In this special re-release of Hope With Answers, lung cancer advocate Jill Feldman tackles a challenge that most patients never see coming—stigma. Originally aired in January 2020, this candid and emotional episode sheds light on the damaging assumptions patients face and how words can wound, even when well-intentioned.

From doctors and friends to complete strangers, the first question many patients hear is: “Did you smoke?” It's a question that implies blame—and lung cancer survivors like Jill Feldman have heard it far too often. In this episode, Jill teams up with journalist Steven Petrow to unpack the emotional toll of these encounters and offer advice on how to respond with grace and strength.

You'll also hear from Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher investigating why young, non-smoking women are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer. Her work helps shift public perception and challenges outdated assumptions about who gets lung cancer—and why.

This episode explores:

• The real impact of stigma on lung cancer patients
• How language shapes the patient experience
• What not to say to someone with lung cancer
• How empathy and civility can reshape conversations
• Groundbreaking research on lung cancer in non-smokers

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will change the way you think—and talk—about lung cancer.

Show Notes

Originally aired in May 2020, this final episode of The First 7 Days podcast series provides newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with crucial guidance on developing a personalized treatment plan. Building on the foundations established in previous episodes about finding the right medical team and understanding diagnostic testing, this concluding installment helps transform overwhelming information into actionable steps forward.

The landscape of lung cancer treatment has evolved dramatically, extending far beyond traditional chemotherapy. This episode navigates the expanding array of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination approaches. Listeners will learn how biomarker testing influences treatment selection and understand the potential role of clinical trials in their care plan.

• How treatment decisions are made
• Key factors influencing treatment selection
• The role of biomarker testing in personalizing treatment
• When to seek second opinions
• Strategies for coordinating care across medical teams

While focused on the initial weeks after diagnosis, this episode sets the stage for long-term cancer management by providing practical tools and resources for ongoing decision-making.

Gain confidence in working collaboratively with your healthcare team while advocating for your needs throughout the treatment journey.

Dr. David Carbone, Oncologist at The Ohio State University

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A lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but getting a second opinion could be a game-changer in your treatment journey. In this episode of the Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast, thoracic oncologist Dr. David Carbone, along with lung cancer survivors and advocates, discusses why seeking a second opinion—especially from a specialist at a university-based center—can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

Lung cancer advocates share their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and finding a doctor who values additional insights. A second opinion isn’t about doubting your doctor—it’s about ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your health.

Tune in to learn why a second opinion could open new doors in your lung cancer treatment plan.

The First 7 Steps downloadable

Transcript | Show Notes

Just diagnosed with lung cancer? In this essential episode, thoracic oncologist Dr. David Carbone and lung cancer survivors share why you have time to breathe, gather information, and make informed decisions about your treatment journey.

Transcript | Show Notes

Originally released in May 2020 as part of The First 7 Days series, this timeless episode of the Hope with Answers Living with Lung Cancer Podcast remains an essential resource for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis. While treatment options continue to advance rapidly, the fundamental guidance shared in "The First 7 Days" about taking time to gather information, seeking appropriate testing, and finding the right medical team is as crucial today as it was when first aired.

As we wrap up 2024, LCFA's Hope With Answers host Mitch Jelniker presents our most downloaded episode of the year, featuring a transformative conversation about palliative care in the lung cancer journey.

Dr. Sherri Cervantez, Director of Palliative Oncology at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins lung cancer survivor Sally Cain for an enlightening discussion that changed how thousands view palliative care. Sally shares her unique perspective as both a Stage 4 lung cancer patient benefiting from palliative care and as someone who witnessed her late husband's journey without these vital services.

Key Highlights from Our Most Popular 2024 Episode

• Debunking common myths about palliative care vs. hospice care
• How early palliative care can transform your lung cancer journey
• Real-world success stories of improved quality of life
• Expert insights on building your optimal care team
• Practical guidance on accessing and maximizing palliative care services
• Insurance coverage and advocacy tips

This standout episode resonated deeply with our audience by addressing a critical yet often overlooked component of comprehensive lung cancer care. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this discussion offers valuable insights into maximizing quality of life during treatment.

As LCFA prepares for an exciting 2025, we invite you to revisit this impactful conversation that continues to help patients and families better understand how palliative care can be a powerful ally in their lung cancer journey.

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Originally Published on: 2024-05-23

Resources:

Understanding Palliative Care

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care & Lung Cancer

In this foundational episode released in December 2019, lung cancer survivor Lysa Buonanno shares critical insights about navigating a lung cancer diagnosis. Her journey, which began at age 40 with persistent back pain, highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and informed decision-making in lung cancer treatment.

Today, more than 12 years after her initial diagnosis, Lysa continues to live with lung cancer. Her story, along with the expert perspectives from Dr. Carbone and Kim Norris, illustrates both the challenges of living with lung cancer and the hope offered by advancing research and treatment options. This episode remains relevant today, offering essential guidance for patients and families while highlighting LCFA's vital role in supporting research for new treatment options.

Show Notes | Transcript

Join host Mitch Jelniker as we revisit our most popular Hope With Answers episode featuring Annabelle Gurwitch - actress, author, and unexpected lung cancer advocate. What started as a routine COVID test in 2020 led to a shocking stage IV lung cancer diagnosis for this never-smoker.

With her signature wit, Annabelle shares how her tumor ("the size of a Clementine") changed everything. Despite being physically active and healthy except for a slight cough, she joined the growing number of never-smoker women facing lung cancer. Thanks to advances in targeted therapy for her EGFR mutation, Annabelle maintains an active life while advocating for crucial lung cancer research.

"I get to have the life I'm having right now because of the drugs that were developed in the last five years," she says, highlighting how research funding directly impacts patient survival and quality of life.

Listen as Annabelle brings humor and hope to a serious subject, demonstrating why this episode resonates with so many in the lung cancer community.

View Show Notes | Transcription

Delve into the world of adjuvant therapy for lung cancer patients through insightful discussions with Dr. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery, and Lisa Goldman, a long-term lung cancer survivor and advocate.

Dr. Villena-Vargas provides a comprehensive overview of adjuvant therapy, explaining its role in preventing cancer recurrence after primary treatment. He clarifies the differences between neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and peri-adjuvant therapies, and discusses how treatment decisions are made based on cancer stage and type. The doctor emphasizes the importance of understanding one's specific diagnosis and asking the right questions about biomarkers and treatment options.

Lisa Goldman shares her personal journey with stage 4 lung cancer, diagnosed in 2014. Her story highlights the rapid advancements in lung cancer treatment over the past decade, from her initial aggressive chemotherapy to long-term targeted therapy. Lisa's experience underscores the critical role of research in extending and improving the lives of lung cancer patients.

This episode offers a balanced mix of expert medical insight and personal experience, making complex medical concepts accessible to a general audience. It serves as an invaluable resource for those navigating the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the significant progress made in recent years and the reasons for hope in the fight against this disease.

Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD

Dr. Villena-Vargas is a clinician at Weill Cornell Medical Center, with particular expertise in the surgical management of lung cancer. He has written numerous clinical publications about screening, staging, and the management of thoracic cancers.

Lisa Goldman, Patient-Advocate

Diagnosed in 2014 with urgent stage 4 lung cancer, Lisa received immediate chemotherapy. She later co-founded The ROS1ders, a Facebook advocacy group for lung cancer patients.

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