancer survivor, James "Jim" Scott. Jim was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2015 and is an active BCAN patient advocate, on the Patient Advisory Panel of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), and a consumer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, among other roles. Rick and Jim talk about: Jim's exposure to Agent Orange while serving in th...
Palliative Care and Bladder Cancer Patients with Dr. Lee Hugar
October 18, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 59.5 MBIn Episode 35 of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Lee Hugar of Lexington Urology at Lexington Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Hugar is recognized nationally as an advocate for incorporating palliative care into urologic care, maximizing both cancer control and quality of life for patients with any stage of urologic cancer. Read this episode’s transcript Rick and Dr. Hugar discuss: What palliative care is and when a bladder cancer patient might nee...
Bladder Cancer and Ostomies with Wound and Ostomy Nurse Cindy Myers
September 29, 2022 17:29 - 42 minutes - 97 MBIn Episode 34 of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs talks with Cindy Myers, RN BSN CWON. Cindy is a Certified Wound and Ostomy Nurse Specialist who has worked extensively with bladder cancer patients who undergone radical cystectomies. Rick and Cindy discuss: What an ostomy is and the types of ostomies that are used by patients, especially bladder cancer patients The role that ostomy nurses play as patients choose their urinary diversion and prepare for surgery The most common ...
Veterans Benefits for Bladder Cancer Patients
September 27, 2022 04:01 - 10 minutes - 24.2 MBThis this podcast, "Bladder Cancer Matters" host Rick Bangs talks with Ms. Jackie Imboden. Jackie is a special advisor for military exposures for the Veterans Benefits Administration or VBA, which provides disability compensation benefits to millions of veterans and their survivors. In her current role, she serves as a key advisor on military environmental exposures for disability compensation claims. Jackie and Rick discuss: How to apply for VA benefits What disability compensation i...
Part II of How to Choose a Urinary Diversion with Dr. Robert Svatek
September 20, 2022 04:30 - 21 minutes - 49.6 MBIn Episode 32, Part 2 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Robert Svatek. Dr. Svatek is one of the top five highest-volume bladder cancer surgeons in the United States, performing over 60 bladder removal procedures (cystectomies) yearly. Choosing a urinary diversion is among the most difficult decisions patients must make and Dr. Svatek provides valuable information about how to make an informed decision. Rick and Dr. Svatek talk about: Common questions from pati...
How to Choose a Urinary Diversion with Dr. Robert Svatek
September 13, 2022 17:55 - 34 minutes - 79.5 MBIn Episode 32, Part 1 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Robert Svatek. Dr. Svatek is one of the top five highest-volume bladder cancer surgeons in the United States, performing over 60 bladder removal procedures (cystectomies) yearly. Choosing a urinary diversion is among the most difficult decisions patients must make and Dr. Svatek provides valuable information about how to make an informed decision. Rick and Dr. Svatek talk about: What a urinary diversion i...
How COVID Changed How Bladder Cancer Doctors and Patients Interact with Dr. Sima Porten
August 31, 2022 16:06 - 34 minutes - 79.5 MBIn Episode 31 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Sima Porten, a urologic cancer surgeon at the University of California San Francisco, about how COVID changed the way that bladder cancer doctors and patients interact. Rick and Dr. Porten talk about: Some of the experiences of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic How medical distancing impacted Dr. Porten personally as well as her colleagues How she used telemedicine during the pandemic The use of in-home te...
Veterans and Bladder Cancer: What You Need to Know with Dr. Joshua Meeks
August 02, 2022 04:00 - 24 minutes - 57 MBIn Episode 30 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Joshua Meeks. Dr. Meeks is the Section Chief of Robotic Surgery at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Urology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Rick and Dr, Meeks talk about: Options available to veterans who are bladder cancer patients at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center A link between bladder cancer and environments s...
Being a Bladder Cancer Beacon of Hope with Karen Godfrey, Part III
July 20, 2022 14:19 - 24 minutes - 57.1 MBIn Episode 29 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs offers Part III of the three-part podcast with long time patient advocate and 2022 Beacon of Hope Award winner, Karen Godfrey. Karen is the organizer of the Southwest Florida Bladder Cancer Support Group and has been active with BCAN since nearly the very beginning. Rick and Karen talk about her experience managing what was an in-person support group during COVID, the value of support networks and connecting the right people who have...
Being a Bladder Cancer Beacon of Hope with Karen Godfrey, Part II
July 05, 2022 18:32 - 17 minutes - 40.6 MBIn Episode 29 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs offers Part II of the three-part podcast with long time patient advocate and 2022 Beacon of Hope Award winner, Karen Godfrey. Karen is the organizer of the Southwest Florida Bladder Cancer Support Group and has been active with BCAN since the very beginning. Rick and Karen talk about how she started the BCAN Inspire community and how the group has grown to more than 53,000 people today, how she deals with loss when a member of her gr...
Being a Bladder Cancer Beacon of Hope with Karen Godfrey
June 29, 2022 14:21 - 26 minutes - 25 MB VideoIn Episode 29 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs begins a three-part podcast with long time patient advocate and 2022 Beacon of Hope Award winner, Karen Godfrey. Karen is the organizer of the Southwest Florida Bladder Cancer Support Group. Rick and Karen talk about her initial bladder cancer diagnosis in 2003 and how there was little to no information available about having her bladder removed. Karen was faced with some difficult decisions like choosing a urinary diversion, and unf...
Bladder Cancer Can be Painful, Especially Financially with Cindy Lawson DeVore
May 24, 2022 19:22 - 36 minutes - 34 MB VideoIn Episode 28 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with bladder cancer patient Cindy Lawson DeVore, who gives her unique perspective on her journey with the disease. Cindy has been a patient, her father is a retired urologist, and Cindy's mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer a short two months after she was. She has seen bladder cancer from multiple angles. Cindy also speaks openly about the financial strain that bladder cancer takes, especially for those who require routine...
Tom Faced Bladder Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer at the Same Time
May 10, 2022 15:48 - 24 minutes - 56.8 MBTom had a history of cancer in his family, but never expected what happened to him. After not feeling well for a while, Tom was diagnosed with both pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer. In this episode, he talks with BCAN associate Joslyn Brown about his two cancer journeys and offers an optimistic and uplifting perspective, particularly about his bouts with bladder cancer. Tom is also active with BCAN's Survivor to Survivor program matching newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients with tra...
Part 2 of Quality of Life After Bladder Removal Surgery with Dr. Bernard Bochner
April 20, 2022 14:31 - 32 minutes - 74.8 MBIn Part 2 of two part Episode 24 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs interviews Dr. Bernard Bochner about the findings from a quality of life survey of bladder cancer patients after they have their bladders removed (radical cystectomy). Rick and Dr. Bochner discuss life after a radical cystectomy and they also talk about: How recovery from bladder removal surgery can be impacted by how healthy patients were leading up to the surgery How the first six weeks after the surgery c...
Karen's Story: Bladder Cancer Nurse, Patient and Caregiver
April 06, 2022 18:10 - 32 minutes - 73.8 MBIn this very special episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Karen Sachse. Karen has a one-in-a-million perspective on bladder cancer because she is an oncology nurse, a nurse navigator, a bladder cancer survivor and was a caregiver to her husband, Roger, who passed away from the disease. She is also a very active patient advocate with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. Rick and Karen talk about: Her bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment Caring for her husband...