Grew Up on Military Bases. Then She Got Cancer

SURVIVED IRAQ. GOT CANCER YEARS LATER

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] Army veteran Thomas Firak thought he was healthy. Then a routine blood test revealed something that couldn't be ignored. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Thomas shares his journey from serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer linked to burn pit exposure and other toxic exposures veterans may face during service. Thomas opens up about the early warning signs, being anemic for years before diagnosis, undergoing a stem cell transplant, CAR-T therapy, and the physical and emotional challenges that came with treatment. He also discusses the importance of filing VA disability claims, keeping military records, and advocating for your own health. This conversation is filled with practical advice, hope, and hard-earned lessons for veterans, caregivers, and anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Topics discussed:  • Iraq deployment and burn pit exposure  • Multiple myeloma symptoms and diagnosis  • Stem cell transplant experience  • CAR-T therapy and side effects  • VA disability claims and the PACT Act  • Mental health during cancer treatment  • Support systems for veterans and caregivers  • Why early detection matters If you're a veteran experiencing unexplained symptoms, don't ignore them. Early action can make all the difference. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network:  Veteran Cancer Network.org Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Cancer-Free But Still Struggling?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] Cancer treatment may end, but for many survivors, the challenges continue long after they hear the words "cancer free." In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton and Casey sit down with men's pelvic health physical therapist Matt Johnston to discuss an often-overlooked part of cancer survivorship. From urinary leakage and pelvic floor dysfunction to sexual health concerns and loss of confidence, many men struggle with side effects they never expected and rarely talk about. Matt explains why these issues are more common than most people realize, how physical therapy can help, and why no survivor should feel embarrassed to seek support. The conversation also explores the role of exercise during and after cancer treatment, how movement can improve recovery and quality of life, and why so many men suffer in silence instead of asking for help. Whether you're a prostate cancer survivor, caregiver, veteran, or healthcare professional, this episode offers practical advice, hope, and a reminder that survivorship is about more than simply beating cancer. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network at VeteranCancerNetwork.org. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

The VA Said Ulcer. It Was Cancer. - Matt Roll's Multiple Myeloma Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] Army veteran Matt Roll spent more than a year searching for answers after persistent pain was repeatedly dismissed as an ulcer. Trusting his instincts ultimately led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma at just 41 years old. In this episode, Matt joins Veteran Cancer Talk to discuss his military service, concerns about toxic exposures, the road to diagnosis, undergoing a stem cell transplant, and what life looks like today while living with cancer in remission. Matt also shares the critical role his wife and family played throughout treatment, the importance of advocating for yourself when something feels wrong, and why veterans need to pay attention to changes in their health. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, family, survivorship, and the reality many veterans face when navigating cancer. If something doesn't feel right, keep pushing for answers. You are your own best advocate. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Grew Up on Military Bases. Then She Got Cancer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton speaks with Heather King — military brat, breast cancer survivor, doctoral candidate, and founder of Rooted Resilience — about the overlooked issue of toxic exposure and long-term health risks facing military families. Heather shares her experience growing up in military housing and later being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 despite living a healthy lifestyle and staying proactive with screenings. Together, they discuss: *  Military family toxic exposure  *  Cancer and environmental exposure concerns  *  Healthcare gaps affecting military families  *  Early detection and advocacy  *  Holistic wellness during treatment  *  Caregiver support and burnout  *  Nutrition, inflammation, and recovery  This is a powerful conversation about the questions healthcare systems still are not asking military families. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network:  www.VeteranCancerNetwork [https://veterancancernetwork.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com].org Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Stage 4 Cancer While Still Serving...

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] What happens when you’re still serving your country… and get diagnosed with stage 4 cancer? In this episode, we sit down with Ron and Kate Belany — a Navy family navigating life after a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. From early symptoms that were easy to dismiss… to a misdiagnosis… to starting treatment just weeks later — this conversation dives into what that journey really looks like. We also talk about: *  The moment everything changed  *  What treatment is actually like day-to-day  *  The role of the caregiver (and why it’s just as hard)  *  Military support systems that helped along the way  *  The mental battle behind cancer  *  And how perspective shifts when nothing is guaranteed  Ron’s mindset is simple: stay positive, stay present, and keep going. This is a real conversation about resilience, family, and fighting forward. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org