A New Year's Message from Karen and Melanie

Cancer Day at the Capital 2026 Recap

Join Karen and Melanie as Melanie discusses her recent health updates and the need for a treatment change. They discuss the importance of advocacy in cancer treatment and legislative efforts is highlighted. Karen shares cancer statistics and the need for communitysupport and awareness. Biomarker testing is becoming more accessible and is crucialfor personalized treatment. The podcast emphasizes the importance of legislativeadvocacy for cancer-related issues. Melanie discusses the financial burden of medical debt andits impact on treatment access. The need for increased awareness and prevention measures for tobacco use is discussed. Community programs like Live Strong are vital for cancersurvivors' rehabilitation. The conversation ends with a focus on future plans andcontinued advocacy efforts. Here are the resources we discussed on the podcast: From our discussion with Cobie Whitten - Season 2 episode 44 published December 17, 2025 Support group virtual meetings 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 2-3:30pm 2nd Tuesdays of each month 6:30-8:00pm www.provcancer.org for more details Workshops and retreats www.harmonyhill.org/cancer For financial support, classes, support groups cancerlifeline.orgTo join the Rutgers study: join.rugcc.org American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics 2026 cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org

Karen and Melanie talk with ACS Cancer Action Network's Anika Khan and Audrey Miller Garcia

In this episode of the Only 4 Words podcast, Karenand Melanie welcome guests Anika Khan and Audrey Miller Garcia from the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network. They discuss the current legislative landscape affecting cancer patients, the challenges posed by budgetconstraints, and the impact of Medicaid changes. The importance of storytelling in advocacy is emphasized, particularly in relation to the upcoming Cancer Action Day, where volunteers can share their experiences with lawmakers. The conversation also covers upcoming legislative priorities, including biomarker testing and medical debt issues, and encourages community involvement in advocacy efforts.   Guests: Anika Khan, Grassroots Manager Audrey Miller Garcia, Government Relations Director Resources discussed on the podcast: The Washington State Standard waplanhealthfinder.org fightcancer.org Cancer Action Day January 21, 2026 Olympia, Washington

A New Year's Message from Karen and Melanie

Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who has supported us, listened, shared and attended our in person gatherings. We appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to a healthy, happy 2026 for all of us!

A Christmas Message from Karen and Melanie

From both of us and from the bottom of our hearts, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, good health and a an amazing 2026 ahead. Thank you for listening, for supporting us and walking along side us for this journey. We will be back in January with all new episodes.

Our Interview with Psycho-Oncology Consultant Cobie Whitten

In this episode of the Only 4 Words Podcast, hosts KarenWaddington and Melanie engage in a heartfelt conversation with Cobie Whitten, an Psyco-Oncology Consultant. Cobie shares her extensive background in psycho-oncology anddiscusses the profound impact of cancer on individuals and their families. The conversation explores various themes, including the importance of emotional support, coping strategies, the role of positivity, and the challenges ofnavigating intimacy after a cancer diagnosis. Cobie emphasizes the need for open communication, the significance of support systems, and the importance offinding meaning and purpose in life despite the challenges posed by cancer. Theepisode concludes with insights on managing uncertainty and fear, as well as resources for those affected by cancer. Our next in person gathering with be: Saturday, Jan 3rd, 2026 Sweet Magnolia Coffeee Co 125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater, WA 2:00pm-4:00pm No RSVP needed, just show up Here are the resources that were mentioned on the podcast: https://www.harmonyhill.org/cancer/ [https://www.harmonyhill.org/cancer/] https://cancerlifeline.org/ [https://cancerlifeline.org/]