A Whirlwind Journey: Finding Community and Courage Through Breast Cancer with Lauren Whitaker

From Doctor To Patient: A Radiation Oncologist's Cancer Journey with Dr. Jim Gray

Medical Director of Tennessee Oncology Proton Therapy Center, Dr. Jim Gray, has spent decades at the forefront of radiation oncology. In this episode, he reflects on the remarkable evolution of cancer treatment throughout his career—from the days of manually contouring treatment plans in medical school to today’s highly advanced technologies that allow for unprecedented precision.Having witnessed many of the field’s most significant breakthroughs firsthand, Dr. Gray shares the advancements that have had the greatest impact on patient care. He discusses the unique advantages of proton therapy, how it differs from traditional photon radiation, and the role he believes it will continue to play in the future of cancer treatment.As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Gray has long educated patients about cancer screening and the importance of understanding family history. After losing his father to prostate cancer and noticing a rise in his own PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, he recognized the importance of taking immediate action.Soon after, Dr. Gray found himself facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer—the very disease he treats every day. Experiencing cancer from the patient’s perspective gave him a new understanding of the physical and emotional realities of treatment. In this candid conversation, he shares what it was like to be on “the other end of the beam” and how undergoing proton therapy himself has deepened his empathy and strengthened his relationships with patients.Join us on this week’s episode of The Cancer Project Podcast as Dr. Gray discusses the evolution of radiation oncology, the benefits and future of proton therapy, and the lessons he learned while navigating cancer not as a physician, but as a patient.Episode Resources:Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.okcproton.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw12WzOIHUpeixzIg5mCg8ie]https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A]https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7]The Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw34lWswG0I8kzVeeqpd6LBp]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D61581844363126&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1X6X9zvCLf6wtWVIAJuqTa]https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3Ac1ECCmIMQnG7gNrXGWPg]

The History of Advancement of Radiation Oncology with Marc Mlyn

On this informative episode of The Cancer Project, host David Raubach sits down with longtime industry colleague and friend Marc Mlyn, President of U.S. Operations at RaySearch Laboratories.Drawing on decades of experience in radiation oncology, Marc has a unique ability to translate complex technologies and clinical concepts into understandable, real-world insights.In their conversation, David and Marc explore the evolution of radiation oncology, from the early days of treatment planning to today’s advanced photon and proton therapy techniques. As cancer detection and treatment technologies have progressed, Marc explains the critical role that medical software companies like RaySearch have played in improving precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes.Marc reflects on how treatment planning was performed at the start of his career compared to the sophisticated technologies available today. While the fundamental goal remains the same—the tools and capabilities used to achieve that goal have transformed dramatically.The discussion also looks ahead to the future of cancer care. Marc shares his perspective on the growing role of artificial intelligence in radiation oncology, particularly its potential to improve contouring, better protect organs at risk, and further enhance treatment accuracy and outcomes for patients.Episode Resources:Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.okcproton.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw12WzOIHUpeixzIg5mCg8ie] https://www.instagram.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A] okprotoncenter/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A]https://www.facebook.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7]OKProtonCenter [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7]The Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw34lWswG0I8kzVeeqpd6LBp] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D61581844363126&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1X6X9zvCLf6wtWVIAJuqTa] https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3Ac1ECCmIMQnG7gNrXGWPg]

Two Time Cancer Survivor: Morgan Aquino's Journey of Perseverance and Faith

This week, The Cancer Project Podcast is joined by two-time cancer survivor Morgan Aquino.In the fall of 2024, Morgan’s husband insisted she go to the hospital after she began experiencing severe abdominal pain.Doctors quickly discovered a ruptured ovarian cyst and, during the evaluation, found a mass on her kidney. As a wife and mother of two, Morgan shares her mindset as she navigated an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Because the mass was caught early, she underwent surgery two months later to remove it and was declared cancer-free.Just ten months later, after returning home from a girls’ trip, Morgan discovered an unusual lump in her breast. With the encouragement and support of her husband and friends, she immediately sought medical attention. Within 36 hours, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and preparing for a second battle with cancer only 13 months after her kidney cancer diagnosis.In this powerful episode about perseverance, faith, and community, Morgan reflects on the village that carried her through both diagnoses. Joined in the studio by one of her closest friends, she shares how family, friendship, and faith became a source of strength during some of the most difficult moments of her journey. Episode Resources:Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.okcproton.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw12WzOIHUpeixzIg5mCg8ie]https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A]https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7] The Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw34lWswG0I8kzVeeqpd6LBp]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D61581844363126&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1X6X9zvCLf6wtWVIAJuqTa]https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3Ac1ECCmIMQnG7gNrXGWPg]

Photon vs. Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer: The RADCOMP Trial with Dr. Shannon MacDonald

In the second episode of our special two-part series, Dr. Shannon MacDonald rejoins host David Raubach to discuss the RADCOMP trial — the first randomized study comparing proton therapy and traditional photon radiation for breast cancer.With more than 1,200 patients enrolled, the phase III Radiotherapy Comparative Effectiveness (RADCOMP) trial is also the largest study to date directly comparing proton and photon therapy for any type of cancer.One of the defining advantages of proton therapy is the Bragg Peak, which allows radiation to stop directly within the tumor, helping reduce exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and organs. As proton therapy centers continue to expand across the United States, so does the need for research comparing these two forms of radiation treatment.Dr. MacDonald serves as Senior Medical Director of the Southwest Florida Proton Center. In September, she presented the phase III RADCOMP results at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting.In this episode, Dr. MacDonald explains the purpose of the RADCOMP trial and why its focus on long-term quality-of-life outcomes makes the research especially significant. Since proton therapy was first used to treat breast cancer in 2010, physicians have been eager for more data comparing patient outcomes, side effects, and overall quality of life between proton and photon therapy.For more in-depth information about the RADCOMP trial, please visit the resources linked below.Episode Resources:Radiotherapy Comparative Effectiveness Trial:https://www.astro.org/news-and-publications/news-and-media-center/news-releases/2025/first-randomized-study-comparing-proton-and-photon-radiation-therapy-for-breast-cancer-finds-both-pr [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.astro.org/news-and-publications/news-and-media-center/news-releases/2025/first-randomized-study-comparing-proton-and-photon-radiation-therapy-for-breast-cancer-finds-both-pr&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2nmupKcPB14ol5bpBQEB0h]Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.okcproton.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw12WzOIHUpeixzIg5mCg8ie]https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A]https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7]The Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw34lWswG0I8kzVeeqpd6LBp]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D61581844363126&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1X6X9zvCLf6wtWVIAJuqTa]https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3Ac1ECCmIMQnG7gNrXGWPg]

Challenging Telehealth Restrictions: A Free Speech Lawsuit with Dr. Shannon MacDonald

After COVID-19 changed protocols for all day-to-day life, medicine was no exception. In every effort to stop and slow the spread of COVID-19, many medical appointments previously in person turned into virtual visits. This was seen in medicine, school, and life in general. During this period, doctors such as Shannon found one silver lining: patients did not have to travel while undergoing great physical stress due to a disease such as cancer.As protocols slowly began to shift back to life before the pandemic, many patients suddenly found themselves having to commute to another state just to have a brief phone consultation with their doctor. Dr. Shannon MacDonald joins The Cancer Project this week for a special two episode installment. In this episode, Dr. MacDonald dives into the ongoing legal case of Shannon MacDonald, M.D., et al. v. Otto Sabando. This case challenges the restrictions of telehealth medicine in New Jersey for rare disease patients who need specialized care that may not be available locally. The lawsuit seeks to eliminate the need for patients to have to commute to another state for what could easily be a video call while they battle rare and potentially fatal diseases.Host David Raubach and Dr. MacDonald explain the different angles of the legal case and the adjacent lawsuit in California, also seeking mitigation of certain telehealth restrictions. For more information about this ongoing legal case please visit https://pacificlegal.org/case/new-jersey-telehealth-pediatric-cancer/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pacificlegal.org/case/new-jersey-telehealth-pediatric-cancer/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0ni84Y9oknRhZpOqzDe70o].Episode Resources:Oklahoma Proton Centerhttps://www.okcproton.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.okcproton.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw12WzOIHUpeixzIg5mCg8ie]https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A]https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7]The Cancer Project Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/the_cancerproject&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw34lWswG0I8kzVeeqpd6LBp]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581844363126 [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D61581844363126&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1X6X9zvCLf6wtWVIAJuqTa]https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tiktok.com/@protonguy&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3Ac1ECCmIMQnG7gNrXGWPg]