In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani sits down with Dr. Cara Bohon, a clinical psychologist and researcher, to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors. They discuss the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in cancer care, the complexities of treating cancer-related insomnia, and the shortage of mental health professionals trained in oncology.

Dr. Bohon and Samira also review a PCORI-funded study led by Dr. Jun J. Mao, comparing the effectiveness of CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) versus acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia. Dr. Bohon breaks down step-by-step sleep strategies for cancer patients, offering practical tools to improve sleep, emotional well-being, and cancer-related anxiety—even for those without access to therapy.

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features this PCORI study by Jun J Mao, MD.

Check out the free mental health resources mentioned in this episode from Veterans of America here.

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Your Cancer GPS is here! Step-by-step breast cancer maps based on what others have gone through and what oncologists recommend.

Key Highlights:

1. Insomnia is a major issue for cancer patients and survivors alike – beyond just trouble sleeping, it exacerbates pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and emotional distress, making cancer treatment even more challenging.

2. The clinical trial covered in this episode found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) led to better sleep improvements compared to acupuncture, with lasting effects even after treatment ended. While acupuncture may not be as effective as CBT-I for sleep, it showed short-term benefits for managing cancer-related pain, which can still be valuable for your mental health as well

3. The problem with therapy today is not just accessibility, but also the fact that many therapists aren't trained in psycho-oncology, making it difficult for cancer patients to find mental health support tailored to their unique challenges.

4. Techniques from CBT-I, such as sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation exercises, can significantly improve sleep quality—even for those who can't afford professional therapy.

About our guest:

Dr. Cara Bohon is a clinical psychologist and researcher from Stanford University with experience scaling delivery of evidence-based mental health treatments to meet the huge needs of patients across the United States. She led clinical programs and research at Equip Health, which addressed the demand for effective eating disorder treatment by providing training and virtual delivery of evidence-based eating disorder treatment across the country and is passionate about expanding her work in oncology in the future.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Nine years with no evidence of disease—yet Megan-Claire Chase’s cancer journey isn’t over. As she once fought cancer alongside her mother, she now faces something even harder: losing her. In this episode, Megan-Claire shares a deeply vulnerable side—a daughter losing her mother. Facing your own mortality is one thing, but facing the mortality of your loved ones—friends, family, fellow cancer patients, and survivors—and the hole they leave behind is something entirely different.

Key Highlights:

1. Witnessing her mother’s cancer progression brings anticipatory grief, yet despite that grief, Megan strives to learn as much about her mother as possible, including fond memories from her childhood.

2. Despite the anticipatory grief, Megan and her mother engage in a bonding exercise using question cards, and she records their conversations. One of the most meaningful things she learned was that her mother reflects on her life with joy—ultimately, the greatest goal is to leave this world happy.

3. Facing your own mortality can unearth many emotions: the need to be confident and not tolerate disrespect, the desire to live life on your own terms and to the fullest, yet also a deep sense of loneliness and isolation.

About our guest:

Check out thefirst episode Megan-Claire Chase appeared in here.

Megan-Claire Chase, also known as Warrior Megsie, is the Breast Cancer Program Director and host of theOur BC Life podcast at SHARE Cancer Support. As an invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) breast cancer survivor and passionate patient advocate based in Atlanta, GA, Megan-Claire is a dedicated champion for the needs of breast cancer patients, particularly in addressing the disparities faced by minoritized communities and those in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) communities.

In addition to her pivotal role at SHARE, she serves on Bayer Oncology's Digital Patient Council, is a patient advocate for the Oncology Data Advisor Editorial Board, and recently joined the Worth the Wait Charity advisory board. She also contributes as a writer and advisory board member for Patient Power, amplifying the voices of breast cancer patients.

Megan-Claire’s advocacy efforts include participating as a panelist onLeveraging Technology to Support Patient-Centered Multidisciplinary Oncologic Care at the 2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium, co-authoring a podcast and infographic on genetic testing in metastatic breast cancer, collaborating with Pfizer on theAction Guide to Disrupt Inequitable Health Outcomes, and sharing her personal journey on PBS’sBeyond Cancer throughStories from the Stage. Her work has been spotlighted in notable publications likeThe New York Times,People Magazine,Cancer Health,Cancer Today, andCURE Magazine.

Beyond her cancer advocacy, Megan-Claire is a versatile voiceover actor, a dedicated social justice activist, and a proud cat mom to Phoebe.

Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Looking for tools to help you take control of your cancer experience? Check out My Cancer GPS™, a step-by-step map that guides you through the entire cancer experience.

In this enlightening episode of the Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani interviews Dr. Sara Tolaney, a leading oncologist specializing in breast cancer. They delve into the evolving landscape of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exploring advancements in treatment, from targeted therapies to immunotherapy, and the challenges faced by patients in both early-stage and metastatic settings. With her characteristic warmth and expertise, Dr. Tolaney provides actionable insights for patients and caregivers, offering hope and understanding in navigating this complex diagnosis. Key Highlights: 1. A New Paradigm in Early-Stage TNBC Treatment: Dr. Tolaney explains how neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy has revolutionized outcomes, achieving pathologic complete response rates above 60%. 2. Metastatic TNBC Advances: The discussion highlights the critical role of biomarker testing and the introduction of innovative therapies like antibody-drug conjugates, providing extended survival for many patients. 3. Empowering Patient Symptom Management: The episode underscores the importance of patient-reported outcomes and emerging tools like health apps to enhance self-management and real-time support for side effects. About our guest: Sara Tolaney, MD, MPH is the Chief of the Division of Breast Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and is internationally recognized for her research and education leadership in breast cancer. She also serves as Associate Director of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers and is a Senior Physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Tolaney received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and her medical degree from UC San Francisco. She subsequently completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, and fellowships in hematology and medical oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She obtained her Masters in Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. Her research focuses on the development of novel therapies in the treatment of breast cancer and developing more effective and less toxic treatment approaches. Her work has demonstrated that a relatively low risk regimen is beneficial in women with early stage node-negative HER2-positive cancers, and this works has been incorporated into national and international guidelines. She has developed several follow-up studies looking at novel approaches to early stage HER2-positive disease and has also played a significant role in development of cdk 4/6 inhibitors, antibody drug conjugates, and immunotherapy in breast cancer. She is the author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications with manuscripts included in many prestigious journals such as the New England Journal, Lancet Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology. Key Moments: At 8 minutes: "It used to be that if someone had a triple negative breast cancer, we would often take someone to surgery and then after surgery give them some chemotherapy to kill any stray cells that might've gotten into the bloodstream and integrate radiation as needed. But we've really changed our approach very dramatically over the last few years where we've learned that if someone has an early stage, stage two or three triple negative breast cancer, it is actually very critical that they not go to upfront surgery, but in fact get chemotherapy with immunotherapy prior to surgery." Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode is sponsored by Gilead Oncology. Gilead had no involvement or input in the podcast content. Gilead Oncology is working to transform how cancer is treated. We are innovating with next-generation therapies, combinations, and technologies to deliver improved outcomes for people with cancer. From antibody drug conjugates and small molecules to cell therapy-based approaches, our portfolio and pipeline assets are creating new possibilities for people with cancer.

Maimah Karmo shares her story with triple-negative breast cancer and how she founded the Tiger Lily Foundation. Maimah emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and education in traversing healthcare challenges. She shares her experience of being dismissed by doctors due to her age and ethnicity, and how this motivated her to create an organization that empowers women of color facing similar struggles.

Key Highlights:

1. Trust your gut, it could save your life.

2. Don’t do it alone, community is what will help you do what you need to do even if you’re afraid.

3. Be the best advocate you can be for yourself, this is your life and your body – you are worth the fight.

About our guest:

Maimah Karmo is the Founder/CEO of the Tigerlily Foundation (Tigerlily) and an eighteen-year survivor of breast cancer. On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., Maimah was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. She had no family history and was 32-years old. While undergoing her second round of chemotherapy, she made a promise to God that if she survived, she would create an organization to educate, empower, advocate for and support young women affected by breast cancer. A first-generation immigrant from Liberia, who has experienced disparities first-hand, she is a leader in the women’s health field, creating and implementing national health initiatives for women and girls, with a goal of eliminating disparities of age, stage and color. Under Maimah’ s leadership, Tigerlily Foundation has launched national and global health initiatives focused on ending disparities, through the #InclusionPledge, partnering with global stakeholders, with a call to action to recognize health disparities as a social justice issue; and working to end disparities for black women in our lifetime. She is a global thought leader, health advocate and philanthropist, committed to justice and equity for all. Maimah also works directly with women and their families to connect the patient with better care and knowledge. through events such as the Annual Young Women’s Breast Health Day on the Hill and other philanthropic efforts and successful educational and support programs.

You can find Maimah on Twitter, on Instagram, and on Facebook.

Check out the Tigerlily Foundation here.

Key Moments:

At 6 minutes 25 seconds “I ended up finding the flower one day, the tiger lily… It's like a woman, beautiful, different layers to her, and also when people are going through treatment there's a sense of so much fear. You do lose things in a way. You may lose your petals: your hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, breasts, other parts of your body, male or female. The flower is a perennial, so in the fall, winter, the petals fall off but in the spring and summer, they blossom again. I want people who are coming to Tigerlily to feel that sense of: I'm going through this time of dormancy and things are falling off, but that means I could grow and transform into something beautiful and amazing and just badass.You could find beauty, strength and be transformed throughout the cancer journey.”

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode is sponsored by Gilead Oncology. Gilead had no involvement or input in the podcast content. Gilead Oncology is working to transform how cancer is treated. We are innovating with next-generation therapies, combinations, and technologies to deliver improved outcomes for people with cancer. From antibody drug conjugates and small molecules to cell therapy-based approaches, our portfolio and pipeline assets are creating new possibilities for people with cancer.

In this enlightening episode of The Patient From Hell podcast, Dr. Doug Blayney and host Samira Daswani dive deep into the key insights from the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). They explore four critical areas of breast cancer care: CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), de-escalation strategies for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in cancer diagnostics. Throughout the conversation, a central theme emerges: the increasing ability to personalize cancer treatment, considering individual patient characteristics, biological markers, treatment options, and personal goals for quality and quantity of life.

Key Highlights:

1. Biomarkers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing for more precise and personalized treatment approaches across different breast cancer subtypes.

2. Patient choice and individual considerations are paramount, with treatment decisions now focusing on balancing potential survival benefits against quality of life impacts.

3. Emerging technologies like antibody-drug conjugates and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing breast cancer care by offering more nuanced, targeted diagnostic and treatment options.

About our guest:

Dr. Doug Blayney is an oncology physician who specializes in breast cancer and the Chief Medical Officer of Manta Cares. His research focuses on quality improvement in cancer care systems, new drug development, and patient experience improvement. At the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), he was founding Editor-in-Chief of its flagship practice journal, and as President, started the ASCO Quality Symposium and began planning for ASCO’s CancerLinq. He was a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Growth Factor Guideline panel, and is a past member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee and the NCCN Board of Directors.

Key Moments:

At 38 minutes: "There's a company now that has a gene expression panel that may predict, and it looks like it does predict, whether radiation treatment after standard treatment for DCIS is beneficial. So if this predicted biomarker of benefit for radiation pans out, and I think it probably will, that means that we can deescalate or personalize whether radiation treatment and its side effects are likely to be beneficial to that patient."

At 45 minutes: "Quality of life, can that be answered by a nine question questionnaire? Well, maybe. If you can't get out of bed, your quality of life is because something hurts or if your arm doesn't work because they're so swollen, that's one extreme... What about 15 years playing that duet? What about three? It's those kind of subtleties that we need to take into account."

At 49 minutes:"AI can interpret mammograms. The images from a mammogram 20 years ago, there were four, top, bottom, side, side, and maybe another oblique. And now there's 60 images from a mammogram. So that means that a radiologist, a human radiologist, whether it's next door or around the world, somebody needs to look at those. AI can help."

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode is sponsored by Gilead Oncology. Gilead had no involvement or input in the podcast content. Gilead Oncology is working to transform how cancer is treated. We are innovating with next-generation therapies, combinations, and technologies to deliver improved outcomes for people with cancer. From antibody drug conjugates and small molecules to cell therapy-based approaches, our portfolio and pipeline assets are creating new possibilities for people with cancer.

In this heartfelt episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani talks to Jill Massey, a pharmacist and pharma industry veteran whose path through cancer has been both personal and professional. Jill shares her experiences as a caregiver for her sister, mother, and husband—all cancer patients—before becoming a patient herself. They discuss the emotional and practical challenges of navigating caregiving, the complexities of the healthcare system, and how Jill's unique perspective as both a medical professional and a patient shaped her approach to advocacy, treatment decisions, and resilience.

Key Highlights:

1. A Personal and Professional Journey: Jill reflects on how her family's battles with cancer shaped her career in the pharmaceutical industry, blending personal empathy with professional expertise.

2. Balancing Roles and Emotions: From sibling to spouse to patient, Jill shares the unique emotional dynamics of each role and the coping mechanisms she developed.

3. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Jill emphasizes the importance of patient education, advocating for personalized care, and the evolving role of pharmaceutical companies in supporting patient-centric care.

About our guest:

Jill Massey, PharmD, MBA, BCMAS is Vice President, Global Medical Strategy and Operations (GMSO) for Gilead Medical Affairs. In this role, Jill oversees the Patient-focused Implementation Science team, Medical Strategy and Planning, Insights, Data & Analytics and Digital Innovation, Medical Excellence, Medical Affairs Technology, and Scientific Communications including global publications, medical information, medical external affairs and education, and library and information services.

Jill joined Gilead Sciences from Immunomedics where she led the Medical Affairs, Safety and Pharmacovigilance organizations. Prior to that, she led Medical Affairs at Janssen, The Medicines Company and Melinta Therapeutics as well as the Melinta Global Antimicrobial Resistance Program. She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Previous to her industry roles, Jill was clinical faculty at the Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, Jewish Hospital and the Program on Aging at Washington University School of Medicine.

Jill is a member of the Board of Directors for the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Life Sciences Council Steering Committee. She is a member of the National Advisory Committee for the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, a member of the Accreditation Council of Medical Affairs Executive Leadership Board and a member of the Seton Hall University Transformative Leadership Advisory Board.

Jill earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and her MBA from Drexel University LeBow College of Business. She completed a residency at Mercer University School of Pharmacy and Emory University. She is Board Certified by ACMA.

Jill loves running, baking and spending time with her two kids, Maddie and Alex, and her loved ones, sometimes including her two dogs and cat.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode is sponsored by Gilead Oncology. Gilead had no involvement or input in the podcast content. Gilead Oncology is working to transform how cancer is treated. We are innovating with next-generation therapies, combinations, and technologies to deliver improved outcomes for people with cancer. From antibody drug conjugates and small molecules to cell therapy-based approaches, our portfolio and pipeline assets are creating new possibilities for people with cancer.

In this episode of the Patient from Hell podcast, we speak with Dr. Milana Dolezal, an oncologist from Stanford University, and learn about cutting-edge advancements in cancer treatments, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and precision medicine. Dr. Dolezal shares her journey from childhood inspiration to a career in oncology, the evolution of cancer therapies, and how recent innovations are transforming metastatic cancer care. The conversation also delves into the intricacies of cancer biology, the impact of emerging treatments on quality of life, and the hope for a future where therapies are tailored not only to the disease but also to managing side effects effectively.

Key Highlights:

1. Oncology Advancements: Dr. Dolezal explains the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments.

2.Cancer’s Complexity: Using vivid analogies, Dr. Dolezal illustrates how cancer evolves to resist treatments, comparing it to navigating New York’s subway system.

3. Managing Side Effects: Dr. Dolezal emphasizes a "go low and go slow" approach in administering treatments to minimize side effects, tailoring doses to individual patients' needs to balance efficacy with maintaining quality of life.

About our guest:

Dr. Dolezal is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist with Stanford Medicine Cancer Center in Emeryville and a clinical associate professor in the Stanford School of Medicine, Division of Oncology. She strives to work with patients to develop care plans that are comprehensive and personalized to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life.

She also has extensive experience in research and drug development. She previously held positions as a clinical scientist, assistant medical director, and associate medical director in the BioOncology Therapeutics unit of the biotechnology company Genentech. She has conducted clinical research into fertility preservation in patients with breast cancer, advanced treatments for triple-negative breast cancer, and patients’ adherence to anti-cancer therapy. She has co-authored articles on her research findings that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, and other peer-reviewed publications. She also co-authored the chapter “Progression from Hormone-Dependent to Hormone-Independent Breast Cancer” in the textbook Hormones, Genes and Cancer published by Oxford University Press.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Chris Schuler opens up about his experience as a caregiver, navigating the challenges of neurodegeneration, particularly his father’s glioblastoma diagnosis. He shares the emotional turmoil, confusion, along with the overwhelming process of navigating the healthcare system. The conversation underscores the importance of raising awareness and understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and their impact on families. We also delve into the problematic nature of the 'standard of care' in oncology, highlighting the critical need to advocate for yourself.

Check out the article Samira referenced towards the end of this episode here.

My Cancer GPS™ is coming! Step-by-step subway maps that guide you through the entire cancer experience. Learn more here!⁠

Key Highlights:

1. Self-advocacy is critical in getting the care that’s best for you, so ask questions, and get involved. Your healthcare team cares for you and wants to see you back on your feet, but no one can care more than you do.

2. Caregivers need to look after themselves, too. It can feel like there’s no room for yourself, but you must find joy. Find joy so that you can cherish whoever is under your care.

3. The role of a caregiver is both rewarding and demanding. Being an advocate for a loved one is a necessary responsibility because the standard is not always the best care you can receive for your individual case.

About our guest:

Chris Schuler is a staunch brain cancer awareness advocate. He was the primary caregiver to his late Dad, Donald Schuler, who was diagnosed with GBM in July 2021. He works closely with organizations across the globe, amplifying their critical work and building key relationships to further improve outcomes for patients. He recently finished a year-long consultancy with Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, an Australian non-profit dedicated to improving outcomes in brain cancer. He's currently a Venture Partner with Varia Ventures, working to raise awareness for emerging venture funds dedicated to uncovering and funding innovative discoveries to improve brain health. He also works closely with SageMedic, a precision oncology start-up supporting patients looking for the most effective treatment for cancer. Chris continues on as his Dad's caregiver — caregiver to his life, legacy and memory.

At 33 minutes and 18 seconds: “From that very moment, I went from being a lot of things in my life, being a son, a nephew, a grandson, a friend, eventually an uncle, a husband, a father. Now I am a caregiver. I want to say nothing prepared me for that. Everything prepared me for that. The way I was raised, everything I experienced in my life, every up, every down, every victory, every rejection, everything led to this moment where I am now my dad's caregiver with my mom. I call myself the primary caregiver because there was something she couldn't do for him, and how do you become an advocate? How do you take on what seems insurmountable? And I say to any listeners, you can do it. You have what's in you to do it, to be the very best caregiver, because all you need is one prerequisite to be a caregiver. You need to be able to love. If you can love, you are a caregiver.”

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.