The FWD Think Tank

Doctors Didn’t Expect This—Stage 3 Lung Cancer in a 38-Year-Old Mom with Lauren Corcoran

1 h 3 min · 14 de abr de 2026
Portada del episodio Doctors Didn’t Expect This—Stage 3 Lung Cancer in a 38-Year-Old Mom with Lauren Corcoran

Descripción

What happens when a routine check-up turns into a life-altering diagnosis? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, I sit down with Lauren Corcoran, a stage 3 lung cancer survivor who was diagnosed at just 38 years old—as a non-smoker and brand new mom to a one-year-old. What she initially thought was a lingering injury from getting back into the gym postpartum ultimately led to the shocking discovery of a tumor in her chest. Lauren shares her full cancer journey—from the moment of diagnosis to navigating treatment, major surgery, and life on the other side. We dive into how she approached building the right medical team, learning to advocate for herself as a new mother, and making deeply personal decisions about her care based on trust, intuition, and individual needs. In this episode, we also explore: * The rising trend of lung cancer in non-smokers and younger women * How Lauren chose a care team aligned with her values and built meaningful relationships with her doctors * What it looked like to uproot her life and move overseas to London during such a vulnerable chapter * The reality of undergoing complex surgery and long-term treatment * The power of support systems, partnership, and community during a health crisis * How motherhood shaped her resilience, perspective, and decision-making * Navigating “scanxiety,” survivorship, and life on ongoing medication * How losing friends to cancer has reshaped her outlook on life, gratitude, and presence * The evolution of her marriage and the strength she found in her relationship with her husband Lauren’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and deep appreciation for life. She opens up about what it means to live fully—even in the face of uncertainty—and how she continues to move forward with strength, gratitude, and intention. If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that your voice, your choices, and your life matter deeply. RESOURCES: Young Lung Cancer Initiative: https://ylci.org/ Stamford Hospital Bennett Cancer Center: https://www.stamfordhealth.org/ Get in touch with Lauren directly on Instagram @laurencorc

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52 episodios

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20 de may de 20261 h 54 min
episode This Non-Drug Treatment Is Helping People Heal from Depression, Anxiety & OCD with Hannah Lynch, Psychiatric NP artwork

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What if there was a way to treat depression, anxiety, and OCD—without relying solely on medication? In this episode of The FWD Think Tank Podcast, I sit down with one of my closest friends, Hannah Lynch, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Onward Psychiatry located in Norwood Massachusetts, to break down the science and real-life impact of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy—a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that’s changing the landscape of mental health care for both adults and adolescents. If you or someone you love has felt stuck, frustrated, or unsupported by traditional approaches like medication or talk therapy alone, this conversation offers a powerful new perspective on what healing can look like. We dive into: * What TMS therapy actually is and how it works to stimulate brain activity * How TMS supports neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to heal itself * Who is a good candidate for TMS treatment * What sessions feel like + how long treatment typically lasts * The side effects and benefits of TMS vs. medication * Why medication doesn’t always move the needle for mental health * How to find a TMS provider near you * Why therapy + lifestyle changes still matter in the healing process * Where to start if you're struggling with depression, anxiety, or OCD This episode is for anyone looking for alternative mental health treatments, deeper understanding, and real hope when it feels like nothing is working. Hannah brings both clinical expertise and compassion to this conversation, and I’m so excited to share this with you. *Disclaimer: All patient information shared in this episode has been used with the expressed consent of the individual. No identifying information or names were disclosed in order to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. RESOURCES: Get in touch with Hannah and the Onward Psychiatry Team: www.onwardspsychiatry.com or check them out on Instagram @onward_psychiatry Find a Neurostar Provider near you: www.neurostar.com Am I a candidate? Take the PHQ-10 Self-Assessment Health Questionnaire: phq9web.asurewebsites.net

28 de abr de 20261 h 9 min
episode Doctors Didn’t Expect This—Stage 3 Lung Cancer in a 38-Year-Old Mom with Lauren Corcoran artwork

Doctors Didn’t Expect This—Stage 3 Lung Cancer in a 38-Year-Old Mom with Lauren Corcoran

What happens when a routine check-up turns into a life-altering diagnosis? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, I sit down with Lauren Corcoran, a stage 3 lung cancer survivor who was diagnosed at just 38 years old—as a non-smoker and brand new mom to a one-year-old. What she initially thought was a lingering injury from getting back into the gym postpartum ultimately led to the shocking discovery of a tumor in her chest. Lauren shares her full cancer journey—from the moment of diagnosis to navigating treatment, major surgery, and life on the other side. We dive into how she approached building the right medical team, learning to advocate for herself as a new mother, and making deeply personal decisions about her care based on trust, intuition, and individual needs. In this episode, we also explore: * The rising trend of lung cancer in non-smokers and younger women * How Lauren chose a care team aligned with her values and built meaningful relationships with her doctors * What it looked like to uproot her life and move overseas to London during such a vulnerable chapter * The reality of undergoing complex surgery and long-term treatment * The power of support systems, partnership, and community during a health crisis * How motherhood shaped her resilience, perspective, and decision-making * Navigating “scanxiety,” survivorship, and life on ongoing medication * How losing friends to cancer has reshaped her outlook on life, gratitude, and presence * The evolution of her marriage and the strength she found in her relationship with her husband Lauren’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and deep appreciation for life. She opens up about what it means to live fully—even in the face of uncertainty—and how she continues to move forward with strength, gratitude, and intention. If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that your voice, your choices, and your life matter deeply. RESOURCES: Young Lung Cancer Initiative: https://ylci.org/ Stamford Hospital Bennett Cancer Center: https://www.stamfordhealth.org/ Get in touch with Lauren directly on Instagram @laurencorc

14 de abr de 20261 h 3 min
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