What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast

About What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast

A cancer diagnosis can turn life into a blur of appointments, opinions, and unanswered questions. What I Wish I Knew is the podcast that slows it all down and brings you the conversations people deserve to hear sooner. Hosted by Dr. Dan Sullivan and McKenna Avery (cancer survivor), each episode features candid, compassionate interviews with leading medical experts, professors, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and survivors across the entire cancer landscape. Together, we explore what’s rarely explained clearly, from treatment and side effects to recovery and survivorship, mind-body health, nutrition, relationships, intimacy, and the emotional and spiritual terrain that comes with healing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, supporting someone you love, or simply looking for trustworthy insight, this show is here to help you feel informed, supported, and less alone. Educational content only. Not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance. Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ (https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ (https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatiwishiknewcancerpod (https://www.youtube.com/@whatiwishiknewcancerpod) Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/)

Publisher

McKenna Avery

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Dec 2025

Latest episode

12 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Jun 2026

   The Truth About Cancer Diets, Cannabis & Stress | Dr. Donald Abrams | Integrative Oncology Expert

   What should you eat after a cancer diagnosis? Should you try the keto diet? Does cannabis change cancer? Can stress make cancer worse? 🎧 ABOUT Dr. Donald Abrams In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we sit down with one of the country's leading integrative oncology experts, Dr. Donald Abrams, integrative oncologist at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. He was the Chief of Hematology-Oncology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Professor of Medicine at UCSF, former President of the Society for Integrative Oncology, and Executive Director of the Weil Foundation. He co-authored the textbook Integrative Oncology with Dr. Andrew Weil and has spent 40+ years treating patients living with cancer. Dr. Abrams breaks down everything newly diagnosed patients wish they had asked their oncologist, from the best anti-cancer foods to why organic produce is more potent than you think, the truth about the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, fruit juice, sugar and insulin, cannabis for symptom management, acupuncture, stress, physical activity, and how to take back control of your healing. 🌿 IN THIS EPISODE: - The 5 questions every newly diagnosed patient should ask their oncologist - Anti-cancer foods: cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane, DIM & why organic matters - Why sugar, fruit juice & the keto diet are not what you think - Dr. Abrams' actual daily meal plan - What cannabis really does (and doesn't) do for cancer - The "woo" practices with real data: acupuncture, yoga, massage & meditation - What most people get wrong in the first 30 days and how to take back control 🎥 WATCH DR. ABRAMS' FREE 4-PART VIDEO SERIES ON INTEGRATIVE CANCER CARE: https://osher.ucsf.edu/resources/dr-donald-abrams-four-part-video-series-integrative-cancer-care 📖 Book mentioned: Integrative Oncology by Dr. Donald Abrams & Dr. Andrew Weil 🍽️ Book mentioned: The Cancer Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz 📗 Book mentioned: The First Cell by Dr. Azra Raza ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌐 FIND US AT: https://www.whatiwishiknew.org 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiwikpod 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Why He Chose Oncology (0:00–2:42) Chapter 2: How AIDS Led Him to Integrative Medicine (2:42–4:19) Chapter 3: Alternative vs. Complementary vs. Integrative — Explained (4:19–13:29) Chapter 4: Questions Every Cancer Patient Should Ask (13:29–18:27) Chapter 5: Making Your Body Inhospitable to Cancer (18:27–22:07) Chapter 6: Fad Diets to Avoid After Diagnosis (22:07–26:40) Chapter 7: His Exact Daily Meal Plan for Fighting Cancer (26:40–31:01) Chapter 8: Why Organic Food Is More Potent Medicine (31:01–32:56) Chapter 9: Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods Fuel Cancer (32:56–35:05) Chapter 10: Supplements vs. Whole Foods, What Actually Works (35:05–38:01) Chapter 11: How Exercise Fights Fatigue and Improves Outcomes (38:01–44:04) Chapter 12: The Biochemical Link Between Stress and Cancer (44:04–49:29) Chapter 13: The Truth About Medical Cannabis for Cancer (49:29–59:49) Chapter 14: The "Woo" Therapies Backed by Real Data (59:49–1:03:05) Chapter 15: How to Advocate for Yourself With Your Doctor (1:03:05–1:09:54) This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your medical team before making any changes to your treatment, diet, or supplement routine.

2. 

   18 May 2026

   From Tumor the Size of a Potato to Practicing Medicine. Dr. Maggie's Full Story

   What I Wish I Knew: Get a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis and it can save your life. She was healthy. She was an athlete. She was in her 20s planning a wedding and starting medical school. And she had a tumor the size of a potato in her chest. In this episode, What she shares in this conversation is the kind of stuff that only comes from actually going through it. Not reading about it. Not treating it. Living it. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr. Maggie Boomgaarden earned her BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She completed her residency at UC Irvine, the only naturopathic medicine residency inside a conventional medicine setting in the country. Her clinical focus includes hormone health, metabolic function, GI health, and longevity. She and her husband Travis recently launched their own private practice. And she did all of that after surviving stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma. 📩 Reach Dr. Maggie: @drmaggieboomgaarden on Instagram In this episode you'll learn: Why her symptoms were dismissed for over a year before anyone ordered imaging What finally led to the chest X-ray that changed everything Why getting a second opinion literally changed her treatment plan and possibly her life What she did naturally alongside chemotherapy that shocked her oncologist The fertility preservation process nobody warns young cancer patients about How chemo brain, menopause symptoms, and isolation nearly broke her What the cancer taught her that no textbook ever could Why "sugar feeds cancer" is more complicated than the internet makes it sound The role of pesticides, sleep, stress, and trauma in cancer risk How she defines healing now vs. before her diagnosis 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Life Before Diagnosis (4:20–8:00) Chapter 2: First Symptoms and Being Dismissed (8:00–14:00) Chapter 3: Starting Medical School Sick (14:00–18:00) Chapter 4: The Chest X-Ray That Found the Tumor (18:00–22:00) Chapter 5: Getting the Diagnosis in the Hospital (22:00–28:00) Chapter 6: The Case for Second Opinions (28:00–36:00) Chapter 7: Fertility Preservation and the Hidden Costs (36:00–44:00) Chapter 8: Going Through Chemo (44:00–56:00) Chapter 9: What She Did Naturally Alongside Treatment (56:00–1:02:00) Chapter 10: Isolation, Identity, and Mental Health (1:02:00–1:14:00) Chapter 11: What Not to Say to Someone With Cancer (1:14:00–1:22:00) Chapter 12: Cancer Prevention. What We Can Actually Control (1:22:00–1:36:00) Chapter 13: Diet, Fasting, and Ketogenic Diets in Cancer (1:36:00–1:50:00) Chapter 14: Integrative Therapies. Vitamin C, Mushrooms, Mistletoe (1:50:00–2:02:00) Chapter 15: Genetics vs. Epigenetics. Are Our Genes Our Destiny? (2:02:00–2:14:00) Chapter 16: What Cancer Taught Her That Textbooks Never Could (2:14:00–2:28:00) Chapter 17: How She Defines Healing Now (2:28:00–2:45:00) If you know someone going through cancer or supporting someone who is, this is the episode to send them. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org If this episode helped you, please like, comment, hit subscribe, and turn on notifications. The next conversation might be the one that changes how you see your diagnosis, your body, and your healing. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

3. 

   6 May 2026

   "I Had Cervical Cancer at 30 - Here's What No One Told Me About Freezing My Eggs" | Tracy & Chick Mission

   What if a cancer diagnosis didn't have to take your future family away from you? In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we have a deep conversation with Tracy, a cervical cancer survivor and founding board member of The Chick Mission. She now serves as Chief Communications Officer and shares her experience with fertility preservation, patient advocacy, and what it really means to keep your options open when everything feels out of your control. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tracy was 30, newly married, and working in entertainment when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer after months of being dismissed by doctors. What followed was a crash course in egg freezing, a $17,000 bill her insurance called "elective," and a journey that would eventually lead her to help build one of the most impactful oncofertility nonprofits in the country. In this conversation, we learn → Tracy's diagnosis story - the symptoms doctors ignored, the bathroom breakdown, and what finally got her answers → Why fertility preservation wasn't even the standard of care when she was diagnosed in 2010 → How The Chick Mission provides need-based Hope Grants for egg and embryo freezing to newly diagnosed cancer patients (ages 18+) → The real cost of oncofertility - and how Chick Mission has delivered nearly $5M in support to ~800 women → Legislative wins in Texas, New York, California, New Jersey, Colorado & more - and what's next for Arizona & Pennsylvania → The emotional weight of grieving the family you imagined - and finding peace in choice → What to say (and not say) to a friend going through cancer → How to advocate for yourself in medical appointments - and why it matters 🔗 Learn more & apply for a Hope Grant: Chick Mission 📩 Contact Chick Mission: hope@thechickmission.org 📸 Follow Chick Mission: https://www.instagram.com/chickmission/ Subscribe - because someone out there is googling "cancer and fertility" at 2am and needs to find this. Be part of the reason they do. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: When Your Body Signals Something Is Wrong (0:00–0:16) Chapter 2: Cancer Diagnosis at 30 and Life Turning Point (0:16–1:12) Chapter 3: Ignored Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis Reality (1:12–2:10) Chapter 4: The Moment Everything Became Urgent (2:10–3:04) Chapter 5: Facing Cancer While Navigating Fear and Uncertainty (3:04–4:05) Chapter 6: Fertility Decisions Under Time Pressure (4:05–5:00) Chapter 7: The Financial Shock of Egg Freezing (5:00–6:01) Chapter 8: Why Fertility Access Should Not Be Optional (6:01–7:01) Chapter 9: Turning Pain into Purpose Through Advocacy (7:01–8:49) Chapter 10: Supporting Women Through Fertility and Cancer (8:49–10:30) Chapter 11: Changing Laws to Protect Future Choices (10:30–11:55) Chapter 12: The Emotional Weight of Fertility Expectations (11:55–13:37) Chapter 13: Losing Control and Reclaiming Choice (13:37–15:16) Chapter 14: Why Having Options Matters More Than Outcomes (15:16–16:04) Chapter 15: Life After Cancer and Redefining Identity (16:04–18:03) Chapter 16: Finding Purpose After Survival (18:03–20:20) Chapter 17: Navigating Relationships and Tough Conversations (20:20–23:09) Chapter 18: Real Stories of Hope, Loss, and Resilience (23:09–26:07) Chapter 19: The Power of Support Systems and Asking for Help (26:07–41:05) Chapter 20: Advocacy, Voice, and Living Beyond Cancer (41:05–53:06) Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

4. 

   4 May 2026

   87,000 Chemicals in Your Home, What Cancer Patients NEED to Know About Detoxing | Sofia Ruan Gouchey

   What I Wish I Knew: Detoxing Your Home During Cancer Treatment Your oncologist may never bring it up, but the chemicals in your home could be quietly working against your healing. This conversation breaks down how invisible exposures, from cleaning products and cookware to fabrics, EMFs, and receipts, can quietly add to your body's toxic load. About our guest: Sofia Ruan Gouchey is a leading toxic exposure expert recognized by the Well+Good Council as the Healthy Home Guru. She is the founder of Ruan Living and the author of A to Z of Detoxing , one of the most comprehensive, science-backed guides to reducing toxic exposure in everyday life. With nearly two decades of research and almost 600 scientific studies cited in her book, Sofia translates complex environmental health science into realistic, doable steps for real families. 📖 Learn more & explore Sofia's programs: https://www.ruanliving.com 📘 A to Z of Detoxing: available on her website 🏡 40-Day Home Detox Program: ruanliving.com In this episode, you'll learn: - Why indoor air is 2–5x more polluted than outdoor air — even in major cities - The "household repeat offenders" that silently increase your toxic burden - How endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormones, immunity & healing - Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) hiding in everyday products - Why 85% of diseases may be linked to non-genetic, environmental factors - EMFs, blood-brain barrier damage, and your bedroom setup - What a journalist's urine test revealed , before and after the 40-Day Home Detox - Affordable, FREE ways to start detoxing your home today - The LOLA POP Detox Method and how to make non-toxic living a lifestyle - Why the EU bans 1,100 chemicals in personal care vs. only ~11 in the US 📌 Chapter Overviews Chapter 1: Chemical Exposure Scale and Disease Link (1:00–3:55) Chapter 2: Immune Fragility and Toxic Awareness (3:55–6:50) Chapter 3: Indoor Air Pollution and Hidden Risks (6:50–9:45) Chapter 4: Sources of Household Chemical Exposure (9:45–12:40) Chapter 5: Detox Prioritization and Practical Approach (12:40–15:35) Chapter 6: Stress, Balance, and Mental Health Impact (15:35–18:30) Chapter 7: Hygiene Hypothesis and Immune Adaptation (18:30–21:25) Chapter 8: Heavy Metals and Neurotoxicity (21:25–24:20) Chapter 9: Chemical Regulation and Global Differences (24:20–27:15) Chapter 10: Consumer Choices and Exposure Reduction (27:15–30:10) Chapter 11: Toxic Cookware and Food Safety (30:10–33:05) Chapter 12: Simplifying Detox with Key Patterns (33:05–36:00) Chapter 13: Plastic Exposure in Daily Life (36:00–38:55) Chapter 14: Endocrine Disruptors and Hormones (38:55–41:50) Chapter 15: Genetics vs Environmental Triggers (41:50–44:45) Chapter 16: Cancer Support and Home Detox Basics (44:45–47:40) Chapter 17: Low-Cost Detox and Accessibility (47:40–50:35) Chapter 18: EMFs and Biological Effects (50:35–53:30) Chapter 19: Scientific Resistance and Public Perception (53:30–56:25) Chapter 20: Long-Term Health Impact and Detox Outcomes (56:25–1:00:03) If learning about the invisible toxins in your home made you think of someone navigating cancer, in treatment, or simply trying to create a healthier space to heal — share this episode with them. Visit us at https://www.whatiwishiknew.org If this episode helped you, please like, comment & hit subscribe and turn on notifications , because the next conversation might be the one that changes how you see your health, your home, and your healing. Follow us on social media to stay updated: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiwikpod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

5. 

   18 Apr 2026

   The Integrative Healing Journey: Breast Cancer Survivor Micaela Palacios on Surrender, Plant Medicine and Transformation

   What I Wish I Knew: A Healing Cancer Podcast In this episode, we step into a deeply personal story of breast cancer, healing, and transformation. Dr. Dan Sullivan, a licensed naturopathic doctor, sits down with Micaela Palacios, a breast cancer survivor, transformational coach, and energy healer, as she opens up about being diagnosed during COVID-19. She shares how she navigated both conventional and alternative treatments, along with the emotional and spiritual shifts that reshaped her life. This conversation goes beyond the medical journey. It explores surrender, identity, resilience, and what it really means to rebuild your life from the inside out. This episode is for anyone interested in breast cancer recovery, holistic healing, and understanding the deeper emotional and physical layers of long term healing. To learn more about Micaela Palacios, visit the link below: https://michaelapalacios.com In this episode you'll learn: - How chronic stress and emotional suppression may affect healing during cancer treatment. - What tamoxifen is, why it is prescribed, and common side effects patients may not always be fully told about. - How integrative approaches like Reiki and plant medicine are being explored alongside conventional cancer care. - The link between the nervous system, stress, and how the body responds under long term pressure. - How cancer can redefine strength, resilience, and recovery beyond medical treatment. Chapter Overviews: Chapter 1: Breast Cancer Diagnosis During COVID-19 (1:58 to 2:24) Chapter 2: Emotional Response and Power of Surrender in Cancer Journey (2:24 to 3:02) Chapter 3: Mental Shift, Positivity, and Lifestyle Changes During Treatment (3:02 to 4:42) Chapter 4: Integrative Therapies Like Reiki During Chemotherapy (4:42 to 5:28) Chapter 5: Stress, Burnout, and Lifestyle Factors Before Cancer Diagnosis (5:53 to 6:33) Chapter 6: Post Treatment Lifestyle Transformation and Healing Approach (6:33 to 7:36) Chapter 7: Psychological Stress, Identity Pressure, and Health Impact (14:04 to 17:22) Chapter 8: Conventional Breast Cancer Treatment Plan Explained (19:01 to 21:31) Chapter 9: Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy Tamoxifen (22:14 to 23:22) Chapter 10: Functional Medicine and Nutritional Deficiency Recovery (24:33 to 24:56) Chapter 11: Role of Alternative Healing Methods and Energy Work (26:13 to 27:06) Chapter 12: Plant Medicine and Emotional Trauma Release in Healing (27:06 to 28:01) Chapter 13: Post Cancer Recovery Challenges and Lack of Aftercare Support (22:14 to 22:44) Chapter 14: Importance of Patient Advocacy and Second Medical Opinions (45:13 to 46:06) Chapter 15: Emotional Healing, Trauma Processing, and Redefining Strength (48:10 to 50:10) If this conversation resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might find it meaningful. For more episodes, resources, and integrative cancer education, visit: https://www.whatiwishiknew.org Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss upcoming episodes and important resources. Follow us on social media to stay updated: Facebook: /wiwikpod Instagram: /whatiwishiknewcancer TikTok: /wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: /what-i-wish-i-knew-podcast Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not rely on it as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.

6. 

   8 Apr 2026

   Can the Gut Microbiome Influence Cancer Treatment? What Current Research Explores

   In this episode of *What I Wish I Knew*, we explore current research on how the gut microbiome may be associated with cancer treatment—particularly immunotherapy. Host McKenna is joined by Dr. Oriana Miltiadous to discuss what scientists are studying, how this research is conducted, and what questions remain. This conversation focuses on emerging areas of study, including fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), diet, medications, and how these factors are being investigated in relation to treatment response. The goal is to provide a grounded, research-based overview without overstating conclusions. Guest: Dr. Oriana Miltiadous Dr. Miltiadous is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center whose research focuses on the gut microbiome and its potential role in cancer care. Learn more about her work: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/oriana-miltiadous](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/oriana-miltiadous In this episode, we discuss: • What researchers are studying about the gut microbiome and cancer treatment • How fecal microbiota transplants are currently used and investigated • Considerations around probiotics and why research is still evolving • The role of diet in overall health during treatment • Ongoing questions in microbiome-related cancer research Chapter Overview: 00:48 – Meet Dr. Oriana Miltiadous 01:14 – Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) Overview 02:55 – Current Regulatory Status 03:47 – How FMT Works (Research Perspective) 05:45 – Preparation Process 06:54 – Safety and Screening Considerations 09:33 – Probiotics: Current Evidence 10:54 – Diet and Gut Health 12:25 – Nutrition Considerations During Treatment 14:25 – Fiber and the Microbiome 16:14 – Antibiotics and the Microbiome 18:10 – Gut Recovery Considerations 27:46 – Research Study Discussion 33:20 – Microbiome and Immunotherapy (What’s Being Studied) 38:15 – Future Research Directions 43:40 – Clinical Challenges 47:05 – What This Means in Current Research Context 50:51 – Key Takeaways Follow us for more research-based conversations: Instagram: @whatiwishiknewcancer TikTok: @wiwikpodcast LinkedIn: What I Wish I Knew Podcast Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not provide or promote any treatment, cure, or prevention of disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding medical decisions. Research discussed in this episode is ongoing and may not be conclusive.

7. 

   24 Mar 2026

   EMDR, Intrusive Thoughts, and the Cancer Journey

   EMDR, intrusive thoughts, and the cancer journey are at the center of this conversation with Dr. Christine Sells. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, McKenna reflects on how EMDR became part of her lived experience after diagnosis and treatment-related triggers, while Dr. Sells explains what EMDR stands for, how different forms of bilateral stimulation are discussed, and why overwhelm can stay with people long after the medical event itself. This is a story-led conversation about stress, survivorship, emotional processing, and support for people navigating cancer. Dr. Christine Sells is a licensed psychologist, founder and director of training at the EMDR Center of Southern California, and she shares how EMDR is approached through multiple phases, including history-taking, preparation, and reprocessing. McKenna also opens up about intrusive thoughts, emotional triggers, and what it has felt like to reconnect with emotions after difficult health experiences. Learn more about the EMDR Center of Southern California: https://www.emdrcalifornia.com What EMDR stands for and how eye movement, tapping, and auditory stimulation are discussed in the episode How diagnosis, treatment, hospital memories, and body-based triggers can continue to affect survivorship Why intrusive thoughts and worst-case thinking are explored here through lived experience and reflection What Dr. Sells shares about the eight phases of EMDR, including preparation, closure, and reevaluation Why this episode may resonate with patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone processing medical trauma or post-treatment stress In this episode you’ll learn… How Dr. Christine Sells explains EMDR in accessible terms Why preparation and staying within tolerance levels are emphasized in the conversation How McKenna describes intrusive thoughts, scans anxiety, and emotional triggers after cancer What this discussion highlights about survivorship, emotional regulation, and support More from Dr. Christine Sells and the EMDR Center of Southern California: https://www.emdrcalifornia.com Like, comment, subscribe, and share your thoughts below. Follow us on Instagram @WHATIWISHIKNEWCANCER Listen/Watch: Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

8. 

   10 Mar 2026

   Why Young Adults Feel So Alone After Diagnosis

   In this conversation, Alison Silberman shares why young adults feel so alone after diagnosis and how community can make that experience feel less isolating. As CEO of Stupid Cancer, she reflects on the unique challenges adolescents and young adults face, from delayed diagnosis and survivorship to caregiving, identity, and the need for spaces where people can be honest about what they’re going through. This episode is for people navigating cancer, survivors, caregivers, and anyone looking for a more human conversation around support, connection, and lived experience. - Why young adults are often dismissed or diagnosed later - How Stupid Cancer and CancerCon create community for patients, survivors, and caregivers - Why storytelling, peer connection, and being understood matter so much - How self-advocacy can shape conversations around side effects, finances, and survivorship - What caregivers can do to show up in practical, specific ways - Why the identity side of diagnosis and survivorship looks different for everyone Chapters 00:00:34 Intro: After Diagnosis, Then What? 01:20 Why “Stupid Cancer” Fits 03:01 Why Young Adults Get Missed 07:57 Finding People Who Get It 16:07 Disparities, Bias, and Safe Care 22:17 Self-Advocacy and Support Gaps 35:19 Caregiving Through a Brother’s Diagnosis 52:59 You Are Not Alone In this episode you’ll learn… - why the young adult diagnosis experience can feel so different - how community spaces can help people feel seen and supported - what caregivers can ask when they want to help but do not know how - where communication gaps can show up between providers and patients Like, comment, subscribe, and share your perspective below. Follow us on Instagram @whatiwishiknewcancer Listen/Watch: Watch the full episode and listen on your preferred podcast platform. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

9. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Beyond Chemo

   Doctor Dan and Doctor Winkler break down cancer treatment options and what “integrative cancer treatment” can look like in practice. They talk through how patients can explore a wider range of approaches, combine therapies thoughtfully, and stay empowered in the decisions they make. In this conversation, Doctor Winkler shares how he approaches screening and personalization, why tolerability and toxicity matter, and how his clinic thinks about everything from testing to lifestyle support to emotional patterns that may be showing up for patients. Key topics & takeaways: - How Doctor Winkler got into integrative cancer treatments (and what that means day-to-day) - RGCC / “liquid biopsy” as a tool for exploring treatment fit Oxidative therapies (including ozone and EBOO) and why “stacking” order matters - Photodynamic / low-level laser concepts, including an example using light with an IV compound - What a typical new-patient pathway can include: screening, diet/lifestyle support, detox-first thinking - The emotional side of cancer: common patterns discussed (including shame/worthiness themes) In this episode you’ll learn… How to think beyond a one-lane treatment plan and ask better questions Why combining therapies is discussed as a careful, personalized process How mindset, ownership, and emotional support can be part of the bigger picture Chapters: 00:00:35 Intro: More Than Two Options 01:40 Meet Doctor Winkler 03:45 Liquid Biopsy + Finding Answers Faster 36:16 Oxidative Therapies: Ozone & EBOO 44:14 Laser/Photodynamic Explained 01:07:46 A Typical New-Patient Workup 01:22:34 Emotions: Shame & Worthiness 02:02:45 Where to Find the Clinic + Sign-Off Like, comment, subscribe. Follow us on Instagram @whatiwishiknewcancer (https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewcancer) Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

10. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Dr. Joe Dispenza Meditations

    Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations—and the science behind them—are at the center of this episode. Host McKenna shares how this work changed the trajectory of her diagnosis, then sits down with Hemal H. Patel, Ph.D. to explore what researchers are actually measuring in the body before and after these intensive experiences. His is a Professor of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Research Career Scientist at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. Together, they talk through the real-world research process: large participant data sets, microbiome sampling, blood-based experiments, and why the mind-body conversation doesn’t have to be “either/or” (alternative vs Western medicine). This is a thoughtful, curiosity-driven episode for anyone navigating cancer who wants a grounded look at what’s being studied—and what questions still don’t have clear answers yet. Bonus: Dr. Hemal Patel is featured in the documentary “Source: It’s Within You” (available on Apple TV). Like, comment, and subscribe — it helps this project reach more people who may really need it right now. Follow us on Instagram @wiwikpod Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

11. 

    27 Jan 2026

    The Hidden Cost of Cancer

    Cancer costs can lead to financial toxicity—and that can change care. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast, McKenna talks with Dr. Mateo Banegas about why cancer is so financially overwhelming and what patients and families can do early to reduce the burden. Dr. Banegas discusses how “financial toxicity” became a recognized part of oncology, and why it matters just as much as physical side effects. You’ll also hear real examples of how costs can lead people to stretch medications, skip care, or choose a different treatment path simply because of affordability.

12. 

    13 Jan 2026

    Fertility After Cancer

    Fertility specialist Sandy Chuan, MD explains how cancer treatment can affect fertility and what preservation options exist for women and men, including timelines, egg vs embryo freezing, sperm banking, and the real IVF “attrition” math. Educational only, not medical advice.

13. 

    30 Dec 2025

    Proton Therapy vs X-Ray Radiation

    Radiation can be one of the scariest words you hear after a cancer diagnosis. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host and cancer survivor McKenna Avery shares what it felt like to finish 33 rounds of proton radiation, including the emotional “last day” moment, and the three things she wishes she knew sooner: that proton therapy can be an option, the power of visualization during treatment, and why consistent moisturizing matters. Dr. Dan sits down with radiation oncologist Dr. James Urbanic (UC San Diego) for a grounded, patient-first explanation of radiation therapy and the real-world decision-making behind it. They break down the goals of treatment (symptom relief, life prolongation, post-surgery “cleanup,” and curative intent), why some cancers are treated with radiation to preserve function (including larynx/voice box, cervix, and anal cancers), and how the field has advanced with better imaging, tighter accuracy, and faster planning. You’ll also hear a clear, non-hype comparison of proton therapy vs conventional X-ray (photon) radiation, including the Bragg peak, why “best” depends on the situation, and how technique differs from modality (3D conformal, IMRT/IMPT, SBRT, SRS). Dr. Urbanic walks through what planning day looks like (CT imaging, immobilization devices, contrast considerations, and behind-the-scenes safety checks), what side effects can look like across body areas (including skin reactions and why proton skin reactions may be more pronounced), how clinicians think about re-irradiation, and where immunotherapy may or may not fit alongside radiation. The conversation also touches on cost, insurance authorization realities, access gaps, and what patients should listen for when deciding if a care team feels trustworthy and thorough. This conversation is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and clinicians seeking clarity, not marketing. Educational only, not medical advice. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Cold Open: Progress, Immunity, and Hope 00:00:29 - Welcome + McKenna’s Proton Radiation Story 00:01:06 - Three Things McKenna Wishes She Knew About Proton Therapy 00:02:03 - Meet Dr. James Urbanic 00:02:51 - From Ships to Cancer Care: Dr. Urbanic’s Path 00:05:31 - Radiation Therapy Basics Explained 00:07:22 - The Goals of Radiation Treatment 00:09:00 - When Radiation Replaces Surgery 00:10:48 - How Radiation Therapy Has Evolved 00:13:30 - When Patients Want to “Go Natural” 00:18:25 - Radiation Myths, Safety, and Trust 00:21:46 - What Is Proton Therapy? 00:26:41 - Who Proton Therapy Helps Most 00:32:39 - Cost, Coverage, and Insurance for Proton Therapy 00:40:27 - Proton Therapy Hype vs Reality 00:42:39 - SBRT, SRS, and Modern Radiation Techniques 00:50:30 - Immunotherapy and Radiation Used Together 01:01:54 - What Happens on Radiation Planning Day 01:06:15 - AI and Machine Learning in Radiation Planning 01:11:52 - What Treatment Looks Like Behind the Scenes 01:21:03 - Radiation Side Effects: Short-Term and Long-Term 01:24:25 - Re-Irradiation: When and Why It’s Considered 01:31:28 - Diet, Exercise, and Mind-Body Support During Treatment 01:38:46 - The Future of Radiation: New Particles, New Questions 01:43:23 - Access, Geography, and Proton Center Availability 01:48:18 - Questions Every Patient Should Ask 01:50:40 - Resilience, Meaning, and Joy in the Work Disclaimer: This episode is for general educational purposes and reflects personal experiences and professional perspectives. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for individualized diagnosis or treatment planning. Always consult your oncology team for guidance specific to your situation. If you think you may be experiencing an urgent medical issue, seek immediate care.

14. 

    16 Dec 2025

    Death, Cancer, And Choice

    After a cancer diagnosis, fear of death can get loud fast. In this episode, McKenna Avery sits down with certified death doula Selena Jong to talk about what happens when mortality moves from a distant idea to a daily thought, and how honest conversation can make the weight feel more carryable. Together, they explore hospice and the dying process, the role of a death doula (emotional, spiritual, and practical support), and end-of-life autonomy including Medical Aid in Dying in California. They also talk through real-world planning that can protect families from chaos, plus options for how to care for the body after death, including eco-friendly choices like water cremation, body composting, and natural burial. This conversation is for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and clinicians who want clearer language, grounded perspective, and more humane ways to talk about dying, grief, legacy, and the relationships that matter most. Learn more about Selena's work on instagram @movingthroughdeath www.movingthrough.org (http://www.movingthrough.org) and www.thedeathnetwork.com (http://www.thedeathnetwork.com) If this episode helped you feel a little less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what resonated most. Share it with a friend, caregiver, or survivor who might need this conversation right now. And for more community and updates, follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD. (http://www.instagram.com/wiwikpod)

15. 

    16 Dec 2025

    T Cell & Resistance

    Immunotherapy can feel like a black box when you’re living through cancer, caring for someone with cancer, or trying to understand today’s rapidly changing treatment landscape. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, functional medicine doctor Dr. Dan speaks with immunobiology expert Dr. Susan Kaech (Salk Institute) about how the immune system works in cancer, how T cells recognize tumors, and how the tumor microenvironment suppresses immune responses. They walk through what immunotherapy is (including immune “brakes” like PD1/CTLA4 and CAR T cell therapy), what side effects can look like, and why some cancers respond better than others. The conversation also tackles treatment resistance, the role of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, and why tumor mutations and tumor sequencing matter for treatment options and clinical trial eligibility. You’ll also hear emerging perspectives on cancer vaccines (including personalized vaccine approaches and mRNA platforms), the gut microbiome and dietary fiber, and the developing science of neuroimmunology, including how chronic stress signaling can shape immune suppression and why beta blockers are being studied alongside immunotherapies. This episode is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and clinicians who want an understandable, research-informed conversation without hype. If this conversation helped you feel more informed or less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what you want to learn about next. Share this episode with a patient, survivor, caregiver, or clinician who might benefit from a clearer understanding of immunotherapy, cancer vaccines, and the stress-immune connection. Follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD. (http://www.instagram.com/wiwikpod)

16. 

    16 Dec 2025

    Sex After Cancer

    Cancer survivorship can change everything, including your sex life. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, McKenna Avery sits down with a sexual medicine specialist to talk through the most common sexual health challenges after cancer treatment, from low libido and reduced sensation to vaginal dryness, painful sex, and orgasm changes. You’ll also hear what comprehensive, trauma-aware sexual health care can look like, including longer, more thorough visits that combine therapy, education, diagnostic testing, and careful monitoring. The conversation explores menopause after cancer treatment, the fear and hesitation around hormones in breast cancer survivorship, and why patient advocacy matters when quality of life is on the line. This episode is for cancer patients, survivors, partners, caregivers, and clinicians who want a clearer, more compassionate understanding of sexual dysfunction after cancer, and what it can mean to pursue safe, monitored support rather than suffering in silence. If this conversation helped you feel more informed or less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what resonated or what you wish more people understood about sex and intimacy after cancer. Share this episode with someone who might need it, whether that’s a patient, survivor, partner, caregiver, or clinician. Follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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Books guests

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