In this episode, Dr. JYP speaks with Leah Phillips, a nonsmoker diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in 2019. Leah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy in health, sharing her journey from initial misdiagnosis to targeted therapy success. Despite an initial prognosis of six to 12 months to live, Leah has surpassed expectations with a targeted drug that led to significant tumor reduction and stability for over four years. Leah discusses her participation in clinical trials, the benefits of multimodal therapy, and her role in the Young Lung Cancer Initiative. For more about Leah, see her blog, "Unfiltered Life: A Mother’s Stage IV Lung Cancer Journey."

3 Key Episode Takeaways

Trust your instincts: Leah's insistence on further testing, even when initial medical opinions downplayed her symptoms, led to a crucial diagnosis. Her advocacy for her health underscores the importance of listening to your body and pushing for answers when something just feels wrong.

Value of targeted therapies: Leah's treatment journey with a targeted therapy has been remarkable. Her primary tumor shrank by 70%, and she has maintained stability for more than four and a half years. Her journey highlights the transformative impact of advancements in cancer treatment.

Advocacy and positivity: Maintaining a hopeful outlook and actively participating in cancer research and communities such as the Young Lung Cancer Initiative have been vital for Leah. They've empowered her to fight her battle, and provide solidarity and support to others facing similar challenges.

Show Overview

03:11 Leah's husband survived cancer; then she develops symptoms.

06:44 Her symptoms persist, despite treatment for various conditions.

09:55 Leah is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia but improves with steroids.

15:14 Leah is diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.

15:56 How can a nonsmoker develop lung cancer?

21:36 Multimodal therapy includes chemo, radiation, and surgery.

28:26 Targeted therapies offer promise of a longer life.

30:04 Leah embraces acceptance and lives life fully.

35:05 A blogger, Leah also founded the Young Lung Cancer Initiative.

36:37 Leah's resilience should inspire us all.

In this episode, Dr. JYP and guest Susan Crutchfield discuss the complexities of tobacco addiction and strategies for quitting smoking. They highlight the importance of nonjudgmental support, individual motivations ("your why"), and the availability of various medications and therapies. The dangers of vaping, especially among youth, are also covered, emphasizing nicotine's addictive nature and health risks. The Great American Smokeout is promoted as an event that encourages smoking cessation through peer-to-peer engagement. The significance of early lung cancer detection, particularly through low-dose CT scans, is discussed, alongside lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk. The episode underscores the need for continued research, prevention, and early detection in the fight against lung cancer.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Compassionate approach: Encourage tobacco users to quit with a nonjudgmental approach, perhaps with personalized medications and therapies.

2. Youth and vaping concerns: Vaping is not only harmful, but it is also a gateway to traditional smoking, with significant health risks. Early interventions and targeted messaging can help curb this trend.

3. Great American Smokeout: Engage in the Great American Smokeout event to support smoking cessation. Sign a pledge to quit smoking or motivate someone else to take the first step.

Show Overview

01:23 Everyone knows someone who has had lung cancer.

09:00 Quitting smoking is hard, but resources can help.

11:02 One woman’s “why” was to live to enjoy her grandchildren.

14:47 Many people don’t realize that nicotine itself is a carcinogen.

17:19 The Great American Smokeout is coming to the University of South Alabama.

21:30 Who should get screened for lung cancer, and how?

25:24 Screenings and small behavior changes can make all the difference.

26:55 New drugs bring hope for many lung cancer patients.

Dr. JYP concludes a three-part series focused on understanding the most common medical reports received by Cancering patients. This episode delves into pathology reports and how patients can use them to better understand their condition. Dr. JYP describes the key elements of pathology reports and defines terms such as "benign," "malignant," “carcinoma,” and “sarcoma.” She discusses how detailed reports from biopsies aid in staging cancer and the implications for treatment options. She reminds listeners that pathology reports should always be discussed with a doctor, and that reviewing a report ahead of time can help a patient decide what questions to ask.

Key Episode Takeaways

- How to identify the location and type of tissue biopsied

- Key vocabulary terms: benign, malignant, carcinoma, and sarcoma

- Understanding the difference between grades of cancer cells

- The critical role of lymph or vascular space invasion

- Factors considered in TNM staging

Show Overview

02:20 Pathology reports can be distressing, but don’t starting Googling just yet.

05:17 Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from somewhere else.

06:22 Grade refers to how the cells look under a microscope.

07:45 Comments section may provide insight into the cancer’s origin.

10:28 The pathologist details cancer staging factors and criteria.

12:30 Regardless of stage, there’s always a treatment option.

14:08 Use your report to craft questions for your physician.