Talking Blood Cancer

The Road to Remission: Jacinta Smith’s Inspiring Blood Cancer Story

In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Jacinta Smith about her journey facing acute myeloid leukaemia. Jacinta shares her experience from the initial diagnosis through the many physical and emotional challenges that followed, providing an honest account of what it means to adjust to life with a blood cancer diagnosis. Talking about Jacinta’s busy life before diagnosis, including her role as a mother of three and her successful banking career. She describes the early signs of illness, her hospital admission, and the shock of learning about her condition. Jacinta openly discusses the experience of telling her children about her diagnosis and how her family coped during times of uncertainty. They explore the realities of treatment, including the difficulties of chemotherapy, the need for a bone marrow transplant, and the impact of serious complications like infection and intensive care stays. Jacinta details the physical rehabilitation required after a long hospitalisation and the gradual process of regaining strength and independence. She provides insight into the emotional and psychological effects of her ordeal, including the value of psychological support and the importance of asking questions and staying informed throughout treatment. Jacinta also highlights her current involvement in health consumer work, supporting other patients and contributing to healthcare improvement. She underlines the significance of staying positive, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and being proactive with both physical health and communication with medical teams. For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation visit: https://www.leukaemia.org.au 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.

Surviving Aplastic Anemia: Carlos Soto on Resilience, Recovery, and Gratitude

In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff sits down with Carlos Soto to discuss his experience as a bone marrow transplant survivor after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia at the age of 20. Carlos details the challenges he faced following his diagnosis in Mexico, the difficulties in finding a diagnosis, the struggle to access treatment, and the reality of funding his own life-saving procedure due to limited healthcare coverage for unrelated bone marrow transplants. Carlos describes the emotional and physical challenges of living with a serious blood disorder, from experiencing extreme fatigue to coping with periods of isolation and depression. Explaining how community support, family, and fundraising were essential in securing the funds needed for a bone marrow transplant from a donor in Germany, and highlights the complicated logistics and emotional ups and downs that came with the process. Talking about his long recovery following a transplant, including ongoing health management, coping with side effects like blood clots, and the importance of continued medical follow-up and self-care. Carlos shares how techniques like meditation and mindfulness helped him navigate difficult periods, and he reflects on the role of gratitude throughout his journey. They discuss the impact of family, particularly the vital support from his mother, and how Carlos took personal responsibility in managing his health after transplant. Concluding with Carlos encouraging others to consider registering as bone marrow donors, noting how simple acts can give someone a second chance at life. For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation visit: https://www.leukaemia.org.au 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.

A Young Family’s Story: Sally and Sam on Parenting and Blood Cancer Journey

In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff sits down with Sam and his partner, Sally, to explore the reality of receiving and living with a blood cancer diagnosis as a young family in Australia. Sam shares the circumstances leading to his diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, describing the early symptoms, initial misdiagnosis, and the shock that followed. Sally recalls the immense emotional impact this news had on their lives, the challenges of facing such life-changing information while parenting a young child. Giving insights into the grief, denial, and anger experienced by both patient and caregiver as they navigate the uncertainty that comes with a serious illness. Delving into the practicalities of seeking help and emotional support. Sam and Sally discuss the importance of honest communication, setting boundaries, and reaching out to external communities, such as support circles and online groups, when immediate friends and family may not fully understand the situation. Both emphasise the value of being able to express difficult emotions openly, and how these shared experiences with others can help reduce feelings of isolation. They also talk candidly about the strain a cancer diagnosis places on relationships, and the importance of self-care for carers as well as patients. Touching on the added complexity of making treatment decisions and the necessity for individuals to trust their own choices in the face of difficult statistics and medical advice. Offering perspective and support for patients, families, and carers navigating the emotional and practical realities of blood cancer. This serves to remind listeners that while the journey is unique for everyone, no one has to walk it alone. For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation visit: https://www.leukaemia.org.au 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.

Grounded in Healing: Garry Kafoa’s Holistic Journey Beyond Blood Cancer Recovery

In this episode of Talking Blood Cancer, host Maryanne Skarparis sits down with Garry Kafoa, a proud Minjungbal man from the Bundjalung nation, to reflect on his experience with acute myeloid leukaemia and his journey of healing and resilience. Garry shares how his diagnosis at age 44 dramatically changed the course of his life as a professional fisherman. He discusses his early symptoms, the delay in seeking medical attention, and the importance of creating safe spaces for First Nations men to talk about health concerns. He describes the emotional impact of receiving a confronting prognosis and how hope, the support of family, and his cultural beliefs guided him through treatment, including a life-saving stem cell transplant from his brother. They moved to Garry’s life after treatment, touching on challenges such as depression and finding new purpose. He credits music and connection with community as vital to his recovery, leading him to roles in community service and cultural training. He highlights the importance of holistic healing, connection to country, and tradition in supporting wellness. Providing insights into the unique experiences of First Nations people facing blood cancer and underlines the value of supportive environments, storytelling, and peer connection throughout treatment and beyond. Garry also shares a song inspired by his journey, capturing the emotional landscape of diagnosis, treatment, and hope. For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation visit: https://www.leukaemia.org.au 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.

A Mother’s Story: Trudy Marr on becoming an advocate through her son’s cancer and beyond

In this episode of Talking Blood Cancer, host Kate Arkadieff welcomes Trudy Marr to share her experience as a mother caring for her young son, Bobby, who was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just three and a half years old. Providing a first-hand look at the journey from early symptoms and the process of seeking a diagnosis, through to navigating hospital systems, and the daily reality of being a parent-carer in a regional community. Trudy Marr shares her insights into recognising when something isn’t right with your child and advocates for the importance of trusting parental instincts, especially when navigating various medical opinions. She describes the shock and rapid changes that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis, and the emotional and logistical challenges that families face, especially those who must travel long distances for treatment. Covering the ongoing impact of cancer beyond the completion of active treatment. Trudy Marr explains the concept of “survivorship,” highlighting how life changes for the child and their family after treatment ends. She details the lasting effects of cancer treatment, including physical, cognitive, and social challenges, and shares how important it is for parents and carers to remain advocates for their children as they continue to grow. They also explored the unique difficulties faced by regional families, including travel demands and limited access to support services close to home. Trudy Marr discusses her current work in advocacy, aiming to improve long-term survivorship care and support for children and families affected by blood cancer. For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation visit: https://www.leukaemia.org.au 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.