What happens when a nurse's intuition and caregiver's dedication intersect to shape the recovery path for bladder cancer patients? Join us on Cancer Clear and Simple as we welcome Dr. Brandon Sterling, an advanced practice registered nurse with a heartwarming journey from Houston, Texas, to earning a PhD in nursing from Texas Women's University. Learn how the influences of his grandmother and mentor, Dr. Michelle Robinson, steered him toward a career dedicated to the intricate and emotional world of urologic oncology. Dr. Sterling reveals insights from his dissertation on caregivers of cystectomy patients, shedding light on the unseen heroes in post-surgical care.

Navigating the pandemic brought unique hurdles for caregivers and patients alike. From restrictive hospital visitation policies to adapting communication methods with phone calls and video recordings, find out how caregivers innovated to ensure continuous support and education. Dr. Sterling provides practical advice for post-operative comfort, including the use of recliners and silk pajamas, while emphasizing the critical role of online platforms like BCAN's Inspire. These forums connect patients and caregivers with reliable advice and specialized healthcare professionals, essential in a landscape where access to quality care can vary greatly.

Our conversation culminates in appreciating the often overlooked yet vital role of caregivers in patient recovery. Dr. Sterling shares poignant observations from his research, highlighting how caregivers are crucial monitors of their loved ones' health, capable of detecting subtle changes that medical tests might miss. From monitoring hydration through urine color to recognizing variations in appetite and activity levels, these informal assessments can prevent severe complications and hospital readmissions. Dr. Sterling’s journey into nursing, sparked by childhood experiences and inspired by the nurses he encountered as a teenager, underscores his commitment to advocating for caregivers and advancing the nursing profession.

Welcome to 'Cancer Clear and Simple,' the podcast dedicated to simplifying cancer. Join us as we navigate the intricate world of cancer, breaking down complex concepts for our listening audience. Our mission is to empower individuals and families dealing with cancer by providing clear, and concise insights. Through expert interviews, personal stories, and practical tips, we unravel medical language and explore treatment options, enabling listeners to make informed decisions. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or just simply wanting information, tune in to 'Cancer Clear and Simple' for a easy-to-follow guide on understanding and coping with cancer.

In this episode, George Randolph shares his personal experience with cancer, highlighting the challenges he faced in the medical system. He discusses his cancer type and stage, the signs and symptoms he experienced, and the timeline of his diagnosis. George also talks about how he dealt with the diagnosis and the horror story of his biopsy process. He shares his treatment experience, including the use of chemotherapy and radiation, and the challenges he faced with some medical professionals. In this conversation, George Randolph shares his personal journey with cancer and highlights the importance of personal presentation in healthcare. He discusses the battle of communication and self-advocacy, as well as the different experiences he had at various treatment facilities. George also addresses the impact of healthcare costs and the need for financial support and accessibility. He shares the daily challenges of living with cancer, including changes in eating habits and taste buds. George reflects on the lessons he has learned and his personal growth throughout this journey. He talks about transitioning to a lighter workload and the shift in his food preferences. Finally, he discusses the improvements needed in the healthcare system and shares his thoughts on living in remission and looking forward.

The Cancer Clear and Simple podcast, hosted by Joshua Wright, introduces the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative (CHDI) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Carbone Cancer Center. The CHDI aims to reduce inequities and the cancer burden through research, outreach, education, and training. The conversation explores the underserved populations in Wisconsin, including African Americans, Latinx, American Indian, Hmong, LGBTQ+, and rural communities. These populations face social determinants of health that contribute to lower screening rates, higher cancer incidence, later diagnosis, and higher mortality. The podcast discusses the importance of increasing cancer disparities-related research, both locally and internationally, and highlights the benefits of cancer-focused community outreach and education in rural settings. The goal is to promote health equity, improve access to care, and reduce the burden of cancer for underserved populations. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and patient navigation in clinical research and community engagement. The conversation concludes by inviting listeners to join future episodes and engage in the conversation about cancer disparities.