Talking Hope: Breakthrough Cancer Conversations

Holistic approach to cancer care uplifts grateful two-time breast cancer survivor

Sheree Santos is a two-time breast cancer survivor and a grateful patient at City of Hope Orange County. Sheree joins us to share how she addressed both the physical and emotional issues that can arise during and after cancer treatment. For Sheree, experiencing art – and the healing and comfort it can provide – elevated her well-being on her journey to cancer survivorship. In this episode, you will see examples of the inspirational artwork that surrounds patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, including several pieces that held a special – and unexpected – meaning for Sheree when she arrived there for the first time.

The changing lung cancer story: What you need to know

The lung cancer story is changing, and it’s about hope. The second most common cancer in Orange County, where only seven percent of adults smoke, has become more survivable thanks to advances in research and treatment. Innovative breakthroughs offer patients new options that are reducing symptoms and extending and saving lives. In this episode, we speak with medical oncologist Jyoti Malhotra, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Thoracic Medical Oncology, City of Hope Orange County. Dr. Malhotra shares the most important things people need to know about how the face of lung cancer is changing and how precision medicine, immunotherapy, genetic testing and more are coming together to benefit patients.

Nutrition guidelines every breast cancer survivor should know

In this episode, we speak with Kailey Proctor, M.P.H., R.D.N., C.S.O., a clinical dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Why is eating well during breast cancer treatment important? What should you eat (and drink) to prepare for survivorship? Are popular weight-loss diets beneficial? Where can patients with breast cancer find nutritional support? Kailey answers these important questions and more for patients and their families.

Leading-edge lymphoma treatment keeps this fire cadet’s dreams on track

Christian Bedolla was an Orange County teenager looking forward to graduating high school when a lymphoma diagnosis threatened to derail his plans of becoming a firefighter. Undeterred, Christian enrolled in a clinical trial at City of Hope studying a promising new drug for his type of cancer, part of City of Hope’s commitment to bringing patients highly specialized expertise and leading-edge treatments. In this episode, Christian shares the keys to his approach to facing cancer, his dedication to helping others and the many reasons why he sees a bright path to the future.

“Keep doing that thing you love, and do it proudly”: Meet multiple myeloma survivor Donna McNutt

Orange County mother Donna McNutt’s message of resilience — and her love of fashion — have supported her and her family throughout her journey with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. Grateful and seeking ways to give back, Donna took to Instagram as @thecancerfashionista. There, she shares her experience with cancer — and her effortlessly stylish outfits — to inspire others to find their personal outlet for self-expression, self-confidence, and healing. Join us to learn how leaning into doing what she loves brings meaning and purpose to Donna’s survivorship journey.

What men and their families need to know about prostate cancer

In this episode, we speak with renowned surgeon Jeffrey S. Yoshida, M.D., Medical Director of Urologic Surgery at City of Hope Orange County. A pioneer in robotic surgery, Dr. Yoshida has performed more than 3,000 surgeries for prostate cancer. Dr. Yoshida joins us to dispel some common misconceptions men have about prostate cancer, raise awareness of advances in prostate cancer screening, and share how minimally invasive surgery and other advanced prostate cancer treatments and technologies are benefitting patients.

His survivorship journey puts a cancer-fighting mindset to work

Jim Madrid is a grateful patient at City of Hope and a sought-after leadership coach who helps athletes, individuals and organizations perform at their peak and achieve their goals. Cancer challenged him to grow the mindset he teaches to others and put it to work in support of his own healing. It’s a challenge he accepted with enthusiasm, faith and hope. In this episode, Jim Madrid speaks with us about how mindfulness benefits his experience with cancer and how he transformed cancer’s obstacles into opportunities with the support of his family and the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists at City of Hope.

What is interventional radiology and how does it benefit patients with cancer?

Interventional radiology is an advanced, innovative specialty that is transforming cancer treatment. Through minimally invasive, image-guided diagnoses and treatments, interventional radiologists are able to obtain biopsies, ablate tumors, open blocked vessels and deliver medications directly to disease sites as an alternative to open surgery. Jason Salsamendi, M.D., Lead Interventional Radiologist, City of Hope Orange County, spoke with us about the wide range of needs interventional radiology can address, its role in fully integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care and the many advantages it offers patients.

Bringing hope and healing to patients and their families: Meet oncology nursing manager Kerry O’Neil

In her more than 40 years as an oncology nurse and supervisor, Kerry O’Neil, B.S.N., M.S., R.N., OCN, has eased the way for thousands of patients with cancer and their families. The nursing manager at City of Hope Newport Beach, O’Neil is recognized by her patients and colleagues as an extraordinary healer. In this episode, she reflects on the vital role oncology nurses play in bringing clinical excellence and compassion to patients who are relying on them for care at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

Caring for patients with cancer is a family matter for these father and son physicians

It seems almost meant to be that N. Simon Tchekmedyian, M.D. and his son Nishan Tchekmedyian, M.D. are oncologists. Nishan grew up observing the special connection his father shared with his patients and their families. The deeply human aspect of patient care resonated with him. Today, father and son practice medical oncology and hematology together at City of Hope Orange County. We spoke with the doctors Tchekmedyian about their paths to medicine, what they have learned from each other, and how they live their shared commitment to putting patients first.