In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, Kate Arkadieff invites Theresa Webb to share her deeply personal journey with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and her daughter's battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Kate begins the conversation by acknowledging the tough reality faced by patients and their families.

Theresa opens up about the complexities of managing her own health alongside her role as a mother and business owner after being diagnosed with blood cancer. The discussion sheds light on the immense pressure she faced advocating for her daughter's health, how she had to streamline her life to cope with the demands of treatment, and the financial and emotional strain it placed on her. Despite these challenges, Theresa speaks to the resilience and strength displayed by both her and her daughter Summer, transitioning from paediatric to adult medical care and overcoming significant obstacles.

Highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of life after cancer treatment, Theresa discusses her post-treatment physical and emotional struggles, including her physical shutdown and the subsequent formation of her mental management business. She also reflects on the changes in her own identity post-diagnosis and the importance of self-care. Through her story, Theresa provides invaluable insights into the importance of appreciating the small things in life and the supportive role played by her father and daughters during the most challenging times.

Kate and Theresa converse about the intricate details of their treatment experiences, the impact on family dynamics, and the necessity of support networks. They also delve into the lessons learned and the wisdom gained through their cancer journeys.

The Talking Blood Cancer Podcast is brought to you by the Leukaemia Foundation and is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

In this enlightening episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis welcomes Perry Judd, a remarkable blood cancer survivor with a tale of resilience and triumph.

Throughout the episode, Perry provides an in-depth look at his personal ordeal with blood cancer, recalling a harrowing infection that led to a transformative health journey. His narrative details a demanding transplant, aggressive chemotherapy, and the formidable side effects that followed, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on the challenges faced during treatment.

They explore Perry's out-of-body experiences and his battle with communication barriers and pain management. They shine a light on the significant role alternative medicine and his employer's support played in his recovery. Perry's story is one of connection and endurance, highlighting the power of goal-setting while grappling with serious illness.

Listeners will be inspired by Perry's remarkable return to competitive sports, winning multiple medals in cycling and triathlon events, and his ambition to participate in future competitions. His message is one of hope and encouragement, aiming to motivate others with similar diagnoses to believe in their strength and potential.

His insights extend beyond his sports achievements, delving into the gratitude he feels for his family, friends, and access to quality healthcare that steered him through the delicate post-transplant phase. Perry's gradual return to his job at Queensland Health and his ascent to a leadership role demonstrate his commitment to using his experience to benefit others in his professional capacity.

Finally, Perry shares heartfelt advice for those newly diagnosed with blood cancer: to treat oneself with kindness, trust in the circle of support, and remember that this challenging phase does not define who you are. His story leaves a lasting impression on the importance of attitude, love, and trust in overcoming leukaemia.

The Talking Blood Cancer Podcast is brought to you by the Leukaemia Foundation and is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

In this episode of Talking Blood Cancer, host Kate Arkadieff welcomes Tahli Batkilin, who bravely shares her personal battle and subsequent victory over blood cancer.

Tahli takes us through the moment she first received her lymphoma diagnosis amidst the chaos of lockdown and running her home baking business. The confusion of initial misdiagnoses escalating to the eventual life-changing news is recounted with raw honesty. Tahli's determination and resilience shine through as she explains how she continued to push for answers when treatments didn't seem to be working, embodying the critical message of being your own health advocate.

Tahli speaks to the heart-wrenching challenges she faced, not just in dealing with her illness but also in adapting her role as a mother during this turbulent time. From the intimacy of family dinners disrupted by grave news to the everyday act of walking her children to school, the juxtaposition of normalcy and the fight for life is poignant.

Tahli also discusses the physical and emotional impact of traditional chemotherapy, the process and her experience with innovative CAR T cell therapy, and the significance of minimal side effects in comparison to her previous treatments. Her remission is celebrated, and the conversation shifts to the transformative perspective on life that arises from enduring such a profound personal journey.

The discussion concludes with a reflection on the unpredictable nature of life and an emphasis on recognizing the value in every moment. Tahli's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of supportive care, and the advances in blood cancer treatment.

The Talking Blood Cancer Podcast is brought to you by the Leukaemia Foundation and is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network