Talking Blood Cancer

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

In this episode of Talking Blood Cancer, host Maryanne Skarparis sits down with Gary 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. Gary 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 Gary’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. Gary 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.

Finding Strength: Denise’s journey coping with blood cancer, loss, and rebuilding life

In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff sits down with Denise Andres to talk about her lived experience supporting her husband, Jacob, through his diagnosis and five-year journey with multiple myeloma. Denise shares openly about the shock of diagnosis, the rapid changes it brought to their daily lives, and the shift from being a partner to becoming a carer. Exploring the challenges Denise and Jacob faced, including managing ongoing treatment, coping with the effects of chemotherapy, and navigating the emotional strain that comes with a terminal diagnosis. Denise describes the difficulty of balancing her own health concerns with Jacob’s needs and the importance of a strong support system during such a difficult time. Denise candidly discusses the reality of caring for someone living with blood cancer, touching on topics such as the impact on intimacy, the loss and grief that occurs before and after bereavement, and having hard conversations about end-of-life planning. Providing practical advice for others in similar situations, such as writing down important wishes and being open, where possible, about emotions. Following Jacob’s death, Denise reflects on her journey of grief and the process of finding a new sense of normalcy. She shares how she found healing through saying yes to opportunities and eventually moved into a caring profession herself, wanting to support others going through similar experiences. This aims to provide comfort and reassurance to those living with blood cancer as patients or carers, and that support is available through organisations like the Leukaemia Foundation. 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.

Graham Lewis on Curiosity, Mindset, and Communication Through His Blood Cancer Journey

In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis is joined by guest Graham Lewis to discuss his lived experience with blood cancer, specifically mantle cell lymphoma. Based in Adelaide, Graham Lewis shares his journey, beginning with his initial diagnosis and the circumstances that led him to seek medical advice. He recounts undergoing both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants. Along with the coping strategies he and his family adopted during challenging phases of treatment. Exploring the emotional impact of a blood cancer diagnosis and its ripple effect on family dynamics. Graham Lewis explains how his pragmatic approach to treatment initially helped him, but also candidly describes how “cocooning” affected those closest to him. The importance of open communication and maintaining connections within his community, offering insights on how these support networks contributed to his psychosocial wellbeing. Graham discusses living with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following transplant. Describing the setbacks that came with severe physical disability and how the COVID-19 pandemic compounded feelings of isolation. They emphasise the benefits of advocacy work and sharing experiences to improve healthcare outcomes for others facing similar challenges. Providing practical advice for patients and carers, and the importance of assembling your own support team, maintaining curiosity, and investing in one’s own health and relationships. 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.

Overcoming Multiple Adversity: Nicole Sanzo’s Powerful Story of Resilience and Hope

In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff is joined by Nicole Sanzo, who shares her personal journey with blood cancer and following diagnoses. Nicole was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at just 4 years old. She discusses the challenges of receiving a diagnosis in regional Australia, and the realities of treatment as a young child. As Nicole talks through her experience, she reflects on how treatment affected her childhood, including her learning, social connections, and memory formation. Describing the support she received at school, with having teachers and aides who helped her negotiate learning difficulties. Along with her ongoing challenges such as fatigue and adjusting to life after treatment, which continued to affect Nicole beyond her initial diagnosis and recovery. Nicole’s story continues with her later experiences of being diagnosed with two additional cancers as a young adult. First, a rare salivary gland cancer at age 18, and then breast cancer at 25. She details the emotional and physical toll of facing multiple cancer diagnoses, the impact on her family, her coping strategies, and the importance of seeking and accepting support. She openly discusses the difficulty of returning to a “normal” life, the experience of isolation, and the continued effects on her health, work, and outlook. Throughout the episode, Nicole emphasises resilience, the value of psychosocial support, and the importance of peer and family connections for people navigating blood cancer and its aftermath. Highlighting real and practical considerations for patients and carers. Ranging from educational challenges, accessing healthcare in rural areas, and the need to advocate for one’s health, through to everyday adjustments for living well after 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.