Cancer Culture

by Jacqueline Cowan

Health & Fitness Mental Health

Season 1

Episode 7 Ft. Karren Campbell (In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer)

In 2007, Karren Campbell was diagnosed with early breast cancer. At first, she was initially told that she had a 97% chance of life expectancy for five years. Karren underwent a combo of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. After this, her Dr wished to do a surveil, it was here that they found another Tumor. Her easily manageable early breast cancer diagnosis had then morphed into metastatic disease with different odds, different treatments, and different psychology. After this, her oncologist gave her 12 months to live. 15 operations, gazillions of chemotherapy treatments, immune therapy, trial drugs, rehab, and radiation and 14 years later, Karren is still here. Karren continues to thrive and show the world the importance of hope, determination and family connection. Karren puts a massive emphasis on how she had so much to live for and that she couldn't give up, no matter what. We discuss living life to the absolute fullest, having a sense of mental robustness, breast reconstruction, mindfulness, family and being kind. This episode features an old school friend, Beth (Karren's daughter). I can only imagine the journey Beth, her siblings and her father have been through since 2007. This is an out of this world episode and it has been beyond an honour to know this incredible woman & be able to document a snippet of her story. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 6 Ft. Tay Mckeown (Stage 4 Glioblastoma, Mary Jane and a fat chat about the other side)

For Episode 6 we are joined by Olympic Swimmer, Taylor Mckeown. Tay tells us about her father's tough battle with stage four brain Cancer (Glioblastoma). Tay breaks down a snippet of how the world lost another legend and a fantastic father. This episode is a Beautiful tribute to how much Tay's Dad meant to her and how he shaped his girl's world, it's a testament to their beautiful relationship and the resilience that is stemmed within this family. This Episode also touches on the highs and lows of pursuing a professional career in Swimming whilst losing the most important man in your life. Tay and I discuss the afterlife, Mary Jane and where she found the strength to get through the most challenging time of her life. I really enjoy Tays attitude towards many things, especially her gratitude, perseverance (in the pool and in day-to-day life) and determination to be the best version of herself for her Family. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 5 Ft. Ros McMaster (Stage 4 Bowel Cancer, HIPEC Surgery and the many gifts of Cancer)

For Episode 5 of Cancer Culture, we are joined by Ros McMaster. Ros is a Brisbane-based Relationship Counsellor, Author, Psychic medium, Podcaster, Blogger, Mother, Grandmother and Cancer survivor. In 2016 Ros was diagnosed with stage 4 Bowel Cancer and was given 2-3 years to live. Despite defying the odds, her Cancer later returned in 2018 and 2021. Ros has been through the absolute wringer throughout her Cancer Journey and not only cared for and lost her ex-partner but lost most of her large bowel, stomach lining, appendix & gallbladder. Throughout this episode, we also delve into her experience of having 2 HIPEC surgeries. This episode touches on the many gifts that come with Cancer, her spiritual journey with life and death and how she is determined to not let Cancer ruin the new and improved Ros. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 4 Ft. Dr Andrew Nicol (My Oncologist & Life Saver)

For Episode four of Cancer Culture, we are joined by Dr Andrew Nicol. Andrew Nicol is a Hematologist with special interests in lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia. He has been awarded prestigious research grants from the NH&MRC, the Queensland Cancer Fund and the Leukemia Foundation, Dr Nicol’s research is published in major international journals read by scientists and hematologists around the world. Not only did Dr Nicol work in the Brisbane Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukemia at Green-slopes Private Hospital, Dr Nicol worked regularly in clinics at Cleveland/Redlands and in Gladstone & provided services for people in rural areas. In 2012, through some very crappy circumstances, my family and I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Nicol. Dr Nicol was a ray of hope for all of us during my diagnosis. He did everything he possibly could to cure me and that he did. Dr Nicol has saved my life and many other people and I am glad we crossed paths with this incredibly passionate and unique human. This Episode is different to anything that we have had thus far and provides a different perspective. It shows that Cancer has many impacts on ALL of us, including the professionals (the ones who try to fix us). I hope you enjoy an hour with this incredible man. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 3 Ft. Soph & Leslie (Aliens, Hodgkins & the Epstein-Barr Virus)

For this Episode of Cancer Culture, we are joined by Soph and her Mum Leslie. Soph had Hodgkin's Lymphoma when she was only 10 years old. Soph was 13 when we recorded this episode, and she is a WEAPON and truly one of a kind. This episode is such a testament to her beautiful energy and challenging journey. I couldn’t imagine how hard and alienating it would have been for her to go through this at such a young age, let alone have issues with friends and other children not acting nicely toward her, her appearance and her illness (Cancer). Soph & her Mum Leslie will make you giggle while setting things straight, there definitely no room for haters in this Episode. This episode is insightful for Kids, Young adults and anyone in general who is going through a time, Soph reminds us all that everything is going to be okay and I believe are many lessons to be learnt/reminded of in this episode. Stay strong Kiddo, your Mum, family, and our listeners and I appreciate your bravery in sharing your story. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 2 Ft. Ben Lyons (Aladdin & Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma)

For Episode two of Cancer Culture, we are joined by Ben Lyons. In this episode, Ben describes the bomb that was a Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. In April 2021, Bens's life was turned upside down with an unbelievable diagnosis. In this episode, we delve into what it's like to be a Dad whilst fighting Cancer, how precious life is and how in a blink of an eye, things can quickly change. We also discuss his positive Journey with Cancer, keeping headstrong and what it was like to live through all of this throughout COVID. I know this is still incredibly fresh for you Benny, so I am so proud of you for sharing your story. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 1 Ft. Gemma Colbran (King of the RSL)

For Episode one of Cancer Culture, we are joined by Gemma Colbran. In this episode, Gemma tells her story of being a Primary Carer for her grandparents, one being her grandfather who passed away from Cancer. Gemma's incredible and positive story delves into what it was like to be Australia's Youngest Palliative Carer at the time. We also discuss looking after the Elderly, living through a not so average Mid-Twenties and the power of a Positive Mind. This Episode also pays homage to their incredible relationship and her grandfather's relationship with his community. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast represents the opinions of the host and guests and is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. For medical concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

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