Podcast Summary
A Shot in the Arm Podcast
Episode 08 – Colon Meet Cancer: Side Effects
Host: Ben Plumley
Date: January 3, 2026
Episode Overview
In this candid solo episode, Ben Plumley offers a deeply personal account of his journey with stage four colorectal cancer. Focusing on life after initial treatment, Ben reflects on the realities, expectations, and unexpected side effects of chemotherapy, maintenance therapy, and ongoing medical surprises. With vulnerability and humor, he explores the impact of illness on daily life, relationships, and his sense of self, while expressing gratitude for the healthcare workers who support him. The episode is a meditation on resilience, the unpredictability of chronic illness, and finding meaning and peace amid uncertainty as the new year begins.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Blurred Passage of Time During Cancer Treatment
- [00:00–03:00]
- Ben opens with a reflection on how ongoing chemotherapy has made the months since his last episode blur together.
- He describes the fatigue and memory lapses chemotherapy causes, distinguishing between general fatigue (ever-present exhaustion) and tiredness (exacerbated by overexertion).
- "Fatigue is a background wash that determines how I feel pretty much 24 hours, seven days a week. Tiredness is when I overexert myself and combined with the background fatigue sends me to bed and hopefully sleep whatever the time of day." – Ben [01:49]
- Humorous anecdotes highlight the impact of cognitive side effects, such as word-finding problems in meetings and confusing “gastroenterologist” with “gynecologist”.
- “Dear, I don’t think you mean your gynecologist.” – Mrs. Peel (friend), recounted by Ben [02:30]
2. Transition from Induction to Maintenance Therapy
- [03:15–07:50]
- Sharing positive news: Ben’s main tumor (“Colin") has shrunk and stabilized, leading to a shift to maintenance therapy.
- Ben expected a simpler, less intrusive regimen, but reality is different: the therapy still involves regular infusions, albeit without the two most intense chemotherapy agents.
- Breakdown of maintenance therapy drugs:
- Bevacizumab (monoclonal antibody)
- Folinic acid
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) – still causes significant side effects
- “So I don’t escape the chemo bumbag, and I’m pretty much out of action for two or three days before Eric removes the pump. ... The lemon. My niece Daisy gave me a yellow Lulu lemon bumbag, so that matches nicely.” – Ben [06:57]
- 5-FU’s side effects now include a painful teeth neuropathy in addition to persistent nausea and fatigue.
3. Unexpected Complications: C. Diff & Hospitalization
- [07:55–17:05]
- A few cycles into maintenance therapy, Ben develops Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection—caused by depleted gut flora from chemo.
- This leads to extreme diarrhea, his first full vomit of the cancer journey, and ultimately a canceled infusion.
- Additional complications: sudden shortness of breath and dizziness; a call to the clinic results in an immediate ER visit.
- Tests reveal dehydration and dangerously low electrolytes, plus a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) in his left lung.
- Possible causes of the blood clot discussed: movement from the legs, cancer’s pro-clotting effect, or sign of cancer spread.
- "I have now become acutely aware of how little control I do in fact have over my body. So what else might be in store for me? How do I expect the unexpected? How do I prepare myself and my loved ones if I will not be here next Christmas?" – Ben [18:11]
4. Hospital Reflections: The Indispensable Role of Nurses
- [17:10–20:15]
- Ben spends two nights in hospital, receiving care for dehydration and blood clot.
- Praises both the clinical skills and emotional intelligence of nurses, especially during a year of labor unrest.
- “The nursing staff’s experience and skills that I’ve experienced on my journey really have just been out of this world. I honestly don't think I would have made it mentally and emotionally, let alone chemically, if it had not been for the exceptional cadre of nurses at the Effusion Clinic and Ward 5.” – Ben [18:44]
- Celebrates the diversity among staff, noting how a multicultural team brought nuanced, high-quality, and compassionate care.
- “I just see how a multisectoral care package benefits from the insights, behaviours and attitudes of a multicultural care team.” – Ben [19:42]
- Lightheartedly, he mentions enjoying hospital food.
5. A Bittersweet Holiday & Reflections on Mortality
- [20:20–24:15]
- Ben returns home in time for Christmas, which he admits he’s never quite enjoyed but celebrates in his customary way—with a traditional trifle and gifts exchanged with his partner Eric.
- Shares details of his Christmas gift to Eric and a nostalgic toy he himself received.
- The festivities are overshadowed by questions of mortality:
- “Will this be my last Christmas? ... I have now become acutely aware of how little control I do in fact have over my body.” – Ben [21:32]
- Discusses the difficulty of uncertainty for those living with chronic life-limiting illness.
6. Living Beyond Cancer—Redefining Identity & Ambition
- [24:16–27:30]
- Reflects on the need to accept limits on energy and the challenge of returning to high-intensity policy work.
- “My body has a good few hours in the morning, but then I’m bushwhacked, unable to do anything but lie down.” – Ben [25:36]
- Reaffirms commitment to the HIV/AIDS cause, but acknowledges participation will look different—possibly through essays instead of frontline activist or policy work.
- “Bar a miracle of a cure and everlasting prevention. But watch or listen to A Shot in the Arm podcast if you’re interested in that.” – Ben [27:00]
- Expresses resolve not to let cancer define him:
- “I will not be defined by cancer. Sure, I’m a person living with cancer, but I’m much, much more than cancer and that is the source of my strength.” – Ben [22:38]
- Reflects on the need to accept limits on energy and the challenge of returning to high-intensity policy work.
7. Looking Forward: Resolution and Hopes for 2026
- [27:31–end]
- Ben’s new year’s wish is serenity and acceptance, with minimal pain and opportunities to grow with loved ones.
- Thanks listeners for being part of his journey.
- “So here’s to a happy, prosperous and life affirming 2026. And thank you as always for joining me on this journey.” – Ben [28:12]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Chemotherapy Side Effects:
“Fatigue is a background wash that determines how I feel pretty much 24 hours, seven days a week.” – Ben [01:49] -
On Post-Chemo Cognitive Challenges:
“I could not remember even a basic ‘this is not happening as we hoped’ … the best I could come up with was ‘oh, it’s all tits over ass.’” – Ben [02:13] -
On Friendship in Adversity:
“Dear, I don’t think you mean your gynecologist.” – Mrs. Peel (friend), recounted by Ben [02:30] -
On Medical Team Diversity:
“It’s a world in a village ... I just see how a multisectoral care package benefits from the insights, behaviours and attitudes of a multicultural care team.” – Ben [19:39 & 19:42] -
On Perspective After Hospitalization:
“I have now become acutely aware of how little control I do in fact have over my body.” – Ben [21:15] -
On Identity Beyond Illness:
“I will not be defined by cancer. Sure, I’m a person living with cancer, but I’m much, much more than cancer and that is the source of my strength.” – Ben [22:38]
Timeline of Important Segments
- 00:00–03:00: Impact of chemo on memory, fatigue, disorientation, and anecdotes about cognitive side effects.
- 03:15–07:50: Shift to maintenance therapy, continued challenges, specific medications and side effects.
- 07:55–17:05: C. diff infection, ER visit, blood clot diagnosis, and hospitalization.
- 17:10–20:15: Praise for nursing staff and reflections on healthcare system diversity.
- 20:20–24:15: Christmas at home, reflections on mortality and uncertainty.
- 24:16–27:30: Acceptance of new limitations, future contribution to HIV/AIDS cause, living with cancer but not being defined by it.
- 27:31–end: Hope for serenity, New Year's wishes, gratitude to listeners.
Tone & Style
Ben’s narration blends candid vulnerability, sharp humor, self-deprecation, and moments of philosophical reflection. He offers factual medical explanations alongside emotional and social insights, maintaining a conversational, engaging, and empathetic tone throughout.
Summary Takeaway
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the side effects—physical, emotional, and existential—of living with stage four colorectal cancer. Ben’s story is one of recalibrating expectations, confronting uncertainty, valuing diversity and humanity in healthcare, and seeking meaning and connection even as circumstances shift. His reflections offer comfort, honesty, and perhaps solidarity to others navigating similar journeys.