OC TALK RADIO

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Tom, away from home, gets a call on his 65 birthday from his Dr, not wishing him a happy birthday but instead telling him she needed to see you as soon as possible.

Tom, very active and an enthusiast bike rider is diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Tom was not a candidate for surgery but went on a clinical trial.  Treatment went on for 15 months after which Tom received good news – he was “NED” – no evidence of disease.  Tom started an oral chemo and continues to take it today.  We talk about the importance of clinical trials, how he has been able to return to a “normal” way of life, he continues to ride his bike, play golf and enjoy life.  Tom continued to be as active as possible during treatment and found this was a way to help him through his treatment and the anxiety that goes along with treatment.  Tom shares his inspiration journey and how he continues to help others through their treatment and journey by hosting a support group through Zoom, every Friday 9am -10:30am PT – to join this support group or for more information regarding group please email Tom at ta20390@yahoo.com

“As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever.”  This episode of Living Hope is dedicated to Susan Stueber.  When the pandemic hit Susan wanted to provide a weekly support group to help patients/survivors and caregivers.  She formed a group through Zoom and asked Tom to help her co-host the group which Tom has continued to do since Susan’s death on September 29, 2022 her 70th birthday.

“As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever,” is dedicated to Susan Stueber who in response to the pandemic wanted to offer a safe place for other pancreatic cancer patients/survivors and their Caregivers to turn.  To join the Friday morning support group please reach out to Tom at ta20390@yahoo.com

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-i2m2z-12f4632

Melissa knew at a very young age that she wanted to help those with cancer.  Initially she wanted to be an oncologist.  A professor took her aside and told her “you have a gift in you as a teacher, educator, researcher, you don’t you consider this as a career?” 

Melissa Rowland-Goldsmith, affectionally referred to as Dr RG by her students took that advice and is the Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular biology and Co-Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Chapman University.  We welcome Melissa back to learn about her unique teaching program for future physicians and researchers. 

“As long as you speak my name I shall live forever” is dedicated to Sandra Mack

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-trrnr-12f4638

Reflecting back over 25 years with Hirshberg Founder Agi Hirshberg and her daughter Lisa Manheim, Executive Director.  Hirshberg Foundation got its start more than 25 years ago when Ron Hirshberg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Ron and Agi decided they were going to beat this disease together and live a long life, sadly six months later Ron died.  They had made a promise together to find a cure, it was only natural that Agi would continue after Ron’s death.  We chat about how Hirshberg started with only two doctors, the importance of the “Five Pillars,” the labs Hirshberg has funded, how five universities in the UC system collaborate together.

“As long as you speak my name I shall live forever” is dedicated to Ron Hirshbert

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Sarah Banks is the Development Manager for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  The 25th annual LA CANCER CHALLENGE was a walk/run benefitting the Hirschberg Foundation and their ongoing work battling Pancreatic Cancer.  LACC was held on Sunday, October 23rd, on the beautiful campus of UCLA, where much of the foundation’s research is conducted.  LACC is an annual Halloween-themed event benefiting pancreatic cancer research and includes a Fit Family Expo, activity tents, Candyland Kids Zone, Kids costume contest and so more!

#LACC #UCLA #pancreaticcancerawareness

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Ben Franklin has been quoted as saying “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except Death and taxes” Death is a harsh reality that none of us wants to think about or deal with regardless of our health. Death is part of life and planning your estate can give you peace of mind that your wishes will be met, and your loved ones are taken care of.  

Allison Lee is a Trust and Estate Planning Attorney and the Associate General Counsel for Free Will.  Allison, whose career was helping others plan their estate now suddenly found it deeply personal.  She was shocked to learn that her otherwise healthy mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Allison shares her journey and the importance of estate planning.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-e5y7k-12aef93

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We talk a lot about pancreatic cancer but for those who don’t have a connection,  who may be newly diagnosed or just curious may not have a understanding of what we are talking about.  Hopefully this episode will help answer some questions.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vfh45-128747a

Dr Kim joined us to talk about the use of the ViewRay MRIdian for treatment of pancreatic cancer at Hoag Hospital.  Dr Kim explains that the tumor needs to be hit with high energy x-ray beams.  To be able to hit the tumor you need to be able to see the tumor.  Its that simple. 

This is the only machine that uses MRI imaging to visualize the tumor. Tumors move with each breath and this machine allows the tracking of the tumor in real time allowing them to be precise in delivering treatment.

This episode of Living Hope is dedicated to the donors of the View Ray MRIdian Dean and Gerda Koontz

#DeanandGerdaKoontz #PancreaticCancer #Hoag Health

See the ViewRay MRIdian https://youtu.be/RRx8kd0vaXw

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-sryb8-1287470

Susie Lemieux was the Caregiver for her husband, Peter.  Peter survived 11 months before his death.  Six months after losing her husband, Susie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. People came to her and asked how did she get it, was it contagoius? Susie had nothing to compare it with and assumed in a year she would also be dead.  

Susie moved back to California with her daughter, Natascha.  Natascha became her Caregiver and was very supportive and involved in her healing journey.  Susie decided to take a little different route for her healing.  Susie shares her unique journey from Caregiver to Patient/Survivor and Natascha shares her journey as Caregiver for her mom.  Hear their inspirational journey.

“As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever.” This episode is dedicated to Susie’s husband, Peter Lemieux.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kyf33-1276507

Christina Parrish, is a 14 year “Sur-Thriver” of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.  Christina describes herself as sur-thriver because she strives to thrive everyday.  “It’s important to realize that you are surviving everyday no matter the struggles.”  Christina is the Founder of The Purple Iris Foundation.  Their mission is to raise awareness, provide support, and give hope to indivduals and families affected by cancer, in Maine.  Christina was in great shape and exercised regularly. She will share her journey with us and how her workout on a Pilates ball sent her to the doctor.

If you or anyone you know is in Maine you can contact The Purple Iris Foundation 

• https://www.purpleirisfoundation.com/
• purpleirisfoundation@gmail.com
• PHONE: 207-579-1969

“As long as you say my name, I shall live forever.” This episode of Living Hope is dedicated to Peggy Kessler.  Peggy was diagnosed in 2001 and died in 2018.  Chris and I had the honor of meeting Peggy.  Peggy was a great inspiration not only to us but those she came in contact with.